Member Reviews
What an incredible story!
And yes, it's the first book in a new series, from the talented Roseanna White....but it didn't really feel like the first book in a new series.....because...well, some of her beloved characters from the Shadows over England series join us in this series too.
Yeah, I wasn't expecting it, but I loved it.
But wait. Let me go back and start at the beginning. What first caught my attention about this book (well, after the fact that I knew I had to read it because of who the author is) was the beautiful cover. It's not only gorgeous, but also intriguing. The girl is pensive, and she's writing a number into the condensation on the window....?
So. Meet Margot DeWilde. And you will see almost immediately why numbers are on the cover, although it took awhile to figure out why 18 was significant, but I had my suspicions... :0 )
I loved her...Margot DeWilde. As the heroine, she was great. I think I probably should have remembered her as a secondary character in A Song Unheard. (Or maybe it's just that her brother was the main character there, I can't remember, exactly...)
She's smart, talented, and dedicated to her work. A job which was highly unusual for a woman in those days. She's a codebreaker, one of the best, actually, during the Great War. She's so talented in numbers that she thinks in numbers.
She's not looking for love, or romance, of any kind.
So when she meets Drake Elton, she's not quite sure what to think. Because he makes it very obvious that he wants to pursue her.
And then there's the whole danger factor. And the fact that her mom died quite unexpectedly.
So yes, there's a bit of suspense involved here.
The characters are so real. And relatable. I love how Ms. White has the ability to bring those days to life right before my eyes! I love, loved this visit to England in 1917!
This whole book wraps up into a absolutely engaging story.
If you enjoy historical fiction, you won't want to miss it!
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
Well. In case you didn’t know, I love Roseanna M. White, and I will gladly read any book she writes. (Although, I’m a very bad favorite author fan, and actually haven’t read most of her books. But still) I actually got to meet her last year, and totally made a fool of myself when I did, but it was THE HIGHLIGHT of my bookish career!
I loved her Shadows Over England series, and when I heard she was writing another series in the same setting, I was HYPED. And because I’m a bad bookish fan (have I mentioned yet?), I didn’t realize this was a spinoff series until I started it! IT’S A SPINOFF SERIES OFF THE SHADOWS OVER ENGLAND SERIES!!! If you look at my A Song Unheard review, you’ll see that I enjoyed Margot, Lukas’ sister, and wanted to see more of her. WELL GUESS WHAT. WE ALL GOT IT! AND I LOVED IT.
The actual romance part of this book wasn’t actually great? And yes, I know that it’s LITERALLY THE TITLE, but I feel like that the romance wasn’t really done that well. Margot and Drake are a great couple, and I enjoyed their romance, but I felt like it could have been done better (Drake just,,was obsessed with her pretty soon after knowing her, without any seeming reason?).
Aside from that, though, I really enjoyed the book! It still hasn’t topped the Shadows Over England series, but I so enjoyed going back to that world, and hearing about WWI, and Margot’s job, and her code-cracking, and war and it just,,MAKES ME SO HAPPY.
My Rating-
7/10
Things liked-
Margot! she’s so brilliant and is making her own life in a world that isn’t really all that friendly towards women in the workforce yet
the “in the field” looks were also really fun!!
I also really liked Dot (Margot’s friend and Drake’s sister): can we get a book on her next?
allusions to previous books/characters!
WWI, which is very different from most other historical (that is to say, WWII) books I read
also just spies and codebreaking and room 40 and aaa can you tell I really like this time period?
Drake was also so cool! The bits where he was investigating was so fun and aaa
Things disliked-
the romance wasn’t done great
sometimes the plot points weren’t all the way fleshed out
the book ran a little long? I’m not really complaining because more of Roseanna White isn’t a bad thing, but also,,it was a bit long
Thank you to Bethany House Fiction and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for a honest review: I was not required to write a positive review.
One thing one can always depend upon when reading a story by Roseanna White is her attention to detail and accuracy. Reading one of her stories is a delightful way to have a history lesson. I must admit I have read a lot of WWII stories but very few WWI. I knew that there had been code breakers in WWII, but to learn that we had them in WWI was what drew me to wanting to read this story. Another eye opening fact was that there were submarines back then and that men would actually drive into the deep ocean trying to retrieve the enemy’s code books.
