The Collector of Burned Books has a different approach in telling a story about WWII. Its a story where words are more powerful than physical prowess, bombs, fights. Obvioulsy all the violence related to the war is there but it's rather interesting to read how people from colliding worlds may join forces to work and do what they believe in.
I thank the author, her publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.

As a lover of books, I have been long fascinated by heroic efforts of those who saved books from Germans burning them during World War II. I was therefore intrigued by the premise of this novel (not to mention the cover is stunning!), and I found myself instantly drawn to Corinne and her courageous acts. It was easy to love Christian too (despite Corinne’s initial antagonism) and his desire to do the right thing in spite of pressure from his forced work with the Nazis. Their relationship slowly grow as they worked towards the same goal from opposite sides of the war. There were great spiritual themes as well about trusting God despite difficult circumstances. Life may seem dire, but God is still in control. As is typical with this author’s books, her writing provides a deep and meaningful novel that stuck with me long after I finished it. Highly recommended!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I thought this was a pretty fascinating story. Typically, when I think of a World War II story, I think of bombing, air raids and major destruction. Although this was on the calmer side of war, there was still plenty of criminal behavior, brutality, and evil. What I really enjoyed was the knowledge and intelligence of the main characters and many supporting characters, that they try to fight their battles with words and only stooping to physical abuse when absolutely necessary. I would have liked to have learn more of the code breaking that Corinne and her mother were working on. The love story was sweet and touching and I enjoyed the exceptional relationship with Felix by both Corinne and Christian. It was also pleasing to read the beautiful lessons of faith, forgiveness and belief and God I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

"Books didn’t burn. Books ignited. They lit the burning in others. Not with paper and match. With ideas." - Collector of Burned Books.

Roseanna White's long awaited, explosive and prophetic novel Collector of Burned Books explores what happens when a totalitarian regime or people decide to shut themselves off from ideas, people and anything different from themselves, their beliefs and ideologies.

" When society deliberately cultivated ignorance, they paid the price....When a people stopped entertaining opposing ideas, when they condemned the different as evil, then it was a short step from closed-minded to violently oppressive. - Collector of Burned Books.

Dr.Christian Bauer of the University of Berlin is tasked by Goebbels the powerful Minister of Propaganda himself in the Third Reich with finding and destroying literature that disagreed with the Reich's beliefs, ideologies and was opposed to Hitler in Occupied Paris.

Little did he know of the heavy secrets Dr. Bauer himself carried, secrets that if discovered would promptly dispatch him to a prison camp at the very least.

In the course of his task, Dr Bauer comes across Dr. Bastien of the Sorbonne and her daughter, Corinne who hates him for all that he stands for and his task as a destroyer of books and knowledge. Corinne herself carries deep secrets that would result in her death if discovered.

Will Dr. Bauer find Dr. Bastien's secrets or she his? Or will the Nazis find them out, destroying them?

Will the Nazis succeed in their aim of gaining a compliant peoples to their ideology by destroying the different? What about today's regimes, groups of people that share a common feature etc and their attempts to control people's beliefs, thinking, ideologies by stamping out, punishing, or at the very least harassing those in disagreement with them? When did we become so intolerant of differing beliefs? White gives us a lot to ponder and make choices for ourselves in the event we, God forbid, face such a situation.

”...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...." Collector of Burned Books.

I received an ARC copy to read,but my views are my own, uninfluenced by any other considerations than the excellent writing.

#CollectorOfBurnedBooks #WorldWarTwoFiction
#ChristianHistoricalFiction #BookBurning #BookWorms #BookLovers #RoseannaMWhite #TynedaleHouse #TheBookishPilgrim

The Collector of Burned Books is a stunning, beautiful read! As a fan of WWII fiction, I was deeply moved by the realistic and impactful characters.

Corrine’s caring and courageous nature makes her easy to connect with. Her initial feelings toward Christian are relatable, and their journey through history is both engaging and heartwarming. I was especially touched by Christian’s backstory.

This story is rich with depth and meaning, filled with moments that make you pause and reflect. The themes of hope, romance, healing, and faith are beautifully woven together, creating such a powerful narrative.

If you appreciate historical fiction that combines real history with depth, meaning, and emotion, this book is a must-read.

First Line: It was a parade for no one.
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Author: Roseanna M. White
Page Count: 368

#CoverLoverBookReview received a review copy of this book. Opinions are 100% my own.

I loved this book! The Collector of Burned Books contained so much to consider and discuss. I feel like it would be a great bookclub book.

Is there more than one way to stand up for your beliefs and be an activist? Should we hold others up to our standards and beliefs and force them on society? Is it always wise and effective to boldly and socially make a stand, or is there value in strength in quietly making a difference and protecting those you hold dear?

Corrine is a Parisian professor who is a member of a library that contains many of banned books. Christian is a German officer tasked with going through the books. These two seem at odds, yet Christian’s mercy and more forward way of thinking seems to be in contradiction with the role he has to play. As the book goes on secrets emerge, which bring these two closer together and closer to danger.

I loved how this book shows that there are so many different ways to be strong. I loved seeing the humanity in the people, who came from many different backgrounds. I loved the acts of courage, both quiet acts and more public acts. I have loved other books by this author, but this one was perhaps a new favorite for me.

📚 The Collector of Burned Books by Roseanna M. White

🔥 About This Book:
- Christian Historical Fiction
- World War II Novel
- Paris, 1940
- POV: Corinne and Christian
- Available July 15th, 2025
- She’s a French reader
- He’s a German professor
- They unite to protect banned books from destruction
- Parents Guide: kisses only, no swearing, mild violence and innuendos

📦 My Thoughts:
Love love loved this one! I’ve read many books by this author but this might be my favorite one so far! If you are a fan of World War II fiction, this one is a stand out. What an incredible story of two people coming together from opposite sides of World War II. It’s impossible not to cheer for these characters through all the obstacles they faced on a daily basis. I loved the beautiful themes revolving around books and ideas. With the perfect touch of romance, this was a page turning experience for me. I did not want to put it down!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Beautiful! I read this book in basically one day. I loved the insight into someone who joined the Nazis more by compulsion than they believe, and I loved that insight into the propaganda and literature and the influence that has on a nation and a people. Beautiful themes of free will, free thought, and what's at the heart of a nation, both France and also Germany, who also suffered in its own way. The romance was sweet and I loved how it all came together by the end without being cliché. On a faith observation, the characters are overtly Catholic and see the world through that perspective.

Definitely recommend this book!

I was enjoying this WWII story a great deal,but it seemed like a fairly typical story of this genre. Then chapter eleven changed everything, nothing was typical from that point forward. A story I was enjoying became a story that I absolutely couldn't put down.

In addition to being an enthralling story, The Collector of Burned Books is a story filled with wisdom centered around faith and the value of the written word. Just like the value of faith increases as one practices it, the value of the written word increases as one partakes of it, especially when one reads books that challenge one to think.

I am grateful that Roseanna M. White has given me food for thought that challenges me to extend mercy even when difficult, and when harsh justice might seem well-deserved. She also has motivated me to consider creating a more well-rounded to-be-read list. My thanks goes to Tyndale House Publishing for providing me with a complementary copy via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

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.