Title: The Collector of Burned Books
By: Roseanna M. White
Pub. Day: July 15, 2025

Genre:
Fiction, Historical, Christian, WWII

Content Warnings:
Violence, Profanity, Graphic Content

Memorable Quotes:
“Read novels, because they will put you in someone else’s skin. Read poetry, because it will give wings to your soul. Read science, because it will show you what’s possible. Read politics, because it will teach you how strongly people care about how their fellow men are treated, wherever they stand on what the best way is… Read things you hate and things you love and things you never thought you’d understand. And never, never accept the excuse that you’re not strong enough to handle it if you read something that offends you. You are. You’re strong enough to be offended and then try to understand why. You’re strong enough to grant that someone can be different and still be worthy of dignity. And if you aren’t? Then read more, until you are.”

Summary/Review:
Roseanna M. White has created another story told with passion and perfection. The Collector of Burned Book was such a joy to read, it’s sweet, heartwarming, and while a bit predictable at times, still absolutely worth every page. I especially appreciated the way books themselves were central to the plot, showing how vital they were in shaping knowledge and why, during certain times, books were even considered dangerous. The added skepticism about women as professors was an intriguing layer, making the main character, Corinne’s bold, independent, witty, and compassionate nature shine all the more.
As a teacher of students with disabilities, I was deeply moved by the unexpected inclusion of a child with a disability and the insight into what life was like for them during WWII. This perspective was powerful, tenderly written, and added both depth and authenticity to the story.
I appreciated the gentle hints of Christianity—perfectly placed so as not to overwhelm, yet offering beautiful reminders of placing our trust in God. The slow-burn romance was lovely, and the developing bond between Corinne and Christian’s son, Felix, brought extra warmth to the plot.
Roseanne White’s skill in building tension and suspense made the novel fast-paced and engaging, keeping me invested from beginning to end. This was a well-crafted, skillfully written work from a talented author who seamlessly blends historical detail, emotional resonance, and memorable characters into a truly rewarding read. This novel is based on a true story. I highly recommend it.
Thank you to Roseanna M. White, Tyndale House Publishers, Tyndale Fiction and NetGalley for the opportunity of an Advanced Readers Copy. I am voluntarily leaving my personal review.

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First, I’d like to thank NetGalley, Roseanna M. White, and Tyndale House Publishers for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this historical fiction! What stood out most to me was how it highlighted love and friendship even amid the atrocities happening in Paris during this time. I loved how the characters bonded over their shared passion for books and literature, it added such warmth and humanity to the story.

Often, WWII novels lean heavily into the harsher details of war, but this one felt like a bit of fresh air, focusing more on the emotional connections and a love story that was tenderly and beautifully done. I wasn’t expecting it to be a love story, but it was a lovely surprise.

That said, I wasn’t a huge fan of the religious aspects woven throughout, as I felt the story could have been told just as powerfully without them.

Overall, it’s a heartfelt read for fans of WWII fiction who also enjoy a romantic thread woven into the history.

I've read a lot of books about WWII but this one had a different focus than others I've read and I loved that. It centers around the collecting and burning of forbidden books.

When Christian goes to Corinne's apartment to get some missing books, he instantly recognizes her sharp mind, wit, and love for literature. He can't resist. "It's her own fault, for being the only one in Paris I've been able to have an intelligent conversation with. If she'd just played dumb, I'd have given up on her mother's library books months ago" (location 2076). I enjoyed their discussions as they both fought to keep boundaries in place.

I learned a lot about how and why the nazis wanted to ban books and what they did about it. It was interesting and sad. I loved Corinne's and Christian's passion for books. I appreciated Christian's encouragement to Kraus to read books. "Read novels, because they will put you in someone else's skin. Read poetry, because it will give wings to your soul. Read science, because it will show you what's possible. Read politics, because it will teach you how strongly people care about how their fellow men are treated, wherever they stand on what the best way is" (location 3988). It was inspiring. It reminded me of how important and valuable reading is.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was poignant and memorable. I'd highly recommend it. Thank you to Tyndale Fiction for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

4.5 stars

White's latest is a truly engaging, enlightening, and timely read. There is so much depth to the story, and there are numerous moments that may cause readers to stop and reflect. There are themes of faith, healing, and determination, along with a romance theme that isn't overpowering.

