by admin | Sep 6, 2018 | Books, England, Historical, Romance, Suspense, World War 1
MY REVIEW:
I have loved all the books in Roseanna M. White’s Shadows Over England series and am sorry to see it end with the final novel An Hour Unspent. I was captivated by each and every one of the books that featured an unusual family of thieves and how they became an integral part of the war effort in England during WWI. I was quite eager to read Barclay’s story. I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect but this book exceeded all my expectations.
Once again the mysterious “V” needed one of the family for an important assignment and Barclay was the perfect choice. Sent to assist and encourage a clockmaker who had developed a possibly important part for war planes, Barclay found himself more involved with the man’s family than he imagined, especially the independent daughter Evelina Manning.
I particularly liked how the author focused on the changes in Barclay as he sought to follow the Lord and how often scripture would reassure him when he had doubts. Evelina also grew spiritually during the course of the book and I felt that she and Barclay were a wonderful pair.
As is usually the case in White’s novels, the plot was filled with ample historical facts, drama, danger, suspense, and of course romance. I do not run across very many books set during WWI so this series was of special interest to me. It was nearly impossible for me to set down this book until I finished it in record time. I do love getting my history lessons in such a delightful form.
As I stated above, I really hate to see this series end but I have heard rumors that a new series will feature some characters who had a role in Shadows Over England and readers might actually have a chance to catch up with their favorite characters. I can’t wait!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author and Bethany House. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
With Danger Creeping Ever Closer,
Do Their Dreams Still Matter?
Once London’s top thief, Barclay Pearce has turned his back on his life of crime and now uses his skills for a nation at war. But not until he rescues a clockmaker’s daughter from a mugging does he begin to wonder what his future might hold.
Evelina Manning has constantly fought for independence but she certainly never meant for it to inspire her fiancé to end the engagement and enlist in the army. When the intriguing man who saved her returns to the Manning residence to study clockwork repair with her father, she can’t help being interested. But she soon learns that nothing with Barclay Pearce is as simple as it seems.
As 1915 England plunges ever deeper into war, the work of an ingenious clockmaker may give England an unbeatable military edge—and Germany realizes it as well. Evelina’s father soon finds his whole family in danger—and it may just take a reformed thief to steal the time they need to escape it.
Series: Shadows Over England (Book 3)
Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (September 4, 2018)
ISBN-13: 978-0764219283
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.
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When Big Ben Joined the Skyline:
When the design for A Name Unknown, book 1 in the Shadows Over England Series, was shown to me and I saw the spine for the first time, I was so excited to see the series logo they’d come up with. Big Ben’s clock tower.
Big Ben says London. Which is what the designers were no doubt trying to invoke, as my family of thieves are firmly Londoners. But for me, it was more than that. Because in the third book of the series, An Hour Unspent, that iconic clock actually plays a role in the story.
For starters, a bit of naming. Most of us think of “Big Ben” as the clock, but it’s technically not. Big Ben is actually the bell. The clock is the Great Westminster Clock, though over the years the name Big Ben has come to be associated with the entire structure. So now that we’ve got that straight… ?
The clock tower was designed by Augustus Pugin and completed in 1859. Pugin was an architect, one who is most remembered for redesigning the interior of Westminster Palace and the tower in question, which has become one of the most iconic symbols of England. Though he also designed the face of the clock, the mechanics of the thing he wisely handed over to someone else.
But interestingly, the movement–the gears and weights that make a clock work, and in this case, work with amazing reliability–was actually designed by two amateurs to the field. Edmund Denison, a lawyer, and mathematician George Airy. The construction was the only part undertaken by an actual clockmaker, Edward Dent.
The Great Clock’s inner workings are so precise that a penny sitting on the pendulum is all it takes to make slight alterations to the time. That one little coin will make an adjustment of nearly half a second a day. That doesn’t sound like much, but it allows for small incremental adjustments to keep the clock accurate year after year. The pendulum still has a stack of old coins on it, and the clock is still hand-wound three times a week
In my story, I gave the job of upkeep of the Great Clock to my heroine’s father, a clock maker. This part is purely fictional, of course, but it would have been considered a great honor to be tasked with such a responsibility, and in my story that’s the proof of Cecil Manning’s proficiency in his trade, even though he’s by no means made himself rich.
