Member Reviews
"On Wings of Devotion" is a suspenseful Christian romance set in February and March of 1918 in England. This novel is the 2nd in the series. You don't need to read the previous novel to understand this one, and this story didn't spoil the previous book.
Phillip feels that he deserves death for a series of bad decisions that he made, but at least he can still help the people he cares about. Arabelle longs for a stable family, but she's willing to give up even that if God asks it of her. When Phillip Camden informs her that her fiance has not been faithful to her, she believes God has asked her not only to do that but to pray for the man who brought the bad news. Phillip is so impressed that he's determined to protect her from men who only want her money.
The main characters acted realistically, were engaging, and I cared about what happened to them. The hero and heroine respected and supported each other. Each had hurts from the past that the other helped to heal through their kind words and actions. The suspense came from danger to the hero's life as well as a plot against England. There was no sex or bad language (though Phillip did use swear words like blighted, blamed, and blasted). Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable spy-and-code novel.
On Wings of Devotion
by Roseanna M. White
Bethany House
Bethany House Publishers
Christian
Pub Date 07 Jan 2020
I am reviewing a copy of Wings of Devotion via Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:
Everyone in England believes that Phillip Camden is a monster, a man who deliberately caused the death of his squadron. Nurse Arabelle Denter watches the man who was dubbed as “Black Heart” every day, she sees a far different side of him, a man who is hurting and desperate for Mercy. 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 rather died with his Squadron rather than be recruited to the Admiralty’s codebreaking division. The threats he receives daily, do not surprise him and he believes he deserves them. What does surprises him is that Arabelle inspires him to want to really live again.
After an old acquaintance comes into the picture and seems to be set on using him in a plot that has the codebreakers of Room 40 in a frenzy, new affections are put to the test.
If you are looking for a powerful historical novel set during The Great War, one that is full of everything from romance to action and intrigue I would definitely recommend On Wings of Devotion.
I give On Wings of Devotion five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
I enjoyed renewing acquaintance with characters in On Wings of Devotion, book 2 of The Codebreakers series. While the major characters are new or were minor characters in the previous book, there are minor characters who played a role in The Number of Love. Set in World War I England, On Wings of Devotion contains political intrigue and romance. The plot centers around a codebreaker, a former aviator who was falsely accused of causing the deaths of his squadron, and a nurse, who has a caring spirit and wants the best for others. White has an attention to historical detail. Her Author’s Note at the close of the book points out some of the research which verifies several aspects of the text.
Roseanna White has woven a great story – once I was hooked I had a hard time putting the book down. I look forward to reading book 3 in the series, A Portrait of Loyalty, which will bring a couple of minor characters in On Wings of Devotion to a major role. This is a series I will probably re-read start to finish once it is complete in order to better see how they are all connected – something that can be hard to do when reading books in a series several months apart.
I would not hesitate to add this book to my K-12 Christian School library. While it’s length of almost 400 pages which keep many away from it, it is appropriate for middle school and up.
I want to thank JustRead Publicity Tours for the complimentary copy of On Wings of Devotion.
Short version: she’s got a low opinion of her physical attributes. He has a low opinion of his character. Both spend time trying to convince the other how wrong they are. Truthfully, however, this is more than just a romance between two people with low self-esteem. Arabelle Denler might not have a title, but she has money and plenty of it and has been advised to marry someone who has need of it. Phillip Camden has neither title nor as much money, but he has a nickname “Black Heart” after an aviation incident where he was the only survivor. He’s lived the reckless life of a gentleman officer and now it’s come back to haunt him. Meanwhile, a Swiss German woman is caught up in a plot that sees her entering England illegally. Her story is seemingly unrelated at first, but you know she must connect to Ara and Cam somehow or she wouldn’t be in the book. Their coming together creates a breathtaking finale.
The second release in Roseanna M. White’s Codebreakers series, set in England during World War 1 provides commentary on a myriad of issues. What happened to the pilots who found themselves out of place, or in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong people? What happened to the families that were left behind? What about the women who had expected to be married but now found themselves single and pregnant? What was it like for the Londoners who experienced German bombing raids? On Wings of Devotion covers all these topics. Then there is the matter of class and the crossing of social barriers that, before the war, would’ve been almost impossible. Here, White brings in characters from her previous two series – young nobility and a ragtag band of former thieves and con artists – and has them interacting with each other in an appropriate and believable manner.
