Description
If Betraying Her Heart Means Saving Countless Lives,
Will She Find the Courage?
Willa Forsythe is both a violin prodigy and top-notch thief, which makes her the perfect choice for a crucial task at the outset of World War I–to steal a cypher from a famous violinist currently in Wales.
Lukas De Wilde has enjoyed the life of fame he’s won–until now, when being recognized nearly gets him killed. Everyone wants the key to his father’s work as a cryptologist. And Lukas fears that his mother and sister, who have vanished in the wake of the German invasion of Belgium, will pay the price. The only light he finds is meeting the intriguing Willa Forsythe.
But danger presses in from every side, and Willa knows what Lukas doesn’t–that she must betray him and find that cypher, or her own family will pay the price as surely as his has.
Book 2 in the Shadows Over England Series
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.
Teresa R. –
Another fabulously woven story in the Shadows Over England series. I love how White’s characters are so dimensional and textured, their stories at once complicated but relate-able. This story tenderly illustrates how broken we are without Christ, and how faithfully God makes all things beautiful.
Laura Mortimer –
Roseanna M. White is A-MAZING! Each of her novels seems to be written from a new voice and writing style; she uses her research to re-create a great story and unique voice within each novel. (Once you’ve read a couple of her books, you’ll understand my amazement at her variety!) If you see her name on a book, pick it up!
“A Song Unheard” is the second book in her Shadows Over England series and within several page turns, it is hard to not get swept into the time period and intrigue of the characters and keep reading! Willa has a rough history and her story now becomes entwined with Lukas, another talented violinist, who has his own secrets. Step back into a fantastic World War I story and fall in love with this talented author! (Also, don’t forget to pre-order “An Hour Unspent,” the third book in the series! I don’t want to leave these characters, but I cannot wait for the next part of the story either.)
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Austin Ryan –
I fell in love with Lukas DeWilde from the start, even if Willa didn’t. His concern for his family, his love of music, his fascination with Willa. I loved all of it. And I know Willa. Because she’s like me in so many ways. Their story is beautiful.
I really enjoyed the scenes from Margot’s point of view. Usually I get annoyed when having to look away from the main characters, but Margot was seamless. Every word of her internal dialogue is so much like her, and nothing like anyone else. I love her relationship with numbers, her number-prayers, her love of order, and the God who ordained it so.
I have finished most of Roseanna M. White’s books at 3 am, despite various mature resolves to go to bed at 10 pm. I have never finished a book of hers and not felt dejected at saying goodbye to the story, and the friends I made in it. But this book? This book, is her best yet.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Melissa Henderson –
A beautifully written story full of mystery and excitement. I could hear the music, feel the danger in the air and even held my breath at times wondering what would be the outcome. The characters are well defined and the story engaged me from the first page. I was given a free copy of this book from the publisher and author and this is my personal opinion
Sharon Timmer –
WOW – when I read A Name Unknown ( the first book in the Shadows over England) series I was blown away by Rosie’s story. Willa is introduced as Rosie’s “sister” in the first book so I am glad I read it first. It also gives you a little more background on their “family”.
To be honest I really wasn’t that fond of Willa in the first book, but I came to love her in this one as more of her background is revealed, and as she shows that she has a soft side – especially where one certain handsome violinist named Lukas is concerned.
Lukas is smitten right away with Willa but it will take more than letting her play his violin to win her heart!
This series is unlike anything I have ever read, and I can’t wait to read Barclay’s story in the 3rd book in this series: An Hour Unspent. It sounds like it promises to be just as good or even better than the first 2 in this series!
Thank you to the publisher who provided a review copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review, and the opinions expressed are honest, and my own.
Lynda E. –
This novel is set during WWI, a period that I haven’t read a lot about. But White does an excellent job of placing the reader firmly within that time in history with details incorporated into the setting and dialogue, as well as using key differences to highlight how many decisions people made at this time were literally about life and death. Modern conveniences we take for granted are absent, leaving gaping holes in communication, for example. How could you possibly reach a loved one with no phone to do so–how do you even know they are still alive? This creates characters who are simultaneously different from us, and yet quite similar in ways that matter even more: family, struggle, loss, and faith give us commonality.
I love how this particular story gives us characters with very unique abilities. From our heroine who plays the violin by ear to those with crazy math abilities that give them an advantage in developing or deciphering code, the insight into a mind much different than my own is fascinating. Perhaps the best part of the character development, however, is how these people are also shown as fallible human beings, who despite their incredible skills, are as flawed as the rest of us.
The spiritual component is well-written, too. Both the main characters begin the book as skeptics, despite those who have poured into their lives before the opening lines. Moments of sharing lead to contemplation, often followed by unbelief tempered with respect for the other viewpoint. The resistance seems natural, but along the way, the desire to trust in the same God who provides the only solid ground in the war-torn world becomes irresistible and a beautiful picture of both surrender and profound blessing.
As always, White expertly crafts her novel in layers of mystery, plot, complex characters, and a thoroughly researched historical setting. Add in a great romance and a touch of humor to keep things from getting too heavy, and this book is the best I have read so far this year—and I imagine it will be very difficult to budge from that top spot! I highly recommend it for those with an interest in World War I, violins, codes, or simply those who love a fantastic story!
Thank you to the author and publisher, who provided a review copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable one and the opinions expressed are both honest and my own.
Trisha Robertson –
Words and music come together in a delightful symphony of exhilaration and vivacity. Every page sang with the sweet melody of music and words in perfect blended harmony.
From humble beginnings, our heroine Willa has endured heartache. Willa’s discovery of an old discarded violin, and her natural talent for music has been her solace. Her history has shaped her into the person she is today, but will she be able to break through the walls she has built to let love find a home in her heart?
Lukas is handsome, and charming. An accomplished musician and ladies man. He’s enjoyed fame and fortune. Until his world comes crashing down and he is separated from his family by War.
This story has it all, mystery, intrigue, drama, a touch of romance, growing faith, and characters that you can’t help but cheer for. I enthusiastically give this book 5 stars. To say that I am eagerly anticipating reading the next story in this series almost seems like an understatement; tomorrow wouldn’t be soon enough!
(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
Rachel Dixon –
Roseanna’s books continue to completely blow my mind! Filled with so much heart-wrenching, heart-stopping, heart-melting events that it literally takes DAYS to recover. My poor heart can’t handle any more at the moment. That being said…YOU NEED TO READ THIS SERIES!!! (Start with Book One, A Name Unknown) Set during the beginning of World War I we see a different side of the war than what we may be used to. The Belgium Orchestra Relief Fund…Based in Wales. So.Much.Music! I LOVE it!!!
One of the aspects of this story that struck me in the heart, is the fact that God KNOWS us. And He will speak to us in a unique and individual way that will grip our heart and MEAN SOMETHING to us. For me personally, God uses books, songs, art, and dance…pretty much anything in the ‘arts’…to speak life and truth into my life. For Willa…well…you will have to wait and see.
Lukas and Willa create the perfect romantic tension and reminds us that no one is beyond saving. I absolutely adore Margot (Lukas’s sister) and am so glad that we also get to see this story from her perspective in Brussels. Her brilliant mind and unique gift for “puzzles” adds a whole different layer to the story. It just goes to show, that when God has given us a gift, there are numerous ways that we can use it to help others and glorify Him.
If you love romance, mystery, history, and have a soft spot for music…You will fall in love with Lukas, Margot, and Willa and her “family” in a heartbeat.
I received a complimentary copy of A Song Unheard from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.