That honor goes to another historical figure that my fictional Manning claims as a friend, who revolutionized the timekeeping world. But you’ll have to check out An Hour Unspent: Companion Guide to learn more about that…
Giveaways & Contest:
Roseanna has several giveaways and a special CONTEST for her readers! Click on the images below to learn more about each Giveaway. Or visit Roseanna’s blog.
by admin | Jan 24, 2018 | Books, Historical, Romantic Suspense, World War 1
MY REVIEW:
In my opinion “A Song Unheard” is a masterpiece. As a lifelong lover of music from a family of music lovers, the entire book resonated with my heart and spirit. Although I have played piano from a young age, I was never a prodigy or virtuoso like Willa or Lukas yet I could so easily identify with their response to music.
I have certainly enjoyed getting to know Willa better in this second installment of White’s Shadows Over England series. Discovering her hopes and dreams as well as the pain and rejection of her childhood brought Willa to life for me and helped me understand her actions better. The importance of family to both Willa and Lukas was a priority even though their concept of family differed. It was inspiring to watch as Willa came to a saving faith and how the Lord used music to reach her.
“A Song Unheard” is a wonderful historical romance set in Great Britain during the years leading up to World War 1. With plenty of danger and war related espionage, the story held me enthralled through its entirety. Not only is the book a wonderful read, but it is filled with so many marvelous quotable lines that I wish I had marked them all for future reference.
I am so glad that I have been blessed to review Roseanna White’s most recent books and eagerly look forward to her next offering. If you have not read any of this author’s books, do yourself a favor and do so as soon as possible.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House and the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Willa Forsythe is both a violin prodigy and top-notch thief, which makes her the perfect choice for a crucial task at the outset of World War I—to steal a cypher from a famous violinist currently in Wales.
Lukas De Wilde has enjoyed the life of fame he’s won—until now, when being recognized nearly gets him killed. Everyone wants the key to his father’s work as a cryptologist. And Lukas fears that his mother and sister, who have vanished in the wake of the German invasion of Belgium, will pay the price. The only light he finds is meeting the intriguing Willa Forsythe.
But danger presses in from every side, and Willa knows what Lukas doesn’t—that she must betray him and find that cypher, or her own family will pay the price as surely as his has.
Click here to purchase your copy!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.
by admin | Jan 21, 2018 | Books, England, Romantic Suspense, World War 1
MY REVIEW:
In my opinion “A Song Unheard” is a masterpiece. As a lifelong lover of music from a family of music lovers, the entire book resonated with my heart and spirit. Although I have played piano from a young age, I was never a prodigy or virtuoso like Willa or Lukas yet I could so easily identify with their response to music.
I have certainly enjoyed getting to know Willa better in this second installment of White’s Shadows Over England series. Discovering her hopes and dreams as well as the pain and rejection of her childhood brought Willa to life for me and helped me understand her actions better. The importance of family to both Willa and Lukas was a priority even though their concept of family differed. It was inspiring to watch as Willa came to a saving faith and how the Lord used music to reach her.
“A Song Unheard” is a wonderful historical romance set in Great Britain during the years leading up to World War 1. With plenty of danger and war related espionage, the story held me enthralled through its entirety. Not only is the book a wonderful read, but it is filled with so many marvelous quotable lines that I wish I had marked them all for future reference.
I am so glad that I have been blessed to review Roseanna White’s most recent books and eagerly look forward to her next offering. If you have not read any of this author’s books, do yourself a favor and do so as soon as possible.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click to purchase
Willa Forsythe is both a violin prodigy and top-notch thief, which makes her the perfect choice for a crucial task at the outset of World War I—to steal a cypher from a famous violinist currently in Wales.
Lukas De Wilde has enjoyed the life of fame he’s won—until now, when being recognized nearly gets him killed. Everyone wants the key to his father’s work as a cryptologist. And Lukas fears that his mother and sister, who have vanished in the wake of the German invasion of Belgium, will pay the price. The only light he finds is meeting the intriguing Willa Forsythe.
But danger presses in from every side, and Willa knows what Lukas doesn’t—that she must betray him and find that cypher, or her own family will pay the price as surely as his has.
Click here to purchase your copy!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.
