Member Reviews

I found the first third of this novel a bit slow paced, but once the action began, it was compelling and suspenseful until the end. Character appearances from both her previous series, The Cornwall Novels, and from book 1 in this series added an enjoyable touch. With a plethora of realistic characters and a World War 1 driven plot, this book was an enjoyable read.

The 2 main characters, Arabelle Denler, a nurse, and Captain Phillip Camden, and English air force pilot were polar opposites. Ara is faith-filled, hard working, caring, and dedicated to her job even though she is the wealthiest woman in London. She has just survived a break-up with her fiancee over another woman. Phiillip Camden aka "Black Heart" is an English gentleman who believes he can break all the rules just because he is, but his actions have led some of his fellow air force pilots into trouble and eventually a horrible air crash that leaves only Phillip alive. He is now considered a monster by everyone. But Ara sees something beyond what others see in Phillip and believes his heart is actually breaking, and his crusty, rude behavior is a cover for what he truly feels.

The focus on repentance, forgiveness, and second chances brought this story to life. I did have a problem though with Ara falling in love with Phillip before he sought Jesus as his Savior and became a believer. Her role, along with his brother's, in planting seeds and changing Phillip was important; but she should have protected herself from deeper feelings until he had become a believer.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

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Wow, I really enjoyed this story. It was a little bit romance, a little bit spy, a little (ok, a lot) bit war, all rolled into one intriguing story line.

Ara is such a strong main character, but I appreciated the vulnerability that she tried so hard to hide. Actually, Cam was the same way. He tried so hard to pretend that what was happening to him didn't bother him, but Ara could see right through him. I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop.

This is a story about forgiveness and redemption. The bad guys are very clear from the beginning, but even that isn't as cut and dried as you might think it is.

I didn't realize until I finished the book that this was part of a series. That's a good sign that this book works well as a stand alone. It's also a good sign that I now have another book to add to my "to-read" list.

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On Wings of Devotion is the second installment in The Codebreakers series by Roseanna M. White, but could be read as a standalone. The smooth writing transported me into the setting and the characters’ minds. The perfectly paced plot held my attention from beginning to end. I loved the beautiful cover, the generous Arabelle, and the romance between Phillip and Ara. However, the powerful themes in the story shined the brightest.

In both On Wings of Devotion and its predecessor, The Number of Love, I appreciated that the author didn’t spew out easy, pat answers about life hardships. The characters struggle for truth and victory. As the characters grow, the novel’s powerful themes emerge. I won’t attempt to name them all, but I’ll share a favorite quote here: “Whatever He [God] 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. (Page 103)” I enjoyed contemplating such wise thoughts that are peppered throughout the story.

I recommend On Wings of Devotion by Roseanna M. White to readers who enjoy inspirational historical fiction with the perfect blend of mystery, romance, and character development.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

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What a fantastic page-turning adventure that kept me up past my bedtime, eager to find out what would happen next! Roseanna M. White sure knows how to spin a story that entertains and that you won’t soon forget. These dynamic characters wove themselves around my heart!

Our hero, Phillip Camden grew so very much within this story. From a grumpy, hard-edged man that carried around a millstone of regret and anger, to one who learned how to give his past, his sins, to a savior who loved and cared for him. A man who kept everyone at arm's length, to a man who was able to make friends, and fall in love. Oh, and what a heart-warming love story it is!

I felt welcomed into the story, the very scenes vibrant and alive. I walked the streets, heard the planes flying overhead, smelled the smoke from buildings that were bombed, and lived the story right alongside these amazing characters.

If you enjoy reading inspirational historical romance, then you are sure to fall in love with this story and want it for your "keeper shelf", to pull out and enjoy again!

(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.)

