Member Reviews
I loved Arabelle and Camden! I've been without internet access and unable to share how exciting I think this book is. I loved Ara's independent strength and Camden's complexities.
Roseanna M. White writes such great detail! I really feel like I'm watching a movie when I'm reading.
I highly recommend this book in any format! I read it then purchased the audio version.
When the Number of Love ends, you want to have this one right away. It carries on the story, and the character that you were not the most fond of in the first one, you fall in love with here. He is heartbreakingly struggling with guilt from a death that everyone blames him for, including himself, that he is not responsible for.
I loved how they talked about PTSD in how it was dealt with at this time in history. Plus, you get to see more of Margot here briefly.
I have been a fan of Roseanna M. White’s writing since discovering her earlier Culpepper Ring series and she never disappoints. Her writing is lyrical, characterization deep, storylines complex and unique. A gifted author from the beginning, White just keeps getting better and better. There are tie-ins to characters from previous series in this second Codebreakers book, but it totally works as a standalone. If this is your initial introduction to White’s writing, however, I can almost guarantee you will be hurrying to obtain more.
On Wings of Devotion is an epic story, exquisitely blending history, romance, courage and faith in ways that touched this reader on every page. It’s like stepping into the pages of history. Small liberties are taken here and there for the sake of story, but the historical framework is firm and accurate, inspired by hero and villain alike. Spies, espionage, treachery and deceit are contrasted with honor, integrity and compassion.
This series shines the light on an incredible group of people who worked with skill and dedication as codebreakers in London’s Room 40, thwarting numerous attempts of the enemy to kill and destroy. Hell … It’s name was War, and it existed right here on earth. And when the demons of hell roamed freely, even men who never saw direct action, like the codebreakers he now served with, experienced their horrors in one way or another. These men and women are an inspiration to us all.
Phillip Camden and Arabelle Denler leap off the page and are two of the most memorable characters I’ve ever encountered. Phillip is a wounded hero – complex, deep, loyal and heroic – but flawed from the years he lived for self and carrying the weight of guilt from a horrible tragedy in which he was the lone survivor. A man who “wears his pain like a uniform.” I loved that Arabelle is not the typical beautiful leading lady, but rather tall and plain, and we are shown what true beauty is through her caring, compassion and faithful witness.
When the story opens, Arabelle is engaged to marry Braxton, caught up in a loveless relationship designed to provide mutual benefit … the home and family she craved while providing the means to keep his ancestral home from ruin. There’s some delightful humor and witty dialogue throughout. The scene surrounding the initial meeting between Arabelle and Phillip is pure genius.
I loved Phillip’s gradual maturing and transformation. On Wings of Devotion is about gently growing romantic devotion on a human level, but the overall theme reflects life’s true romance with God. We see God as the patient pursuer and faith lived out in daily life as the gospel message is presented in a realistic way.
The narrative moves at a steady pace, keeping me eager to turn pages, yet allowing time to savor every word and nuance. On Wings of Devotion goes on my favorites list.
Very highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours and Bethany House. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Adventure, family, loyalty, intrigue, and of course romance mark this book. And while that is just the norm for this sort of book, I really think there are some good takeaways from this book.
The two main characters, Arabelle Denler and Philip Camden could not be more opposite. One is all light and goodness and compassion and the other is called Black Heart for a reason. And yet, when you dig below you discover that Black Heart has a heart that is packed full of loyalty, a loyalty that will take a bullet to protect his men and their families. That is an impressive quality to have and one of the takeaways I encourage from this book. Let's be loyal to our friends and family: don't be nice to their face and then stab them behind their backs.
Arabelle was a nurse and full of compassion and grace and faith in God. She was always out to take care of the disadvantaged, comfort the hurting, and just show love to the world at large. And yet, the book showed her to be human, she was capable of being hurt, of feeling pain as she watched her dreams fade away. And yet, she was faithful and she trusted.
Of course, this is a fiction story so everything turns out fine in the end, but there were some tense moments where I may have skimmed ahead to make sure the story was going to follow the prescribed story line for this sort of genre and it did.
The book is labeled historical fiction and there were bits of history woven throughout the book. I don't want to say too much about that because it would give away pieces of the story, but it was interesting to read about.
I received this book from Bethany House via Net Galley and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Memorable. These are the words that always come to mind when thinking of Roseanna M White's books.
