In 2024 I read significantly fewer books than I usually do. It turns out that moving slows your reading time, and so does starting a new relationship, getting engaged, and planning a wedding! It's been a busy year. 😉😍

Reading remains a joy, though, and I fit it in where I can. After surveying my completed titles in 2024, here are the five that rose to the top. They're arranged alphabetically by author's last name. You can click on any book to check out the title on Amazon.

Loyally Luke "Loyally, Luke" by Pepper Basham
This whole series was a blast, and in the finale of the trilogy handyman Luke, despiser of Hallmark movies, gets his own Hallmark-worthy romance when he falls in love with a woman he doesn't realize is an actual princess of the country of Skymar. Could he, a simple Appalachian, ever truly win the heart of European royalty?

Love in Tandem "Love in Tandem" by Becca Kinzer
How far would you go for charity? Would you go on a 500-mile tandem bike ride while faking a romantic relationship with your teammate, who also happens to be your former fiance's brother? I mean, really, what could go wrong in this scenario? Pretty much everything does go wrong, but Charlotte and Zach learn valuable lessons about life and faith along the way.

Rocky Road "Rocky Road" by Becky Wade
FBI agent Jude is as buttoned-up as they come. Serious. Guarded. But when he meets perfumer Gemma Clare and has to pose as her boyfriend for a case, everything about Jude starts coming undone. Gemma is a creative free spirit who also happens to be in more than a little danger. Protecting his heart might be even more difficult than completing the assignment.

The Rhythm of Fractured Grace "The Rhythm of Fractured Grace" by Amanda Wen
While the first three books on this list have all had their humorous side, this book's deep theme of redemption is not one to treat lightly. In this split-time novel, the historical storyline follows a woman who survived a scalping, while the contemporary storyline explores the topic of sexual abuse within the church. Deep subjects, beautiful writing, and God's grace on display in very tough situations.

A Noble Scheme "A Noble Scheme" by Roseanna M. White
Here's another book with forgiveness and relationships at its core. The Imposters are a group of social elites who moonlight as private investigators, but they are hiding secrets of their own. This book weaves intrigue, emotion, and faith in a compelling way as the Imposters seek to find a kidnapped child and restore relationships that have been broken.
An Honorable Deception
This post contains affiliate links - click here for more information.

This story gets off to an explosive start when a young gentlewoman is ambushed, shot, and left for dead. Thankfully, the private investigator she was meeting with, who is none other than Lord Yates Fairfax of the Imposters, is there to rescue Lady Alethia and take on the case to find her missing nanny. Who would want to silence Lady Alethia's quest to the point of attempting murder?

The Imposters are back in the third and final novel of this captivating series. Although the group's numbers have stayed small out of necessity to their identity a secret, some things are going to require letting others in. Lady Lavinia Hemming, longtime neighbor of the Fairfaxes with haunting secrets of her own, takes to private investigative work like a duck to water and quickly becomes a valuable member of the team.

While I appreciated the quick start to the novel, the middle lagged a bit until the pieces fell into place. Once the team grasps the full consequences of where Lady Altheia's missing nanny might be, it is then full steam ahead until the dramatic conclusion.

Although done with careful language and extreme grace, this story takes on what we would call today trafficking and grooming. As I said, it is handled very well, but this might be an issue some readers should be aware of.

It was great joy to reenter the world of the Imposters and catch up with these characters who have become friends. The love triangle trope is not my favorite, but I must say it's done quite intriguingly and I kept waffling in deciphering if Yates would choose Lady Alethia or Lady Lavinia. It worked out exactly as it was supposed to in the end.

If you're a fan of Roseanna's other series, you'll enjoy seeing familiar characters who make cameo appearances in this book. Overall, I would recommend this for all who enjoy historical romance with a side of suspense.

I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.


About the Author

Roseanna M. White

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling, 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. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

The Imposters, 3

In the trying art of balancing investigations and love, a detective must determine his priorities when faced with dangerous circumstances that could threaten everything he holds dear.

As the leader of the Imposters, an elite private investigative firm, Lord Yates Fairfax has made an art of concealing his identity. But when his newest client, the beautiful Lady Alethia Barremore, is shot while leaving their meeting, he throws caution to the wind and rushes to her air. Though Lady Alethia thought she was only looking for her missing former nanny, she has clearly stumbled upon something much more dangerous.

Lady Lavinia Hemming suspects her longtime friends hold more secrets than they're willing to admit, and when she stumbles upon the truth that they're the esteemed Imposters, she recruits herself into the firm. While she is happy for the distraction of an investigation, Lavinia's own family secrets continue to haunt her. And the one thing bringing laughter back into her life—her friendship with Yates—lands her squarely on the disagreeable side of her best friend: his sister.

