A Name Unknown is an intriguing start to Roseanna M. White’s Shadows Over England series.   The author has a way with characters and an ability to entice the readers to enter their world. This story is set in the days leading up to and entering World War I. 

The female protagonist is Rosemary Gresham, an orphan, professional thief, and most recently, librarian.  The relationship between Rosemary and her employer Peter Holstein is endearing and sweet.  Romantics will find this worth their time and the ending is quite pleasing.  The exchange of notes between Rosemary and Peter is intriguing, because the author elects not to share each one verbatim.

Some interesting twists in the story make for some great drama and uncertainty.  Perhaps the biggest question is whom will Roseanna M. White select as the subject of her next novel.  Will those characters be equally intriguing?  This series is certainly off to a great start!

This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Bethany House Publishers

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  None 

Violence/Gore:  Report of a child kicked by an adult and trampled by a horse, not fatal; a person is shot with an arrow and blood flows from the wound; a couple of fist fights take place; report of a woman receiving bruises from her spouse; a character is kidnapped, gun shots are fired and characters are grabbed by others.

Sex/Nudity:  Non-married characters kiss and embrace; a few instances in which characters are called hussies and harlots.

Mature Subject Matter:

Death of parents, poverty, deception.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

Adults consume different alcohols and in some cases are drunk.