This was my first novel by and will certainly not be my last! I was swept away but this heartfelt story of WWII with an academic twist!

It was so fresh and unique to read a story not of spies (which we know I love) but of the professors and lovers of literature during a time where books were being taken and burned.

Corinne was such a strong lead and I loved her tender heart and strong convictions about life and literature.

The romance was tender and so swoony, I just loved reading this one.

This book was really good but also really hard to read. Not because of the writing or anything but because of the timing. Because it’s impossible not to see how history is repeating itself. Book banning because the author’s ideas are different than those in power as well as that power persecuting people because of their ethnicity….well, I wish I could say that those things were relegated to history books. I hope people read this book and I hope it makes them uncomfortable and I hope they see the similarities in what is happening now and I really hope things start to change.

4.5 Stars - The Collector of Burned Books by Roseanna M. White is a love letter to freedom of ideas, thoughts, and written words, and of course lovers of those things. As usual, Mrs. White wrote an excellent story, with endearing characters, moments that made me chuckle, and a bit of suspense. Though the beginning was a little slow for me, the story eventually picked up, and I found it difficult to put down. I enjoyed the main characters, Corinne and Christian, and watching their walls slowly come down, as well as their romance. I felt their faith to be realistic, especially Christian’s. I was thrilled for their happy ending. I especially admired Christian, and the risks and stands he took throughout the story (if I say more I’ll be giving too much away!). This novel felt heavier than most of Mrs White’s other works, but not unnecessarily so- it was fitting for the time period. I enjoyed this intellectual lens into Paris during the Nazi occupation; it’s not one I’ve personally read about in historical fiction before. TCOBB is a story for all lovers of books, of ideas, and discussions. It’s a story to remind us of the freedoms we have here (in the US) today, and to remind us we should take care to protect them. Thank you to the author and publisher for my review copy. All thoughts above are my own; I was not required to write a positive review.

I don't even know where to begin with this review. This book was truly beautiful. The prose, the characters, the struggles, the sacrifices, the show of people standing up in the ways that they could to protect truth. And the love story was tender and touched my heart.

You will be pulled in and taken on an incredible journey with Corinne and Christian. One that will have you contemplating what it was truly like for all of those who were alive and experienced the travesty of this moment in history. I have several ancestors who served in the military and am so profoundly grateful for their willingness to sacrifice and serve. It forever changed them, as it did those who lived through this.

I loved the focus on books and literature and trying to preserve it all. It was incredible. The dialogue and discussions about it throughout the book was well thought it and touched my heart.

This was my first book by this author. I've long followed her releases and have one of my book besties who has encouraged me to read her books for years. It wasn't that I didn't want to, it was more for the time in my schedule. But I jumped at the chance to read this book and have to say that I am hooked. I want to read all of her books!

It took me a couple of days to read the book due to my schedule, but I loved savoring each moment. Imagining myself there next to these characters. Seeing and feeling their sorrow and worry and determination. Beautifully written! This is a book that I hope you enjoy when you pick it up!

Content: Clean. This is set during WWII so there are aspects related to that but nothing overly graphic. It is a sweet and clean historical, Christian fiction novel.

I received a copy from the publisher, Tyndale House Publishers, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

Christian has many Jewish friends and hates all that the Nazis stand for, but when he's drafted to the German army and sent to Paris to take care of Paris' libraries, sorting out banned books etc., he can't say no and also sees an opportunity to perhaps do his part in trying to rescue what he can. But with both his superior and a subordinate watching him, there's little leeway for such action, and his uniform makes him understandably hated by the local population. Worse, the main borrower from the Library of Banned Books, his first target and where he sets up his office, is the only person around to whom he can talk about books, and she doesn't trust him as far as she could kick him. Somehow, though, in trying to recover the overdue library books, they forge a tentative partial alliance, on books if nothing else. But there's a war on and which of them is in more danger, as each privately fights the Nazis any way they know how, is hard to say. As the lines blur and danger threatens, dare they hope of a life together after war?