Sure enough, the history bleeds from the pages, but the characters and the imagination are even more powerful. They connect with the reader and transport them into an adventure sure to change you.
I loved Arabella -- she was unapologetically herself. And because of that, she is able to reach the one known as Black Heart. Add to this a wonderful group of unforgettable cryptologists who will weave their way into these two characters' lives and bring about Arabella's long desire for a family.
I decided to purchase the audio of this one to split what formats I read on and found both very enjoyable. Both characters were enjoyable and the story was interesting. While it got a bit repetitive stating how homely she was, I liked the fact that she was a genuinely kind person and that's what attracted him to her. So often beauty is so important in a romance so this story was a breath of fresh air.
And here I thought no one could top Barclay Pierce.
Enter Phillip Camden. Of course, if you read The Number of Love, you already have met Phillip, but not like this.
Then, there’s Arabelle, a nurse who has the uncanny knack of seeing deeper into a person than the persona they present. Arabelle and Phillip won this story from the beginning. I loved how Phillip’s view of Arabelle changed as he came to know and understand her, and Arabelle knew there was more to Phillip than the black heart he showed the world.
Roseanna M. White’s books always take me on a wonderful ride. I can’t stop reading, and yet, I don’t want the stories to end. This one was no different.
There’s a great lesson to be had in On Wings of Devotion. I might even say there’s more than one lesson here. Arabelle wants to be loved, to, for once in her life, be the most important person in someone else’s life. Phillip doesn’t ever want to care for someone again, because the risk of losing them is more than he can bear. But God has a plan above our plans, and He has a way to reach even the blackest heart.
A thoroughly captivating read with excellent characters you’ll likely never forget. This book is part of a series, but it can be read as a standalone. If you’ve read The Shadows over England series, you’ll be happy to see cameos from several well-loved characters.
I requested a copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
've been reading Roseanna M White's Edwardian novels since 'The Lost Heiress' came out. The Codebreakers is her 3rd series, based on the the work of a clandestine group of code-breakers and secret service workers in WW1. The Codebreakers of WW2 were well known, but not those of the previous war.
However, this book isn't primarily about Codebreakers. Its about Phillip Camden, a former pilot accused of a terrible crime, and Arabella Denler a young nurse whose life becomes entwined with his.
The characterization is perfection, not only of the main characters, but the secondary ones. The story and the romance very well written. There was enough intrigue and danger to keep the reader captivated, but the burgeoning relationship between the lead characters also carried it a lot of the way. It wasn't the typical girl trying to change a bad man (or vice versa) story.
Phillip and Arabella were thrown together by circumstances beyond their control, and don't want a relationship. Philip is drawn to Arabella's 'light', as he calls it. Her willingness for forgive, and her loving and charitable nature. She's not naive, but she sees past a person's faults to the hurting people beneath.
She's the first person who's willing to 'blackheart' and he by turn accepts her unconventional and quirky family arrangements. (Her father is an explorer who believes he's can locate the mythical Atlantis). Phillip doesn't believe he deserves to be loved, and literally thinks he will be dead within the year. Arabella gives him a reason to keep on living. Even if its just to keep away suitors who want her money.
The two parties both frustrate and complement each other. In one of the early scenes she punches him, and there are so many humourous and witty scenes between them. Where spiritual themes are handled, more in the second half of the story, they're done in a realistic and sensitive way. Not preachy or heavy handed. They just work naturally into the story and come out in the character's behaviour and actions more than their speech.
I can't really comment on the historical backdrop since I don't know the period when this is set very well, but I know this author researches her stories meticulously, and the author's note states that some of the characters are based on real people.
On Wings of Devotion was just a wonderful story to get lost in. Its deep without being to dark or plodding. Also, it was easy to forget that it was written by an American. This is one of the few such books I've read that 'feels' very British and sits easily within its setting.
Thanks to Anne Rogers and the Publisher for sending me a copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Roseanna's books are among my forever favorites! (And I'm not just saying that.) I LOVE the depth of character and the genuine relationships portrayed. This whole series revolves around the fabulous (fictional) people of Room 40 and the heroes of WWI.
This book has it all! Romance, grief, humor, loyalty, and a doozy of a bad guy. One of my favorite parts is getting to see the story unfold from the villain's perspective. It opens the story up to a whole new level. I also really loved watching Cam and Ara's relationship unfold. The process felt very real and reminded me a little of my own relationship with my husband.