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This book was incredibly wonderful; I loved it just as much as the first in the series! Arabelle was such a wonderful character, so generous and caring even in the face of betrayal. She had such a strong faith and prayed for people she knew and didn't know while also asking God how she could help someone and listening for an answer or nudge about what she should do. She also struggled with feeling rejected because of her father being gone for most of her life, her mother dying young and just feeling like she lacked that sense of security. She was also tall, "gangly" and plain and figured no man would be interested in her for herself, only for her money. Camden was a fascinating character, a gentleman who knew right from wrong but hadn't been living like he does until his squadron dies and he blames himself. He was reckless and impulsive yet fiercely loyal to his men and his family. He had changed since the incident and now knew what they had been doing was wrong but yet he was still running from God rather than facing his sins. I enjoyed seeing his journey to faith and redemption. He also cared about Arabelle and the position he put her in, though he tried not to. It was sweet seeing these two fall for each other as they both tried to talk themselves out of it, neither one feeling worthy of love. I enjoyed their banter and I loved the talk about codes and deciphering them. It was fascinating to see the enemy's point of view and watching both sides try to outwit the other, wondering what was going to happen next! I also loved seeing characters from the first book, especially De Wilde! The writing was wonderful. I can't recommend this book enough!

I received this book from JustRead Tours. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own.

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From the beginning readers are dropped into the middle of WWI, viewing life from a military and civilian point of view. Getting to know a variety of characters, you instantly care about. It’s a peek into a time gone bye. Arabelle is a dedicated caring nurse raised by a strict dad, who doubts herself and feels she can’t be what she wants to be. She is loyal, caring, makes sacrifices for the troops and is a woman of faith. She is someone you can root for as she battles feelings of worthlessness pounded into her by her father.

Phillip Camden Black Heard who they call a monster. He’s a man accused of deliberately causing the deaths of his squadron; and carries that baggage – He too believes he isn’t worthy of life or love. He feels he should have passed with his men. He puts on a good front, hides behind a smile and a sense of humor. I liked how both of these characters struggled with their faith in a non-preachy way and how they battled the negativity they felt inside.

This is a story of love, loss and redemption. Both of these characters believe lies about themselves, God and others. It was a fun escape, but I wish I would have read book one before this book two. I felt that I missed out on so much. There were lots of good messages in these pages one of them was “we don’t change people only God can do that.”

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Catalogue front page www.bookfun.org

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BOOK REVIEW: On Wings of Devotion
BOOK BY: Roseanna M. White
As always, Roseanna White delivers an adventurous story that keeps one reading until the early morning hours.
The second book of the Codebreakers series picks up shortly following the end of the first book. Pilot Phillip Camden returns home from the continuing war branded a Black Heart. He’s accused of a crime he didn’t commit, though the way he feels, he deserves the accusations and ousting from society. Nurse Arabella Denler is looking forward to a future of home and hearth with her fiancé, yet nothing prepares her for how her world will collide with the infamous Black Heart, pulling that dream decisively from her.
I’m not sure what it is, but every novel I’ve read by Ms. White starts out slow for me. My attention wanes until about the fourth or fifth chapter. By then, I get pulled into the story and I can’t put it down until I read the last page. This book was no exception. If it seems slow in the beginning, keep at it. You won’t be disappointed.
There’s intrigue, adventure, romance, and a beautiful conversion story all tied together. This was one of the most emotional and transformative conversion stories I’ve ever read. The gospel was clearly presented along with the deep rooted emotional trauma the character experienced. The character in question just couldn’t get any lower and was faced with almost sure death. This is what Christian Fiction is all about – exposing the ugly truth about our hearts and showing the power of God’s forgiveness through the sacrifice of his Son Jesus.
I loved the character of Arabella. She was the epitome of what it means to live your faith.
The way characters from previous novels (Ladies of the Manor Series, Shadows Over England and Codebreakers 1) were woven seamlessly into this story. One doesn’t have to read the previous novels to enjoy this one, but it does make it easier to pick out previous heroes and heroines from earlier times.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

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"On Wings of Devotion" by Roseanna White is an historical fiction book. It is the second book in the Codebreakers series about World War 1.. This book shows the challenges of being a Major during World War 1 and also being a Codebreaker. Arabelle Denler is a respectable and admirable character. She is a nurse at the hospital She gets promoted to running the hospital. She has so much care and compassion for the patients and her friends. She goes the extra mile all the time for her friends , family and work associates. The book is well researched and written. I recommend this book . It will give the reader a view of life during World War 1. . Thank you to the publisher, author and netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book. I was given the book for review purposes and the opinions are my own. I will share my review with netgalley, Goodreads, facebook, my blog, with church staff.