A great read, which brought history to life for me by immersing me in the (fictitious) lives of some who lived through it, trying to do what was right when it wasn't always easy to know what that was, and sometimes still less easy to do given the danger. Better yet, it provided a heart-warming and sometimes quite intense story of a romance growing amidst difficulties. Corrine and Christian were lovely to get to know, and Josef and Felix were great additions - and even Kraus and Gustaf were a reminder at times of the good that can be in enemy soldiers. (That scene outside the library after Christian's incident? Inspiring!) Though Ackerman is definitely only any good as a villain. And the ending was absolutely perfect - not trying to make everything tied up in a gilded bow, but fitting the situation exactly right (while still very definitely a happy ending). All in all, an interesting, thought-provoking and heartwarming read - highly recommended.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

I don't think I've read a Roseanna M. White book that I didn't like. The book tells a story that you won't want to forget. Traveling back to WWII, if you're a history buff this book tells all about the unlikely bond between two people on opposite sides of the war. Corinne and Christians common goal and slow love story really made this book enjoyable to read.

Words have strength. More than a lot of people realize. When those words are used to steal away peoples freedom and lives, how far will a person go to fight for that freedom to return? Another piece of WW II that readers need to learn about. This book takes the reader on a tale of intrigue, devotion, kindness, and the daily question of how to stand up to wrong when that wrong is in control. Libraries have always been a place of learning, knowledge shared, differing opinions expressed and conversed about. Now with the Nazis in full control, that space of freedom is being attacked. Any books put on the burn list are to be collected and destroyed. How can 1 person try to save them all? And under the watchful eyes of the Nazi command? The research into this story is rich and detailed. Roseanna White has poured history out onto the page for everyone to learn from and enjoy. Paris in the 1940s comes alive on the page. And the feelings and worries of the French people while living through the occupation.
The characters are so believable, with strengths and weaknesses to work through as the book progresses. They become friends that the reader cheers for and wants to help avoid the dangers just around the corner. Corinne and Christian are both dedicated to the written word, wanting it to inspire and challenge everyone who reads it. And they want as many people as possible to read and learn, from the authors and others who have different ideas from them. The sweet romance that develops feels natural and just the way the story should go. A good sigh moment in the middle of an ugly part of history. The faith they strive to live out each and every day is inspiring. Learning how to keep their faith while it is being tested every moment of each day day, a true testament to where Corinne and Christian's strength came from.
Roseanna White is a master storyteller, pulling the reader into a story and not letting them go until the book is finished. Her books stick with me long after the last page is turned, making the story feel even more real. I whole-heartedly recommend any of her books for a wonderful trip into a new and exciting journey. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers for an advanced reader copy of The Collector of Burned Books by Roseanna M White in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

The Collector of Burned Books by Roseanna M White is a Christian historical fiction novel set in Paris during the German occupation of the city in WW2. I have read and enjoyed many books set during WW2 and always appreciate a unique perspective of this time period. Christian faith and prayer are foundational concepts woven throughout the novel. The novel features an unlikely romance between smart, beautiful Corinne Bastien and honorable, intellectual Christian Bauer who share a love of books. Corinne is a Parisian linguistics professor at the Sorbonne who lives next door to The Library of Banned Books. She uses the books to pass secrets to help the resistance. Christian Bauer is a German professor, who doesn’t subscribe to the Nazi’s way of thinking, recruited to “relocate” books in Paris that have been banned in Germany.

I love an unlikely friendship, and especially when 2 characters bond over a love of books. Although set more than 80 years ago, it was hard to ignore the parallels with modern censorship. “Banned. Burned. When a people stopped entertaining opposing ideas, when they condemned the different are evil, then it was a short step from closed- minded to violently oppressive.”
As expected, this novel is at times heartbreaking and others heart warming, I would recommend this novel to religious historical fiction fans. 3.5/5⭐️

Roseanna M. White’s latest book, “The Collector of Burned Books,” is a rich Christian historical fiction novel. Taking place in Paris during the German occupation of World War II, it gives glimpses into the lives of those who were affected, whether Parisian, Jewish or German, by the written word and the circumstances surrounding the freedom of them.

“I think,” he said slowly, “that the words we hear, the words we read, the words we sing along to on the radio and study in the papers with our morning coffee, become our thoughts. I think our thoughts become our beliefs. And I think our beliefs become our actions…”

In the above quote, Christian Bauer, one of the main protagonists, challenges a young German soldier to consider the power of words and the right of each individual to choose for themselves which will impact their own actions. Stationed in Paris, he is a German university professor and the officer of the Nazi party assigned to oversee the libraries locating both banned books and banned German authors who have relocated there. He is not all he seems though; he has both secrets and a reason for being in this position.

