Two Reviews Today!
First
up – Kim!
This series is so so good! I’m hard pressed to pick a favorite.
While this is the third story in the series, it can be read as a
stand-alone. But, it is so worth it to read them all because you get a
real sense of who these characters are, and how they all band together to form
a unit. Such an interesting premise for these books!
I’ve been wanting to read Barclay’s story since book one. What a
unique and great character. Barclay is such a kind-hearted, giving, caring
person! He’s so good to so many, even those who don’t really deserve it.
Lina took a little bit for me to warm up to, but when she -oops
- spoilers! Let’s just say she did something to Barclay and I knew she was
meant for him. Their romance was so natural and smooth. They are just meant to
be together. Although, right around page 300, I was...well...let’s just say my
heart was breaking!
This story has it all - romance, danger, mystery, family - some
wonderful and some not so wonderful- and God sprinkled throughout. I loved
these lines after Barclay has just finished praying: “The weight on him wasn’t
any lighter. And yet, somehow, it wasn’t quite so heavy. The burden still
weighed, but it was as if another shoulder had come alongside his under it.
That, he’d come to realize, was how the Lord worked. At least for him. He
didn’t remove the bad- He just lent him the strength to face it.”
This is one of my favorite series and because of it, Roseanna is
now one of my auto buy authors. You must add this series to your TBR
pile!
*I purchased this book and was under no obligation to review, nor provide a positive review.
*I purchased this book and was under no obligation to review, nor provide a positive review.
AND NOW WINNIE!
The
third and final book in the Shadows Over England series, An Hour Unspent, was
an absolute pleasure to read. I had been looking forward to Barclay Pearce’s
story and was not disappointed. White is a master at developing unique, vividly
drawn, and emotionally layered characters, and Barclay and his patchwork
“family” of orphans are so endearing and lovable that I couldn’t help falling
in love with them. Barclay is so tender and protective of his family and always
willing to take on additional members and duties as needed. Evelina is an
independent and spunky heroine who is taken aback by Barclay’s “family” but
seems to quickly fit right in.
I’m
always so impressed with White’s ability to pack a lot of history and
background into her stories. That she has done her research is readily
apparent. I enjoyed learning more about London during WWI and what conditions
were like for the residents there. For a riveting and fascinating read brimming
with intrigue, suspense, and romance with elements of faith woven in, grab this
book. Better yet, read the whole series. Although this is a stand-alone book
and can be read by itself, you’ll want to read all three books to get the whole
background build-up.
The
covers of the books in this series are absolutely gorgeous. They complement the
stories so perfectly. I would recommend this book and series to those who enjoy
historical fiction at its finest. I’m looking forward to more of this author’s
stories.
*I
voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are
my own.
Back Cover Blurb:
Once London's top thief, Barclay Pearce has turned his back on his life of crime and now uses his skills for a nation at war. But not until he rescues a clockmaker's daughter from a mugging does he begin to wonder what his future might hold.
Evelina Manning has constantly fought for independence, but she certainly never meant for it to inspire her fiancé to end the engagement and enlist in the army. When the intriguing man who saved her returns to the Manning residence to study clockwork repair with her father, she can't help being interested. But she soon learns that nothing with Barclay Pearce is as simple as it seems.
As 1915 England plunges ever deeper into war, the work of an ingenious clockmaker may give England an unbeatable military edge--and Germany realizes it as well. Evelina's father soon finds his whole family in danger--and it may just take a reformed thief to steal the time they need to escape.
Available in paperback, hardcover, digital ebook and audiobook:
Goodness, I've heard so much about Barkley that I'm convinced he'll be on some 'book boyfriends' list by the end of the year. Thanks so much for reviewing, ladies! I agree. There's so much going on in a Roseanna White story that they should please readers of historical fiction, mysteries AND romance!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Debra! It's such a fabulous series! I love Roseanna's writing!
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