Tormented by a past she doesn't dare voice aloud, Lady Alethia does what she can to help her handsome host, her new friends, and the investigators. But as clues lead them deeper into the dark side of society, Alethia, Yates, and Lavinia learn anew that the gentry isn't always noble . . . even as they fight to hold fast to their honor.
 
 
 A Noble Scheme
This post contains affiliate links - click here for more information.


Gemma Parks does not want to forgive Graham Wharton. That much is clear in the first book of the series, though we were left guessing the reason. Now, as Gemma and the other Imposters take a case to restore a kidnapped child to his family, she and Graham are forced to work closely together.

Graham wants to win Gemma back, but the priority has to be the missing boy. From one grand manor house to another, the whole group must rely on their training and their alter egos to solve the case before it's too late.

This story weaves from intrigue to emotion and back again. I'd heard that there was a twist that readers won't see coming, and that was definitely true for me. That makes the story go from interesting to compelling as you turn page after page to see how things will resolve. 

There's also a strong faith theme as characters ask tough questions and process grief. I thought this was perhaps the greatest faith theme Roseanna has woven into any of her novels, and it was extremely well-done.

I'd recommend A Noble Scheme for all fans of historical suspense, especially if you don't mind some emotion along the way.

I received my copy of the book from NetGalley. All thoughts in this review are my own.


About the Author

Roseanna M. White

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words 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. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

Follow RoseannaBlogFacebookPinterestInstagram, Twitter

About The Book

A Noble Scheme

A Noble Scheme
 
The Imposters, 2
1909

In the opulent and perilous world of high society's most elite—and most dangerous—families, two investigators must set aside their broken hearts to uncover the truth.

Gemma Parks is known to the London elite as G.M. Parker, a columnist renowned for her commentary on the cream of society. Behind the scenes, she uses her talents to aid the Imposters in their investigations by gathering intel at events and providing alibis for the firm's members through her columns. Yet her clandestine work would be more exhilarating if it weren't for the constant presence of the gentleman who broke her heart.

Graham Wharton has never had eyes for anyone but Gemma, and she left his heart in tatters when she walked away from him. When the Imposters take on a new job to recover a kidnapped boy mistaken for his aristocratic cousin, Graham is determined to use the time with Gemma to not only restore the missing boy, but to also win back the only woman he's ever loved. As they trace the clues laid out before them, Graham and Gemma must devise a noble scheme to save the boy's life and heal their hearts.
 
 
 

I read some really great books this year! Here are my ten favorites, separated by genre. Click any cover to visit the book's Amazon page.



"Positively, Penelope" by Pepper Basham

Penelope ventures across the ocean to help restore a 100-year-old family-owned theater. Along the way, the pure joy of her personality proves infectious, even in the face of difficulties.



"Memory Lane" by Becky Wade

Remy rescues a man suffering from amnesia. As she helps him find his memories, she fights to keep her own at bay.



"The Wind Blows in Sleeping Grass" by Katie Powner

Garbage truck driver Pete sees a side of people that most do not—and I'm not just talking about their trash. He sees beauty and value in others that may be overlooked by those not paying attention.



"Dear Henry, Love Edith" by Becca Kinzer

A mix-up leads Henry and Edith to share a house without ever having met. He thinks she's an elderly widow, and she thinks he's a nice little old man. Such a fun story!



"Wedding at Sea" by Melissa Tagg

Can two decades-old mysteries be solved? Can two people who have never gotten along plan a wedding for someone very dear to them?



"The Sound of Light" by Sarah Sundin

The Danish resistance during WWII takes center stage. A baron and a physicist must both decide what they will do to protect their country and save their friends.



"An Elegant Facade" by Kristi Ann Hunter

Lady Georgina has a closely-held secret. Colin is a businessman in a world of gentlemen who look down on honest work. Can they see past their dislikes of the other to find true depth of character?



"A Beautiful Disguise" by Roseanna M. White

Lady Marigold and her brother use the talents gained from their unusual upbringing to run a secret spy ring among highbrow society in Edwardian London.



"Kiss Me on Christmas" by Sarah Monzon

A single mom and her neurodivergent son travel for the holidays to help with a family wedding, and on the way they meet the boy’s favorite YouTuber, who happens to be the best man at the same wedding.



"This and Every Christmas" by Jaycee Weaver

One family's December 23rd tradition plays a pivotal role in their daughter's romance. Visit this one special day through the years to see the story unfold.

Find more Top Ten Tuesday posts at That Artsy Reader Girl.
A Beautiful Disguise
This post contains affiliate links - click here for more information.


