Christian Fiction Devourers discussion

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?

Who's joining me in this book of the month read? I just started it today. I want to thank Toni at Christian Lending Library for Kindle and Nook. This is a great place to find someone who has a book that is lendable and wants to share. Just post what you are looking for and someone will probably have it.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/Melis...

I am hoping to read it. I do have it checked out from the library and will get started on it this week.

I'm reading this one. I'm about 15% in.

I'm in. It might take me a bit longer to read than I was expecting, but I should be able to finish well in advance of the 15th! ☺

I read this book a year or two ago. It’s an excellent story. I highly recommend the entire series. If you like the first book, you’ll like the latter two even more 👍.

I am 3/4 finished and really liking it. I will definitely read the rest of the series. Please join us in the discussion Christine!

I just started this one. It might take me a while to read it because it isn't the only one I'm reading right now.

Don't worry Megan. We don't start discussion til the middle of the month.

Planning on reading this.

Loraine wrote: "Don't worry Megan. We don't start discussion til the middle of the month."

Ok great! Thank you Loraine!

This is slightly off topic, but if you guys are fans of White, her Culper Ring series is on sale in ebook format (1st book $2.99, 2nd & 3rd $1.99 each). I couldn’t resist and bought all 3, so wanted to let you guys know. She has giveaways right now too. All my other comments will be on topic, about A Name Unknown 😉.

Thanks for sharing Christine. That's okay because it has to do with the author so you are not off topic.

I loved this entire series and may listen to the audiobook sometime this month. This one was definitely worthy of a reread!

Glad to hear that Elizabeth! Discussion will open on June 15.

I listen to this book on audible last year, and I loved it! I'm looking forward to the discussion questions!

Just finished. I really enjoyed this one!

It's time to open discussion. I will post a few questions, but feel free to pose questions of your own or bring up something you would like to discuss.

1. Barclay, Rosemary, and Willa were the beginning of a group of orphans. What do you think was their motivation for adding other children to their group?

2. Peter Holstein used a pen name for the books he wrote. What would be some reasons for an author to use a pen name?

3. Rosemary is helping Peter trace his family history. Have you ever traced yours or had a desire to do so? Why?

4. Peter had a stutter that was more pronounced when he was nervous or under stress. It affected his life and choices he made. What things can other people do to help people with disabilities feel more comfortable?

5. Who was your favorite character and why?

6. What was your favorite funny moment?

This book is propelling me to read all the other ones in the series. I have just finished the third one....loving the brothers and sisters and the situations they are in....Being a genealogist I wanted tor read this book -- once experiencing Rosemary and Peter - I loved how their story came to life. My favorite characters were Rosemary and V. How mysterious V is AND how he came to the rescue. Rosemary being a strong character and how she discovered all the secrets...that was my favorite part of the story...Having all the brothers and sisters gave me pause as to how it would really work out realistically in real life. But at that time, I was thinking school wasn't mandatory and child labor was, orphanages were not the honorable institution most people think of today. And I love how the author brought in Christian life and beliefs into the story. Subtle and not hitting you over the head.

Chris - I have read books 1 and 2, and have 3 sitting on my shelf. I won it in a giveaway from Roseanna.

I have been working on genealogy for almost 20 years. I am doing my lines, my husband's, and my daughter-in-law's. I was a history minor in college and love connecting the family members to what is happening in history at that time. I have been able to join DAR as my 4th great grandfather was a Patriot and rode with Paul Revere in the Lighthorse Brigade. I tell everyone who gets involved in researching their family history to be prepared to find the good, the bad, and the ugly as every family has it somewhere.

1. Barclay, Rosemary, and Willa were the beginning of a group of orphans. What do you think was their motivation for adding other children to their group?
~We haven't seen Barclay's, nor Willa's point of view (yet, I understand they're featured in the other 2 books of the series), but I have to assume that their motivation is the same as Rosemary's. She had so much compassion for the little ones that she couldn't stand them having to suffer as she suffered, so they were brought into their makeshift family.

3. Rosemary is helping Peter trace his family history. Have you ever traced yours or had a desire to do so? Why?
~My birth mother was a professional family history researcher, so from my very youngest years, genealogy has been part of my life. While I don't do much actual research myself these days, I am heavily involved in indexing digital records so that others are able to find their ancestry more easily.

5. Who was your favorite character and why?
~Jenny. She accepted Rosemary without question and went out of her way to become her friend.

6. What was your favorite funny moment?
~I was giggling my way through the entire scene when Peter and Rosemary were discussing what she thought of the most recent Branok Hollow novel. Of course, what they were saying to each other had one level because she had no clue he was the author, and he had no clue she was a thief. But the layers that we as the readers got to see of that conversation? It was so much fun!

Love that you're indexing digital records Kate. I helped with the digitization of the 1940 US Census when it was released. It was lots of fun.

Barclay, Rosemary, and Willa were the beginning of a group of orphans. What do you think was their motivation for adding other children to their group?

I think the three of them just had compassion on other orphans in the same situtiation they grew up in and wanted to help, in the best way they know how.

2. Peter Holstein used a pen name for the books he wrote. What would be some reasons for an author to use a pen name?
My guest would be to keep some anonymity and be able to write freely in a since, without too much attention being on them. Also maybe to add an air of mystery.
3. Rosemary is helping Peter trace his family history. Have you ever traced yours or had a desire to do so? Why?

I always wanted to trace my family history! I was just talking with my friend about doing the ancestry.com or along the lines. I thought it would be interesting to see my family history. I think my dad did one and he found out some info about his birth father. But It’s definitely something I would want to look in to.
Peter did have a lot of pressure to prove his family’s history, I couldn’t imagine having to search through so many documents. Lol! I’m so thankful for google.