Corrine Bastien, a native Parisian, is on mission to not only protect banned books, but also use them to pass coded messages for the Allies. As their paths become intertwined, each discovers the other’s secrets and together they forge through the impossible as they trust the God with whom all things are possible. (Mark 10:27)

One reason I love to read Historical Fiction is because it challenges me to dig deeper, to expand my knowledge and my thinking. I’ve read most of Roseanna White’s books, and this one reveals her extensive research as well as her passion for words and an individual’s freedom to decide for themselves which ones they will consume. As history points out, this freedom can be taken if we’re not careful. We may be familiar with the burning of banned books during this period of history, but I was challenged in discovering who did the burning and the reasons these books were deemed “un-German.” There were several points in the storyline I paused to do my own research into various topics mentioned. I felt like I walked away from this reading with more than I began…more knowledge, more thoughts, more understanding.

The Christian aspect of “The Collector of Burned Books” points to a Sovereign God Whose love is faithful. Even though the characters’ faith is tested, it is also deepened as they walk through such trying times. They are challenged again and again to display God’s mercy; what a powerful lesson for all of us as we walk this path called life wherever we are. James 2:13b tells us, “Mercy triumphs over judgement.” This story caused me to pause and picture what it must have been like to walk in the shoes of the souls who actually lived through this period.

All in all, this is a rich read where the story and thoughts will remain long after finishing. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to experience such a well written story with such a powerful message. Thank you, NetGalley and Tyndale House for this ARC for my review; all opinions are my own.

This book is deep and thought provoking. WWII was such an awful time and one I fear we are heading towards again. So many people believe the propaganda being spewed via social media and so-called news. This book magnifies a small circle of people in a very large, ugly time in history. It was interesting and intelligently written. And while I don't subscribe to Catholic ideology, I can agree that God is our only refuge. I recommend it for those who enjoy this time period and appreciate strong lessons interwoven with faith.

I both received an advanced eVersion from the publisher as well as pre-ordering a paperback copy for a friend directly from the author who was thrilled by the gift. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.

I am having a hard time putting into words how wonderful I found The Collector of Burned Books to be. I became so invested with the characters I found myself tempted for skip ahead to make sure they were okay. I was grabbed by the hope of just a few books being saved from the Nazis. Most of all I was touched by the compassion of Corrine and Christian toward the importance of the written word. When romance blossoms how could I not fall in love with the story.

Germany has invaded Paris, bringing their beliefs and soldiers with them. There were those that wanted to save the books before they fires took them. There were those that had been restocking Germany with books after theirs were burned. Many of those wonderful people were now in hiding out of fear. Corrine refused to stop trying to protect the books. What she couldn't share with others was that books she was sending held messages. A book just might help save them all.

Christian Bauer is not a believer in the Nazi regime. He is a lover and believer of books. Who was he to argue when he was sent to process books, catalogue and relocate, in Paris instead of fighting at the front. He makes his office in the most appropriate place, The Library of Burned Books.

Reading this story reminded me not everyone has the same beliefs. It reminded me that we shouldn't stereotype a group just because of some. Tears flowed at injustice. Tears flowed for those that had to remain hidden. Tears flowed for the lost, yet I relished the hope that those that risked it all would make it to the end.

I loved this book! I loved how it wasn’t totally predictable. I loved that it was about a nazi that didn’t fully believe in the ideology. I wanted more about the codes and the messages because passes in the books. I also didn’t know how much of a Christian book it was and sometimes it came off as a bit much but overall I liked having their beliefs involved. I also loved the romance. It was a great historical fiction!

*Happy sigh* This was such a a delightful story. Roseanna M White is one of my favorite historical fiction authors, and she absolutely did not disappoint with this new book of hers!
Set in WWII France, there is so much turmoil and danger happening, and so much censorship occuring in the books the French held dear.
Corinne and Christian were fantastic main characters. Unlikely friends, for certain, and Corinne's original dislike of Christian Bauer was understandable. Even as I wished she could see who he really was behind the uniform. XD
I was swept away into the story right away, and loved it.
The history was fascinating, the plot engaging, and the characters were so endearing. The good ones, at least. The not so good ones were not endearing, but they were very well written.
The faith strand was more present towards the end, with a significant emphasis on Catholicism. While I don't necessarily agree with all that was represented/displayed in that aspect, I still appreciated that the characters were strong in their beliefs and sought God.
The Collector of Burned Books has a few surprises in store - and an easter egg that I was so delighted to discover. But I won't spoil the discovery for anyone else, because it is fun to find it for yourself. 😊
Oh and isn't the cover just incredible?! I am absolutely in love with it. ❤️



I received a copy of the book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and all thoughts expressed are entirely my own

“. . . the only way to ever truly defeat your enemies . . .was to make them your friends.”