Something I wrote down is FIERCE. I think both Cam and Ara have a fierceness about them. Ara, knows who she is, she knows what she wants in life and she will do exactly what she feels is right. Even if it makes other people unhappy. Camden's whole life was his unit. When they died, and he was blamed for their deaths, all he wanted was to join them at the bottom of the channel. He was filled with self-blame, regret, and guilt. But then God...His journey has been such a pleasure to witness. And Cam is also fierce in his protection and love for those that he cares about.
This was an incredible addition to The Codebreakers series. I loved getting to see Margot again as well as few other familiar faces hehe! I am so SO excited to see what book three holds!
As Roseanna's assistant, I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Ok I loved this book.
Arabella is a nurse, no nonsense pretty uptight nurse. She has abandonment issues. She's engaged to a guy she doesn't love because she has a fortune and he needs it for his estate. But all she wanted was for him to be faithful. Pfft he doesn't instead he falls in love with a girl and gets her pregnant. She just happens to be Phillip's sister.
Enter Phillip. Haunted by the deaths of his squadron in which the media and the RFC has condemned him a murderer and traitor, he is out of prison only by the grace of God and his friends. He works in the intelligence building and walks by the hospital everyday. To save his sister's reputation, he must convince Arabella to end her engagement so that Phillip's sister might marry the man she loves.
Thus evolves a friendship that slowly turns into something more. But they're both hiding secrets from each other, one that will set Phillip free.
I enjoyed their romance. Phillip is very swoony and handsome but with a troubled past. Arabella is sweet, but controlling and distant, afraid to get attached. They both change through out the book. Phillip's forgiveness of himself in the jail cell was especially poignant.
Arabelle Denler is twenty-five, and is nursing in London in 1918 while her fiance, Edmund Braxton, serves in the British Army. It’s more a match of convenience than love, but it’s a match she means to follow through with. It’s her only chance of love and family.
Phillip Camden is better known as Black Heart since he apparently killed his entire squadron. Even though the Admiralty don’t seem to blame him, someone does—if the death threats are real. But he has a more immediate problem: his younger sister needs to marry Edmund Braxton. Now.
This means Arabelle is now an unattached heiress, the target of every fortune hunter in London. Camden offers to protect her, by pretending he’s her beau. That works in terms of keeping the “gentlemen” away, but Camden’s reputation brings Arabelle problems in the hospital.
Meanwhile, Camden has his own problems—the death threats, his intelligence work, and his reputation. As such, the novel has several threads which all work together to produce an outstanding historical romantic suspense.
Roseanna M White continues to impress me. Each novel is excellent, and each novel is better than the previous story. Her research is outstanding, yet never overpowers the story. I’ve always been fascinated with codes and codebreakers, which is part of the appeal of White’s novels. Her characters have real problems, yet always turn to God (willingly or unwillingly) for their solution. As such, her stories have a strong Christian thread I enjoy.
On the Wings of Devotion is the second book in The Codebreakers series, following The Number of Love. You’ll probably want to read that first, but it’s not necessary.
Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
War, romance, spies and suspense! On Wings of Devotion has it all! Arabelle, a caring nurse, meets Phillip Camden, a pilot, during what seems to be unfortunate circumstances. They soon become friends then sweethearts in the midst of danger and drama. I have not read the first book in the series yet but I plan to and I look forward to the third installment as well. You won’t go wrong with a Roseanna White book.
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Black Heart is not a name anyone would want tagged as their name, but Major Phillip Camden wore the name loudly since his entire squadton lost their lives. Everyone but Camden. Now he is being blamed. But after spending time with Phillip, nurse Arabelle Denler sees him differently.
This is another amazing book by author Roseanna White. Fron the first page, I was hooked on this story. Again, i was fascinated by the jobs of the code breakers. It’s a job I would have loved, though it had it’s moments. I liked Phillip from the beginning. Maybe because I felt sorry for him? But he just seemed like a nice guy. And Ara felt the same, especially the more she spent time with him. I was happy when she wanted to do what she could to help him. These are both truly wonderful characters. And the other characters are well thought out and created as well. The story is very well written and held my attention, so much so that I didn’t want to put it down.
There’s much going on in this story. Too much to talk about here, and I don’t want to ruin the book for you. I highly recommend On Wings of Devotion. This is a story you are sure to love. Especially if you enjoy historical fiction!