GUEST POST FROM ROSEANNA M. WHITE:
I started playing the piano when I was 7. I didn’t discover any long-dormant genius or anything, but I liked it. When my sister quit, I kept playing. In middle school, I switched teachers, and moving from the lady at my church that I knew so well to someone who was just my piano teacher made a difference in how I applied myself. It deepened my love of music.
We all know how some random moments stand out forever in our memory. One such for me happened on the school bus. I was sitting with my best friend, talking about the new piano piece I was learning. “Via Delorosa” means Road of Sorrow, and it’s a song that tells musically about Jesus’ journey to Golgotha—ending with the faint chime of the nails being driven into his palms. As my beloved Mrs. Peto went through this song with me the night before, I remember her circling a D? that I’d missed and saying how important that note was. That it made the whole line weep.
That it would make the hearers weep. An epiphany so huge I had to share it with my friend. A well placed sharp could make music weep! Who knew?
That was but one lesson Mrs. Peto taught me in how music could evoke things words never could. A woman of strong faith, she also taught me how a song could preach the Gospel. Music can be medicine. It can be hope. It can be tears. It can be truth. Music can be Jesus to a hurting heart that turns its back on words.
This is a lesson I never forgot, and I had it always in mind as I was writing A Song Unheard. In this story, both my hero and heroine are musicians—violinists. But Willa (who is SO STUBBORN) wouldn’t listen to words of faith from any of the people in her life “suddenly spouting such nonsense.”
But then, in her darkest hour, she hears a slip of melody. And she realizes it’s the Lord.
I pray as readers move through the story of Willa Forsythe—violin prodigy and top-notch thief—that their spirits’ ears hear more than words, more than just a story. I pray they hear the Lord whispering that ultimate song. The one that says, “I love you.”
Want to hear the song Willa eventually wrote in the book? You can! The violin music in this trailer is officially dubbed “Willa’s Song” and written specifically for this book. I hope you enjoy it! http://bit.ly/ASongUnheardTrailer
BLOG STOPS:
Fiction Aficionado, January 11
History, Mystery & Faith, January 11
Genesis 5020, January 11
Bookworm Mama, January 11
A Simply Enchanted Life, January 11
Avid Reader Book Reviews, January 12
Reflections From My Bookshelves, January 12
Blogging With Carol, January 12
Multifarious, January 12
proud to be an autism mom, January 12
Faithfully Bookish, January 13
Christian Bookaholic, January 13
Karen Sue Hadley, January 13
Mary Hake, January 13
A Greater Yes, January 13
Remembrancy, January 14
Blossoms and Blessings, January 14
Just the Write Escape, January 14
Connie’s History Classroom, January 14
Texas Book-aholic, January 14
A Reader’s Brain, January 15
Rachel’s Back Talk, January 15
Smiling Book Reviews, January 15
Cordially Barbara, January 15
Pursuing Stacie, January 15
The Fizzy Pop Collection, January 16
Kat’s Corner Books, January 16
The Artist Librarian, January 16
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, January 16
Bigreadersite, January 16
Mommynificent, January 17
Seasons of Opportunities, January 17
Moments Dipped in Ink, January 17
Baker Kella, January 17
Black ‘n’ Gold Girl’s Book Spot, January 17
God’s Little Bookworm, January 18
allofakindmom, January 18
The Important Things in Life: God, Books, & Chocolate, January 18
Inklings and notions, January 18
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 18
Pause for Tales, January 19
Have A Wonderful Day, January 19
Just Commonly, January 19
Bibliophile Reviews , January 19
Janices book reviews, January 19
Radiant Light, January 20
The Power of Words , January 20
Book by Book, January 20
CAC Devourer, January 20
Jeanette’s Thoughts, January 20
Splashes of Joy, January 21
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, January 21
Neverending Stories, January 21
Faery Tales Are Real, January 21
A Baker’s Perspective, January 21
margaret kazmierczak, January 22
The PhD Mamma, January 22
Cafinated Reads, January 22
Daysong Reflections, January 22
Romances of the Cross, January 23
Purposeful Learning, January 23
Rachel Scott McDaniel, January 23
Carpe Diem, January 23
Simple Harvest Reads, January 23
Kaylee’s Kind Of Writes, January 24
Henry Happens, January 24
Joy of Reading, January 24
Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 24
Raining Butterfly Kisses, January 24
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Roseanna is giving away a Grand Prize Package of a signed copy of the book as well as a lovely album of soothing songs based on the Scriptures called Hidden in My Heart (winner’s choice of CD or digital download)!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
https://promosimple.com/ps/c72a
by admin | Aug 15, 2016 | Books, Historical, Mexico, Romance, Western, World War 1
MY REVIEW:
With its World War 2 era setting in Mexico, “Twice Redeemed” is a more modern than usual tale that still has the feel of the old west. The heroine of this story is Mercedes, a saloon girl who is essentially a slave to the obviously evil owner of the establishment. Because she helped another of his “girls” escape (in Book 1 of the Jericho Resistance series), Mercedes is punished in various ways, including physical abuse. If only the American cowboy who offered to take her with him would come back Mercedes would not refuse his offer again. Fortunately for Mercedes, John Durbin did return to take her to the United States with him but doing so would be easier said than done.