The middle book of a trilogy can be a hit or miss proposition. I’ve read some that read like filler; a way of getting from book one to book three. I’m happy to say this isn’t the case with On Wings of Devotion. It not only advances the lives of characters we’ve come to know and love in White’s previous novels, it can also stand by itself with no prior knowledge needed of those characters. Case in point: I don’t remember much about White’s Ladies of the Manner series – although I have read them – and I still haven’t read the final book in her Shadows Over England series. Lack of knowledge, however, didn’t stop me from thoroughly enjoying this story.
Disclaimer: Although I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher, the words and opinions below are my own.
I absolutely loved this newest release from Roseanna White! As always, her characters are my favorite part of her books. She creates such complex, flawed, and relate-able characters, and I especially love that she brings back characters from previous books and series so you feel like you’re visiting old friends and meeting new ones when you read her books.
What struck me about both this book and the previous one in this series, The Number of Love, was how the author portrayed the remarkably overflowing generosity of spirit that characterizes those who truly follow Jesus. There were a couple instances in both books where this generosity not only surprised me but rather took my breath away, and I found myself looking for opportunities to give more generously of myself even before I had finished the book.
Another thing I found unique about this book was that the reader is allowed to be so much inside the head of the major players that what is going to happen isn’t as much of a mystery but how it will all play out and how each will react is what kept me riveted.
I have nothing negative to say about this book. I absolutely loved it, and recommend it without reservation to lovers of historical fiction and/or romance. This book will join this author’s Shadows over England series and The Number of Love on my homeschooling shelf of must-read World War 1 fiction as I personally have learned more about WW1 from this author than I ever learned in school!
Thank you to Bethany House for the free review copy. All opinions are my own.
Note: This is book two in the Codebreakers series by this author. I do recommend reading these books in order.
I really enjoyed this second book in this series. The new characters were fantastic, and I was excited to get a glimpse back in the codebreakers room from a different perspective this time. I think that the exploration of the theme of God's forgiveness was done excellently within these characters. Phillip has a lot to work through in this book, and the author does a great job at pacing his journey just right.
I also liked the friendship that blossomed between the two main characters. Both have issues that impact the relationships they allow around them, and the way they interacted was so genuine. I loved getting to see where things were going.
I am not sure how it is possible, but the books in this series seem to keep getting better and better! This book had a really unique plot that had me hooked early on. As the story unfolded I enjoyed seeing what twists and turns would happen next. And it kept me up far to late on more than one night. I also enjoyed watching how the characters charged during the story. And the story even included a few characters from the last book, which I really enjoyed seeing! So reading this series in order would probably be best. I highly recommend this book, and the whole series!
I received this book free through NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. The opinions are my own.
Wow! Roseanna White has done it again. She has crafted a book full of heartbreak and history that I couldn't put down. On Wings of Devotion has lived up to White's previous books.
I loved this book because of White's talent at crafting characters who grow and learn throughout the whole book, never staying the same. The change is so slight that the characters don't even realize it until they look back to where they were before. Even the villian was likable in the fact that White showed her inner struggles.
Another part of this book that was unique was the history. Unlike most historical novels, this book was set in Europe during the height of the First World War. It makes for an exciting novel.
I enjoyed this novel and am eagerly awaiting White's next book.
Rating: 5 Stars
Content: 4 Stars
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required.
***RIVETING – AN EXCELLENT 1ST READ FOR 2020 ***
Roseanna White weaves a wonderful tale and starting one of her novels is always dangerous for me as all other responsibilities fly out the window! I absolutely loved this story (naturally!). The characters are relatable while the story is exciting. I loved revisiting Room 40 where the codebreakers work hard to transcribe enemy messages. The romance between the main characters is one neither had expected and I enjoyed the way it grew, almost out of necessity, but with the Lord’s hand clearly upon it.
//
London 1918, WWI //
Major Phillip Camden returns from book 1 brooding as ever, as he awaits his fate. Currently, he has joined Room 40 and the codebreakers as his friend Drake Elton has put in a good word for him. But he knows justice will catch up to him and it’s only a matter of time until he faces a firing squad. He carries his wing-pin always in his pocket as a reminder of who he’d once been and his lost brothers.
//
Arabelle Denler is a nurse at Charing Cross Hospital. She joins the other nurses on break to stare out the window daily at the handsome, mysterious man the papers have dubbed “Black Heart”; the man responsible for the deaths of his entire squadron of RFC pilots. She has no business mooning at strangers when she has a fiancé, but the Lord was calling her to pray for him again like she had been for months now. Besides, no man like him would never be interested in a plain-Jane like her.
//
Diellza is a harsh reminder of Phillip’s past and not all that she seems. She adds a twisting layer to the story as the war rages on.
