Read this book! It's terrific!
What first caught my attention was the cover--I love the cover. But I've been hearing so much about this book. Everyone has been saying, "I love this book". So, before I started reading it, I was very skeptical, thinking "yeah, right, how can a book really be THAT good"...

I'm here to tell you --it really is good! :) Now, this is saying a lot, for me, this is not even my preferred genre. I do love a good historical fiction. But this one tops that category. Not only is it historical fiction, it has war, intrigue and all that mixed in. Cyphers. Suspense. And more.

And then the characters.

Willa is the main girl. She's not your typical heroine. A member of the famed "Barclay thief clan". A violin prodigy, even though she's never had any official lessons. She's on a mission. She's so feisty. And independent. And yet, so very vulnerable. I couldn't help but love her.

She meets Lukas DeWilde, subject of all the gossip columns. And he proposes to her right on the spot. How's that for a beginning?!
You'll have to read it to find out what happens! There are unexpected twists along the way to a wonderful ending.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions expressed here are my own.

FAVOURITE BOOK OF 2018, I am sure. WHAT IS THERE TO SAY? Um, swoon. Sigh. Squeal. Dance and jump up and down because A Song Unheard just was everything and more.
I loved Willa- what a lady boss. What a unique character! I loved her upfront, give-no-bothers attitude & ability to get what she wanted with her own two hands- or elbows, or knees, or whatever ;)
Lukas- swoooon. Yes. Yes. Charm, humour, wit, musical prowess- a man in love also trying to get back his mother and sister- HERE YOU HAVE A PERFECT CHARACTER. And if he turned into an actual human being and walked in front of me, well...I'd just have to take matters into my own hands, to say the least.

The only thing I felt this book was missing was more of a couple moment between Lukas & Willa at the end- and perhaps an extra 50 pages of interactions between the two of them throughout the book. I would have really loved that, clearly- but otherwise, there ain't nothing to say about this book that I didn't love- and I am super stoked about the third book in the series! So. Stoked.

I adored book one of this series and couldn't wait to read book two, unfortunately I didn't enjoy book two. I didn't connect with the story until more than halfway through, and that didn't last long. I'd finally feel pulled into the story, and then the emotional connection was gone.

I felt as though the story was being told, not shown. Willa's quirkiness in book one was endearing, but for some reason her delightful quirkiness didn't come across as well in book two. The dialogue didn't flow as well either.

I wish I could put my finger on exactly what made this book so difficult to enjoy, but it was a lot of little things, instead of just one.

Besides loving book one, I wanted to read this because of the musical background, and I did enjoy the way that Roseanna White incorporated that into the story.

Please don't go on my review alone. Check out reviews from the other readers before choosing not to read the book.
Rating is more like 2.5

I thought this book sounded good after reading the blurb, but I had not expected it to be THAT good! Wow! Miss White has certainly grown as a writer and has cleverly developed interesting and loveable characters. This story is a melody ending in a beautiful harmony. A fantastic historical read that drew me back into the story time and again.

From the intriguing historical setting to ample humor which provides levity amid tense and dangerous situations, there are so many emotions and angles to explore!

Willa Forsythe has a firecracker personality but when it comes to taking care of her family, she knows how to play it cool and get the job done. She maintains a veritable fortress around her heart but potential suitors have to make it past her prickly demeanor, boundless sass, and independent spirit first!

Lukas De Wilde has the well-deserved reputation of a ladies man but at his core, he is a family man and determined to find and protect his mother and sister. When war separates him from his family, Lukas’s life is shaken to its foundation.

The decadent icing on this luscious cake of a story is the inclusion of genuinely loving sibling relationships and loads of authentic redeeming grace and faith in action! I highly recommend this series and can’t wait to learn more about Barclay in his story!

