Once London’s top thief, Barclay Pearce has turned his back on his life of crime and now uses his skills for a nation at war. But not until he rescues a clockmaker’s daughter from a mugging does he begin to wonder what his future might hold.Evelina Manning has constantly fought for independence, but she certainly never meant for it to inspire her fiancé to end the engagement and enlist in the … in the army. When the intriguing man who saved her returns to the Manning residence to study clockwork repair with her father, she can’t help being interested. But she soon learns that nothing with Barclay Pearce is as simple as it seems.
As 1915 England plunges ever deeper into war, the work of an ingenious clockmaker may give England an unbeatable military edge–and Germany realizes it as well. Evelina’s father soon finds his whole family in danger–and it may just take a reformed thief to steal the time they need to escape.
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The third and final book in the Shadows Over England series, An Hour Unspent, was an absolute pleasure to read. I had been looking forward to Barclay Pearce’s story and was not disappointed. White is a master at developing unique, vividly drawn, and emotionally layered characters, and Barclay and his patchwork “family” of orphans are so endearing and lovable that I couldn’t help falling in love with them. Barclay is so tender and protective of his family and always willing to take on additional members and duties as needed. Evelina is an independent and spunky heroine who is taken aback by Barclay’s “family” but seems to quickly fit right in.
I’m always so impressed with White’s ability to pack a lot of history and background into her stories. That she has done her research is readily apparent. I enjoyed learning more about London during WWI and what conditions were like for the residents there. For a riveting and fascinating read brimming with intrigue, suspense, and romance with elements of faith woven in, grab this book. Better yet, read the whole series. Although this is a stand-alone book and can be read by itself, you’ll want to read all three books to get the whole background build-up.
The covers of the books in this series are absolutely gorgeous. They complement the stories so perfectly. I would recommend this book and series to those who enjoy historical fiction at its finest. I’m looking forward to more of this author’s stories.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Make time for this book! Roseanna White has created memorable characters and added an engaging storyline with unexpected twists. The thing that I love most about this book is the way she creates flawed characters that make mistakes. But all the while, I found myself wanting to be a part of this “flawed family of thieves.” Her characters face struggles, learn lessons and grow in their faith. White demonstrates the power of unconditional love and the concept of supporting others, which is why I would recommend this book for young adult readers, as well. Although An Hour Unspent is the last book in the Shadow of England series, I was thrilled when I heard that Roseanna White will include some of the characters from this series in her next book! I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
We are back in WWI England, and lucky for us back with some old friends!
I love the play the author uses on the title of this book, sounds impossible, until you find out how it is done!
We are given some non-stop action, and some new characters to enjoy, or not, but the book becomes a page-turner as we look for answers, and hope that all will survive to the end.
Now this is the third book in this series, but can be reads alone, there is enough information given, but you might want to treat yourself to the others.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.
An Hour Unspent by Roseanna White is the third book in her Shadows Over England series. This is Barclay’s story. No longer a thief on the streets of London, he uses his expertise to help a nation at war. His job is to keep an eye on clockmaker, Cecil Manning, who may have stumbled on a revolutionary idea for the Admiralty. Rescuing his daughter from a mugging is a bonus he hadn’t counted on. I think this was my favorite in the series. I love how compassionate Barclay was and the way he took care of his family without being made to do it, it just came from his heart. “Family isn’t blood. It should be, but it isn’t, not always. Family is choice. Love.” The spiritual lessons woven through-out was an inspiration. The reference to God being the Master Clockmaker were inspired. The way Ms. White dropped in the little history tidbits really made it come alive without being a boring history lesson. I’m sad to see this series come to an end. I would highly recommend the whole series.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
I have loved all the books in Roseanna M. White’s Shadows Over England series and am sorry to see it end with the final novel An Hour Unspent. I was captivated by each and every one of the books that featured an unusual family of thieves and how they became an integral part of the war effort in England during WWI. I was quite eager to read Barclay’s story. I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect but this book exceeded all my expectations.
Once again the mysterious “V” needed one of the family for an important assignment and Barclay was the perfect choice. Sent to assist and encourage a clockmaker who had developed a possibly important part for war planes, Barclay found himself more involved with the man’s family than he imagined, especially the independent daughter Evelina Manning.
