My thoughts:

When I first read the title of the book, didn’t really know what to think! A story about a female cryptographer set in World War I paired with that title name….interesting. I decided to give it a try, and I sooo don’t regret it! This book has such an exciting set of characters and plot development! Each character has such a unique personality, and I loved that for a nice change, the main character, a girl, actually loves mathematics and strives to be a college professor! (Way to go, girl!!!) I remember one time watching a movie about a little girl that was a mathematics prodigy, and it set my curiosity on fire! Yeah, like, *nonchalantly speaks* Margot started college at the age of thirteen, phew, no biggie… (And I’m here trying to stay sane with college stuff, lol) So yeah, very very interesting characters! Margot has this passive, yet bold personality I admire! She’s not intimidated with what others think of her but instead always follows ”the number”…the way God uses to speak to her. Yeah, she can sometimes be hotheaded and ends up messing everything up, but, seriously, don’t we all? Then we have Drake, the mysterious half Spanish guy with t a broken nose, hehe, you’ll get the reference soon my friends! He’s no slouch, either. He personality is so much fun and mature. He complements Margot’s character so well even though they are complete opposites in some ways. What I really liked seeing in this book was the variety of ethnicities! We have English, Spanish, French, Belgian, and German characters, poor, rich, and in between, all working towards the same goal. Victory. The plot is very well paced, though the middle was somewhat slow, it gets better and better. From the title, you might expect a cheesy love novel, but it is nothing like that. This is my first book from Roseanna M. White, and I can’t wait to read her other works 🙂

Plot:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5

Characters:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5

Cleanness:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5

THIS WAS SO MY JAM! I loved a unique heroine who saw the world in a different way and the man who learned her language in his soft and patient pursuit of her. But, I also loved the splendid cast of supporting characters: Red and Dot and Philip Frigging Camden ( my play on his name). It is about TIME the CBA got a Philip Camden so I am delighted that the next book in the series is his.

Roseanna White is one of the most intelligent writers on the planet: balancing impeccable research, a penchant for codes and yet never breaking the trail of her accessible, well-paced romantic read.


Major shout out to the feminist overtones, intelligently resourceful women who mentally put men in their place and to the portrayal of a strong female friendship.


I love this book and you should read it.


( also featured on all my social media platforms: including instagram)

The Number of Love is the first book in a new series from Roseanna M. White. Margot, the main character, was previously introduced in A Song Unheard. Margo is a codebreaker in World War I. Her mind sees numbers and patterns everywhere. She even prays in numbers. After the war, she wants to go to university and study mathematics. She doesn’t want to be the traditional wife and mother. She has goals and dreams.

Enter Drake Elton. He is her best friend’s brother and secretly a spy for England stationed in Spain. When he gets hurt and sent back to England, he falls for Margot. She declares she has no use for romance but slowly her feelings for Drake intensify.

The tension rises as enemy spies are about. Margot needs to break the code they are using so Drake can stop them.

I really enjoyed this story. Margot is a well thought out character. Her journey from extreme logical thinking to finally accepting and giving love was very believable. The plot with the enemy spies was exciting. It was nice to learn more about codebreaking in World War I.

I received this book from Netgalley for an honest opinion.

A riveting start to White's new series!
I love this author's books, she is one of my favorite historical romance authors, and I am always eager to read her next book, as was the case with The Number of Love! I loved Margot in A Song Unheard and was absolutely ecstatic when I learned that she would star in the first book of The Codebreakers series! I loved Margot so much, she is just so fun and delightfully real! I liked Drake a lot. And I absolutely loved Drake and Margot on the page together, their banter was always such fun, and their meet-cute was fabulous!
I absolutely loved getting to catch up with some old friends from the Shadows Over England and Ladies of the Manor series, that was fantastic and put the biggest grin on my face! One of my favorite parts of this book was the faith story, which was deep and soul-stirring without being preachy, it grabbed my heart and hasn't let go! Another thing I love about Roseanna's books is the historical detail, as soon I open one of her books I am spellbound and swept away into another time and place, which is what I love most about historical fiction, and The Number of Love was no exception! This book is a great read that I very much enjoyed and highly recommend! I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series!
(4 Stars!)