This is a book with a message that needs to be heard. It's a reminder of the importance and power of the written word and faith. (Note: The dominant religion is Catholicism, appropriate for the time, and it is a bit strong at times, but it doesn't overwhelm the overall story.) White's characters are complex and realistic. I also loved the reminder that books, like people, shouldn't be solely judged by their covers.

All the stars for this incredible novel! My biggest takeaway was that we can and should go out of our way to help those who may be different than us. This probably touched me because of my experience with my son who has so many disabilities. Seeing that portrayed in a novel was so sweet and an important story to tell.

Favorite quote:
“A man who knows that true freedom means extending to others the right to hold opinions that I don’t agree with.”

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy of this book. A review was not required.

WWII historical fiction is one of my favorite genres of books so I have read many. The Collector of Burned Books set near the end of WWII in occupied Paris focuses on an aspect that I have not read much about, protecting banned literature. Roseanna M. White has crafted a lovely story, The hero and heroine are multi-faceted and have great chemistry which make the story even in it's difficult setting a very enjoyable read. For me, Christian is an especially wonderful character, with lots of depth. His friendship with Corrine is both unexpected and beautiful. If you like well-researched historical fiction with strong, believable characters, I think you'll be very drawn in by this captivating story. It is both powerful and reflective. Thank you to Tyndale and NetGalley for the opportunity to read for my honest review.

This was a very well told story full of emotion and courage. I loved how this author gave us a glimpse into a situation that is often overlooked. I loved how she taught us about history and what people were willing to sacrifice to do what they thought was right even in the face of horrible consequences. I loved seeing Corinne and Christian’s courage and strength. I liked seeing them work together for a common goal that helped change the war. I love learning about these people and the small things that they did that made a huge difference. This story was emotional but also had some light with the love that grew between Corinne and Christian. I wonderful story and highly recommend.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

I don't know what I loved most about The Collector of Burned Books! Was it the author's amazing storytelling, or the history that inspired her story? The eye-catching cover, or the riveting plot that's filled with faith, intrigue, and a captivating relationship between Professor Corinne Bastien and German officer Christian Bauer? As a lover of the written word, Corinne was dedicated to preserving endangered books, and it appeared that this German officer had an opposite goal. Was this truly the case? Was Christian just as determined to save precious reading material?

I loved the characters, the WWII Paris setting, and the thought-provoking historical details. There was romance, but it wasn't all sweetness and light, and the mystery and suspense kept me completely absorbed! What else will I remember about The Collector of Burned Books? The strong faith message is neatly woven into an engaging story that is especially relevant today! We must be vigilant to protect our freedoms! We can't allow others to control our ideas or target our emotions so that our behavior is altered. The written word must be preserved!

Roseanna M. White's name on the cover of a book is always an invitation to compelling reading! I recommend The Collector of Burned Books to fans of historical Christian fiction, and I have added it to my bookcase 'keeper' shelf.

I received a complimentary copy from Tyndale Publishers. There was no obligation for a review.

OVERALL STAR RATING: 5/5
CLEAN RATING: 5/5

What a STUNNING work of fiction! I’m so glad I picked this up after seeing my friend Charity rave about it. One of the many things that her and I have in common is that we aren’t hugely into kissy face romance books. We can absolutely do without, so when I saw her of all people saying that the kiss in this book was top tier, I knew I had to read it and figure out what kind of kissing scene had her stamp of approval. LOL Well, she wasn’t wrong. The forbidden love aspect and intellectual connection between our MCs in this book was so incredibly beautiful. As was the kiss.

There are endless WWII books available, but I love the unique way each can retell this time in our world’s history and give us new perspective. This one will no doubt tug at your heartstrings and resonate with all lovers of books. Corinne Bastien is a fierce woman who is passionate about protecting the legacy of books in which Germans deem a threat to their ideals over in her beloved Paris, now occupied by Nazis. Christian Bauer is a German who has found himself ordered over to France to help lead up the take over of libraries. When Corinne and Christian first meet, there’s an undeniable connection, but by all intents and purposes, they should be seeing each other as enemies. Christian doesn’t believe in what the Nazi Party stands for and is harboring a lot of deep and personal secrets. Secrets that could threaten his life. Secrets are something that Corinne is very much accustomed to as she’s harboring many of her own. I’d tell you about these secrets, but what fun would that be? You must pick up this book and read their incredible story. Both Christian and Corinne are simply trying to survive and fight for what they believe in during a time of complete chaos and madness.