If you like stories about spies and people with unexpected talents, you'll want to check out A Beautiful Disguise. Lady Marigold Fairfax and her brother had a most unusual upbringing, surrounded by circus entertainers, trained animals, and acrobats. After their father died and they realized their estate was almost penniless, Marigold and her brother put the unusual skills they had acquired to work and formed The Imposters—a group who can blend into any social scene and find out the secrets of the aristocracy.

When Sir Merritt Livingstone finds himself staring at puzzles that his own connections cannot solve, he reaches out to The Imposters. Are the threats to young officers really coming from those higher up in his own office of the War Department?

I liked Lady Marigold right away. She puts on a socialite front but she has so much depth that she doesn't let just anyone see. It's hard to balance being one of London's most sought-after guests but also the one who knows all her hosts' secrets. However, she finds herself wanting to show her true self where Sir Merritt is concerned, but how can she do that without risking the anonymity they've so carefully crafted?

There's good intrigue in the plot and a wonderful cast of characters who drive the story forward. Although I guessed some of the plot twists, others took me by surprise. I think all fans of this author will appreciate her blend of historical romance and suspense. I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series!

I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.


About the Author

Roseanna M. White

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words 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. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.


The Imposters, 1
1909

Left with an estate on the brink of bankruptcy after their father’s death, Lady Marigold Fairfax and her brother open a private investigation firm marketed to the elite . . . to spy on the elite. Dubbed The Imposters, Ltd., their anonymous group soon becomes the go-to for the crème of society when they want answers delivered surreptitiously. But the many secrets Marigold learns about her peers pale in comparison to her shock when she and her brother are hired to investigate her best friend’s father as a potential traitor.

Sir Merritt Livingstone has spent a decade serving the monarch in the most elite guard, but when pneumonia lands him behind a desk in the War Office Intelligence Division just as they’re creating a new secret intelligence branch, he’s intent on showing his worth. He suspects a man of leaking information to Germany as tensions mount between the two countries but needs someone to help him prove it, so he turns to The Imposters, Ltd. No one knows who they are, but their results are beyond compare.

Lady Marigold is determined to discover the truth for her friend’s sake, and she’s more determined still to keep her heart from getting involved with this enigmatic new client . . . who can’t possibly be as noble as he seems.
 
 
Yesterday's Tides
This post contains affiliate links - click here for more information.

I've never visited the Outer Banks of North Carolina, but Roseanna White has made them come alive here in her first dual timeline novel. Be ready to immerse yourself in both WWI and WWII and their effects on a small island on the American coastline.

When Evie Farrows finds a man washed ashore, she knows immediately that he's more than he seems. Who is he and why was he on a boat near their shore? 

Louisa Adair's beauty has always drawn attention, but Remington Culbreth seems to be captivated by her spirit as well as her appearance. As friendship grows, are they willing to break social norms and challenge centuries of tradition to be together?

This book captured my attention right away. I enjoyed all four point of view characters and felt invested in them. The setting is beautiful and makes me want to visit Ocracoke and the rest of the Outer Banks. Because there were overlying people and places in both timelines, it did get a little confusing at times, and I felt some plot points got a little convoluted, as it would have helped me as a reader to have things cleared up earlier. I loved the cameo appearances by characters from some of White's other series, and always smiled when they were on the page. 

I would recommend this book for fans of romantic split time historical fiction. Be ready to cheer for Evie, Sterling, Louisa, and Remington!

I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.


About the Author

Roseanna M. White

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words 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. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

Follow RoseannaBlogFacebookPinterestInstagram, Twitter

About The Book

Yesterday's Tides

Yesterday's Tides
 
In 1942, Evie Farrow is used to life on Ocracoke Island, where every day is the same—until the German U-boats haunting their waters begin to wreak havoc. And when special agent Sterling Bertrand is washed ashore at Evie's inn, her life is turned upside down. While Sterling's injuries keep him inn-board for weeks, making him even more anxious about the man he's tracking, he becomes increasingly intrigued by Evie, who seems to be hiding secrets of her own.

Decades earlier, in 1914, Englishman Remington Culbreth arrives at the Ocracoke Inn for the summer, but he doesn't count on falling in love with Louisa Adair, the innkeeper's daughter. When war breaks out in Europe, and their relationship is put in jeopardy, will their love survive?

As Evie and Sterling work to track down an elusive German agent, they unravel mysteries that go back a generation. The ripples from the Great War are still rocking their lives, and it seems yesterday's tides may sweep them all into danger again today.

Bestselling and award-winning author Roseanna M. White whisks you away to two periods fraught with peril in this sweeping and romantic dual-time tale.
 
 
Worthy of Legend
This post contains affiliate links - click here for more information.


Lady Emily Scofield has found a refuge among friends on the Isles of Scilly. Her friends don't hold the actions of her brother Nigel against her. They don't want her to conform to their whims the way her father does. If only her family loved her so well as this group we've gotten to know through the pages of The Secrets of the Isles series.