Talented author Roseanna M. White has once again taken a little-known piece of history and built an intriguing and fascinating story around it. The Collector of Burned Books is the tale of exiled writers from Germany who founded a library in Paris of books that had been banned in Germany. When the Germans took over Paris, they also took over The Library of the Burned Books.

Professor Corinne Bastien had made use of the library for years but lost access of it and some secret books she had hidden there. German professor and booklover Christian Bauer was forced by German army officers to relocate France’s libraries, including The Library of the Burned Books. I liked Corinne’s courage, compassion, and willingness to stand for freedom to express ideas. Christian was also courageous and helped others the best he could under trying circumstances. I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow and change as they got to know each other.

“Was it better to speak up and be permanently silenced or to work silently, doing what good he could?”

Filled with intrigue, suspense, history, and a touch of romance, this book also had inspiration to give it depth and added meaning. I recommend this book to those who enjoy well-researched and well-written historical fiction. 4.5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House. All opinions are my own.

An exceptional book that asks us to absorb the truth of censorship and its results through fictional characters as they navigate the occupation of Paris in the years of World War II. Based on a real library that was instituted by exiled German scholars, this story incorporated many interesting details that wove facts and fiction into high drama.
The characters were relatable, showing their love of God and country, often using subtle methods instead of outright confrontation.
I love that the story is about books and libraries. This book caused me to ponder why certain books were chosen to be banned. “Books did not burn. Books ignited. They lit the burning in others. Not with paper and match. With ideas.”
This book pulled at my emotions, not only for the plight of the oppressed and the injustice of the oppressors but for the romance that grew in spite of the secrecy that called for restraint. Felix, a child who was less than perfect according to some, became a bright light to those who could see beyond the outward appearance.
Important themes were hope in the face of impossible odds and that Jesus extends mercy to all who recieve Him.
A thoroughly thought provoking book.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Tyndale on behalf of the author and via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*

I enjoyed reading The Collector of Burned Books, a historical fiction novel set in Paris in 1940 during WW2. Christian is a German Professor at the University of Berlin who witnessed horrendous racism and political upheaval in his homeland during the 1930s. Desperation to save a loved one inspired Christian to join the Party that has no tolerance for his Catholic values and ideas that don’t fit within the Party’s propaganda narrative. An uncomfortable and dangerous situation for an intelligent man like Christian who is watching the Party systematically destroy the social fabric of his beloved country. The Party assigned Christian to a military post in Paris to catalogue and destroy banned books containing ideas they consider dangerous to young minds.

Corinne is a strong and independent Parisian in her thirties who has chosen an academic career over marriage and children. Her beloved books are being destroyed, and she works with family friends in the Resistance to smuggle out precious books and relay intelligence via coded messages in the book margins. She lives in a flat in Paris that’s next door to the Library of Burned Books and close to Sorbonne University, where she teaches literature.

Many Parisians have fled the city for a safer haven. Life is hard as Parisians deal with the terrifying German occupation of the city with enforced food rations, curfews, checkpoints, and witch hunts for people with Jewish ancestry and anyone who resists the tyranny.

Christian and Corinne cross paths in Paris and start out as enemies on opposite sides of the war. Circumstances draw them together and reveal secrets that form the foundation of a friendship that could become something more—if only the war wasn’t an enormous obstacle in their path.

I loved seeing Christian and Corinne journey in the story as they faced extreme adversity and fought for the freedom of thought and ideas within the confines of a cruel totalitarian regime. I recommend The Collector of Burned Books to historical fiction readers who like thought-provoking WW2 novels with drama, danger, and intrigue set in Paris with forbidden love, romantic elements, and strong faith threads in the story.

Many thanks to Tyndale and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.

The Collector of Burned Books marks Roseanna M. White’s debut with Tyndale House, and it’s everything fans have come to expect: rich characters, immersive historical settings, and meaningful spiritual depth. Set in Nazi-occupied Paris, this novel explores the power of words and how literature shapes minds, challenges regimes, and preserves truth when darkness tries to silence it.