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Tea Quotes: Oh for the day when the consequences of skipping classes or putting pepper in the headmaster’s tea were all he had to worry with. No threats of court-martial or firing squads.
//
Spiritual Moment: 1. [She] hadn’t imagined praying for this girl at all. But helping those who were hurting was what the Lord had called her to years ago. If you want to be healed, He’d whispered into her heart… then heal others.
2. For the first time in years, he considered breaking his silence with God and saying a prayer for her sake.
//
Again, I would add, that we are not dragged through the gruesomeness of war which I very much appreciate. I am looking forward to Zivon Marin & Lily Blackwell’s future story.
//
I was gifted an advance copy of the book from the publishers. It is my privilege to share my honest opinion without expectation or compensation.
//
SERIES: The Codebreakers -
*The Number of Love – Book 1 June 4, 2019 (5 stars)
*On Wings of Devotion – Book 2 Jan 7, 2020
*A Portrait of Loyalty – tbd
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Over the last couple of years, Roseanna M. White has become one of my favorite authors. I love her strong heroines, swoon-worthy heroes, and interesting plots filled with intrigue, period detail and beautiful faith messages. Her latest offering, On Wings of Devotion, does not disappoint.
My favorite part of this book is Arabelle. She isn’t your typical heroine. Not a breath-taking beauty, she defies the norms of what we often think our leading ladies should be. Instead, she’s very smart, incredibly strong, and stalwart in her faith. Her heart is pure gold; she cares for all people where they are. She is the epitome of what a heroine should be, and I totally want to hang out with her!
I must admit that I was rather weary of Camden in the beginning. He’s so angry, so hurt after the loss of his squadron. But seeing the things he did for Arabelle slowly changed my mind. Especially when a certain thing (actually, two things, but I’m not giving any spoilers!) happened towards the end. Roseanna’s talent for character growth shines in this so-called “Black Heart.”
As always, there is plenty of intrigue throughout the book that will keep you guessing. And true to White, there’s scrumptious period detail that will delight readers of historical fiction. I felt completely immersed in 1918 London and I am eager to return to this world in the next book!
On Wings of Devotion is another wonderful tale from a truly talented author. I highly recommend this book to readers that love historical fiction with an inspirational message.
All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Many thanks to the author, NetGalley, and Bethany House for the complimentary copy of this book.
Roseanna M. White presents one of the most beautiful analogies of forgiveness and grace that I have ever read. When Ara was wronged, and greatly so, she responded in such an gracious manner it stunned me. I know that grace is about God showing us kindness we don't deserve. I have never thought so clearly about the "don't deserve" part of it. As Christians, we often think that God is good to us because we are His children and therefore He will, of course, treat us well and give us good gifts. Yet how often do we remember that we are also responsible for breaking His heart with our sin. The sin that caused Jesus to offer Himself as a sacrifice for us. He suffered so much for us. The mere fact that He forgives us is AMAZING!!!! And when you add to that the blessings He heaps upon us, eternal life!
That alone would have prompted my five star rating but as with all this author's other stories, the entire book was wonderful! It was riveting. The story was so beautiful.
Ara had felt alone much of her life. Abandoned. Unloved. She poured herself into her chosen career as a nurse, loving and caring for those brought into her path. Her kindness and compassion were pretty amazing. I love how she was such a light to Cam.
And speaking of Cam... No longer the reckless, gadabout he had been, he was broken. Consumed with guilt over the death of the men in his squadron. If you read The Number of Love, you may remember him as the newest codebreaker – the one sent to the closet because of his surly attitude. (If you haven't read it yet, hurry and get yourself a copy!)
Favorite characters from other books in the Code Breakers series and the Shadows Over England series return here at least briefly. It is not critical for your understanding to read the first series though I strongly suggest reading The Number of Love before starting this story.
As always, the author has done amazing research for this story making it even more a delight. Lovers of historical fiction will want to be sure to read this wonderful story.
“A stranger stalking down the street shouldn’t make her hands tremble in anticipation.” - Opening line from “On Wings of Devotion” by Roseanna White
The next in Roseanna White’s The Codebreakers series, “On Wings of Devotion” focuses on Major Camden’s story answering all the questions in “The Number of Love”. Nurse Arabella finds her life colliding with Cam’s and soon he decides he has to be her protector, whether she wants it or not. Seeing the struggle Cam is battling after the death of his squadron, Ara determines to show him God’s love and help him through the pain.
In addition to the beautiful story of the redemptive power of God’s love, there is a wartime mystery. The codebreakers are working to understand the next move of the enemy through Cam’s old acquaintances.
