"A Name Unknown," by Roseanna M. White

"A Name Unknown," by Roseanna M. White

Rosemary Gresham has no family beyond the band of former urchins who helped her survive as a girl in the mean streets of London. Grown now, they are no longer pickpockets--instead they focus on high value items and have learned how to blend into upper-class society. Rosemary is beginning to question whether she can continue in this life when she's offered the challenge of a lifetime--determine whether a certain wealthy gentleman is loyal to Britain or to Germany. After all how does one steal a family's history, their very name?

As Europe moves ever closer to World War I, rumors swirl around Peter Holstein. Awkward and solitary, but with access to the king, many fear his influence. But Peter can't help his German last name and wants to prove his loyalty to the Crown--so he can go back to anonymously writing a series of popular adventure novels. When Rosemary arrives on his doorstep pretending to be a well-credentialed historian, Peter believes she's the right person to help him dig through his family's past.

When danger and suspicion continue to mount, both realize they're in a race against time to discover the truth--about Peter's past and about the undeniable attraction kindling between them.

This is the first book in the "Shadows Over England" series and what a good start to the series.  The background story of the main characters is very interesting and they keep you on your toes.  This book made you think and it's one of those books where you have to pay attention to what is happening to keep up with the story.

I admit to getting a bit lost at first, as something else in going on in a "sub-plot," and without giving it away, it will all make sense.  You must read the authors notes at the end of the book, they are very interesting and she tells you more about the reason for adding things to the story.  I have to say I love the authors imagination and how she put together this story.

Stars out of 5 : 4 1/2  The only reason I didn't give it a 5 was that I did get a bit lost with what was going on at one point, but did get back on course a few pages later.  This book does grab your attention and I am really looking forward to the next one in the series as I am guessing it will be just as interesting.  This is a must read, as you too will wonder how on earth she thought up this story.


"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".