"Books didn’t burn. Books ignited. They lit the burning in others. Not with paper and match. With ideas." ~ Roseanna M. White

I was captivated by this story from the prologue. The plot was suspenseful and emotionally complex, driven by characters who felt vividly real. Corinne was fearless and outspoken yet tender and fiercely loyal. In contrast, Christian’s journey was more of an inward arc of healing and trust. Their chemistry was electric, and watching them grow individually and together was an inspiring reflection of what it means to risk everything for what’s right.

Roseanna M. White masterfully wove timely themes into this historical backdrop with sensitivity and wisdom. The Collector of Burned Books will challenge readers to consider how censorship impacts society. It will also remind us that we can engage with differing perspectives without compromising truth or causing destruction. This novel is a grace-filled call to unite our divided world through understanding and preservation.

While I found the mid-chapter point-of-view shifts between Corinne and Christian jarring, it was a small price to pay for an otherwise seamless and powerful narrative.

"Words form the foundation of society. Ideas create culture. Control them, and you can control ... everything."~ Roseanna M. White

The Collector of Burned Books is a memorable story that entertained while delivering a powerful message that I hope will encourage readers to listen to people’s opposing opinions without always needing to debate or persuade their thinking. We don’t have to agree on everything to live at peace with one another. By listening with Christ-like love, we can respect our neighbors and cultivate deeper relationships that will challenge our perspectives and push us to grow.

I highly recommend this novel to fans of historical fiction and anyone seeking a story that pushes boundaries and courageously challenges prejudice.

"Because that was the funny thing about books—the more you tried to ban them, the more brightly they burned in the hearts and minds that found them anyway."~ Roseanna M. White

*Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher, for providing me with a pre-release copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.*

Wow! Ms. White has done it again! She has kept me up late at night reading her book! The Collector of Burned Books is a magnificent read. It's a book about a marriage of convenience during WW2 between a German soldier and a Parisian professor on two different sides of the war. I loved them both, but little Felix won my heart. The book has mystery, intrigue, suspense, and of course romance. I highly recommend this book to all WW2 enthusiasts who like romance. *I was given a copy of this book by the publisher, and this is my honest opinion.*

** “Books didn’t burn. Books ignited. They lit the burning in others. Not with paper and match. With ideas.” **

Roseanna M. White celebrates the power of words, books, secrets, fortitude and compassion in “The Collector of Burned Books.”

When Corinne Bastien, a literary professor in Paris, suddenly meets a “library protector” for Germany, she never dreams where her life will lead. While she works to protect the Library of Burned Books, a library that seeks to save books and authors the Germans desire to destroy during the Second World War, Christian Bauer hopes to deny the party he doesn’t agree with by undermining them while making it look as he is sorting through Paris’ libraries and removing what the Germans want destroyed.

As Corinne and Christian learn their beliefs are similar, and try to work together, more and more secrets are revealed as danger and death surrounds them.

White does an incredible job of developing dramatic moments, yet moments of love and hope. She develops characters that are flawed and relatable, as well as loathsome. And she fills “The Collector of Burned Books” with many great themes, like the only way to beat a bully is to win them over, make them believe as you do, and to make them your friend; words form our very foundation; when you don’t consider opposing ideas, it leads to oppression; we should always try to understand others’ perspectives; God’s perfection is always greater than our imperfections (“We are not capable, by ignorance or pride, of defiling his holiness. But his holiness is capable of cleansing us, working in us, even when we don’t fully believe it.”); and have ferocity in the face of limitations.

Fans of historical fiction and WWII stories, as well as authors like Kristy Cambron, Katherine Reay and J’nell Ciesielski will love “The Collector of Burned Books,” which is due out July 15.

Five stars out of five.

Tyndale Fiction provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

After reading The Collector of Burned Books, it was affirmed that Roseanna White can write in any time period. Normally known for WWI novels, White absolutely shines in the WWII era. Centering on Paris during the midst of Nazi occupation, The Collector of Burned Books features the fight for freedom as ideology and the very personhood of mankind is at stake. This book ran the gamut of emotions – tears, laughter, and romantic sighs. I could not get enough of it!

This novel was thought-provoking, heart-rendering, and deeply inspiring. I cannot recommend it highly enough!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.