If I had to pick a favorite character it would be Dot, Drake’s little sister, followed by Margot. The author brought to life the true meaning of how one feels as we delve into the minds of these two quirky individuals with real live social struggles. Dot with her fear of leaving the security of her home, and Margot living in her mind of numbers. How their friendship developed and their way of helping each other constantly kept me looking forward to reading their interactions within this story.
This book overall was a very charming story to read. Would I read it again? Maybe, maybe not and here is why... Drake, who was the English spy working in Spain, in this intriguing WWI Christian historical novel, started out so strong in the beginning that I was looking forward to reading his part in this duel POV more so than Margot’s. However, once he returned home to England after being wounded the story took a complete right turn so to speak for me until about the last quarter, and then the story picked up, but not like the on-the-edge-of-your-seat action I have read in Roseanna White‘s other books. I would have to say that this story was more mind action than physical which is a slightly different approach for this author which was a surprise and took some getting used to. My rating 4.5 stars for historical and Christian content, 3.5 stars for mystery & suspense, and romance.
I received a complimentary copy (or ARC) of this book from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley for its JustRead Publicity Tour. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Wow!! Roseanna White’s books have always captivated me and this one was no exception!
I was thrilled to read Margot’s story, after seeing her in “A Song Unheard” in the Shadows Over England Series.
I’m thrilled that this Series is like a countinuation of the last one, because I just loved the Shadows Over England Series!!
Only, this time, the characters are all related to Room 40 and the Codebreakers, the secret intelligence place were spies and people serving their country worked relentlessly to break the codes from the Germans and try to intercept secret missives in order to help England and the Allies end the war.
I really love learning about WWI so I was truly excited when I read the blurb of this first book in the series and discovering it would be the same setting! I’m an avid reader of Historical Fiction, and I especially like reading about different wars. It’s such important part of History and it’s something I’m still trying to comprehend. I’ve read most books about WWII or the Civil War in the States, but have found less books set during WWI, so I was fascinated. It’s a time that it’s just a century ago! And I find that Roseanna is a master in detail and research. How can she know so much? I’m not an historical expert, but I’m sure it’s because of a well invested research. Some things may be fictional, as the characters, but many things truly happened, so it always amazes me to learn of this part of History.
The plot is totally engaging, with the risky missions Drake has to complete and to the code decifering, the enemy’s pursual and attack, etc. I really felt as if I was there and the description made easy to imagine the different places, be London or Spain. It was a real page turner and I never felt it dragged!
I also completely loved the characters! Margot was truly a heroine to me, and special because she was so out of the ordinary. I loved that she was a genius, a mathematician, and that we got to see the way she saw life and people, through numbers. A real cryptologist, and an astounding one at that. It was original and yet very realistic. I saw a movie about the Codebreakers in WWII and was delighted to learn more about them in the first war. I can’t say I’m a math lover but it wasn’t difficult to relate to her and her way of thinking, it made the story all the more interesting. She was truly selfless and giving, and overly matured for her age. She seemed in her early or late twenties and not a seventeen almost eighteen year old girl. But I’m sure that’s how most woman were at that age, growing up during war time and poverty. It was easier then to see what’s important in life and what is not, even if at a costly price. I just loved Margot! And wow! How she weathers her grief of loss! She was truly affected, yet she remains strong in her way, even if she thinks she’ll never be the same again.
And I loved her friendship with Dot. Both awkward and lacking social qualities, so different, yet kindred spirits who understood each other’s quirks very well. I liked that they are different, yet both endearing in their way and struggles.
And Drake, well, I just fell in love with him. I loved that he had Spanish ancestors (I do too) and his relationship to his Abuelo. He was daring, no nonsense, but kind and compassionate and with a heart of gold. I loved how he cared for his sister and how he fell for Margot. He was patient with Margot, gave her space, and tried his best to understand her so he could court her in the way she needed. The romance was totally sweet and clean! Just the way I like it, not overly to much, but enough to warm your heart.
I loved how they talked easily with God, and ask for his guidance and help. Both Margot and Drake, had an important upbringing that kept them close to their faith. So the book has an inspiring message about trusting God to be in control of your life, instead of carrying everything by yourself.
This is my favorite quote:
“Do not neglect your prayers, Drake. Neglect your chores, neglect your ablutions, neglect your mother, but never neglect your prayers. They are what root you to the Lord.”... and they definitely did.