There is more treasure to be found. This time it's rumored that an artifact that once belonged to King Arthur himself has been hidden on the islands. Lord Telford has been captivated by Arthurian legend since he was a boy, which makes this quest all the more personal. As a self-proclaimed protector of weak and wounded creatures, he also can't help but see the needs in Lady Emily's life. Can he help her the way he does with furry creatures?

Lord Telford, Lady Emily, and the gang are not the only ones after this hidden treasure. Nigel is pursuing it just as doggedly, and without noble intention. Can they find it before he does? This series comes to an exciting and stormy ending which will satisfy every reader.

This was my favorite book of the series. I really enjoyed and in many ways empathized with Lady Emily as a heroine, and I loved Lord Telford's sensitivity as a friend and then growing into deeper affection and attraction. The theme of worthiness was beautifully woven in. I also felt like the cast of characters was easier to follow, like I finally got them all straight in my mind. Now they're sailing into the sunset with further adventures to live out in our imaginations.

I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.


About the Author

Roseanna M. White

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words 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. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

Follow Roseanna: Blog, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter

About The Book

To Treasure An Heiress

Worthy of Legend
The Secrets of the Isles, 3

1906
After a summer of successful pirate-treasure hunting, Lady Emily Scofield and her friends are forced to hide the unprecedented discoveries they’ve made, thanks to the betrayal of her own family. Horrified by her brother who stops at nothing to prove himself to their greedy father, Emily is forced to take a stand against her family—even when it means being cut off entirely.

Bram Sinclair, Earl of Telford, is fascinated with tales of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table—an interest he’s kept mostly hidden for the last decade. But when a diary is unearthed in the islands that could lead to a secret artifact, Bram is the only one able to piece the legends together.

As Bram and Emily seek out the whereabouts of the hidden artifact, they must dodge her eager family and a team of archeologists. In a race against time, they must decide what makes a hero worthy of legend—is it fighting valiantly to claim the treasure . . . or sacrificing everything in the name of selfless love?
 
 
Shadowed Loyalty
This post contains affiliate links - click here for more information.


Come along for the tale of a mafia family—where everything, including love, is more than it seems. When the man Sabina loves turns out to be an undercover Prohibition agent charged with bringing down her father, her heart nearly shatters under another loss. She's forced to turn to the one man she'd rather not ask for help—her fiancé.

This story is full of twists and turns, wounds and mendings. Lorenzo is determined to leave the tradition of his family and forge a new, honest life for himself, but can Sabina really leave the mafia lifestyle behind? If she found love in the arms of another man, why would she agree to continue their engagement and fulfill the future they once dreamed of together?

Roseanna wrote this story a dozen years ago, and I think the youth of it shows. I didn't agree with the way physical love was portrayed, and in the same vein did not appreciate that one character visits a prostitute multiple times for her services. I just felt like those things could have been handled differently. I also wish the setting was more vibrant. I've visited Chicago several times, and I understand it looks different now than it did in the 1920s, but I wish there had been more references to historical landmarks or even Lake Michigan.

There were many things the novel did well, and my favorite aspect involved family. Both Sabina and Lorenzo love their families very much, but their families (like most families!) have issues. Fortunately, not all of our families are in the mob! However, learning to leave behind any toxic or unhealthy family traits is something I feel many readers will identify with. Are we brave enough to embrace healthier approaches to life, or will we be stuck in what we've always known?

If you're interested in reading a book about a mafia family during the Prohibition Era, make sure to add Shadowed Loyalty to your To Be Read stack.

I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.


About the Author

Roseanna M. White

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words 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. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

Follow Roseanna: Blog, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter

About The Book

Shadowed Loyalty

Shadowed Loyalty

Sabina Mancari never questioned her life as the daughter of Chicago's leading mob boss until bullets tear apart her world and the man she thought she loved turns out to be an undercover Prohibition agent. Ambushes, bribes, murder, prostitution—all her life, her father sheltered her from his crimes, but now she can no longer turn away from the truth. Maybe Lorenzo, the fiancé who barely paid her any attention in the last two years, has the right idea by planning to escape their world. But can she truly turn her back on her family?

All his life, Lorenzo's family assumed he would become a priest, but he has different ideas—marrying Sabina and pursuing a career in the law. Despite his morals, he knows at the core he isn't so unlike his mafiosi father and brothers. Has he, in trying to protect Sabina, forced her into the arms of the Prohibition agent bent on tearing her family apart? How can they rebuild what has so long been neglected and do it in the shadow of the dark empire of the Mafia?

Shadowed Loyalty, set amid the glitz and scandal of the Roaring Twenties, examines what love really means and how we draw lines between family and our own convictions, especially when following one could mean losing the other.