A copy of this book was given to me by the author or publisher through Net Galley. I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions here in this review are totally mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
On Wings of Devotion by Roseanne White
Another winner! I don’t know how Roseanna White keeps coming up with these great stories, but she does. On Wings of Devotion, picks up where the Number of Love ended. Major Phillip Camden, Black-heart, has been working with the code breakers and Arabelle Denler, an wealthy heiress, is working as a nurse. When their paths cross, the fireworks begin. The chemistry between them is very swoon worthy. I love all of the twists and turns in this story. The characters are wonderful. The history of World War II is so intriguing. The facts and fiction are interwoven so well together. Also the introduction of Lily and Zivon, for the 3rd book, sound very interesting! This book is categorized as a Christian, Historical romance. It is 5 star book, in my opinion. Bring on The Portrait of Loyalty
I received this copy from Bethany House on net galley for an honest review
Roseanna M. White has touched the mind and the heart with her book, "On Wings of Devotion." From the man that no one wants to be, Phillip Camden, to the woman (Arabelle Danler) who just wants love and a purpose, Roseanna M. White creates a magnificent array of characters that keep the story flowing. A pilot's fall from grace and a nurse's consistent unwavering faith help the reader to become invested deeply into the outcome. Is redemption really possible for everyone, even those known for a "Black Heart?"
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley and was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
All of England thinks Phillip Camden a monster--a man who deliberately caused the deaths of his squadron. But as nurse Arabelle Denler watches the so-dubbed "Black Heart" every day, she sees something far different: a hurting man desperate for mercy. And when their paths twist together and he declares himself her new protector, she realizes she has her own role to play in his healing.
Phillip Camden would have preferred to die that day with his squadron rather than be recruited to the Admiralty's codebreaking division. The threats he receives daily are no great surprise and, in his opinion, well deserved. What comes as a shock is the reborn desire to truly live that Arabelle inspires in him.
But when an old acquaintance shows up and seems set on using him in a plot that has the codebreakers of Room 40 in a frenzy, new affections are put to the test.
I really like this book. There was a lot of mystery involved. Phillip is running away from what happened to his squadron and also from God. He is a very disliked man and he does everything he can to be disliked. Arabelle is a nurse who sees him walk by her window every day. When she meets him, she seems to look into his very soul and see the hurting man that he is. As the story unfolds, we learn more about what really happened to his squadron. Also, about the spies at work in England.
I would recommend this book to all mystery buffs who like romance thrown in.
I was given this book by Bethany House Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.
“He’d remember that scene for the rest of his life, he was sure. Looking up and seeing her standing there, his wings flashing on her dress. Declaring her devotion better than words could ever do.”
Wings of Devotion is the second book in the Codebreakers series. I struggled with reading the first book in the series, The Number of Love, and honestly could not finish it. Since Ms. White is a new author to me, I gave the second book a chance, and I had a hard time putting it down! It is an absolute page-turner and works extremely well as a stand-alone read. Wings of Devotion, set in London in 1918 during World War 1, is the well-crafted story of Arabelle Denler, an heiress and devoted nurse with a “brightness to her spirit”, and Phillip Camden dubbed “Black Heart”, a grounded Royal Flying Corps pilot now working as a cryptographer for British Intelligence. Deemed a villain by the press for his alleged responsibility for the death of all the other pilots in his squadron during a mission, Phillip is living a life full of guilt, anger, and bitterness. Arabelle deals with feelings of abandonment and inadequacy lamenting “I am just not enough.” Their initial tie is through an incident between Phillip’s sister, Cass, and Arabelle’s fiancé, Edmund Braxton; and the sweet love story progresses at a steady pace from there eclipsed at times by danger, espionage, threats, scandal, misunderstandings, and betrayal. Bits of humor and fun banter sprinkled throughout enhance the story. Ms. White does an outstanding job of blending real-life historical events into the fictional narrative, and the characters primary and secondary are well developed and memorable. I especially liked how the faith element permeates the story. I highly recommend this book and look forward to the third book in the series, A Portrait of Loyalty due to release in September.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via netgalley but am under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Roseanna is by far one of my favorite historical romance writers. I have to read every book to puts out. I always get worried I will be disappointed but I never have been.
Arabelle is a wonderful character, she is kind and puts others ahead of herself, even when something heartbreaking happens to her. Her reaction is beyond what most people would do.
Phillip really is a good guy but something happened to make others think he did a very horrible thing. Ultimately, he is a protector.