I loved this book! When world-renowned violinist Lukas hears Willa play, he is instantly enthralled. Willa is untaught and plays by ear. Lukas determines to teach Willa not knowing that he is Willa’s mark. I laughed many times at Lukas’ verbal exploits with Willa. When she asked him how to say “idiot” in French, he replied “Mon amour” (my love). Later he told her, “Only my closest friends call me Lukas. If you do not want to give me false ideas, you had better call me mon amour” (location 6252). His ridiculousness with her was so surprising to others but he just couldn’t help himself. I loved their banter.

Just as Willa is passionate about the music inside her, Lukas’ sister is passionate about math, and especially cryptography. They both grapple with how to use the gifts God has given to them…especially in the environment of war. It was fascinating to learn more about cryptography and how it could be used as both a weapon and a help in wartime.

There was a lot of tension in this book. Willa is not the only one looking for Lukas’ “device.” She is in a lose-lose situation. Several people want the information she is supposed to find. I felt the tension and the danger as she tried to escape from Germany while soldiers chased her. It was a very exciting read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’ll look forward to learning more about her brother Barclay in the next installment in the series.

Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.



Shadows Over England series:

Book 1: A Name Unknown

Book 2: A Song Unheard

I so enjoyed this wonderful book. This was very hard for me to put down. I loved all the music and the math in the story. I sometimes wish I had that kind of mind., though I would like to be able to speed read myself. I loved reading about this time period during the beginning of WWl. I wonder which member of the family will have the next story in this series. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

If you remember last July when I fell in love with this series then you know why I was so anxious to get my hands on this book. Need a refresher? Check out my review of ‘A Name Unknown‘. I had high hopes with the return to the family and the mysterious Mr. V in their lives. While this book didn’t disappoint on some levels I wasn’t quite as drawn into it as I was the first in the series. I’m still all in though and ready for the next book at it’s earliest convenience.

Let’s talk about where it fell flat for me. Perhaps the first book did this and I didn’t notice it but there were a lot of choppy, fragged sentences; predominately early in the book and the again later in the book. It was a thing throughout but it eased up as the characters fell into their story. As a whole that doesn’t usually bother me. Let’s face it, if you have ever read my blog you know that I write and think that way. If you’ve ever had a real life voice conversation with me you know I talk and think that way. Sometimes a book can work with it but there are limitations. Conversations, come to mind. I also struggled with the character’s finding their vibe, so to speak. I had a hard time finding their story in the great whole and finding their motivation. Willa wasn’t as encompassing as Rosemary. She wasn’t as relate-able, she just sorta missed something. Oh the hardheaded stubbornness reminded me of her ‘sister’ but she just didn’t rise to the occasion for me. I cared about her but I never really cared for her. Lukas left me wanting a little bit more too, he didn’t feel fully fleshed out.

However… Margot really was the key to this book. Surviving in occupied Belgium, trying to hide her identity and the truth of who she was. Trying to hid her greater role. I loved how White used her to explore the idea that even the ‘bad guy’ is still a ‘human guy’. Margot struggles to understand and piece together that the German soldier that resides in their borrowed home, the very cause of her fear of being exposed for her identity, is also a father and husband and human being. I also loved that he was used to show that even in the greater evil of things there can be glimmers of compassion and even hope. Somewhere in the middle of this story I found my place with these characters, both in England and in Belgium. I have to express my regret that toward the closing of the book the dissonance I had with them at the beginning came back. I also felt like it was all just ‘too easy’. Perfectly wrapped up endings leave me lacking so much of the time, especially with a series that could be left open for the next book to close. I’m still in though, and I can’t wait to read Barclay’s story next.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by CelebrateLit, NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

Roseanna M. White's second installment in her Shadows Over England series, A Song Unheard, certainly does not disappoint. With wonderful historical detail pertaining to the early days of WWI, a cast of lovely characters, and plenty of mystery and intrigue, White's latest is practically perfect in every way. Willa's journey to learn to trust, Luka's desperate need to find his family, and the fascinating tidbits about the history of this particular time period, kept me turning page after page... while I probably should have been socializing with my family on Christmas Eve! While the novel stands well on its own, I was tempted to reread A Name Unknown just because the series is undeniably excellent thus far. I absolutely adore the "family" at the center of the series, and can't wait to read each of their stories.