To Treasure An Heiress 
This post contains affiliate links - click here for more information.


Beth Tremayne wants two things—to find lost pirate treasure, and to never see Lord Sheridan again. She's spent months tracking down clues to find the loot, and now who does this man think he is, trying to sweep in at the last moment and steal her prize?

Theo Howe, marquess of Sheridan, has always loved puzzles and unearthing beauty from centuries gone by. He might even be a distant relation of Prince Rupert of the Rhine, a prince who turned pirate. Tracking Rupert's treasure sounds like a lot of fun, especially with pretty Beth Tremayne driving him crazy along the way.

But Beth and Sheridan aren't the only ones looking for the treasure. And the more nefarious treasure seekers will stop at nothing to get their hands on Prince Rupert's lost bounty. 

This novel is full of twists and turns. Fans who enjoy a good dose of suspense alongside their historical romance will find this story irresistible. For me, there were a few too many things to keep track of, though I still liked being along for the journey. Sheridan in particular makes an intriguing hero. He's far from the dashing paradigm for Edwardian leading men, but he's all the more lovable for it. 

I hope you'll plan a literary trip to the Isles of Scilly to search for pirate treasure yourself. Like our characters, you might uncover some of life's real treasures along the way.

I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.


About the Author

Roseanna M. White

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words 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. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

Follow RoseannaBlogFacebookPinterestInstagram, Twitter

About The Book

To Treasure An Heiress

To Treasure An Heiress
the Secrets of the Isles, 2

1906
Beth Tremayne has always been drawn to adventure. During her childhood, she fed that desire by exploring every inch of the Isles of Scilly. As an adolescent, she dreamed of love in London’s ballrooms. Now, stumbling across an old map on her family’s property, she’s found more adventure than she ever dreamed in the hunt for pirate treasure. Unfortunately, Beth can’t escape the attentions of her family’s guest, Lord Sheridan.

Sheridan has spent years pursuing whatever archaeological interest caught his imagination. And when he discovers that Beth’s search connects with one of his favorite pirates of history, he can’t help getting involved. Plus, he finds her irresistible, even though she insists he stole a prized possession of hers.

As they work together following different clues and drawing closer to danger, they start to piece together a story of tragic love and piratical adventure. But the true surprise is the treasure they discover in one another.

 
The Nature of a Lady 
This post contains affiliate links - click here for more information.


Lady Elizabeth Sinclair takes refuge on the Isles of Scilly to escape the marriage prospects her brother is cooking up for her. At least that's what Libby thinks. The Isles of Scilly were recommended by her maid Mabena, and off they went to get away from Bram's machinations.

However, Mabena had another reason in mind for the trip. Her dearest friend has disappeared, and Mabena wants to track Beth's last movements and see if she can figure out what happened to her.

While Libby sketches local flora and makes friends among the islanders, Mabena begins a clandestine investigation. But when Libby is mistaken for Beth on multiple occasions, including receiving mysterious packages for the missing woman, Mabena has to confess the real reason she suggested they come to the islands. Libby and Mabena are drawn deeper into a web of age-old lore and secrets as they continue to search for Beth, and meanwhile local men seek to win the hearts of the visiting women.

This was such a fun story! So many great layers and absolutely wonderful characters. Who doesn't want a whimsically wise grandmother like Mamm-wynn? Or an utterly enchanted setting like the Isles of Scilly, complete with pirate and ghost stories? I also really loved the character development and the uniqueness of each person. I'd recommend this for all fans of historical romance, especially if you enjoy a good mystery along the way.

I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.

About the Author

Roseanna M. White

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words 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. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

Follow Roseanna: Blog, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter

About The Book

The Nature of a Lady

The Nature of a Lady
the Secrets of the Isles, 1

1906
Lady Elizabeth "Libby" Sinclair, with her love of microscopes and nature, isn't favored in society. She feels to the beautiful Isles of Scilly for the summer and stumbles into the dangerous secrets left behind by her holiday cottage's former occupant, also named Elizabeth, who mysteriously vanished.

Oliver Tremayne—gentleman and cleryman—is determined to discover what happened to his sister, and he's happy to accept the help of the girl now living in what should have been Beth's summer cottage ... especially when he realizes it's the curious young lady he met briefly two years ago, who shares his love of botany and biology. But the hunt for his sister involves far more than nature walks, and he can't quite believe all the secrets Beth had been keeping from him.

As Libby and Oliver work together, they find ancient legends, pirate wrecks, betrayal, and the most mysterious phenomenon of all: love.
Dreams of Savannah


Cordelia's fanciful imagination delights those around her. But with the War Between the States looming, she fears saying goodbye to Phineas Dunn, the man who has captured her heart. Will he return home safely? Do her ominous dreams hold any meaning in the real world?