I received an ebook copy of this book from the publisher which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.

The Number of Love
By Roseanna M. White
“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 who just won't give up. He's smitten quickly by the intelligent Margot, but how can he convince a girl who lives entirely in her mind that sometimes life's answers lie in the heart?

Amid 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 themselves from the very secrets that brought them together.”
Margot De Wilde is a numbers girl and I am not. I just wanted to put that out there. It was fascinating to read about someone so different than myself. I enjoyed trying to imagine a conversation with Margot as well as what it would be like to work in Room 40. I might not be good with numbers but I enjoy puzzles. I imagine the weight of decoding enemy messages and then knowing that the messages you are decrypting are being used in the big picture of war strategizing would be stressful rather than a fun challenge. That being said love bloomed in this book through all the chaos.
This book was not all about love, however. Life is about relationships and I thought that Margot and Dot’s relationship was a great example of how friendships work. Being a good friend means more than fun times. Margot and Dot patiently supported and encouraged each other to be the best version of themselves. That is being a good friend.
Overall this was a great book and I look forward to the next installment to this series!
I was provided a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion which I’ve shared here. For more book reviews visit: https://simplyannehere.wordpress.com

Everything about this book was intriguing right from the beginning. I really enjoyed getting to know Margot. She is quite a unique person with numbers floating around in her head all the time. I thought she was brilliant, trustworthy and dedicated to her job. What an exciting life she led decoding secret messages that were vital to the safety of our nation. It amazed me how quickly she was able to decode an encrypted message with numbers that came to her. If only my mind was as brilliant with numbers as Margot. But alas, she is one of a kind and I marveled at her flaws as well as her intellect.

Drake was a wonderful addition to the story with his courage and determination to outsmart the enemy. His attraction to Margot seemed like love at first sight, but how could you not fall in love with her? She is without a doubt a breath of fresh air that explodes with confidence. It is a slow build to a relationship that digs deep into the heart and sees the beauty of God's love surrounding them.

The exceptional historical facts make the story easy to feel as if you are there. Actually I wanted to follow Margot for just one day. I wanted to know how her mind worked and how she kept her sanity with numbers flying across her mind all the time. The element of espionage escalates the story to an intriguing guessing game. The action is at a great level and figuring out what would happen next was exciting for me.

It is always nice to read how characters grow in their faith and this book is full of inspirational journeys to find God for several characters. There is one particular part in the book that especially spoke to me. Margot goes through something very painful and I liked how she made Margot very vulnerable at this time. I felt like I was able to see beyond the numbers that take over Margot and allowed me to witness a real emotion that only Jesus can heal.

The story is a wonderful journey of growing for Margot and allowing Drake to become an important part of her life. Together they make a great combination of steadfast faith and determination to save their country. This is one of my favorite books from the author and I have to mention how much I appreciate the hard work put into this story to make it as authentic to the time period as possible.

I received copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. and Netgalley. The review is my own opinion.

This is such a one of a kind story. Margot is unlike any heroine I have ever read before. She is beautiful, brilliant, and doesn’t want to get married, at least not any time soon. She is completely oblivious to the looks men give her, and thinks she didn’t receive any of her mother’s beauty. Working in a field dominated by men, she has learned that life for a smart woman isn’t always going to be easy. I loved seeing her interact with Drake. Unlike Margot, Drake moves easily throughout the world and social situations. The chance of the two meeting and getting to know each other is slim, but sometimes God has a way of changing things. This book is full of mystery, romance, and loss. I was taken to another time and place and enjoyed every moment. I couldn’t imagine my home being taken over and being forced to flee to another country for safety. White painted an amazing picture and I wasn’t ready for the story to end. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance. I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and was in no way forced to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Having read a few of Ms. White's stories before this, I knew I was in for all sorts of adventures with wonderful characters before I even started chapter one. And I was right! From first page until the last, I was swept up into the crazy-awesome world of Room 40 during WWII. And wow, what an intriguing part of history that I never knew about! Ms. White certainly has a way of finding bits of history and making them come alive. It's incredibly clear that she enjoyed her research findings because so many details fairly leaped off the pages and into my imagination.