Roseanna is one of my favorite historical romance authors, and that list is short. She never lets me down with her work. I know when I pick up one of her books I will be transported back in time and fully immersed in the story world she has created.

Willa is a strong young woman with an amazing talent that doesn’t go unnoticed. But she is stuck in a life that isn’t okay, although her heart is in the right place. She has trouble keeping her focus where it needs to be because Lukas is distracting her, even though he is the one she needs to get close to, but not in the way she feels herself drawing close.

I really enjoyed seeing Lukas’ sister’s perspective. Being inside her mind was interesting as she sees things so differently than the rest of us. The tension surrounding that part of the story kept everything engaging and there was never a dull moment in this book.

A copy of this book was given to my through the Celebrate Lit Team. All opinions are my own.

“A Song Unheard” by Roseanna White is a masterpiece! This book is the second book in the “Shadows over England” series, but it can be read as a standalone.

Ms. White’s writing is lyrical. She crafts her own song through storytelling. This story is filled to the brim with so much to love! There is danger, mystery, spies and romance. There is also a lot of faith content. And one must not forget the music! Ms. White obviously knows a lot about music and the violin. The music lover in me loved reading about the characters—their passion for music and how they experience it.

The characters are so well written in this book! They are real and very relatable. I love Willa’s (our heroine) stubbornness, even though it is sometimes to her detriment. Willa thinks she’s never enough, making it hard for her to accept God’s love. Our hero, Lukas, goes through a faith journey. He begins as a ladies’ man, but later starts to pray and talk to God. Ms. White has her characters grapple with hard questions of faith, the existence of God, war, and whether it’s okay to lie for a greater cause.

“A Song Unheard” is akin to a beautiful symphony. I love the overall message of using the gifts God has given us and not hiding them from the world. Ms. White hits all the right notes with this one!

Content: This is a clean read, besides a couple of minor things. Some examples are: talk of a man possibly getting a girl in a compromising position, a character thinks of “choice words,” a character mutters a “near-curse” and a curse which isn’t written.

Rating: I give this book 5 stars!

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction; Romance

I want to thank Roseanna White, Bethany House Publishers, Celebrate Lit and NetGalley for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.

My first thoughts as I read the book was that it was a clever cloak and dagger story. I found Lukas and Willa to be fascinating but each hiding things . At some point I kept thinking that Lukas would get wise to Willa and discover why she was really so intrigued with him. After all she was sent to complete a mission, not have feelings for the guy.

The story is set during a period that I really enjoy reading about. World War I has always been an intriguing topic to read about and the author does a superb job of transporting readers back in time. I could feel myself walking alongside Willa as she traveled the streets. The talk of war was on everyone’s minds as they swiftly went about their day.

The most amazing part of the story for me was reading about the beautiful sounds made by the violins. I have always thought violins were beautiful and delicate. As the bow glides across the strings you can hear the music come to life. What a stroke of luck for Willa to be take lessons by the enchanting Lukas. They really make a great couple but will their attraction sway Willa from doing what she was sent to do? Willa does have an attitude that would turn off most men, but Lukas is different. Perhaps he likes a challenge, or the idea that he doesn’t like to be rejected by a female is more than he can handle. Their banter is quite enchanting and brings the story times of laughter during their time together.

The story rises to a loud crescendo as the action heats up. Will Lukas find out that Willa is a mere pickpocket or as some call her a thief? What has she come for that puts many in danger? The many people involved in the mystery is contagious as each one contributes a layer of utter anxiousness. This is one story that keeps going until lies are exposed and a song is played to render forgiveness in the hearts of Willa and Lukas. It is such a well written story that oozes with deception, intrigue, spies and an ending worthy of a standing ovation.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

This book opens in war-torn Europe during World War 1. The curtain draws open and we are introduced to our main character Willa abandoned at the age of six to a life on the streets of a poor London neighborhood that finds that family is more than blood as she and her "siblings" take care of the children of London no one wants among intrigue, war, and the quest for the cipher key that could save Europe or destroy it! There is beauty and music, the struggle of life and death, there is selfishness and redemption, danger and espionage, there is hurt and rejection and the risk of learning to trust again.

