It’s always an exciting day when the first copy of a book arrives in the mail. For A Name Unknown, that day came over a week ago–a shocking two months before release. Not only did it make my day, it was a complete surprise.
Some things are always just a bit different than expected when you hold the final copy in your hands. The back cover copy may have been tweaked slightly, for instance…
It’s a bit blurrier than I wanted in this image, but here’s what it says:
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 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 questions 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.
Then there’s the spine–I had no idea what that would look like, but I LOVE it. They used Big Ben’s clock tower for the series, and that London icon plays an especially important role in book 3 (which I’m writing now), so it’s awesome to see it there!
The editors at Bethany House always include a little note with the first copy as well. I have 4 of these cards now, and I always keep them in that book, put it on a shelf, and treasure it. My previous three cards were all written by Karen Schurrer, who has since retired from Bethany House. Dave Long is now my main editor, so this one had a new script, a new personality. So fun to see his well wishes and add them to my collection!
And then there are those interior pages. There’s nothing in the world like flipping through them in a bound book!
And there we have it. =) I’m so excited for the release of this book, which is SO much fun. I pray you guys all enjoy it!
I’ll be highlighting different aspects of the book in the weeks leading up to release. For now though, I just wanted to share some images from the very first, fresh-off-the-presses copy!
Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary.
I can't wait to read this!
I am SO excited for the release of this book. I adore your novels! This one sounds intriguing.
That dedication page honestly gave me tiny chills. It's a beautiful message.
I really am a fan! Especially the dedication page and how many " names" you have! And to think the Lord knows our name and names us HIS! Terrific , can't wait for my copy!
Simply lovely, Roseanna. How sweet for the editors to include a note. Thanks for giving us a glimpse into what it feels like to be a famous author. 😉
I am so happy for you. Looking forward to reading the story. 🙂