Firstly, let me just say that I did adore Margot. She is quick-witted, intelligent, and someone I'd love to call my friend. The way her brain works...she's simply unique! And I love unique and quirky characters. I really loved getting inside her brain and learning to see the world as she does... As did Drake, and oh boy did that bring a load of adorableness and fun to the story! He truly understands her and the way he pursues her while letting her have her say in how their relationship builds...ah, my heart. Those two..! Yeah. Super cuteness happens a few times and my romantic heart was gleefully happy!

From the compelling historical context, wonderful secondary characters, delightful romance, and the utterly fascinating Margot (and Drake), I was blown away by Ms. White's beautifully written story. I am definitely looking forward to book two of the series when next it comes! And unashamedly urge you to move this one to the top of your TBR, reader friends. Like now. ;)

**I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Margot De Wilde is a perplex character. Love is the last thing on her mind, numbers are the first. Margot actually thinks in numbers. Her profession? Codebreaker. During the Great War.

Margot works in room 40 – an intelligence room that existed during the Great War, and was a huge part of the preparation of World War II intelligence agencies. Read her ‘notes from the author’ at the back of the book for more on this. So interesting.

Drake is basically a spy. Margot is given documents to decode when she comes across his agent number. 18. Zip over to the book cover, do you see the number in the window?

Many times, before her realization that 18 is Drake, the Lord brings this number to her remembrance. Annoyingly so. At the most inconvenient times. When he needs prayer the most. And when she least wants to.

I love how Roseanna didn’t shy away from tragedy in this book. I cried. I’ll save you the spoiler, but this book will tug on your heart. I also loved how the villain, the Ghost, was not completely unfeeling. He was terrible, yes. Evil, yes. But he was human. And he had losses. He was crazy, for sure. Yet, Margot somehow found a way to have compassion for him. Don’t get me wrong, she still took him out when she needed to. I mentioned her complexity, didn’t I?

I have to mention the faith elements in this book. Roseanna did a great job of weaving the message through the story in a compelling and natural way. I especially loved when Drake wanted so badly to tell Margot not to worry, that his mission would end with him coming home alive. But he couldn’t. Yes, God was directing him to go, but that didn’t mean a happy ending. There were no guarantees.

Can I give this book a 6 star? Because this historical, adventure-driven love story had me laughing, crying, gasping, sighing and totally gripped me to the end. Great job, Roseanna M. White. I can’t wait for book 2!

Sometimes love does have a number...

I have been looking forward to this book for awhile now. First introduced to the teenaged math and cryptology genius, Margot, in author Roseanna M. White's previous series, I was both intrigued by her and excited to read her story. Needless to say, when I found out that the The Number Of Love would be That story I was beyond thrilled.

And I was not disappointed in any way at all. The Number Of Love is filled with danger and intrigue, spies and counterspies, secret codes and unexpected romance. Plus it has one of my favorite heroines. While I was not a genius, especially not with numbers, I was a lot like Margot at that age. A bit awkward in social and emotional situations and annoyed by the shallow silliness of girls my age. Yeah, for me Margot is definitely a relatable character.

Anyway, I totally loved The Number Of Love and am pretty sure this it is going on my 2019 Favorites list. Wonderful story and I can't wait for what Roseanna M. White has in store for readers in the next book in The Codebreakers series...

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

I am always intrigued by reading about the lives of those who joined forces during World War I and II to protect their nations. Rosanna White brought to light for me new heroes in her newest novel, The Number of Love. Set during World War I, Margot works for the DID in London as a codebreaker to help England decode messages that have been intercepted by the Germans. Margot is unique that she sees and thinks in numbers. The character was so very well written that White did not deviate even once from the character development so by the end, the reader was also thinking in numbers for Margot! I felt like this was so realistic and it also made me think about how others around me view the world and how it should be appreciated for their uniqueness.