I also loved how God inspired Margot to pray for agent 18, never knowing who he was really. The number theme was really awesome.
This book is a treasure and the best thing is that we’ll get a few more in coming years. I’m only sad I have to wait so long, but I know it’s truly worth it. An awesome book as this one can’t be written and perfected in a few weeks or months.
Thank you Roseanna for another incredibly story!! I can’t praise enough this new book of yours! It’s a must read I vividly recommend!
I can’t wait to read the next in the series. Phillip Camden!
I received a printed copy of this book from the Bethany House Publisher via Netgalley. All opinions here are completely honest and my own.
If you enjoyed Roseanna M. White's Shadows Over England series, you will love the beginning of the her latest Codebreakers series. Characters I came to love made a reappearance in this story and I enjoyed reconnecting with some old favorites. Margot De Wilde's story begins in A Song Unheard, but don't worry if you haven't read it, this story can be easily followed and enjoyed on its own. I was thoroughly intrigued with the secretive code breakers of the Great War and the dedication and superior intelligence of these individuals made a great premise for this story. Margot is unlike any heroine I have ever read. She uniquely lives in a world of numbers and puzzles. Roseanna wrote her character so well! I especially loved how Drake understood how to reach Margot in a way that others did not and I enjoyed their special relationship. The beginning of the story when Drake was in Spain did not really hold my attention, but the rest of the book was captivating! If you enjoyed The Imitation Game you will enjoy The Number of Love. The next book in this series will follow Philip Camden (an intriguing friend of Drake's that we meet in this book), and Roseanna M. White promises a return of some well-loved characters as well. I can hardly wait!
Thank you Net Galley and Bethany House for the free copy of The Number of Love. The opinions expressed here are my own.
White’s story of a female codebreaker during World War One is a masterpiece!
I loved Margot, the heroine. I wasn’t sure if I would like her, because initially I was a little shocked by her abrupt personality. However, over the course of the book, she grew on me. I acquired an immense of amount of respect for her, beginning with the fact that she held a job often withheld from females and my respect continued due to her incredible bravery.
I also loved Drake, the hero, and their relationship. I liked how they challenged each other and helped each other to improve. They complimented each other perfectly.
The plot was a little slow at first, but then picked up as Margot and Drake were faced with multiple conflicts. I could not put the book down!
I would recommend this book to those that love Christian Fiction, Historical Romance, and the early twentieth century.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but all opinions are my own. Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
The number of Love, a new series by author Roseanna White, comprises of intrigue and complex characters as the Codebreakers first introduces us to Margot DeWilde, an extremely intelligent young lady. Margot's world revolves around numbers. During WWI she thrives in Room 40, decoding German messages during a time when women were expected to be nothing more than a secretary.
When Drake Elton meets Margot, he is captivated by how different she is from every other woman he has met. He pursues her by learning her numbers language, and over time, gets to know her and her quirky sense of humor.
I found the book to be engaging with a different twist in teaching us a little bit more about the intelligence operations of the British during the War. The mystery and adventure were well played, adding a bit of romance to the mix.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Roseanna White never, ever fails to completely delight and enthrall me with her stories. Every single time, the storyline is intriguing, the characters are layered and relatable and unique...and Margot might be her most unique character yet. I adored her! Her love of numbers and her very analytical, rational personality are pretty much the complete opposite of me...and yet, I still connected with her so deeply. I felt what she felt. I loved getting to know her in a deeper way (after first meeting her in one of Roseanna White's past books) and the whole plot revolving codebreaking and spies was wonderfully interesting. The romance was steady and heartfelt. I'm excited for another wonderful series by one of my faves!
I’m completely enamored with The Number of Love since I’m a big fan of math! It was my favorite subject in school. I can totally relate to Margot’s love of concrete formulas and answers. Drake is witty, perceptive, and patient. The idea of two people who are so drastically different, maybe moreso than the average couple, makes for such a compelling story! I love the way that Margot and Drake learned to communicate! There’s one scene that was so romantic and I won’t spoil the surprise, but as others have mentioned, there’s one particular number that carries a lot of meaning for Margot and Drake. It’s literally their love language. I’m a little bummed that there’s no epilogue in this book, but if the next story picks up where this one left off then I’ll be happy!
I received a copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley and am under no obligation to provide a positive review. All opinions are my own.
