Title: A Song Unheard
Author: Roseanna M. White
First published January 1, 2018
416 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780764219276 (ISBN10: 0764219278)
Rating: 4.45
Overview
In the midst of World War II, a young woman named Elizabeth Huntingdon is recruited by the British intelligence agency to steal a codebook from a renowned composer residing in Switzerland. Elizabeth, a talented pianist and a skilled thief, accepts the mission, unaware of the danger that lies ahead.
Meanwhile, Lukas De Wilde, a Dutch resistance fighter, is on a mission to rescue his family from the clutches of the Gestapo. When Elizabeth and Lukas cross paths, they find solace in each other’s company.
However, they soon realize that their secrets could lead to their downfall. With time running out, Elizabeth must choose between completing her mission and saving Lukas and his family.
About the Author
Meet Roseanna M. White, a successful author who has been nominated for the Christy Award.
Writing is not just a job to her; it’s an essential part of her identity. When she’s not crafting captivating stories, she’s busy homeschooling her children, editing, designing book covers, and hoping that her house will magically clean itself.
Roseanna has authored a variety of historical novels set across different continents and time periods. Her books often feature spies, war, and chaos to contrast with her own peaceful, everyday life.
She resides with her family in the breathtaking mountains of West Virginia. To learn more about Roseanna and her work, visit her website.
Editoral Review
In her latest novel, A Song Unheard, author Roseanna M. White continues to prove herself as a master storyteller in the Christian historical fiction genre.
Published on January 1, 2018, the novel is the second installment in White’s Shadows Over England series, following the lives of a group of London’s pickpockets in the early years of World War I. Set in 1914, A Song Unheard centers around orphaned violin prodigy Willa Forsythe, who finds herself caught in the middle of a dangerous spy mission for the British government.
With the promise of a large sum of money, Willa is recruited by the mysterious Mr. V. to steal a cypher key from a wealthy Belgian family, who may unknowingly hold the key to British military secrets.
But when Willa arrives at her target’s home, she discovers not only a loving family, but a compassionate stranger named Lukas De Wilde, himself a pianist and composer from Belgium. Lukas offers Willa a safe haven from her dangerous lifestyle and the two form an unlikely bond that complicates Willa’s mission.
White’s writing is both skillful and insightful, weaving together intricate details about music, espionage, and World War I history while maintaining a gripping pace. The characters are richly drawn, particularly the witty and headstrong Willa and the intuitive and kindhearted Lukas.
Their romance is never clich or predictable, but instead develops naturally and believably throughout the story. A Song Unheard also tackles significant themes such as repentance, forgiveness, and redemption in a way that feels authentic and transformative.
It’s clear that White has done her research on the historical and cultural context of the story, but never lets it overshadow the heart of the novel – the relationships between the characters. While there are some minor flaws, such as some of the secondary characters feeling underdeveloped, A Song Unheard is a glowing example of Christian historical fiction done right.
Fans of the genre will not be disappointed. Overall, A Song Unheard is an excellent read for anyone who enjoys well-written historical fiction with strong characters and compelling themes.
It’s a book that will have readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. The Washington Post gives it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