Overall, I enjoyed “Twice Redeemed”. The characters were well developed and I could easily relate to their difficulties. I particularly liked reading about the old woman who helped Mercedes and John and would have liked to learn more about her. I was also intrigued by the group who called themselves the Jericho Resistance and felt like there is a story there that I would love to know more about. The plot contained enough action, danger, and suspense to keep me reading and included a few twists that surprised me which is always fun. The story was resolved well at the end although there were a few questions left in the air that I hope will be answered in Book 3.
Although the second book in a series, “Twice Redeemed” easily stood alone but it did leave me with enough curiosity about the first book that I will probably go back and read it also when I find the time.
A digital copy of this book was provided by Celebrate Lit in exchange for my honest review .
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Who will save her from herself?
After helping another girl escape, Mercedes Nobles suffers unspeakable abuse at Jericho. So when an American cowboy rides into town, she jumps at the opportunity to start a new life… even though she carries a secret that could destroy any chance of happiness for either of them.
John Durbin may have turned in his badge, but he still believes in living by a code of honor. That includes returning to a seedy Mexican saloon and rescuing a woman who helped his friends escape. However, the tables turn and he finds himself married in name only.
Struggling with cultural differences, they question if their marriage will survive. Will John sacrifice his faith to make his new bride happy? How will Mercedes redeem herself when John learns of the secret she’s hiding?
To purchase your own copy, click here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mimi Milan spent two decades scribbling away in notebooks before realizing that her life’s calling was to write. So she returned from Mexico and attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, majoring in Creative Writing and minoring in Film. She currently resides in the suburbs of Charlotte, making time for God, family and imaginary friends.
BLOG STOPS:
August 9: Blossoms and Blessings
August 10: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
August 11: Books,Dreams,Life
August 12: History, Mystery & Faith
August 13: A Greater Yes
August 13: Black ‘n Gold Girl’s Book Spot
August 14: The Wits About
August 15: Daysong Reflections
August 16: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner
August 17: Bibliophile Reviews
August 18: God is Love
August 19: A Baker’s Perspective
August 20: cherylbbookblog
August 21: Karen’s Krayons
August 22: Bigreadersite
August 22: Debbie Dusty Deliberations
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by admin | Feb 12, 2016 | Books, Europe, Political, Suspense, World War 1
MY REVIEW:
One thing I have always admired about Davis Bunn is that whatever the subject, the characters, the location, the time frame, etc. I can always count on the fact that he has done his research. While I am enjoying his story, I also seem to be absorbing some facts I didn’t know before. What a delightful way to learn!
During the days following World War 1, as the world is beginning to rebuild, Muriel Ross joins Senator Bryan in Paris ostensibly to photograph antiquities. Little does she realize that she has been groomed for this task by her training at the Smithsonian. She soon discovers the true reason she has been summoned and finds herself in the midst of an adventure that takes her from the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris to the U.S. Embassy in Constantinople and more danger than she could imagine.
The story is woven around the search for a fragment of the true cross and is filled with political intrigue between nations and the danger of a country on the verge of revolution. Faced with conflict and life-threatening events, Muriel is forced to choose if she will stand firm in her beliefs.