This was my first Roseanna M. White book and it certainly won’t be my last. I absolutely adored this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This historical fiction book is set in Paris during the Nazi occupation.

Corrine works at a library that is full of banned books and at the college. She uses these books to gather intelligence that helps the war effort in England. Christian is a member of the Nazi party although reluctantly and is tasked with destroying these banned books. In a twist of fate Corrine and Christian have the same friends in Paris exiled German Jews and one of them is taking care of his son.

This book is a unique perspective to see how some member of the Nazi party did not subscribe to the ideology that was put forth. Some even hindered their efforts from the inside if it was rescuing books of banned authors or helping rescue Jews from the camps.

I loved this book and it kept me in the story from the start.

Roseanna M. White has long been one of my favorite historical fiction authors, and The Collector of Burned Books is yet another reason why. Set in Nazi-occupied Paris during World War II, this Christian historical novel is both poignant and powerfully relevant—even today.
White masterfully balances the gravity of war with a tender, bookish romance that never overshadows the deeper themes. Her writing is elegant, layered, and emotionally resonant. While the historical backdrop is sobering, the story is infused with hope, resilience, and the enduring power of words.
The characters truly shine. Christian and Corrine are compelling leads, each carrying emotional depth and complexity. Even the supporting cast is rich with personality and purpose. Christian’s faith felt so strong even when he was struggling. I enjoyed Corrine’s strength, skill and wit.
This story opened my eyes to aspects of the war I hadn’t considered before—especially the role of literature and censorship—and left me reflecting long after the last page.
The Collector of Burned Books is a beautifully written and thought-provoking read. It would make an excellent book club selection, offering plenty of meaningful discussion topics—from faith under pressure to the power of words.
Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction that lingers in both heart and mind.

On opposite sides two souls bond over the power of words.

Set in Paris during the Nazi occupation. Corrine has been carefully preserving a collection of banned books, passing covert messages among her students. Christian is a professor chosen by the Nazi's to identify and collect the banned titles from the libraries of Paris. On opposing sides, will their secrets bring them together?

Gripping WWIII fiction that explores the world of banned books and the power of ideas and words against tyranny. Ms. White's calculating prose packs a punch, exercising and displaying that power in the very fabric of this book. A compelling read that brings to life the frightening uncertainty of the German occupation, while showing the hope and resilience of the French people.

Christian and Corrine are both faced with the choice of standing by or doing something, and I admired their courage in the face of danger. I liked the themes of integrity and the sanctity of human life, as well as endurance and hope.

Overall, a compelling read, with strong characters that are likable and admirable, along with a message that packs a punch. It was very fascinating to learn about the banned book libraries and the early years of the war. A riveting read that brings a turning point in history to life!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I don’t even know where to start with my review. I loved this book and I cannot begin to narrow down to one quote to include. I highlighted so many lines in this book and they continue to speak to me weeks after reading this story.

Getting to know Corinne and Christian was such a treat. Watching them get to know each other, realizing there was more to each than they initially realized really made me think about what I would be willing to do in similar circumstances, questioning if I would be as strong as they are.

This book naturally leads the reader to confront their own feelings about book banning and its implications. I spent a lot of time contemplating book banning both in the time period of this book and present day.

One of my favorite parts of this novel was the nod to being Catholic. The discussions between Corinne and Christian, prayers they mentioned, the way they each battled with their beliefs at different times. I related so much to various things shared by each character and am so grateful for the way it touched my own life and walk with the Lord.

I think anyone who appreciates Christian historical fiction will really like this book.

Thank you to Tyndale for the copy of this book. All views are my own.

A moving WWII novel about the power of words and the courage to protect them. Rich in emotion and history, it honors those who fought censorship with stories. A must-read for historical fiction lovers.