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I have sooooo much love for Arabelle and Phillip! This is the kind of hero/heroine pairing I absolutely ADORE. A black sheep who is actually a goldmine of hidden qualities, and a smart, compassionate, independent heroine who truly SEES people. I’ve been a long-time fan of Roseanna White’s books for their historical settings and the detailed research that supports them as well as for her unique characters and the warmth of their characterisation, but this one has just shot to the top of my “will be rereading again and again” list.

I’m all about emotional connection in my romantic reads, and that connection runs rich and deep through Ara and Phillip’s developing relationship. She hides it well, but Ara has deep-seated insecurities stemming from her plain appearance and her life experiences. The way Phillip counters these insecurities is romance at its most authentic and heart-melting. The more he gets to know Arabelle, the more beautiful she becomes to him. And that’s all I’m saying about that, because it would be criminal not to let you discover the delicious unfolding for yourself.

But it’s turnabout, as well, because while Phillip readily draws the female eye (exhibit A: opening scene), he is fully convinced that his moniker Black Heart is well deserved. But from the beginning, Arabelle recognises the pain behind his anger and deliberate abrasiveness, and it is her determined “goodness” that simultaneously attracts and convicts Phillip and ultimately believes in and champions him when he needs it most. I LOVE THESE TWO SO MUCH!!!

It’s probably worth mentioning that this wonderful romantic pairing is fully supported by an excellent plot, including a thread of suspense, but really, all you need to know is: Arabelle and Phillip. Book sold, right there.

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Author Roseanna White never disappoints, I'm not sure how she does it but each book seems to top her last one. This is the second book in her Codebreakers series and WOW!
The author's writing style just blows me away, I don't know how she pens such a marvelous spellbinding story each time but she does.
There are tie-in characters from the first book but if this is the first book your reading it's explained very well so you'll be able to get right into the book.
Beautiful story of redemption and forgiveness .
Set during World War I in England filled with codebreakers, threats and fraught with danger this fantastic historical will have you racing to finish the pages between the covers.
Highly recommended!

Published January 7th 2020 by Bethany House Publishers
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

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I'm really torn about this book.

WHAT I LIKED:

-As always, Roseanna M. White crafts a compelling, historically accurate story with plenty of heart and personality (unlike so much Christian fiction these days).
-I found Ara very relatable - to an extent (more on that in a bit).
-Camden was a great hero and his (spoiler alert!) conversion almost made me cry.
-Cameos of characters from the Shadows Over England series! <3333
-I wanted to see more of Jeremy, Camden's brother. He seemed really awesome.

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:

-I didn't feel that the story was *quite* as gripping as some other White books I've read.
-Okay. This is the biggest thing. Ara and Camden get into a romantic relationship semi-quickly even though Camden is very clearly an unbeliever (and quite dismissive of religion for much of the book). I know that there are Christians who date/marry non-Christians but it didn't seem to match the rest of Ara's character development. Especially because she doesn't seem that worried about Camden coming to know Christ - she's like "I'm cool being with you 'cause I'm sure you'll get saved one of these days". It just...really annoyed me.

Overall, though, this book was really good. I'm looking forward to the next installment in the series! (I called who the main female character would be, based on her brief appearance in On Wings of Devotion.)