As expected, I thoroughly enjoyed “The Fragment”. My only complaint is that it ended much to soon.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Franciscan Media in exchange for my honest review.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
It’s 1923, and a resilient Paris is starting to recover from the ravages of World War I and the Spanish Flu epidemic.
Enter Muriel Ross, an amateur photographer tasked with documenting the antiques that her employer, U.S. Senator Tom Bryan, has traveled to France to acquire.
Although she’s exhilarated to have escaped her parents and the confines of their stifling Virginia home, Muriel has lingering questions about why the senator has chosen her for this grand adventure. Nevertheless, she blossoms in her new surroundings, soaking up Parisian culture and capturing the sights and sounds of Paris on her camera.
But events take a dangerous turn when she discovers that the senator is on a mission far more momentous—and potentially deadly—than a mere shopping trip.
At the Cathedral of Notre Dame, Senator Bryan asks Muriel to photograph an astonishing artifact: a piece of the True Cross, discovered by Empress Helena—a historical figure familiar to readers of The Pilgrim.
When rumors surface that another fragment has been unearthed, Muriel becomes enmeshed in a covert international alliance dedicated to authenticating the fragment—and protecting it from those who will stop at nothing to steal and discredit it.
The Fragment releases February 19, 2016, from Franciscan Media Books.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Davis Bunn is an award-winning novelist with total worldwide sales of seven million copies.
His work has been published in twenty languages, and critical acclaim includes four Christy Awards for excellence in fiction and his 2014 induction into the Christy Hall of Fame.
Davis divides his time between Florida and England, where he serves as Writer In Residence at Regent’s Park College at The University of Oxford. Visit Davis at http://www.davisbunn.com/
Davis’s other online outposts:
Download a free PDF of Davis Bunn’s published novels: http://bit.ly/1nUdVIb
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by admin | Jan 26, 2016 | Books, England, Romance, World War 1
MY REVIEW:
A gorgeous cover hints at the story found inside the third volume of Turansky’s Edwardian Brides series. Rich with history and romance, “A Refuge at Highland Hall” details life there as Penney and her sister Kate, along with a number of orphans take refuge with Julia and William to escape the German bombs falling on London. I found myself caught up in life within the walls of Highland Hall as I renewed my acquaintance with characters from the previous books of the series.
Although the story was a tad slower moving at first, I learned a number of facts about WWI that my high school history books failed to convey. As the book progressed, the pace did pick up a bit with several exciting scenes, especially those of Alex’s battle experiences. The romance between Penney and Alex had plenty of ups and downs and at times even seemed to be doomed. A secondary romance added some extra interest and I also liked the two characters involved very much. Each character was faced with circumstances that forced them to learn to trust in the Lord for their very lives.
With plenty of history, romance, danger, romance, and even a touch of mystery and suspense, “A Refuge at Highland Hall” was a satisfying conclusion to the series.
This book was provided for review by Blogging For Books.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The Great War shakes the world of a spirited young woman and the brave British pilot she loves, taking her from London to her family’s magnificent country estate, and sending him into the war-torn skies over France.
Penny Ramsey has always considered Highland Hall her home, but when Britain becomes involved in World War One she travels to London to assist her sister Kate with the eight orphan children she and her husband Jon have taken into their home. Doing her part for the war effort takes priority over Penny’s dreams of romance until she meets Alex Goodwin, a Royal Naval Air Service pilot in training.
Alex is determined to prove his worth and do his part to defend his country. Knowing he is heading off for the dangerous assignment of chasing Zeppelins across the front line in France, he feels it’s unwise to form any romantic attachments. But he can’t help admiring the pretty, warmhearted Penny and wondering what it would be like to find her waiting when he returns home from the war.
As Penny writes to Alex, their friendship blossoms, and she becomes his tie to home and normalcy as he faces the hardships war. But being an RNAS pilot means confronting the enemy, and the fallout form those experiences push Alex beyond Penny’s reach. Can God mend the brokenness left by the losses of war? Will faith and forgiveness bring them together again?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Bestselling Inspirational Romance Author Carrie Turansky has written more than a dozen historical and contemporary novels. She has won the ACFW Carol Award, the Crystal Globe Award, and the International Digital Award; and been a finalist for the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the ACFW Genesis Award.