Phin feels confident as he takes to the seas. Surely God will bless them as they protect their homes, their families. But hidden danger lurks, and aid may be found in a source he least expects.

I had a hard time getting into this novel. The characters are so blithe and naive at the beginning. However, both Cordelia and Phin go through challenges and grow tremendously as people, and the other point of view characters—Cordelia's slave Salina and a free black man named Luther—really helped draw me into the story.

The author tackles a lot of difficult subjects within these pages, slavery being the biggest one. I learned a lot about slave laws in Georgia which I had not known before. I think there is merit in having these discussions today, and I applaud White's willingness to tackle it. Although I personally found the moral discussions, about slavery or otherwise, a bit simplistic, I recognize that within the confines of a historical romance novel there is only so much room for deep conversation on such matters. This is a great starting point.

Overall, if you are interested in such discussions, or if you enjoy fiction set in the Civil War, you won't want to miss this newest release from a trusted author.

I received my copy of the book from the publisher. All thoughts in this review are my own.
A Portrait of Loyalty


The Codebreakers series wraps up here, after following Margot the math whiz in The Number of Love and Philip the disgraced pilot in On Wings of Devotion. Now our heroine is Lily, a young photography expert helping alter shots to leak to the enemy. Her father also works at the Old Admiralty Building, but Lily's mother has strict views against propaganda, so Lily has kept her official work a secret, covered up by her volunteer nursing shifts at Charing Cross Hospital.

Zivon Marin escaped war-torn Russia after losing his family and fiancee. A train wreck has separated him from his brother, his last living relative, and he wonders if he'll ever see Evgeni alive again. Despite their differing political beliefs, he longs for the love and connection they'd always shared. He has no regrets defecting to help the British, not after everything the Bolsheviks have taken from him.

Lily likes the new man around the office, but she sees the pain and scars he keeps buried deep inside. Can she help him see the beauty in life once more?

The final days of WWI play out across the pages, including the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918. I hadn't expected that to be part of the story, so it was quite a surprise, especially given all that has happened in our world here in 2020. We all understand about that a little more now than we would have if this book had released last year.

Overall, another fantastic novel from Roseanna M. White! I would recommend this for all fans of historical fiction.

I received my copy of the book from the publisher. All thoughts in this review are my own.
On Wings Of Devotion


Phillip Camden has become a national outcast. Known as Black Heart since the mission that killed his entire squadron, public outcry has been high for the military to give him the death penalty he likely deserves. Instead he's been whisked away to the mysterious Room 40 in the Old Admiralty Building, where he works on deciphering coded messages from the enemy.

While the other nurses flock to the window each day when the handsome Black Heart walks by the hospital, Arabelle Denler doesn't go to gawk at the mysterious man. She goes to pray for his wounded soul. When family circumstances entangle Arabelle and Phillip for the foreseeable future, she finds not only the hurt she was expecting, but also a strong loyalty and hidden depths.

Figuring his days are numbered, Phillip is trying to right what wrongs he can, as well as keep dark secrets from coming to light. Things become much more interesting when an old flame begins coming around. What is she doing here in London? Could she have had something to do with the deaths of his men?

I love reading stories about wounded characters, and Phillip hits all the right notes for me. He's tortured but not beyond redemption. Arabelle is strong, compassionate, and devoted to the Lord. A heroine truly worthy of admiration. Knowing she can't save Phillip, she does her best to befriend him and point him to the One who can. 

This is a lovely addition to Roseanna M. White's WWI Codebreakers series. I had a hard time getting into the scenes with the point of view of Dee, the German spy. I didn't feel like they were necessary. But many people love it when a villain gets to have a voice. That was my only complaint on an otherwise fantastic story. Looking forward to the final book in this series in a few months!

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

Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for The Number of Love by Roseanna M. White with JustRead Publicity Tours! Follow along with the tour for a special inside peek at how The Number of Love is connected to the author's previous book from another series, A Song Unheard. Scroll down for a fun giveaway!




Margot De Wilde has been given an amazing gift with numbers. They're how she thinks, how she prays, how she feels her emotions. With The Great War in full force, Margot's talents are being put to use as a codebreaker in Room 40 - the central hub of British intelligence.

Out in the field, agent Drake Elton is on mission to patrol neutral Spain and keep the Germans from using these peaceful cities and ports for their own gain. He can't get the girl with stunning dark eyes out of his mind, the one he met on his last trip home and who has now befriended his sister. 

Through much danger and intrigue, Margot and Drake work with their respective abilities to help in the war effort. A colorful cast of side characters - including some actual historical figures - help this tale sing as it churns from one exciting event to another.

