An Hour Unspent [Large Print]

I knew I was going to love Barclay's story from the moment I knew there was a Barclay Pearce. This excellent thief, big brother extraordinaire, man-as-real-as-they-come is everything worth waiting for, and so was his story.  Roseanna M. White has a rare skill when it comes to storytelling, and an even rarer ability to weave the Gospel like threads of gold through her stories. Unimposing, ever present, glinting only when the sunlight strikes it. An Hour Unspent is no exception to either talent.  This third book in the Shadow Over England Series explores the truth of family, of love, loyalty, and sacrifice. And I dare you to finish it without fighting back the urge to gather up every lonely child into your arms, feed and clothe even your enemy, and to never put your loved ones at risk when it's within your power to improve your chances. Also, don't fight that urge. It might carry risks. But with the greatest risks.... (I'll let you figure that one out). Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, even if I also purchased the (stunningly beautiful) audiobook. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

An Hour Unspent is the third book in Roseanna M. White's Shadows Over England series, which follows characters in the early years of World War I. Having read the first book in the series I knew what to expect with Ms. White's stories and I was not disappointed. I will say that even though there is enough background information about the characters in this third book, I feel like I missed another good story since I didn't read the second book. A person could read this and find it an entertaining and satisfying tale but reading the complete series brings a depth to the tale you wouldn't want to miss. Barclay and Evalina's story is wonderfully enchanting and yet fraught with obstacles and difficult situations. Barclay has led a checkered past and his family is a mish-mash of orphans and former street thieves who have learned what family truly is and it's not just blood--it is choice--the choice to love no matter what. He will do anything to give his adopted siblings what they need. Evalina's from the wealthier side of London and her family is nothing like this raucous, teasing, loving bunch. When her former fiancé confronts her with the fact that she truly doesn't love him, Lina begins to doubt herself and wonder if she can change from the automaton-like feelings she shows others and truly love. And what about God--is He like a clockmaker who just winds things up and then watches as things play out however they might. Or is He, as Barclay is coming to realize, a personal God who is involved in our lives, giving grace and wisdom and bringing help and guidance. I liked how the characters (and not just Lina and Barclay) are so realistic in their feelings and actions and how they grow and mature in their emotional and spiritual lives as the story unfolds. And of course, there are those characters that you really just don't like, adding a little extra charm and appeal to the story. Interest is kept high as there are several surprise twists to the plot and a climactic ending that is rather edge-of-the-seat suspenseful. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more of this author's works. I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required and opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.

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.