The Collector of Burned Books is a well-written and emotional novel that shows how powerful words can be and the bravery needed to protect them against oppression. Set in Nazi-occupied Paris, it tells the story of Corinne, a French woman who guards banned books, and Christian, a German professor who is forced into a job he hates. Their friendship highlights the importance of safeguarding truth and history, a message that feels especially relevant today as book bans increase. Although the pacing can slow down at times, the beautiful writing and strong message make this a meaningful and timely read that honors the lasting value of literature and free thought.

4.5 stars

As an avid student (and reader) of the World War 2 era, I have been reflecting often lately on how we’re closer to repeating one of the most egregious periods of history than I ever thought we would get. In The Collector of Burned Books, author Roseanna M. White gives us a compelling story with complex characters, yes, but also a nuanced look at the slippery slope that went from squelching dissent to controlling ideas to treating people as less than human – and worse. A gradual decline into madness that can start off sounding like a good thing (as long as you don’t dig too deep into the motives) but all too easily becomes a horrible nightmare and a permanent stain on the world stage because the hatred behind it went unchecked. Fiction like this is vital to help us remember and understand so we can recognize the signs and prevent it from happening again. And this quote below? I almost stood up and cheered when I read it, especially those last three sentences.

“Read novels, because they will put you in someone else’s skin. Read poetry, because it will give wings to your soul. Read science, because it will show you what’s possible. Read politics, because it will teach you how strongly people care about how their fellow men are treated, wherever they stand on what the best way is… Read things you hate and things you love and things you never thought you’d understand. And never, never accept the excuse that you’re not strong enough to handle it if you read something that offends you. You are. You’re strong enough to be offended and then try to understand why. You’re strong enough to grant that someone can be different and still be worthy of dignity. And if you aren’t? Then read more, until you are.”

The Paris setting during the Nazi occupation becomes the perfect canvas for these multifaceted brushstrokes of history as its rich legacies of literature and art and thought were at risk along with those who dared to resist this erasure of freedom and diversity. And the textured characters the author introduces were nearly all more than they seemed at first glance, serving as an important reminder that I appreciated – namely that no ‘book’ should be judged solely by its cover, that everyone we meet has a story already in progress, and that there may be more to that story than what we see. Both our hero and heroine are prime examples (though it’s not limited to them), and I loved uncovering new layers for each as the novel progresses. Christian Bauer’s German military uniform doesn’t remotely represent his beliefs, his heart, or what’s important to him, and while his forced & unwanted conscription does provide unexpected opportunities to protect and preserve all of the above, it is still far removed from the gentle, bookish man of faith he is. Also a bookworm, Corrine Bastien certainly has no reason at first to believe Christian isn’t the enemy of everything she holds dear, but she’s harboring a few secrets of her own from him too, so their cautious dance around an unlikely friendship (that grows into something more) creates an intriguing sort of tension between them which I enjoyed.

Bottom Line: The Collector of Burned Books by Roseanna M. White reminds us of the power of words, the impact of courage (whether whispered or shouted), and the importance of seeing each other as image bearers of the Creator. (Oh how our world would be different if we all treated each other with that last truth in mind.) As a story, it entertained me, convicted me, inspired me, and moved me. As a ode to books and bookworms, it delighted me. As a record of history and as a mirror on current society, it grieved me but also renewed my hope. Be prepared to stay on the edge of your seat as evil tries to win and close calls abound, especially if you become as deeply invested in the compelling characters and the outcome of their resistance efforts as I did. And yes I swooned a little too. After all, it wouldn’t be a Roseanna White book without some swooning on my part, though it’s also somewhat of a departure from her usual style. And for those to whom it matters, the dominant faith practice in this story is Catholicism (which does make sense given the setting but could feel a little heavy-handed in places to some readers). The Collector of Burned Books is an important story for our past, our present, and our future, and I will likely be recommending it often.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book )

I really enjoyed this new historical romance by Roseanna M White. My favorite series by this author is her Shadows Over England series which takes place during WW1. This story however takes place during WW2 in occupied France. I was immediately drawn to this book when I learned about it months before its release because it has to do with books. The focus is on books that had been burned and banned in Nazi Germany. Books that had made their way to France. In this story the author has these books being used in intelligence networking by those who are resisting the Nazis. The importance of books and the ideas contained within is an important part of this story.

But it is also the story of the relationship between a French professor named Corrine and a German professor turned Nazi named Christian who come together because of these books and the library they are contained within. I loved seeing their relationship change from suspicion to trust to more.

