A Name Unknown - (Shadows Over England) by Roseanna M White (Paperback)

About the Book

Rosemary Gresham has no family beyond the thieves that have helped her survive on the streets of London. Pickpockets no longer, they've learned how to blend into high society and now work as thieves for hire. But when a client assigns Rosemary to determine whether a friend of the king is loyal to Britain or Germany, she's in for the challenge of a lifetime.

Book Synopsis

Edwardian Romance and History Gains a Twist of Suspense

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 concentrate on stealing high-value items and have learned how to blend into upper-class society. But when Rosemary must determine whether a certain wealthy gentleman is loyal to Britain or to Germany, she is in for the challenge of a lifetime. How does one steal a family's history, their very name?

Peter Holstein, given his family's German blood, writes his popular series of adventure novels under a pen name. With European politics boiling and his own neighbors suspicious of him, Peter debates whether it might be best to change his name for good. When Rosemary shows up at his door pretending to be a historian and offering to help him trace his family history, his question might be answered.

But as the two work together and Rosemary sees his gracious reaction to his neighbors' scornful attacks, she wonders if her assignment is going down the wrong path. Is it too late to help him prove that he's more than his name?

From the Back Cover

She's Out to Steal His Name. Will He Steal Her Heart Instead?

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.

Praise for Roseanna White

". . . the momentum and drama of a modern thriller and the charm and intrigue of an Edwardian upper-class romance . . ." --Booklist starred review of The Reluctant Duchess

"This conclusion to White's Downton-esque drama will delight readers and sadden fans who have grown attached to such engaging, lovable characters." Publishers Weekly starred review of A Lady Unrivaled

"White finishes her Ladies of the Manor series with flourishes of adrenaline, wit, and simmering heat, proving again her mastery of historical Christian romance." Booklist starred review of A Lady Unrivaled

"A spying thief, an embattled novelist, a library overflowing with books and White's exquisite talent? How could any self-respecting fan of historical fiction say no to that? Readers will be instantly captivated by Rosemary Gresham. . . . Peter Holstein is a complicated hero with a gracious heart, and their gradual romance is graced with moments of humor, as well as adventure and a sweet message of true worth."--RT Book Reviews Top Pick

"White's fans will no doubt enjoy this beginning of a new historical adventure."--Publishers Weekly

"Fans of Roseanna M. White seeking a summer historical romance will be delighted."--Library Journal

"In the first of White's new Shadows Over England series, she reprises her expertise in crafting strong and savvy female protagonists . . . .This novel thoughtfully examines the deeply personal journey of dismantling stereotypes."--Booklist

About the Author

Roseanna M. White pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna's fiction ranges from biblical fiction to American-set romances to her new British series. She lives with her family in West Virginia. Learn more at www.roseannamwhite.com.