This was a truly good book that I didn't want to end. I wish I could have read the first book first and I think it may have helped me understand the beginning better but it was a truly lovely read. I look forward to reading the others in the series.

A Song Unheard is a precious, exciting, GOD loving book. This book can take your breath away-that is how good it is. It is a book of forgiveness, questioning and trust with GOD. It is a book that leaves you feeling like GOD is amazing. You have Willa who because of her life does not trust people very much. There is the master violinist who wants and expects a lot from her. You also have Luckas who is recovering from a bullet wound and wants to contact his family but since he doesn't know how to get ahold of them he is a little-off-center and what happens is..... The story gets very interesting from there. Well if you're looking for a book that is worth your time this is it.

Words cannot convey the depths of this story and its transforming power in the lives of its characters. I thoroughly enjoyed the tale set in Britain during early World War I. Willa is a violinist who doesn’t realize her incredible talent. She thinks her top skill is her ability to steal, along with her “adopted family” of street orphans who banded together in London. Intrigue and Belgian refugees and the German threat add to the drama of her life. As the danger ramps up, can she continue to play her part in order to save not only herself, but those she loves, and perhaps her country as well. Roseanna White is a masterful writer who creates wonderful characters and plots. This must be one of her best books. I recommend reading the first in the series, A Name Unknown, before this one because knowing the background and earlier story adds richness to the reading experience. However, this book can stand on its own as a powerful story. If you enjoy history and suspense, this definitely fills the bill.

Absolutely my favorite of Roseanna's books! I loved the heroine and thought her character arc was very well done, I felt very connected to her from the very first page. Looking forward to the next book in this series!

Encore! Encore! What a fabulous second instalment in Roseanna White’s Shadows Over England series. History, drama, romance, intrigue, and music melded together in this novel to create an engrossing read that became more and more suspenseful as the story continued. Willa ends up solidly in the sights of four men as she attempts to complete her mission: Mr. V, her employer; Brown, the mysterious German who tries to recruit her out from under Mr. V’s nose; Cor Akkerman, the Flemish refugee who follows her from London to Aberystwyth; and of course, Lukas De Wilde, the renowned violinist, who is intrigued by Willa’s intensity and raw talent. Willa plays an increasingly dangerous game as her loyalties are stretched and pulled and her safety threatened.

Also very much a part of this story are Lukas’s mother and sister, currently hiding in Belgium under an assumed name. Lukas’s fourteen-year-old sister Margot, a mathematical savant, is the sole remaining repository of their father’s cryptology work after the Germans destroyed their home in Louvain, but Lukas has no idea whether they survived the attack. Aside from fulfilling his contract with the Belgian Symphony Orchestra, which is currently touring to raise money for the thousands of Belgian refugees, and unravelling the depths of the oh-so-intriguing Willa Forsythe, his overwhelming concern is locating his mother and sister and smuggling them out of Belgium.

If the plot isn’t enough to draw you in, then the characters certainly will be. They are so sharply drawn and engaging: Willa, stubborn and prickly and hidden behind the shell that has hardened over the years since she was abandoned as a child, but endearing all the same; Lukas, a charming flirt who very quickly turns devoted—if still flirtatious—suitor, much to Willa’s chagrin; and even Margot in her world of numbers and puzzles, living under the ever-watchful gaze of Generalleutnant Wolfgang Gottlieb.

Amidst all of this drama and intrigue, Lukas and Willa are forced to look deep inside themselves, not just at who they are, but at who they could be. As Margot wisely points out, "There always comes a time for change, oui? When you are ready, Jesus will forgive you. ... [T]hat is when He can start piecing us back together."