Margot experiences a lot of life challenges but grows in her faith because of them. Along the way, she meets Drake, an intelligence officer for Britain, and begins to change how she views things. She soon learns that the life she had planned out for her might be different than how God has designed her life. She begins to learn that faith is trusting in His plan. My favorite part was Margot’s epiphany of the choice of two questions, “Why did this happen?” and “Why did God let this happen?”

The Number of Love was a fantastic start to a new series. It visited old friends from other series of White’s books. I enjoyed how White mixed fiction with the research she discovered in cryptography. I look forward to doing a little of my own research to learn more. I also enjoyed the mystery and intrigue of putting together the puzzle pieces to solve the mystery by the end. I look forward to reading more in this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.

You know those stories that leave you satisfied and sad at the same time? Satisfied because the book is good in every way. Sad because the final page has been read, but you’re just not ready for the adventure to be over. Yeah, this is exactly the kind of story The Number of Love is. This book is so excellent I can’t help but be excited for the future novels in this series.

My most favorite thing to do is to study God’s Word. I pray and sing and go to church, but God meets me the most when I am in His Word. When I study, I’m all in. I have my Bible, my Strong’s concordance, a few of my favorite online sources opened, a notebook, my favorite highlighter and pencil, and some sticky notes. I mark my current study Bible up with facts, connections, notes, prayers, thematically similar Bible verses, Hebrew/Greek word studies, number symbology, personal connections, etc. When I am in God’s Word I feel like I am in His presence. The world quiets down, and it’s just me and Him. In these moments, He speaks to me. He leads me. In these moments I am at peace, and I feel safe and loved. It’s truly the best feeling!

As they do to almost every human on earth, traumas throw me for a loop. In my personal experience, they hurt me so deeply I shut down for a while. I struggle to pray or sing or go to church. I struggle with getting into my Bible and studying. Honestly, I struggle with the most basic of human interactions. I become like a hurt animal who crawls into a hole to escape the world. In these moments, God’s Voice seems to disappear. It scares me. I feel alone, cold, and utterly shaken.

Margot De Wilde endures a devastatingly unexpected loss that throws her world into chaos. Her beloved numbers, the conduit through which God has used her entire life to communicate with and guide her has been shut off. God’s Voice disappears. Margot becomes angry, scared, and lost. She, too, becomes the wounded animal who wants to hide in a hole until life becomes a little more understandable again. What really rocks Margot’s world is that communicating with God was always so easy. But when communicating with God stops being easy, when it is clear He isn’t right there, how does one find Him again? This is the question Margot desperately wants answered.

I will not share how Margot gets to the bottom of this scary question because I will not ruin any part of this magnificent book. But, I will share how I answer this question. For me, I try with all my might to remember two things. First, God is ALWAYS there no matter what. It’s kind of like a radio. Certain frequencies pick up certain stations. If your radio accidentally gets bumped it could mess with the frequency and then you no longer hear your favorite station. All you have to do is get back to the right frequency and you’ll be fine. God is always at the same station. He is unchangeable. I just have to make sure I am set to the right frequency. Sometimes this is harder said than done, but I have to remember in times of utter grief and pain that God is always right there! The second thing I remember is 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. These are the verses where Paul talks about being strong in weakness. Even though he may be physically or emotionally weak, if he relies on Jesus Christ, he is the strongest man alive. I love the mental image these two verses create, and I try to keep an image of me leaning into Jesus in my mind so I can stay strong.

When it feels like God has gone silent, I force myself to Bible study. I force myself to utter some kind of prayer or praise to God. Eventually, the forcing leads back to my normal habit of studying and praying, and I do hear God’s beautiful Voice again. I find my proper frequency again. Margot eventually realizes that she needs to lean into God no matter what. She puts one tiny faith footstep into motion, which allows God to help her get back on His right station. I’m going to be honest, I sobbed like a baby when Margot hears God’s Voice again. I’m not sure I’ve ever been more relieved for a fictional character.