The Number of Love is the first book in Roseanna M. White's new series, The Codebreakers. I love it when I'm reading along and begin to realize the connections with an author's previous works. White's fans will be thrilled to renew their acquaintance with characters from her Shadows Over England series.
Margot De Wilde is a brilliant, young mathematician who works in Room 40 in the Old Admiralty Building in London during the First World War, decrypting, and sometimes encrypting, coded messages. Not usually tolerant of other young women, Margot was blessed with her friendship with a Room 40 secretary, Dot Elton. Having always been more logical than emotional, and focused on her future in academia, Margot was surprised by her reaction to Dot's brother, Lieutenant Drake Elton. It would take a man of Drake's faith, insight, and patience to woo a woman like Margot who was one-of-a-kind.
Fans of Sarah Sundin are likely to enjoy the book, as are historical fiction fans and fans of intrigue. I give this book five stars and am grateful to have received a copy from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.
Once again, Roseanna M. White has blown me away with her talent at writing strong and intelligent protagonists, as well as a romance that will make you swoon. I loved everything about this book; the characters, the setting, the message. I did not want to put it down and it quickly earned a spot on my list of all-time favorite books. Many things factored into this, not the least of which are the amazing heroine and hero.
Margot De Wilde is a heroine after my own heart. Granted, she’s a cryptologist and a mathematical genius, and I have always anything math related abhorrent. But I loved her because she was so smart and strong, and she defied expectations for women of her time while also being a humble follower of Christ. Her struggles with maintaining her own hopes and dreams while falling in love are relatable to many people and are portrayed perfectly in the book. Another hardship Margot faces is grief, and I think that Roseanna M. White portrayed this thoughtfully, as well. While it is apparent from the start that Margot is a strong believer and that her faith is very important to her, that faith is tested and I think this is something all believers can relate to. Among the most life-like and surprisingly relatable heroines in recent memory, Margot is one of the best heroines I’ve read about in a long time.
While Peter Holstein will always hold first place in my heart where White’s heroes are concerned, Drake Elton has to be among my favorite heroes in recent Christian fiction. A little mysterious and very adventurous, Drake has such a big heart, for Margot, especially, yet also for his family and his countries. Similar to Margot, Drake is also a strong believer whose faith is put to the test as he wrestles with the demands of war. Yet while at times he struggled with certain tasks, he maintained a strong faith. I loved this big hearted hero.
Aside from our lovely heroine and hero, I loved the secondary characters. The book boasts a rich cast of characters that create a very full, diverse reading experience. I love that Margot and Drake’s family and friends were portrayed with their own quirks, showing that even though none of us are perfect and we all struggle with different things, God is still there, loving us and helping us through it all.
I must also mention Room 40, a character in and of itself. Prior to White’s Shadows Over England series, I had never heard of the secretive intelligence hub known as Room 40. This mysterious network was described so vividly that I practically felt as though I was there myself, watching these incredibly gifted individuals cracking codes and razzing one another. It definitely made me eager for book two in the series!
Fans of WWI fiction and Christian historical fiction alike won’t want to miss The Number of Love. I can’t recommend this book enough.
All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Thank you to the NetGalley, author and Bethany House for the complimentary copy of this book.
I fell in love with Margot in “A Song Unheard” and was SO happy when I found out she was the MC for this book! Roseanna has done it again—pulling off a riveting novel with a beautiful balance of suspense, faith, and intrigue.
I usually have a hard time writing a well-balance review of Roseanne’s books because I just want to say, “It was so good! Just read it!” I mean, it’s true. There were pieces to the puzzle that I didn’t put together, and I love it when an author can do that to me. I absolutely loved the “villain” and everything connected with him.
I think one thing I liked the best about this one is Margot’s detestation of feelings and romance. Totally a girl after my heart. I loved how she had to journey through the difficulty of an emotional trial yet rejecting the emotions, and having to learn about being a girl with emotions and calling. Yes, totally my girl.
And I just have to take a moment and appreciate the very realistic journey that Drake took along. It’s a pet peeve of mine when a character goes through something challenging and bounces right back. I really did just like Drake all the way around.
I definitely didn’t find the romance as strong in this as in some of Roseanna’s other books (which isn’t an issue with me). There was some sap and a couple of kisses, but romance definitely wasn’t the highlight of everyone’s thoughts.