And I have to add a final word about the way in which music—particularly the way it speaks to Willa—was written into this story. Bellissimo! 

My love and enjoyment of this series knows no bounds, and I can’t wait for Barclay’s story!

“A Song Unheard” by Roseanna White

In the first novel in this series, Mr V hired Rosemary to complete a task for him. In doing so, she ended up falling in love and marrying her mark. Now Willa has been asked to obtain an object for Mr V from a famed violinist. She believes it will be a quick and easy task. What she doesn’t count on is her mark being a very handsome and kind male, who is interested in Willa.

Nor does she count on two others trying to obtain the same object from her once she obtains it. One willing to pay extra money or kill her if she doesn’t come through and the other just out to make money by selling it to the top builder.

Willa ends up making some choices she never thought she would make, to protect herself, her family, and her mark. Choices that are life altering for many.

Roseanna White has, once again, written a captivating and engaging novel full of twists and turns making it very difficult to put it down. Her characters are always so well written, as is her plotline. She abides to the time period in which she writes, yet it is never boring or diminish from the multiple story lines in this novel.

I loved this novel just as much as the first, perhaps even a bit more.

Rating: 4.8
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

** I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

When the mysterious Mr. V shows up with an important mission for Willa, to steal a cypher from a world-renowned violinist, she agrees. Lukas De Wilde, famous violinist, is in Wales as part of a touring orchestra full of Belgian refugees. He's hoping to earn enough money to head back to Belgium to search for his mother and sister who are missing. Little do they know how much their meeting will change both of their lives.

I've been really excited for A Song Unheard after reading and loving the first book in this series, A Name Unknown. It did not disappoint! And while I didn't think it was possible, I liked this book even better than the first. I loved getting reacquainted with many of the characters and meeting some new ones too! Willa's a very strong and determined woman who's quite the brilliant musician, as well. And Lukas! I instantly liked him and really felt for his situation. I absolutely loved it when Lukas and Willa shared the page. They had such great chemistry and their back and forth banter was so entertaining.

There was mystery, intrigue, and suspense that kept building to the end when I couldn't read it fast enough. I love cryptography and so I found that element of the story to be very interesting. Regretfully, I don't remember learning a whole lot about World War I in school and so I had no idea of many of the horrors that occurred in Belgium. This book is filled with so much interesting and, sometimes, heart-wrenching facts of history. I feel like I learned so much by reading this book.

A Song Unheard did take me a bit longer to read, but that in no way means I didn't like it. On the contrary, I absolutely adored it! It was lovely and a book that I savored, enjoying my trip back in time. I seriously can't recommend this book highly enough! Start with the first book and then dive right into this one!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

Roseanna's books continue to completely blow my mind! Filled with so much heart-wrenching, heart-stopping, heart-melting events that it literally takes DAYS to recover. My poor heart can't handle any more at the moment. That being said...YOU NEED TO READ THIS SERIES!!! (Start with Book One, A Name Unknown) Set during the beginning of World War I we see a different side of the war than what we may be used to. The Belgium Orchestra Relief Fund...Based in Wales. So.Much.Music! I LOVE it!!!

One of the aspects of this story that struck me in the heart, is the fact that God KNOWS us. And He will speak to us in a unique and individual way that will grip our heart and MEAN SOMETHING to us. For me personally, God uses books, songs, art, and dance...pretty much anything in the 'arts'...to speak life and truth into my life. For Willa...well...you will have to wait and see.

Lukas and Willa create the perfect romantic tension and reminds us that no one is beyond saving. I absolutely adore Margot (Lukas's sister) and am so glad that we also get to see this story from her perspective in Brussels. Her brilliant mind and unique gift for "puzzles" adds a whole different layer to the story. It just goes to show, that when God has given us a gift, there are numerous ways that we can use it to help others and glorify Him.

If you love romance, mystery, history, and have a soft spot for music...You will fall in love with Lukas, Margot, and Willa and her "family" in a heartbeat.

I received a complimentary copy of A Song Unheard from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.