The Number of Love by Roseanna M. White is an outstanding story. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment I spent reading this beautiful novel. The action, the intrigue, the timely themes, and the endearing characters make The Number of Love a 2019 must-read novel for sure. I highly recommend purchasing a copy for yourself today. You will not be disappointed!

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form and in paperback from the publisher, Bethany House, via snail mail and NetGalley & Celebrate Lit. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

London 1917 lernt die Dechiffrier-Spezialistin Margot De Wilde in den Räumen der Admiralität zufällig den Agenten Drake Elton kennen, der seine jüngere Schwester zu einem Vorstellungsgespräch begleitet. Drake stellt sich Margot vor, aber sie will ihm ihren Namen nicht verraten. Er würde ihr Rätsel und diese Herausforderung gerne annehmen, aber er muss umgehend zu seinem nächsten Auftrag nach Spanien aufbrechen, um dort den Handel mit Wolfram zu unterbinden. Drake ist sofort von Margots Augen und ihrem Witz eingenommen und kann sie die nächsten Wochen nicht vergessen.

Derweil hat ein deutscher Agent, das Gespenst genannt, den Auftrag erhalten ein Codebuch aus der Admiralität zu entwenden. Er will sich den notwendigen Zugang über die dort Beschäftigten Frauen verschaffen. Einige Zeit später wird Drake im Einsatz vom feindlichen Agenten Jäger verwundet und kehrt schwer verletzt nach London zurück, wo er erneut Margot begegnet, die inzwischen selber von einem harten Schicksalsschlag getroffen wurde, der sie schwer erschüttert hat.

Mit dem Geflecht aus biologischer Kriegsführung, verschlüsselten Nachrichten und der Verfolgung durch feindliche Agenten entwickelt sich eine sehr spannende Geschichte. Zum Finale kommt es zum Show Down, das Ende kann überzeugen.

Die Autorin schafft es auf einzigartige Weise den außergewöhnlichen mathematischen Geist von Margot zu beschreiben. Die Autorin hat mit ihr eine ganz einmalige Protagonistin geschaffen. Sie kann auch eindringlich vermitteln, wie belastend es sein kann nach einem Verlust auch noch den gewohnten Kontakt zu Gott zu verlieren. Man folgt der herzerwärmend Darstellung, wie Margot und Drake sich immer mehr einander zuneigen. Wie Drake sich von allen schlechten Vorzeichen nicht von seiner Werbung um Margot abbringen lässt. In Margot lernt ein rein analytischer Geist, die Antworten des Herzens zu erkennen.

Man erhält sehr viele spannende Einblicke in die damalige Zeit und die Arbeit der Geheimdienste. Es stellt sich heraus, dass der Titel wunderbar zu dieser ganz speziellen Liebesgeschichte passt.

This may have been my first book by Roseanna White, but it definitely will not be my last! From the very first page, I was captivated by this unique story and drawn into the complex plot. In general, I have not read a great deal of historical fiction set during WWI, and never about those responsible for decrypting and encrypting enemy code. There is an enigma surrounding codebreakers, one that brings to mind spies, conspiracies, and scheming. “The Number of Love” has all of that and more, tautly woven into an absorbing narrative.

Employing meticulous pieces that continue to add to the puzzle as a whole, White calculatingly draws the reader into what becomes a multifarious story. Early on in the novel, the setting is relatively serene, and Margot De Wilde had me grinning from the outset. There is so much to love about her character, particularly given the time period in which she lives. Forging a career for herself and defying convention, she is very much an innovative woman in a man’s world. She carries herself with aplomb and a sarcastic wit and is incredibly intelligent, being the only female codebreaker of the confidential Room 40, and only 18 years old at that.

