"A Song Unheard" by Roseanna M. White

 


Willa Forsythe plays the violin by ear - but only to her friends and family. That's partially because her family is a collection of London orphans who have banded together to form a group of highy experienced thieves, and therefore secrecy is highly desirable. After her sister Rosemary's success in providing information for mysterious government contact Mr. V, the family is all set to lay aside petty thievery and focus on tasks that actually help Britain in The Great War. When Mr. V contacts Willa and asks her to retrieve a cypher key from famous violinist Lukas De Wilde, Willa can hardly believe it. She's admired Mr. De Wilde's work for so long and has even heard him play before! Now with both British and German agents seeking his deceased father's famous cypher, Willa is under scrutiny to find it and report back to Mr. V as quickly as she can without arousing suspicion.

After barely suriviving the German attack on his home, Lukas De Wilde finds himself in Wales with other Belgian refugees. Worried sick about his mother and sister, Lukas is determined to make it back and find them as soon as he is able. Meanwhile he must play with the refugee orchestra and raise funds to help those still in their war-torn country. 

When Lukas and Willa meet, he is captivated from the moment he allows her to play his Stradivarius. He can't believe someone with her talent has never had lessons and taught herself to read music. He would do anything to help her further her abilities, even though he knows that she will eclipse him if her proficiency becomes known. He's never met anyone more fascinating, or more guarded, or more determined to not to let their relationship develop a romantic side. 

While Willa cannot believe Lukas De Wilde has actually taken notice of her, she works hard to fulfill her job for Mr. V - and doubly hard to make sure her heart does not become entangled. She can't fall in love with Lukas, because romantic love has only caused people to abandon her. But she does care for him, and when it becomes clear that his life is in danger because of the secrets he carries with him, she's willing to risk her life to save his.

This is a wonderful story that will have readers racing through the pages. I thought the faith aspect was well done, showing both the power of redemption and the realistic reasons that Willa would hold God at arm's length. The adventure is exciting, and the history thoroughly researched. Another Roseanna M. White novel that I recommend for all history fans!

I received my copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.