Corrine was quite feisty, though I did wonder how she didn't get into more trouble with the Nazis for the things she would say and the attitude she gave.

There was a great cast of characters, from friends and family to those they weren't sure they could trust. And that one villain they knew they definitely couldn't trust, the one that added suspense and danger and heartache. There were definitely some emotional scenes where I found myself in tears. But there were heartwarming scenes as well.

And I just loved the reveal of the connection to my favorite series.

I did also want to mention that the main characters are Catholic, so there is quite a bit of Catholic teaching and belief and practices.

received an e-copy of this book through NetGalley and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.

**3.5 stars rounded down to 3 stars**

This book took me a while to get into it. It felt like it started slowly, and picked up when I was about 60% through it. After that point, I didn't want to stop reading because I wanted to find out how the story would end. I enjoyed the third person dual POV's from Corrine (French) and Christian (German) during World War II. I also enjoyed the encouraging theme of questioning what we know as supposedly true; it applied during this time in history, and I think it applies during our time today.

I think this book was well researched and written, and faith was well integrated into the overall story.

Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read an eARC of this book.

When the Nazis invade Paris, they also take over a library full of books that were banned in Germany. The man sent to catalogue and update this and other libraries in Paris is Christian Bauer, who is only a Nazi officer as a means for survival. Corinne Bastien, a neighbor of the library and regular frequenter, makes herself a target of Christian and some of his Nazi compatriots when she sneaks into the library to try to recover some secrets she'd left behind. But Christian doesn't want to cause problems for her any more than he does anyone else. Will he be able to stay true to his beliefs when his superiors push for destruction?

I was excited to read this book, because I read and loved White's The Imposters series, set in Edwardian England, and I enjoy WWII fiction. However, it felt a little off to me. Corinne was a pretty terrible resistance worker, leaving evidence sitting around and drawing so much attention to herself. By the end of the book, the Nazis involved felt a little too much like an idealized version of what I'm used to, both in fiction and non-fiction. I actually hoped for information in an author's note explaining why White made some of the choices she did—factual evidence or anecdotes to explain why most of the German soldiers and authorities in this book are, frankly, more polite and forgiving than how they're usually portrayed, but there was nothing. It just felt somehow like the stakes and consequences were lower than they should be, given the setting.

On the plus side, Christian is a very sympathetic male hero. My favorite moments in this book are related to his story. I appreciate that his faith and devotion to his homeland require him to walk a thin line between going along with the Nazi Party and doing what he believes is right. And yet, he questions whether he is sinning when he lies to protect a life. I'm not sure I would agree with the line drawn here in answer to that question, but I also can readily admit that none of us knows for sure what we would do in this kind of situation. The main characters in the book are Catholic and observe various practices that are extra-biblical at best. This is probably not the best platform to go into detail or start a debate, but I think some people would appreciate knowing this information in advance. Overall, the book fell short of my expectations, but I think many people would easily overlook the things that brought the rating down for me.

📚📚📚📚/5

I love how I can go into a story and I might not fall in love with it during the first chapter, but by the end I am drowning in hope, inspiration, and joy with how much the story meant to me.

It took me a few chapters to really dive into this story. I felt like it was just a bit slow to start but the groundwork was being laid and the characters were evolving. The environment of the story was written beautifully and RW’s detail to WWII in Paris was thoroughly researched and described throughout the story. It really made me feel the urgency, fear, anxiety, and anticipation of that time in history.

The characters and chaos of the time were written so well. And the representation of physical and mental disabilities and deformities was written with care, understanding and grace.

I loved that the main theme of this story was surrounded around books. The idea that they might have the power to cause manipulation and tyranny within a society, therefore Hitler was banning certain books as a way to control society into agreeing with his own beliefs and ideals. The discussions between Christian and Corinne were interesting regarding this context and perfect for my lil book loving heart.

The romance may have been predictable but it was still enjoyable to watch and it was inspiring considering all these characters had gone through to get where they ended up, especially with the context of how life was in Paris in the 1940s.

I highly recommend this book if you like stories with a deeper meaning, stories that showcase many emotions throughout, stories that might be slower to read but not any less enjoyable, and stories that take place during WWII that might not be what you normally read about!