Despite my best efforts to think of how to share more of this story, it would spoil it to do so! I can say I loved it, I found these two leading characters to be two of my fictional favourites! Their struggles are so relatable and Roseanna has written each exquisitely. Once again, they are supported by a great cast of other characters and I look forward to exploring this world more in the next novel in this wonderful series! It’s full of moving moments, intrigue and humour, it’s a five out of five on the enJOYment scale and highly recommended!
Roseanna M. White has become one of my favorite authors so I was so pleased to have the chance to read and review her latest novel, On Wings of Devotion. It was everything I expected and more.
I have enjoyed this author’s tales set during World War 1 so much. My generation seems to see and hear more about WW2 so I certainly appreciate White’s research and attention to this neglected era. I loved reading about the codebreakers and their essential service to winning the war. The details provided made it much easier to understand how necessary the behind-the-scenes people help win wars. I also love how the characters develop throughout the book. Phillip Camden was a believable hero whose personal grief has him believing his country’s accusations against him. And Arabelle’s character touched my heart with her longing for a family of her own and her keen insight into hurting people that helped her to see past what others could see. Arabelle and Phillip were a perfect match and it was gratifying to watch them grow closer to each other and to the Lord as He directed them.
On Wings of Devotion is a wonderful story with a steady plot, plenty of action and intrigue, some quite humorous interludes, and of course a satisfying romance. I recommend this book as well as every other book this author has written. Thus far the Codebreakers series has been amazing and I look forward to the next installment!
This is White at her best!
Roseanna White's expert pen transports her readers to WWI England, her stellar research immersing us into a fictional world that is filled with espionage, danger and romance. In my humble opinion, Ms. White pens some of the most touching moments that will tug at your heart. And some of the most romantic moments that will have her readers swooning. The thread of God's love and grace is not forced but woven seamlessly throughout the story.
Her characters are endearing and are some of my favorite to follow. While all of her books can be read as standalone, there are characters from previous books that make cameo appearances.
She has created two of the most memorable characters to date in On Wings of Devotion. I absolutely adored Major Philip Camden. His strengths far outweigh his flaws, his loyalty and devotion to friends and family is incomparable. The heroine, Arabelle, is full of grit and compassion for others. Yet it is the vulnerability of Ms. White's characters that drew me into their stories. While the plot was engaging, and pacing was impeccable, it was the journey of faith and love that had me transfixed.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
In the second of the series The Codebreakers, Roseanna White has written a very thought-provoking novel. Based during WW1 in London, the author introduces us to the intriguing Ara, a nurse who is engaged to Brax in a loveless relationship for money only. Not only does she have this to contend with, but she’s got a wandering father who is gone for long periods of time on his “adventures”. She feels unlovable and that she’ll never have the family she wants.
Of course, there’s a villain to muddy the water, Phillip Camden, Black Heart. After his “Incident” he now works in Room 40 as an encoder, and instantly finds himself in the middle of espionage and murder plots. The story revolves around the precarious relationship that develops between Ara and Phillip. I especially was intrigued with the Diellza and Kath; cleverly written!
Some of the characters from the first book in the series make a cameo appearance but this could easily be read as a stand-alone novel.
I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley and was under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Although the previous book in this series wasn't exactly my favorite, I was still really looking forwards to reading this book, because a) it's Roseanna M. White, and b) I'm a sucker for anything set during the early 1900s (i.e., ~1900 to the end of WWII). This book did not disappoint!!
On the Wings of Devotion started off pretty slow: it took me quite a while to actually get into the book, but once I did, I was GRIPPED. Each of the characters are SO well defined, and there are SO MANY tie-ins with previous series (Shadows Over England as well as Ladies of the Manor!!! 😲😲😲) I am SO impressed with books that have tie-ins, and I LOVE books that do that, so this book was AWESOME for me because of that! This book has had the most out of all of Roseanna M. White's other books, as far as I know, and it was amazinG.
The story itself was really good as well: it covered some details about that period of history that are not really well known (i.e., divers during WWI), and of course, code cracking itself is also super cool and I always love reading about it. The humor was there, of course, which is always one of my favorite parts about a Roseanna M. White book.
Arabele and Phillip were SUCH a good couple! Both of them were strong and independent and SO good at their jobs, but were also honest and loved each other and loved God. (It did get a little bit kissy, so if you're sensitive to that, then just beware. Nothing too graphic, but it was a little bit make-out-y). Arabelle in particular was my faaaavorite. She is who I want to be when I grow up.