As for faith content, I found the characters to be very historically accurate. They were Catholic, as was historic their genealogy, so a couple of Catholic rituals were mentioned (namely mass and praying the rosary). The characters were portrayed as those who had genuine faith in God and not in the church; a relationship not mere religion. I don’t agree with the Catholic beliefs of salvation and the Bible, but none of the controversial topics were brought out in this novel. At times, I forgot the characters were supposed to be Catholic, until the rosary or mass were mentioned (and coming from my homestate steeped in Catholicism, it didn’t seem authentic ritualistic religion). Some people would have a problem with this, but honestly, I didn’t find any unBiblical doctrine covered in the book.
My conclusion? Just read it. Be sure to read “A Song Unheard” first (or, just read that entire series—it’s good too), but read this one!
*I received this book from NetGalley and happily provided my honest review*
The Number of Love begins a new series by Roseanna M White called Codebreakers. Readers are introduced to Margot de Wilde, a Belgian teen, breaking German codes during World War I. She wants all she can to help her country.
I have enjoyed reading books by this author in the past and The Number of Love does not disappoint. Margot is a fabulous character that I loved getting to know. her story is full of adventure, danger, mystery, action and suspense. This kept me intrigued and I wanted to keep reading. I have it read from start to finish in one sitting.
I am giving The Number of Love four and a half stars. I look forward to the next installment from the Codebreakers series, On Wings of Devotion. I recommend this one to readers who enjoy clean historic fiction, especially involving the first World War. I think it is definitely a must read.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
The Number of Love by Roseanna M. White is a fantastic historical fiction book. Having read several of this author’s books before I was excited to read this one and was not disappointed in the least. It is a beautiful, captivating story of love, loss, friendships, and faith. With an expert pen and graceful characterization, the author ushers readers into London’s codebreaking room during WWI where they are quickly pulled into the lives of Margot, Dot, and Drake, vibrant characters that each have poignant backgrounds and with which readers will easily connect. Drake, of the broken nose and insightful questions; Margot, driven by ratios, rates & angles—an education her dream not a brood of children; Dot, fearful of life outside her apartment and yet a fearsome friend to have; and a ghost of an enemy who is out for revenge. I loved how the author skillfully wove their lives together into a compelling read with the intrigue and dangers of war, the friendships that are formed in difficult circumstances, and of course, the romance…ahh, the romance. Interest is kept high with lots of action in a number of settings—a fearsome gunfight on a train in Spain, a frightening mugging on London streets, and a furtive midnight flight into France. This multifaceted story kept me turning the pages wondering if Dot was really the only connection between Drake and Margot? Would Dot and Margot still be friends since Dot was set on marriage and Margot on academia? What is this game of Go in the park? Why is Jaeger out to kill Drake? So many unexpected twists and reveals in the story. The Number of Love is a book fans of historical fiction will not want to miss. It is not only a story of friendships and love in wartime but a story where individuals learn that their faith in God is valid and that He can be trusted even with their dreams, and that He gives guidance and direction in dangerous times—sometimes even in the form of numbers.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.
After reading and loving the Shadows Over England series. I was excited to find out that one of my favorite characters were coming back in their very own book.
As always, Roseanna’s books never disappoint. There are just so many things that I loved about this. I loved getting to see Margot and learning more about her. She is a very interesting and intriguing character. While not your typical heroin, she is intelligent and works as a cryptographer during WWI.
This book was hard to put down once I had started it. I can’t wait until the next Codebreakers book comes out.
The Number of Love #1 The Codebreakers by Roseanna M. White
London, England 1917… Since reading the Shadow’s Over England series I have waited to read Margot De Wilde’s story. . .it was well worth the wait! The way Margot incorporates numbers in everything she thinks and does is fascinating and fits well in the secretive Room 40 where she works. I love that she finally has a friend, shy Dot Elton, and how they help each other in their own different “oddities”. Drake Elton is the perfect hero, handsome and strong, a man of integrity and faith and falls in love at first sight. But the war makes it difficult to court his young lady and I love the way he does it in the manner his beloved would understand and maybe open her heart to him. In addition to the war there are enemies lurking, waiting to strike. There are some tense moments, especially in one scene, that had me on the edge of my seat. Throw in intriguing characters (some from previous series which I enjoyed seeing again), fascinating plot-line with mystery and intrigue, danger and suspense, joys and sorrows, love and enduring faith weave this fascinating, powerful story. I love the historical aspects of the story, the author’s attention to detail and her notes at the end of the book.