Side note: Does anybody remember that show that used to be on NBC, I think it was called “Who Do You Think You Are?’ (I think that’s what it is called). But they would look up various celebs genealogy, I always thought that show was so fascinating.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Wow this is a hard one…I like both Rosemary and Peter, I thought she was not only funny and quick-witted, but she really brought life, sass and strength to the people around her. Even though her profession wasn’t the most aboveboard choice. At the heart of her character she really cared for people. I also like Peter because he was a man of integrity, not perfect. But He always sought to do what was right, I admired the relationship between Rosemary and him. They were a great balance to each other. Even though they drove each other crazy at times, but that’s what made it so fun to read!

Chantel - Side note: Does anybody remember that show that used to be on NBC, I think it was called “Who Do You Think You Are?’ (I think that’s what it is called). But they would look up various celebs genealogy, I always thought that show was so fascinating.

Yes - I loved the show and watched every episode. My only complaint was that they made it look so easy. After almost 20 years of working on mine, I can attest it is a lot of hard work.

So glad you are back Chantel and enjoyed your answers.

Loraine wrote: Yes - I loved the show and watched every episode. My only complaint was that they made it look so easy. After almost 20 years of working on mine, I can attest it is a lot of hard work...

I know right! I could imagine it could take some years to compile the information needed for each person's background! Wow Loraine 20 years! That's a lot if dedication! That's amazing how you were able to find out so much!

Thank you for the warm welcome Loraine! You are always so kind! Trying to keep up with the things I enjoy again! Plus it's been fun discussing about the books I read but haven't talked about yet!😊

I'm loving reading all of your thoughts. Thanks for sharing!

1. Barclay, Rosemary, and Willa were the beginning of a group of orphans. What do you think was their motivation for adding other children to their group?

I think they wanted to protect them. Having experienced a hard life themselves, I think they wanted to avoid them that kind of suffering and give them a chance of family.

2. Peter Holstein used a pen name for the books he wrote. What would be some reasons for an author to use a pen name?

Sometimes it's easier to speak, to express one's opinions without people knowing who you really are. It's kind of liberating. I am very shy, so if I had to publish a book I may choose a pen name just to "protect" myself. Not for fear of negative opinions, just to feel more free.

3. Rosemary is helping Peter trace his family history. Have you ever traced yours or had a desire to do so? Why?

Oh, I'd love too! Many years ago I started my family tree but never completed it. I'd like to do some research on my family and trace our history. Do you have any suggestions on how to start? I don't live in the US but I guess it's the same.

4. Peter had a stutter that was more pronounced when he was nervous or under stress. It affected his life and choices he made. What things can other people do to help people with disabilities feel more comfortable?

That's a tough but also easy question. I know a girl who is deaf-mute and I've noticed that the more I treat her like a non disabled person, the more she appreciates it.

5. Who was your favorite character and why?

Probably Peter. Because of his integrity and strength. But there's a minor character that I couldn't stand in the beginning who became a favourite one by the end: Mrs. Teague. The way she changes towards Rosemary really impressed me. The scene where she comforts Rosemary was very touching.

6. What was your favorite funny moment?

I have to second Kate. When Peter and Rosemary talk about his books without her knowing his real identity, it was very funny. Another moment I though was funny as well was the scene where Rosemary introduces her new husband to her siblings. Fun and lovely.

I haven't quite finished the book yet, but I think I can answer the discussion questions at least somewhat.

1. Barclay, Rosemary, and Willa were the beginning of a group of orphans. What do you think was their motivation for adding other children to their group?
I think that Rosemary and the others wanted to take care of other orphan children the way they themselves never were. They wanted to provide love and a family for them.

2. Peter Holstein used a pen name for the books he wrote. What would be some reasons for an author to use a pen name?
Some authors don't want to be in the public eye. Maybe they do it so that they can get more of an honest opinion of their books from people they interact with.

3. Rosemary is helping Peter trace his family history. Have you ever traced yours or had a desire to do so? Why?
I have traced my family history somewhat, but I would love to research it more in depth. History fascinates me and I would love to see who my ancestor were and learn about them.

4. Peter had a stutter that was more pronounced when he was nervous or under stress. It affected his life and choices he made. What things can other people do to help people with disabilities feel more comfortable?
We can be patient with them and show them that we don't think they are any less of a person because of their difficulties. Also, if there is a way that makes communication with them easier (like for Peter it was writing notes), be willing to do that.

5. Who was your favorite character and why?
I think Rosemary is my favorite character. She is so spunky and willing to help those she loves.

6. What was your favorite funny moment?
So far my favorite funny moment is near the beginning when Peter was trying to apologize to Rosemary for ignoring her. They were in the library and Rosemary was ignoring Peter while he was trying to hand her his apology note. I could just see him waving the note trying to get Rosemary's attention.

**By the way, book #2 A Song Unheard is on sale. Amazon has the e-book for $1.99. Just in case anyone wanted to get book 2 and continue the series! :)

Maria wrote: "But there's a minor character that I couldn't stand in the beginning who became a favourite one by the end: Mrs. Teague. The way she changes towards Rosemary really impressed me. The scene where she comforts Rosemary was very touching..."
I agree Maria! I really I didn't think I would like Mrs Teague as much as I did but she really grew on me. She was really sweet! I guess she was just so protective of Peter that she came off as rude sometimes, but I enjoyed her character arc. :-)

Me too, Chantel! I didn't expect her to change like that but I was very pleased. :)