“Mathematics never led her astray.” As an English major and someone whose worst subject was always math, Margot’s aptitude awed me. It was fascinating for me to read how White created this character who thinks and acts in terms of mathematics, whose ultimate goal is to complete her university studies and attain a professorship. Witnessing how Margot implements mathematical principles into all aspects of her life gave her character a stimulating individuality. Another aspect of her character that I really appreciated was her faith in God, demonstrating that the sciences and math do not preclude the existence of God and a personal relationship with Him. I thought that it was very fascinating that God communicates to Margot, and vice versa, through numbers. Also, the insight into the grieving process is well done, including facets of post-traumatic stress and anger toward God. Social anxiety is explored as well, along with various relationships and their consequences. “The Number of Love” provides a tale of intrigue, romance, and faith in the midst of battles both personal and national, a thoroughly engaging novel highly recommended for historical fiction lovers.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through CelebrateLit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

I wish I could give this more than five out of five stars. Reading about someone who thinks in numbers was so fascinating. I loved Margot and her friend Dot. They both had obstacles to overcome. It is so cool how people can come up with so many codes. I love that Drake was able to show Margot how he really felt in a way she could understand. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

In the first of a new series, "The Codebreakers", this book has ties to the author's Shadows Over England series. Featuring a more mature Margot de Wilde, little sister of Lukas de Wilde from "A Song Unheard", I found it not only fun to catch up a little with Lukas and Willa but interesting to see what was next for Margot.

Margot has been working as a codebreaker in Room 40 for her country and enjoys the way that God talks to her through numbers. In spite of her age (17), her unique mind is critical to England's war efforts. She also has a very close relationship with her mom - after all, it's been just the two of them for some time - but no true friends. Margot wants to get an education, not get married; the other girls just can't relate. While at work one night she cracks the code of communications about spy number 18, and feels an overwhelming and urgent need to pray for him. She has also encountered some strange newcomers to the neighborhood - are they friend, or foe?

Drake Elton meets Margot when he brings his sister to Room 40 for an interview for secretary. He is intrigued with her answers to his casual questions but immediately leaves to return to the field, deep undercover as he works to prevent a biological attack. When he is wounded, he returns to England and eventually to the care of his sister, Margot's new friend.

With many strong subplots, sweet romance, and a mystery that kept me guessing almost to the end, I happily recommend this book. Also, if you have not read any of the author's other series I highly recommend those as well! Starting with the Shadows Over England books first will only enrich your enjoyment of this one, but it can easily be read alone.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

When I got the chance to read The Number of Love, I was so excited. I always liked reading about spies and codes. This book took you deep into the heart of Room 40 as seen through the eyes of Margot. I thought Margot was an interesting character. She saw the world through the filter of math and numbers. I had to wrap my mind around the whole hearing the Lord’s voice in number form. I did feel like she learned how to really hear the Lord’s voice. I l thought the characters were well written. I liked some better then others.
One of my favorite things about historical fiction is learning something new about the time period the story is set. I did not realize that there was the threat of biological warfare during WW1. It makes me want to find out more.
This was a good story. I enjoyed it and had to know what happened. It didn’t capture me quite as much as some of her other stories. I loved how the characters from her other books popped in and out of this story. There are wonderful truths that the reader can learn right along with the characters.
I’m excited to read more of Roseanna White’s stories.

I recommend this book to my family and friends.
I received this book from the publisher to read and give my honest opinion. All thoughts are my own.

The Number of Love is powerful historical novel. Roseanna M. White produced a well-crafted and thoughtful novel with strong, complex characters. Margot De Wilde is a brilliant mathematician whose education was interrupted by the war. She utilizes her talents by breaking the enemy’s codes. Numbers are constantly running through her head and some of them are vitally important. She relies on facts instead of emotions and pours herself into her work. Drake Elton is a naval lieutenant whose background makes him a perfect field agent for the intelligence services. Drake has a big heart and Margot is never far from his thoughts since the moment they met. Drake has an enemy following him who performs missions, but he also has his own agenda. The author did her research for this book. I like how she incorporated the historical information from the Great War along with Room 40 with the codebreakers and the work of the field agents. Faith was an integral part of the story and our character’s lives. I appreciated that Barclay, Willa, Lukas and other characters from Shadows Over England series were included in the story. The vivid and detailed descriptions allowed me to visualize the characters and scenes. I would have liked a little more action which would have added a little more spark to the story. The Number of Love is an intriguing and captivating historical novel with suspense, romance, friendship, mystery, faith and family.