One thing that bothered me was there was a lot of cursing in this book. Nothing spelled out, but "he cursed" or something along the lines of "he used words her mother would never have wanted her to hear." I understand this is a war novel with a high-stakes plot, but it's my personal opinion that including these bits does not add anything to Christian fiction. Other than that, I found this to be an exciting read which easily kept me glued to the pages. The spiritual threads are strong and well-done.

I'd recommend this book for all who enjoy Roseanna M. White's stories or historical suspense in general. Although there are plenty of callbacks to Margot's introduction in A Song Unheard, this book works as a standalone and is the beginning of a separate series. I can't wait for Book 2, On Wings Of Devotion, to arrive early next year!

I received my copy of this book from JustRead Publicity Tours. All opinions in this review are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Number of Love
Series: Codebreakers #1
Author: Roseanna M. White
Publisher: Bethany House
Release Date: June 4, 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance/Intrigue

Three years into the Great War, England’s greatest asset is their intelligence network—field agents risking their lives to gather information, and codebreakers able to crack every German telegram. Margot De Wilde thrives in the environment of the secretive Room 40, where she spends her days deciphering intercepted messages. But when her world is turned upside down by an unexpected loss, for the first time in her life numbers aren’t enough.

Drake Elton returns wounded from the field, followed by an enemy that just won’t give up. He’s smitten quickly by the too-intelligent Margot, but how to convince a girl who lives entirely in her mind that sometimes life’s answers lie in the heart?

Amidst biological warfare, encrypted letters, and a German spy who wants to destroy not just them, but others they love, Margot and Drake will have to work together to save them all from the very secrets that brought them together.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | ChristianBook



Title:
A Song Unheard
Series: Shadows Over England #2
Author:
Roseanna M. White
Publisher: Bethany House
Release Date: January 2, 2018
Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance/Intrigue

Willa Forsythe is both a violin prodigy and top-notch thief, which make 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 in 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.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | ChristianBook

*This post contains affiliate links - click here for more information.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR



Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated 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.

CONNECT WITH ROSEANNA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram


TOUR GIVEAWAY

Grand Prize: Shadows Over England series, The Number of Love, and the Decrypto board game, plus "Mi Alma" necklace (Necklace is 24" chain with a 1" pendant that says "Mi Alma" Spanish for "My Soul". A term of endearment used throughout the book. Handmade by Bookworm Mama)

(3) additional winners of The Number of Love.

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight June 3, 2019 and last through 11:59 pm June 17, 2019. US only. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!


cropped-justread-logo.png
Stray Drop of Blood 


I have so enjoyed Roseanna M. White's recent releases that I've slowly been making my way through her earlier works. I was not entirely sure what to expect with "A Stray Drop of Blood," but that was okay - once I got into the novel, every time I thought I had figured out what would happen next I was always wrong! That's some strong storytelling right there.

Our heroine is Abigail, a young Hebrew slave who lives in Jerusalem. Her mistress is also Hebrew, while the master is a Roman soldier who believes in the One True God. Despite being a slave, Abigail is treated more like a daughter, loved and educated throughout her upbringing.

Things shift drastically when the master's son Jason returns from Rome, having been away for several years. Seeing Abigail's beauty, he believes he must have her for himself, no matter the cost to Abigail or his parents.

Tensions run high in Jerusalem as the words of the teacher Jesus are much reported, and Barabbas wreaks havoc in the streets as he leads an uprising. From the fateful Passover day that changed the course of the world to the beginning of the church in Rome, Abigail's tumultuous journey will keep you glued to the pages.

This book does not shy away from the debauchery of the times, so I would not recommend it for readers under 18 years of age. If sexual assault or abuse is a trigger I would also caution readers to look elsewhere. For a technical note on the writing, I found the vast number of point of view characters to be a different approach. In general I do not prefer to have so many come and go, though it helped with the suspense of never knowing which direction this story would turn. Overall this book was quite reminiscent of a classic story I loved as a teenager: "The Robe" by Lloyd C. Douglas. I would recommend "A Stray Drop of Blood" for adult readers who enjoy Biblical fiction or looking into life as it might have been at the time of Jesus.
 Historical fiction is my favorite genre, so which books claimed favorite of the favorite status?

Daring Venture

A Daring Venture by Elizabeth Camden

In 1908 there are not many female biochemists, and none are catching more attention than Dr. Rosalind Werner as she seeks to prove that chlorine is safe for water treatment. You'll never read a more suspenseful or romantic book on eradicating waterborne diseases!


More Than Meets the Eye

More Than Meets The Eye by Karen Witemeyer

Logan Fowler is bent on getting revenge, until he meets gentle Evangeline Hamilton, whose mismatched eyes have made her a social outcast. How could he destroy her brother when he wants to protect this sweet young woman?