I particularly liked how the author focused on the changes in Barclay as he sought to follow the Lord and how often scripture would reassure him when he had doubts. Evelina also grew spiritually during the course of the book and I felt that she and Barclay were a wonderful pair.
As is usually the case in White’s novels, the plot was filled with ample historical facts, drama, danger, suspense, and of course romance. I do not run across very many books set during WWI so this series was of special interest to me. It was nearly impossible for me to set down this book until I finished it in record time. I do love getting my history lessons in such a delightful form.
As I stated above, I really hate to see this series end but I have heard rumors that a new series will feature some characters who had a role in Shadows Over England and readers might actually have a chance to catch up with their favorite characters. I can’t wait!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author and Bethany House. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
“Love. The thing worth fighting for. Worth dying for. But more – – – worth living for.”
After a dismal termination of her anticipated nuptials, Evelina Manning is bereft of feelings, of any kind; particularly love. And how embarrassing that a virtual stranger, (Mr. Barclay, was it?) stood as a silent eyewitness to the entire humiliating conversation. Lina would just have to endure her mother’s histrionics about a ruined future and pursue her commitment to the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Society. At least her father understood her . . . the clock maker . . . . always synchronized, never wasting a minute of anyone’s time. Would he ever think her “incapable of love”?
Barclay Pearce doesn’t know quite what to think about his lovely neighbor Evelina Manning; after rescuing her from a supposed mugger and overhearing her fiance dissolve their engagement, it might not matter all that much, because it is her father’s project that he has been assigned to explore. If Cecil’s Manning’s idea has any merit, it could change the entire method of aerial warfare against the Germans. Besides, girls from her side of town don’t often mix with his side of town, especially with a past like his.
As Evelina and Barclay form a necessary alliance, (which might include some distracting kisses), Evelina begins to understand that love can’t be forced into a feeling and that wasting time is something that the Master Clockmaker never does, for “he’s there, always there, making sure that every cog and gear is doing what it ought. . . .we can trust that He is using us to create something beautiful” . . . in His time. Unfortunately for Evelina, time may run out.
A stunning conclusion to a beautiful series of stories! I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated are entirely my own.
Let me just get right to the point and then I’ll delve in a little deeper: Barclay’s story was completely worth the wait!
The self-appointed older brother to a patchwork family of orphans and street thieves, Barclay’s heart for those he has chosen to love and protect shines throughout the pages of An Hour Unspent.
When he is given an assignment by the mysterious V and connects with a clockmaker and family, he is drawn to the man’s daughter. Evelina Manning’s drive and determination hide a more vulnerable side that Barclay sees clearly.
Set against the backdrop of World War I, Barclay’s story has twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. But one of my favorite parts of reading a Roseanna M. White book is gaining the little pieces of history that I’d not ever thought about throughout.
Barclay is new in his faith and struggles with his past choices (especially when a couple of them come back into his world), but the man has a heart of gold and that is what makes you cheer for this guy to get his HEA with someone who understands him and his love for those less fortunate.
The final book in The Shadows Over England series, An Hour Unspent gives readers an additional treat with a little peek into V’s life as well as the chaos and closeness of Barclay’s charges.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
“Perhaps if one viewed God like a Master Clockmaker, then every cog, every gear, every spring was important.“
Another wonderful read by this author. I highly recommend reading this entire series. This book can stand alone, but it’s so much better and a fuller picture if all three are read.
The characters are so well done, and I couldn’t help but love Barclay and his family. The witty banter, fun, and the compassion and love shown among them was beautiful and inspiring. It was such a well done contrast between his family and Evalina’s.
The mystery and suspense in this novel is terrific, and it kept me turning the pages well into the night…umm…or…early morning! 🙂 I enjoyed watching the characters develop and grow in spiritual matters as well as in maturity.
Evilina’s family is a wonderful addition to this novel…especially her father. His workshop was so interesting, and I loved the history worked into the novel about timepieces.
A story of intrigue, combined with a host of interesting and lovable characters,some terrific historical pieces, and a faith theme woven throughout made for a fantastic read that I couldn’t put down so it earns one of my rare five stars. This book will have a place on my forever shelves!