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

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After meeting Phillip Camden in The Number of Love, I couldn’t help but be excited to read his story in On Wings of Devotion. I wasn’t disappointed. Roseanna M. White has a wonderful talent of taking lesser known historical facts and combining them with a fictional story that is full of romance, suspense, mystery and fascinating plots. The plot in this book definitely had me not wanting to put the book down. I always enjoy the historical facts that Roseanna White incorporates into her books. The information on pilots and code breaking during World War I was fascinating. Another part of the story I loved was the characters. Ara is definitely a friend I would want on my side if she were real. I loved her caring, generous, and loyal personality. She even saw through Phillip Camden’s brooding, rude attitude to the loyal, heroic man he really was. I absolutely enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it for others who are looking for a great book to read especially those who enjoy historical fiction with some romance during World War I.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

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On Wings of Devotion continues the dramatic story of every day citizens doing their part to end the first world war. Phillip Camden is first introduced in the series first book, The Number of Love. I'm glad that Roseanna decided to tell Phillip's amazing story in this second book. He was quite the mystery. Phillip's character is rough around the edges and will take a special kind of person to break through that tough-guy exterior. The heroine, Arabelle Denler, is just the person needed to help Camden face the tragedy that he went through with his men, but she too has deep issues that must be dealt with. These characters have quite the conversations when put together. Their clever banter back and forth will make you smile. I loved their interactions! The plot to this story unfolded beautifully to keep the reader from wanting to put the down. This definitely was a tumultuous time in history and that makes for a great story!

If you're looking for a fun, action-packed, WWI adventure, pick up The Codebreakers series. I thoroughly enjoyed it! But in my opinion, you will most likely want to read Roseanna's Shadows Over England series first since many of the characters show up in the Codebreakers series.

***I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.

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On Wings of Devotion is my first Roseanna M. White book, and I was blown away. She is a masterful storyteller, weaving together the details of World War I ravaged London with the lives of her beautifully crafted characters. My friends can confirm how impressed I was by the subtle beauty of her writing since I can’t quit talking about it! It all results in a spectacular reading experience, the kind that leaves you a little sad to close the book and say goodbye to the hero and heroine.
It’s always easy to fall in love with the hero in a romantic story, but liking the female lead is just as important to me. And Arabelle Denler is amazing! Her heart is full of Christ-like love, mercy, and forgiveness. I was in awe of how she responded to one unpleasant situation after the next. She becomes an anchor for Camden who adrift on a sea of guilt and sorrow. I absolutely loved the development of their relationship from kidnapper/hostage to friends to romance.
Phillip Camden, or ‘Black Heart’, is such a tragic figure. He uses his good looks and his reputation as a bad boy to manipulate his way through life--while keeping most people at arm’s length. I love how the people closest to him are loyal to a fault even as he is trying to push them farther away. I enjoyed watching him let down his walls not only for Ara, but for the others in his life who were taking a risk trying to stay close to him.
The complexities of the story are amazing. Ara is trying to find herself after losing her betrothed to another woman. Will her profession of nursing be enough to fill the void of losing her dreams of a family? Camden is suffocating under the accusations he killed his entire squadron. Will he let the guilt destroy him? Add in a beautiful German spy and a vengeful, grieving widow, and Ara and Cam’s lives become hopelessly tangled.
As the story unfolds, I guarantee, you won’t be able to put this book down! So many twists and turns. Try not to hold your breath!
If you enjoy WWI era historical fiction or historical fiction in general, you will want this book on your TBR!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher. All views expressed in my review are my honest opinion.

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This is Book Two of the Codebreaker Series by Roseanna M. White.

Arabelle (Ara) Denler is a nurse at Charing Cross hospital in London. She takes care of service men wounded in Europe during World War II. Every day, she and a couple of her aides watch out the window for "Black Heart" (Phillip Camden) to walk by.

After his squadron of flyers died in the English Channel, Camden was assigned to work for the Admiralty in decoding messages sent by the Germans, while awaiting a possible court-martial.

After a chance meeting that wasn't so much of a chance, Camden began walking Ara home from work after her shifts every day. Through his association with Ara, Camden met her father, a well-known adventurer and traveler.