~I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher/NetGalley (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~
I'm at a loss for words to describe how wonderful this book was. To say it's good is a vast understatement. I've loved all of Roseanna White's books, but this one takes the cake. She's out done herself here. The Number of Love is my favorite one yet. In fact, I think it's the best book I've read this year (and I've read quite a few great ones).
Time flew by while I was reading. I'd look up at the clock and be shocked by how much time had passed. I was completely immersed in the story, feeling as if I was right there, back in 1917, with these characters.
With a sarcastic wit and a sharp, brilliant mind, Margot's a leading lady unlike any other. The way that her mind worked, her way with numbers, was so fascinating. Drake was a perfect match for her. His respect and his patience with her was so sweet. And I have to say, I loved all the appearances of the characters from some of White's previous books. It was so fun to see them again.
I can't recommend this highly enough. It was exciting and romantic and just an all-around awesome story. It's one not to be missed!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
Margot was first introduced to the readers in A Song Unheard, the sister of the great violinist, Lukas De Wilde . Now she is the heroine in the beginning of a new series by White……. Books set in WWI are rare, and I really enjoyed the setting and plot of this story. Margot DeWilde is a mathematical genius and works at Room 40, the location where the cryptographers sit each day and decode transmissions intercepted by the Germans. This room did actually exist for this reason in history and although Margot is a fictional character, the job she did was a very real one and one very relied upon. Drake the hero seeks a job here for his timid sister who has anxiety and sees Margot and is immediately attracted to her and cannot forget her although he does not know her name. Drake lives in Spain but is actually a spy for Britain. When he finally becomes acquainted with Margot he is determine to court her and is very patient with this code breaking genius. Lots of danger and suspense in this first book in the new series.
The story is well written, the characters are well developed and likable, and the history is rich and well-researched. The romance is well done, the adventures are believable and the faith in God is very prevalent. Overall, this was an excellent read! I would strongly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, romance, and WWI era. Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Bethany for an advanced ecopy of this book. I was not obligated to write a review and these words are my own.
Once I started reading this story, I couldn’t put it down! Roseanna White has penned another delightful story, with dynamic characters that come to life within the pages and quickly become as real as if you were in the action right alongside them.
Margot knows what she wants and she isn’t afraid to go after it with everything she has. She is a brilliant mathematician and codebreaker. Her work in room 40 cracking codes for the Brittish Intelligence Office is paramount in helping to change the tide against the German forces in World War I.
Drake Elton is used to reading people upon meeting them, but Margot is unlike anyone he’s ever met before. After their brief encounter, her dark eyes and snapping whit capture his attention and linger in his memory. When their paths cross again, sparks are sure to fly.
There is so much to love about this story! Historical details, encrypted letters, biological warfare, rogue spies, adventure, drama, love, and dynamic characters that take ahold of your heart and don’t let go. You won’t want to miss a moment of this page-turning adventure!
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I am not required to write a positive review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.)
The Number of Love is a story that deals with love, spies, and faith during a time of war. Focusing on Margot De Wilde, a character from author White’s previous series and earlier book, A Song Unheard, this child genius with numbers is now a young woman working as a codebreaker in the top secret Room 40. Margot is such an interesting character, a woman yet a woman who is unbelievably smart and can compete in a dominant man’s world when women were thought not to be able to. She is also drawn within herself and looks at life and relationships a little bit differently than the average young woman of her day and even ours.
Enter Drake Eaton a spy who has a sister with complicated needs and he becomes quite taken with Margot and is determined to get to know her. I like Drake, he was not pushy at all and yet he was kind and caring and gave Margot what she needed even though she thought there was probably no one out there for her. Their souls clicked and they both were better together.
We get to visit with others from White’s previous series and there were other complicated secondary characters that were quite interesting to get to know. Even the protagonist had a complicated character arc that kept me interested in the drama in his life as he was a bit of a gray character.
I always enjoy author White’s stories and this was no exception. The writing was superb and the mystery was tight, the danger palpable, and the love story was sweet and endearing. I like that these characters were a bit out of the norm and I am not a number person, but I really liked that aspect of the story. Very clever storytelling.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.