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I love Roseanna M. White’s “Shadows Over England” series. Each book has a captivating storyline and characters that wrap themselves around your heart. This story features Barclay, the “big brother” of the orphaned children who have banded together as a family. Barclay’s devotion to watching over and providing for his family has been his main goal in life. He’s always done his best to do that, even if everything he did was not always legal. When he falls in love with Evelina, he extends that protection to her family. As the shadows of war swirl around them, their way becomes perilous. It’s up to Barclay to protect those he loves, but still answer England’s call to prevent the enemy from obtaining a new technology that could give them an advantage in the war.
This story could be summed up in two words: “Amazing grace”. Barclay is a man redeemed by God’s grace, He is committed to living his new life as a Christian according to what he reads in the Bible. However, his skills as a thief are also the same skills that are enabling him to serve his country during a time of war. As the story progresses, we watch Barclay as he evaluates every situation to make sure he is pleasing God. The former thief has become a man of faith, and his influence has an impact on those he loves most, including Evelina.
This storyline is at different times humorous, intriguing, suspenseful, and romantic. There’s no foul language or embarrassing scenes to mar the story. Roseanna M. White has given us another wonderful story to reread again and again.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
An Hour Unspent by Roseanna White is book three in Shadows Over England series and takes place in London, 1915.
I love everything about this series, not the least are the beautiful covers.
Roseanna is a favorite author and her writing style and evident research kept me very interested. My love of history and spies had me devouring this installment. With each book in the series, I was glad to delve into the intrigue that surrounded this family.
Our hero, Barclay Pearce, is the self-appointed big brother to a patchwork family brought together by necessity and love. They are street thieves- only for preservation and safety of the family. As the children become adults and find spouses, they also find faith in a benevolent God. They turn from thieving to employment helping their government in time of war. On assignment from the mysterious Mr. V, Barclay meets our fiesty, independant heroine, Evelina Manning, daughter of a clockmaker. I like the way Roseanna used clockmaking terms throughout the story to illustrate life.
Roseanna’s characlers are flawed but endearing. I love to see how she gets them out of predicaments.
This is more than a well-executed yarn, with elements of suspense and intrigue. She weaves a spiritual thread among the words. To me, the theme of this story was : God is here for us. He does all things in His own time.
Roseanna’s fresh perspective on what family is can teach us many things. We need to accept our family members and appreciate them, pray for them and lovingly guide them to a closer walk with Christ. But we also need to stand firm for God and Right.
If you like historical fiction steeped in realism and interesting facts- don’t miss this series. I recommend all of Rosanna White’s books. I look forward to more stories about this unusual family. I hope we aren’t finished with them yet!
*I received this complimentary book from the publisher, Bethany House, on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *
“Laughing, Ellie silenced the drumming with a dramatic flourish of her hand. “I challenge you to steal an hour, Barclay Pearce. From Big Ben’s Great Clock.””
In her third installment of the Shadows Over England series, Roseanna white tells the story of Barclay Pearce. I’ve gotten to know a bit about him through the previous books as the big brother to a clan of misfits, a family not made of blood but of love. All thieves who’ve learned to steal out of necessity to stave off hunger and homelessness. But he’s changed his tune since reading a Bible and wanting to live the way God intended for him to. His faith is new and determines the course of his actions. Now they agree to steal impossible things, and in this case his sister Ellie challenges him to steal an hour. I learned what that meant at the end of the book, a fascinating piece of history that was new to me, though I’m sure to have read it in school. He meets Evelina & her father Cecil Mannings, a clockmaker by trade. Sent by the mysterious V to find more about a new technology Mannings is working on, thus begins a friendship and possibly more!
With her signature writing style, White will engage all your senses and plunge you into a living history lesson of a world on the verge of war. Characters come to life, both old and new. Getting to know Barclay is the highlight of this novel, and watching him grow in his new faith & convictions. I think Evelina is a perfect match for him. She struggles with her self-worth and with who God is. Barclay teaches her through both word and deeds. His family takes her under their wings and shows her what it means to feel unconditional love. I’ve enjoyed every book in this series. Though they can be read alone, in my opinion, it’s much better to read each one in succession to get to know the characters and storyline.
You really don’t want to miss this! I love how faith is played out, how I bonded with the characters, and how the author showed us that even the vilest of sinners can be redeemed by grace and mercy that He extends to each of us.
*I received a complimentary copy of this and was under no obligation to leave a review. All opinions are my own. *