A Name Unknown (#01 in Shadows Over England Series)

I loved this book! (And what a great start to a new series!) I fell in love with the characters from the first page, especially Rosie's pulled together family of street kids and pickpockets. The story was set at the start of WW1 and, though I don't usually read many wartime books, I was thoroughly intrigued by this one, feeling like I'd been transported back in time to live it alongside Rosie and Peter. History, intrigue, romance, hidden codes, beautifully flawed characters and the beauty of God's grace - how much more could you ask for! Loved this book and would highly recommend it. Can't wait for the next in the series and the chance to read more about this family.

I love the depth Roseanna writes with. The wrestling of the minds, the intricate details that paint such a vivid picture without intruding because they are too succinct and amusing to get in the way. Normally, I skip in long books (and this is long), but I got half way through the book without even wanting to skip a single sentence. Each one made me fall in love with the characters. I only skipped at the halfway point because I had to know how the story ended and I also had to sleep at some point! There was no question that I was coming back to finish the rest, and I did the very next day. I also loved the small details like the heroine spotting a lady in the garden and almost absentmindedly wondering about her. By the end of the book, we know why the lady was in the garden; she was getting her heart right with God. A small moment that could have been skimmed over or written another way to completely avoid the change in this other person's heart, and yet I love that Roseanna added it. Such a beautiful touch, and this book is full of beautiful touches and even more beautiful people. I also loved how that Roseanna explains in her author's note that the way Peter would get so distracted when he was writing a book is how she acts! I'm glad I read that first before I read the book. It enhanced the enjoyment for me as I laughed at Peter and caught a glimpse of how the author behaved when she was writing this.

The only issue I had with this book is the fact that Peter is an Author and throughout the story, he writes his own. And I really want to read that story too. It was interesting to see how the author wrote 2 books in one (Not really, but it was a new concept to me). \\n\\nAside from that, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I have yet to find a book by this author that doesn't make me write a good review. \\n\\nIt gave new insight into WWI, from perspectives I wouldn't have thought of. \\n\\nI would recommend this book for people who enjoy War stories, history, romance, and mystery.

\\nA Name Unknown is the first book by Roseanna M. White that I have read and I was intrigued from the first page. The plot twist in the story was completely unexpected and I was totally inspired by the moral standing of the story. Rosemary Gresham, the street urchin, now grown and pretending to be a librarian in order to steal proof that Peter Holstein is not a British citizen at all, but a German spy, is a beautifully crafted character. You read this book and you feel for the characters in their troubles and cheer with them in the good times too. I love this book.