An Hour Unspent

An Hour Unspent by Roseanna M. White

Barclay Pearce is a fiercely loyal older brother and a reformed thief now working to help the British government during World War I. He's not going to let anything stop him from doing what he thinks is right... even if the woman he loves walks away from him.


We first fell in love with London's premier family of thieves in A Name Unknown, and continued following their adventures in A Song Unheard. Now oldest brother Barclay finally gets his turn to star on the pages, and he cuts quite a dashing figure as he tries to help Mr. V and the Admiralty with anything they need while the Great War rages.

Barclay has worked hard to build their family - a collection of orphans who have banded together to escape life on the streets. He is fiercely protective of each one of them, and even though he's now reformed from his life of stealing to earn bread, there is still an element of his background coming into play in his honest work for the British government. Barclay is assigned to attain the design of a gear that is being developed by a local clockmaker, and Barclay approaches him with honesty rather than the subterfuge that would once have marked his steps.

The clockmaker's daughter, Evelina Manning, has tried hard to fight for her independence, both personally with her recovery from a childhood bout of polio, and also politically as an active suffragette. She is passionate about issues close to her heart. Her world receives a serious setback, however, when her fiancee breaks their engagement and enlists in the war. She was on the cusp of attaining a higher place in society to better proclaim her social ideals, but now she's relegated to being at the mercy of her demanding mother and aunt once again.

Evelina's spark draws Barclay towards her, and for her part, the alluring and somewhat mysterious Barclay makes an excellent diversion from her current unpleasant reality. His family is also highly intriguing. Their friendship will be tested as it becomes apparent that the Admiralty isn't the only one interested in Mr. Manning's gear, and German zeppelins begin their bombing raids over London. It's a dangerous time to live and love, and Roseanna M. White brings it to life beautifully in this engrossing story.

I loved Barclay. His all-out passion for his siblings is something I understand, as well as his lonely musing about romance: "Maybe... Barclay [was] destined to spend his life with children aplenty but no wife by his side to care for them." As a sister and a teacher, that's a sentiment I relate to! I thoroughly enjoyed his story, and I hope Roseanna decides to write another series about this unusual family - there are enough of them to carry us readers through for quite a while!

I received my copy of the book from the publisher. All thoughts in this review are my own.
 A Song Unheard


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.
 a woman in a mask


If you have read Roseanna M. White's "Ring of Secrets," you won't want to miss this follow-up novella that tells us the rest of Isaac Fairchild's story. When last we saw him he had lost his suit to win the hand of Winter Reeves, but now it is 1789 and Isaac is back in his native Europe. Agreeing to a special task, Isaac travels to France to search for a friend's wife and daughter.

Julienne has captivated the French court at Versailles, and has been receiving particular attention from Remi, a crafty courtier who has been promising soon to make Julienne his wife. Julienne knows Remi is dangerous and has no desire to marry him, but she has no idea how to escape his grasp. When she meets someone at a masquerade it seems as if there might still be reason to hope for faith and goodness in the world. But who is he? Will she ever see him again?

Isaac must find a way to reveal not only his own identity to Julienne, but also the fact that hers is not what she has been led to believe. It will be a precipitous path to get out of Versailles and Remi's clutches, but first she must believe him.

This is a nice companion book to White's Culper Ring series, though not a story I would recommend on its own. I can't wait to read the next book in the set!
 


Winter Reeves wants to do something for the cause during the Revolutionary War. Her friend Robbie Townsend is a part of George Washington's spy network, known as the Culper Ring, and Winter keeps her ear to the ground as she is courted by a British officer. She pretends to be a feather-brained socialite to appease her grandparents and throw off all suspicion that she could be involved in the Patriot cause.

New to the city of New York, Bennet Lane has arrived with the express purpose of finding members of the Culper Ring. When his path crosses with that of Winter, he can tell that there is more to the lovely young woman than what meets the eye. While others laugh at him for paying court to someone known for her simple mind, he is willing to wait for the real Winter to reveal herself.

Not only does Winter face danger if it is discovered that she is involved in espionage, her grandparents are harsh and unrelenting in wanting her to secure the best marriage possible. They are pushing her towards Mr. Lane, but even though Winter enjoys his company, she fears he sees too much and that his Loyalist ties might prevent any true happiness from arising between them.

I enjoyed this quite a bit! There are shades of The Scarlet Pimpernel, and the historical accuracy is strong and interesting. There are a fair number of real historical characters scattered throughout, including Winter's friend Robbie Townsend. I look forward to reading more in this series!

Profile

reviewsbyerin

June 2025

S M T W T F S
1 234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
2930     

Syndicate

RSS Atom

Most Popular Tags

Style Credit

Expand Cut Tags

No cut tags
Page generated Jun. 11th, 2025 10:41 am
Powered by Dreamwidth Studios