This is a book with intrigue, history, and just a bit of understated romance. The compelling plot is enriched by the depth of the characters and the roles they play within the plot. The settings are tools to allow the characters to act out their parts on the stage set in front of the readers.

This is a five-star book, with two thumbs up, and a pair of bronze wings from a pilots' uniform.

NetGalley.com and Bethany House Publishers provided the galley I read for this review.

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On Wings of Devotion, book two from The Codebreakers by Roseanna M White is now my favorite book I have read by her to date. Even though it is part of a series, I believe it can be read as a stand alone. The historical details were so vivid in this one, I felt like I was part of the story. I loved the chemistry between the two main characters, Arabelle and Camden. The plot has a lot I love in a book: adventure, romance, suspense and faith. I could not ask for much more than that.

I give On Wings of Devotion five plus stars. I look forward to book three from The Codebreakers to see what will happen next.

I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

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This might be my favorite book by Roseanna White yet! I loved the characters so much in this story—Arabelle with her strong spirit despite past hurts and Philip with his quiet courage despite his aching heart. The spiritual messages of mercy and forgiveness are deeply thought provoking and seamlessly woven throughout the fabric of the story. I loved the passion and romance in this book, finding the relationships realistic and appreciating how the characters grew and changed together. I think I cried several times, as Roseanna brought such raw emotion to the story! I found myself deeply immersed in the plot, fascinated with its interesting history and creative storyline, and found myself a bit sad when I finished the book, despite its good ending, for I wanted to the story to continue even longer! I definitely enjoyed this novel and highly recommend it! I cannot wait for book three in the series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

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On Wings of Devotion is the second book in The Codebreakers series by Roseanna M. White. After reading the first book, The Number of Love, last year and really enjoying it, I was anticipating this read quite a bit. It exceeded my expectations!

I loved the characters in this story so much! Arabelle was confident in herself, which I loved, and had such a caring heart for others. She could see the hurt in Black Heart before she even met him…Also, the way she was able to forgive someone for something they did (won't say what to avoid spoilers) was amazing.

Black Heart was an intriguing character. I didn't know at first what was all haunting him, but as his story progressed I couldn't help feeling for him and wishing the best. There were moments of intensity that I didn't know what was going to happen.

All in all, On Wings of Devotion was amazing and I highly recommend it if you enjoy historical romance. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series!

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

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I have always been a fan of Roseanna M. White’s writing since the first book I read by her. In this one she brings us another book about room 40 and the code breakers. This one deviates somewhat from being about the code breakers exclusively and centers on a man accused of letting his men under him die when he could have saved them. He even believes it himself and believes he deserves to die as they did. Phillip Camden and Arabelle Denler are the main characters. Phillip a wounded war hero dubbed “Black Heart” a monster with no feelings, accused of a war crime. Arrabelle a nurse who tends to the wounded men in the hospital. I loved reading how these two unlikely people were brought together and what they learned from each other, how they fell in love never expecting to at all. What an enthralling book filled with Spies, espionage, treachery and deceit. Still we find honor, integrity and compassion and a strong thread of faith through out……I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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On Wings of Devotion follows The Number of Love in the Codebreakers series. If you haven’t already, I would highly recommend that you first read the Shadows Over England series. In this series you will be introduced to the characters and learn back story that I would argue is fairly essential to a full understanding of this series. Then move on to The Number of Love where you will be introduced to main character Phillip.

Roseanna White writes captivating stories that always keep me turning the pages. I really enjoyed Phillip and Arabella’s story. And kudos to the author for writing about a woman who is not physically attractive as the main character. It was a real story that truly showed how interior beauty can be completely captivating and that the connections that are born in the soul are the best foundation for a relationship.

I also appreciated the very human fallibility of the characters and the beauty of redemptive grace in the midst of intrigue and suspense. I loved the book and can’t wait for the next installment in the series.

I received a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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