Showing posts with label Edwardian era. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Edwardian era. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 1, 2017

Book Review: A Name Unknown by Roseanna M. White


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Title: A Name Unknown

Author: Roseanna M. White

Series: Shadows over England #1

Genre: Historical

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

Edwardian Romance and History Gains a Twist of Suspense

Rosemary Gresham has no family beyond the band of former urchins that helped her survive as a girl in the mean streets of London. Grown now, they concentrate on stealing high-value items and have learned how to blend into upper-class society. But when Rosemary must determine whether a certain wealthy gentleman is loyal to Britain or to Germany, she is in for the challenge of a lifetime. How does one steal a family's history, their very name?

Peter Holstein, given his family's German blood, writes his popular series of adventure novels under a pen name. With European politics boiling and his own neighbors suspicious of him, Peter debates whether it might be best to change his name for good. When Rosemary shows up at his door pretending to be a historian and offering to help him trace his family history, his question might be answered. 

But as the two work together and Rosemary sees his gracious reaction to his neighbors' scornful attacks, she wonders if her assignment is going down the wrong path. Is it too late to help him prove that he's more than his name?

~ MY REVIEW ~
**5 stars**

Oh my goodness, gracious! I'm crying...

Roseanna M. White is one of my new favorite authors, I think. She pens historical fiction with such grace and unique-ness. A Name Unknown, book one in the SHADOWS OVER ENGLAND series, is an interesting, humorous, and heart-touching tale - with a nice amount of suspense.

Set in the Edwardian era, this novel follows the adventure of Rosemary Gresham, who's been a thief nearly all her life. In order to care for her mismatched family, she must prove that Peter Holstein is guilty. She must uncover his secrets and steal his good name.
... But what happens when he proves a friend? When happens if he steals her heart?

A Name Unknown was a thick book, a little slow at points. But ultimately, so lovely! Rosemary is posing as a librarian. Peter is a novelist. It's simply grand. ^_^ I loved watching their friendship develop and grow. Laughing with them in their banter. Learning to trust. To love. To have faith.
Peter is a completely endearing character. His stutter and how he deals with it makes him both admirable and sweet. He has a tender strength that I adore. He isn't perfect by any means, but he is a godly man with a heart that is true. Watching a studious, gentlemanly, dear man such as himself fall for the broken thief that is Rosemary was utterly precious. *smiles*
And Rosemary! I quite liked her. And had such a grand time with her on this adventure. The lessons. The growing. The danger and drama. Rosemary is a feisty thing, but ultimately longs for what we all long for - love.
Her family. ^_^ I believe the second book in this series is to be about Rosemary's "sister", Willa, and I'm ever so excited for that!

It was just a well-done book! Had me guessing and wondering. Chills prickling over my skin because of the nefarious characters lurking around. Trying to figure out how this could work out alright. Loving journeying with these lovely people, even as World War I looms on the horizon. And THAT ENDING. It all came to a conclusion so dramatically, beautifully, and sweetly. And I just wanted to cry. *happy tears* It made my heart ache in a sweet way. Oh, such a tender tale of faith and love.
A Name Unknown was a wonderful book, all around, but the ending truly made it for me. I eagerly await the next book in the SHADOWS OVER ENGLANDA Song Unheard!

I received a copy of A Name Unknown from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for my honest review.

Learn more about Litfuse Publicity and A Name Unknown on the Litfuse Publicity group site.

Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Book Review: Shine Like the Dawn by Carrie Turansky


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Title: Shine Like the Dawn

Author: Carrie Turansky

Series: Standalone

Genre: Historical (Edwardian era)

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

In a quiet corner of northern Edwardian England, Margaret Lounsbury diligently works in her grandmother's millinery shop, making hats and caring for her young sister. Several years earlier, a terrible event shattered their idyllic family life and their future prospects. Maggie is resilient and will do what she must to protect her sister Violet. Still, the loss of her parents weighs heavily on her heart as she begins to wonder if what happened that day on the lake ... might not have been an accident.

When wealthy inventor and industrialist William Harcourt dies, his son and Maggie's estranged childhood friend, Nathaniel, returns from his time in the Royal Navy and inherits his father's vast estate, Morningside Manor. He also assumes partial control of his father's engineering company and the duty of repaying an old debt to the Lounsbury family. But years of separation between Nate and Maggie have taken a toll, and Maggie struggles to trust her old friend.

Can Maggie let go of the resentment that keeps her from forgiving Nate - and reconciling with God? Will the search for the truth about her parents' death draw the two friends closer or leave them both with broken hearts?

~ MY REVIEW ~
**4 stars**

Shine Like the Dawn was such a lovely story, set in the Edwardian era, with a little romance and just a dash of mystery and suspense. The faith themes were utterly beautiful - challenging and uplifting, with depth and sincerity. I love novels where the characters are on a journey closer to God, because I can relate to that!

Speaking of characters, both Maggie and Nate were wonderful; with unique personalities, strengths, and weaknesses. It was amazing and satisfying to see them grow in character and learn about humility and forgiveness. I loved the secondary character, Maggie's grandmother! She had such wisdom to share. It was also interesting to peek into Clara's life. I think author Carrie Turansky did a lovely job with these characters and their backstories and personal struggles. But, to be honest, I believe Nathaniel Harcourt was definitely my favorite! *smiles* I just love how he is such a man of God! He does have his faults, but he actively seeks the Lord.

The romance was very sweet and gentle. A couple brief kisses are exchanged in the end ... I adore how they were waited for! Carrie Turansky unfolded this love story beautifully; her characters actually thought in depth and put up boundaries (physically and emotionally) instead of just getting caught up in a whirlwind of romantic feelings and going where it took them. It was so very meaningful to me. ^_^

Shine Like the Dawn deals with tragedy, and some parts were a little hard to read. But in this story comes healing and hope. It is truly a beautiful journey of faith.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this new novel from Carrie Turansky! She puts heart and hope and light in her stories, and I greatly look forward to reading more!