Then we are inside another character’s head that we soon find out relates to Phillip. At first I wasn’t sure what this part of the story had to do with the rest, but we don’t have to wonder too long.
Roseanna White fans will be thrilled with this newest release.
A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley.com. All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed The Number of Love, but it was a little slow to get going for me. The romance was atypical due to a main female character that is so mathematical and logic-focused. So even though I liked it, I wasn't sure I was going to continue the series, but the opportunity to get Camden's story pulled me in. And I'm so glad that I did.
Normally I find myself connecting to the male characters in books a little easier than the female characters. Or maybe the better way to say that is that I find myself more critical of the female characters. Sometimes that's simply the difference of the female typically being the narrator. Regardless, I absolutely loved Ara. She is the exact type of character I love to root for. While I couldn't fathom her agreement to marry without love, I understood her motivation to create a stable family so she wouldn't be alone. What I loved most about her was her continued choice to do the right and good thing despite how it might affect her personally. I appreciated the personal struggles that she worked to overcome. Like Margot, Ara has a strong relationship with God, and she follows the inclinations that He gives her.
Oh Camden. So much that he had to work through. I almost feel like I need to re-read this book now that I know his story. He came from such a dark place. Ara is sure that God is working on Camden--wearing him down and calling him back to Himself. I don't want to say too much because his story is so essential to the twists and turns which would be spoilers to reveal.
Unlike Das Gespenst from The Number of Love, Denzille's story was more interesting. I appreciated that her pieces weren't completely hidden from the reader. It's frustrating enough to jump from the main characters to a side story so at least it was easier to see how she fit into the overall story.
Favorite quotes:
-If you want to be healed, He’d whispered into her heart when she was around Cassandra’s age, then heal others.
-“I don’t think God has much to do with this particular situation.” Jeremy wasn’t fazed. He just turned to watch for whatever auto might appear through the bare-limbed trees lining their drive. “Your ignorance is showing, brother. God has much to do with everything.”
-“Avoid Him as you may, I daresay even you have heard the story in the Gospels of the rich young ruler and how difficult it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”“Always found it absurd. If everyone goes about giving away all they have—”“He does not ask everyone to give all they have. But if He does, are we willing? Truly willing?” She shook her head. “Whatever He asks of us, whether it be a fortune or a pittance or our time or our devotion, we can be sure it will be painful. Cutting out what stands between us and God always is. But we can also trust that in the giving, we’ll gain something far more precious.”
-“You know it’s true. You know you need Him.” Blast, but he could drown in those eyes. “I need you.” She shook her head. “Don’t put that responsibility on me. I’ll fail you— people cannot help but fail. Not to mention . . .” She narrowed those eternal eyes at him. “How exactly can you claim you care nothing for matters of faith if they’re part of what you stand here claiming to love about me?”
-“Perhaps you should instead praise Him for using the cruelest of circumstances to achieve the brightest of miracles.”
On Wings of Devotion was more enjoyable in every way than I expected. I found myself wanting to seek out other books written by Roseanna M White which is one of the best compliments I can give On Wings of Devotion. I'm giving this 4 Stars, and I'm excited about the final book in the series to come. Have you read On Wings of Devotion? What did you think? Let me know!
It’s intimidating to write a review for a book you love so well...I had super high expectations for this book and it blasted through them all in the best way possible. The layering of the story elements is masterful and reminds me of some of my favorite vintage writers. I don’t know how she does it, but the characters are rounded and polished and hop right off the page. The way Ara meets the Black Heart is just so interesting and sparks off a very unusual alliance between the two when Ara’s fiancé becomes their common antagonist.
The chemistry with this romantic pair is so thick you can cut it with a knife but of course neither of them see that at first. They in fact never dream of romance to begin with, and I loved that about them. Phillip is a haunted man and doesn’t think he’s really worthy to live. Someone’s threatening him and he couldn’t care less because he thinks the same things about himself.
Then a counter-spy plot pops up and both Ara and Phillip have to work together to save their country from the threat. This is when things really tick up and I seriously couldn’t put the book down.
Phillip’s mother is a spice box and one of my favorite characters...I love it when even the side characters hop off the page! Ara’s also friends with the ladies from the previous Ladies of the Manor series and I got super excited when Barclay from the Shadows Over England series made a couple of appearances.
Overall, it’s already going on my favorites list, so great job to Roseanna White. I can’t wait for the next in the series!
Thanks to the publisher and author for a free reading copy.