The faith bits were also SO good and SO well written! There is a hard "coming to Jesus" moment, but even that was well done and not too preachy. The last scene MADE ME CRY. As a type 6 on the Enneagram, it was so sweet and soft and just AAAAA. Just look at this quote 😭
"You are everything. Everything. Everything good, everything bright. Everything worthwhile." -Arabelle Denler, On the Wings of Devotion
Overall? I LOOOOOVED this story! It made me laugh, it made me cry, and while it took me a white to get into it, I loved reading it! I'm super excited for book 3!!
After reading this book all my head wants to say is WOW...
I have not previously read any books by Roseanna M. White and I am now scratching my head wondering how I could have missed her? This book On Wings of Devotion is actually the second book in her Codebreaker series. However, I was not lost at all just jumping into this one (I will definitely be going back and reading the first one though).
The character interactions in this book are the best I have read in a while. They banter back and forth so much, and you just can’t help but smile or laugh, through it all. They did have their ups and downs, but I was amazed by Ara’s absolute faith in the face of everything that happened. Yes, she had doubts but they never lasted for long. That is what I personally strive to do even though it doesn’t always work out as well as in this book. Camden was also a great character who I enjoyed getting to know. He was the picture of a flamboyant flyboy with a teddy bear heart underneath. So much mystery surrounds him, and we get fed little bits of his true character throughout the book. It was like getting to know someone in real life, you slowly get to know them over time.
The storyline in this book was riveting like it literally sucked me in (Laundry did not get done that day 😊). I think it really comes back to the ways in which Roseanna M. White used her characters. She used a combination of real events that happened in history combined with characters in believable situations and she rounded them up in a great storyline full of espionage, mystery, and love.
I give this book a resounding 5 out of 5 stars for keeping me hooked from the very beginning, the historical accuracy of the characters and events, and for the overwhelming theme of faith in God that He is always by your side. I highly recommend reading this book!
*I received this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
This is my first time reading this author and this is actually the second of the series.
I really enjoyed this story! It took me to that time and being able to follow these characters was such a thrill. I enjoy novels in dual POVs and this one did not disappoint.
The hero and heroine were likable and as much as their romance is a troupe, it was done in a refreshingly sweet way. I loved how Ara stood up for her believe and how she spread kindness without appearing forced.
The author did an amazing job at adding Christian themes without appearing preachy.
Cam... he was a favorite of mine hands down. Great hero and even the mystery behind him was interesting enough to keep me entertained throughout.
The other character we follow, she was different and I was surprised she even was a character at first, but by the second time we followed her I was involved with her.
The only thing I did not like was how the beginning was a bit slow and the conclusion of a character was not what I expected.
Overall, I enjoyed this book so much. I want to read the first one and I'm looking forward to the third book. I'm excited to continue this world.I would reccomend this book. Such a sweet romance full of redemption, swoon worthy moments, and some mystery.
I'm so excited to have discovered a new author whose books I love! Roseanna M. White! She writes historical fiction which is one of my favorite genres. This particular series is set during WWII and it really is amazing. The whole story just came alive in my head. I could picture the characters, the places and all the things going on. On Wings of Devotion is the second book in the series. I was lucky enough to pick up book one (The Number of Love) on a deal from Amazon and I read it right before reading this book. It was awesome to jump right from one book to another and never leave this world of characters.
We first meet Phillip Camden in book one. He is aggressive and angry with the weight of the world on his shoulders. I'm so glad this second book was all about him and the golden hearted Arabelle. I loved how the story grew steadily and how my emotions were invested. By the end I felt almost desperate, reading much faster than I should have been!
This whole Codebreakers idea is fascinating to me. What an important part of history that I had no idea about before now. The author does a great job of outlining fact and fiction in her afterwords so I recommend reading those.
If you love historical fiction, I would really recommend this series. I will be anxiously awaiting the next book!!
Content: some violence, peril, kissing. Christian fiction.
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
On Wings of Devotion by Roseanna M. White is a fantastic historical fiction book. Having read several of this author’s books, I was excited to read this one and was not disappointed in the least. Although second in The Codebreakers series, and there are characters from the first book in the series, The Number of Love, On Wings of Devotion can easily be read as a stand-alone book. It is a beautiful, captivating story of love, loss, broken relationships, and faith. With an expert pen and graceful characterization, the author once again brings readers into London’s codebreaking room and also into a hospital setting during WWI. There they are quickly pulled into the lives of Phillip, infamously known as Black Heart, and Arabelle, a wonderfully innocent young woman with a generous and compassionate spirit. The author has created vibrant characters, each with poignant backgrounds and with which readers will easily connect. 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 and unexpected twists and reveals in the story. On Wings of Devotion is a book fans of WWI 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 when things are very bleak.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.