I think I love spy novels even more than frontier stories.  I don't know if it's the secret codes or the chance to become someone you're not.  The way people who aren't quite normal in regular life find meaning and purpose.  At least a little bit of it is the way the work that is done in secret can save lives, stop wars before they start, or reduce the casualty count.  Maybe it's because there are spies in the Bible.  But if spy novels are just plain awesome, historical spy novels are the next level.  My favorites are World War I, World War II, Cold War stories. Today's technology makes for some great gadgets, but I love the human element and the old school, hands-on ways of doing things. So take my love for historical fiction, all things intelligence, and the last Roseanna M. White book I read, and you can bet I was eagerly anticipating The Number of Love.

A Great WWI Story

Ms. White tells a great story, long enough for my taste too!  She'll make you fall in love with the world of WWI codebreakers, and with a young lady who thinks and feels in the land of numbers.  This gal is really, really smart!  You'll feel a sense of good vs. evil and a sense of purpose - even a hunger to find purpose in what you do every day.  And you may find yourself thinking about the "bad guy" through different eyes too.  I am really looking forward to reading more of The Codebreakers series!

This Girl is a True Believer

I was so glad to get to know a cast of characters with a Catholic background.  See, while I'm not Catholic, and I'm not always on the same page theologically with my Catholic brothers and sisters, we serve the same Christ. In Protestant circles, Catholics have a reputation for being more ritualistic than religious, but I think you'll find the same thing to some degree in any tradition.  In every group of Christians, you'll find "nominal" believers (I call them "cultural Christians") and true believers.  The Catholics in this story, like so many, are true believers, and their journey of faith so closely resembles mine.

Enemy or Opponent?

I loved how our heroine, Margot, sees the enemy. When her home was occupied in Belgium by the Germans years before, she learned "that a uniform didn't make a man by nature a friend or an enemy. But choice did."  Even as she faithfully serves as a codebreaker in the secret Room 40, her desire is not to see the enemy destroyed but the enemy stopped.  At the end of the day, at the end of the battle, at the end of the war, the guy in the other uniform is a son, a brother, a father, a husband, a patriot.  Margot's love for her enemy comes out in a beautiful way at the end of the story.

"Das Gespenst," one of the German spies in The Number of Love, thinks of Margot not as an enemy, but an opponent.  The difference is honor.  Respect.  And a different desire, because when you defeat your opponent, you can shake hands and move on to the next match.  When you defeat an enemy, the enemy is destroyed.

Margot's war, "The Great War" as it was called, seems a lot more cut-and-dry than some of our wars today.  Today the battle lines seem more blurry. How much more important, then, is Margot's perspective?  On the other side of the battle, no matter how important, is another human, another life created in God's image.

It doesn't mean we shouldn't fight.

There are times to stand and fight, to come between evil and the innocent and say "it stops here."  But we fight with God's heart for those who oppose us.  We grieve when there is loss, because God grieves.  Maybe, too, we can fight in the way of honor.  A way that honors God, that honors those who have gone before us, and yes, even our opponents.  The Number of Love reminds us that in whatever fight, be it on the battlefield, the courtroom, or even with your coworker or neighbor or your teenager, we can remember that Satan, not the human in front of us, is the real enemy.

43 “You have heard that it was said, You must love your neighbor[a] and hate your enemy. 44 But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who harass you45 so that you will be acting as children of your Father who is in heaven. He makes the sun rise on both the evil and the good and sends rain on both the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love only those who love you, what reward do you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing? Don’t even the Gentiles do the same? 48 Therefore, just as your heavenly Father is complete in showing love to everyone, so also you must be complete.  - Matthew 5:43-48 CEB

I received a review copy of this book; all opinions are my own.

I loved The Number of Love! A very exciting story of a girl that has a fascination with numbers, Margot meets Drake, who is an undercover agent for the allied forces of WW1. He begins to understand her view of the world and begins to break down her defenses. A very exciting story to read! I enjoyed it very much!