Member Reviews

This has been an interesting series to read! It covers an aspect of WWII not often featured in historic fiction - the codebreaking side - and is fast-paced, full of mystery, and perfect for someone who likes suspense! While this second book didn't include as much of the technical side of codebreaking as the first, it did have a few layers of mystery to be uncovered. It is a faith-filled book, but faith is more of an omnipresent aspect rather than something that is awkwardly injected into the storyline. A good read to curl up with on a cold day!

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Excellent story! It centers around Arabelle and Phillip, during WW1. Arabelle is a dedicated nurse working in an area hospital, when friends introduce her to Phillip, a man with dark secrets in his past that give him the nickname "Blackheart" He blames himself for the deaths of his fellow pilots in the squadron he was over. As time goes on and investigations continue, it is discovered he is not at fault in the least. Bombings, undercover agents, a secret plot of assasinations, it's all in this engaging book that is difficult to put down! Great writing! A story to read over and over again!

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This book was a-ma-zing!! I adore Roseanna M. White's books and if you asked me to pick a fave, I'd go into an intense bookwormish sort of analysis paralysis. lol! But truly, this one would be right up there at the top. I. love. Phillip. Wounded heroes are always my favorite, but there's something extra enticing and intriguing about this fallen pilot called Black Heart. And Arabelle is a fantastic, strong, and sympathetic heroine. The plot moves at a great pace - fast enough to keep me turning pages, but not so quickly that we don't have time to breathe and enjoy the poignant and romantic moments. I loved the build to the final act, the excitement, the history, the codebreaking aspect...all of it. And the spiritual angle is beautifully done...definitely one of the most impacting books I've read lately.

I read it in a day and now I feel a little bereft because what's a girl to do as she waits for the next in the series...?!?! (Probably go back and reread some of Roseanna's earlier books, that's what. haha!)

*Book provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

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On Wings of Devotion is the second of the Codebreakers series by Rosanna White. And it is by far my favorite.

Rich and unattractive, as Arabelle Denler finds herself in a loveless engagement, she sets her sights on having the family she never had growing up. But when unexpected trouble finds itself on her door step, Ara must let go of her hurts and forgive the unforgivable.

Phillip Camden is a man accused of a horrific crime. He would prefer to have died during "The Incident," with his fellow squadron. But Nurse Arabelle sees something in him, not the Black Heart that everyone calls him. But a man who is hurting and broken. Phillip is recruited to the Codebreakers Room 40, and thus finds himself in the thick of an assassination and espionage plot.

Two hearts that feel unworthy. Ara feeling unloved and unwanted. Camden feeling as though his life is over. But neither of them can see what the other sees in their worth. Ara's generous spirit and kindness was felt throughout the story. And Camden's protectiveness and heroism did shine when he least expected it.

I loved how some of the secondary characters were the ones we've met in the previous Codebreaker book. Not overbearing, but still they made an appearance.

Miss White is a master storyteller. You can place yourself at the scene and experience many of the feelings that occurred.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Net Galley and the publisher. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

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Okay, I read this in November 2019 but I'm already willing to say this is one of my picks for Best Books of 2020. It was phenomenal! The plot was so interesting, with details about WWI that really take the reader to England during the war. There were some good twists but not so many to make the story feel contrived. Beyond that, the characters were amazing! I'm a character-driven reader, so a book that has a good plot but the characters are meh won't do it for me; I'm thrilled to say that both Ara and Phillip are characters who I will be thinking about for a long time. They are both so well-developed. Ara has a kind heart and a sincere desire to help others, mixed with her insecurities about her appearance and whether anyone can truly love her and want to stay with her, while Phillip is so torn up by his own poor choices and thinks he's beyond redemption but finds himself desperately wanting it and, despite his poor opinion of himself, reaches out to others more than he even realizes. Both of these characters had so much depth and were so relatable. I just adored them both! There are terrific themes of healing and redemption, and there was some terrific dry humor. All in all, just a fantastic read! An easy 5 stars.

I read an ARC provided by the publisher via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

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ON WINGS OF DEVOTION is the third novel I have read by ROSEANNA WHITE, and in my opinion easily the best. It is a really good historical romance, with an excellent Christian message and really great characters.
The story takes place mostly in London in 1918, towards the end of the First World War.
Arabelle Denler is a qualified nurse who works at Charing Cross Hospital. The recipient of her Aunt's fortune, she lives with her father in an apartment with a view of Buckingham Palace. Longing to have a family of her own, and seeing herself as plain and gawky, she has agreed to marry Edmund Braxton, who needs her money in order to keep his family home. Since her mother's death and because of her father's insatiable need for adventure, she feels abandoned and lonely and not worth very much to anyone. She is a woman of faith who really wants to help others.
Each day as she sees Philip Camden, who is regarded as a criminal by many, walking back from the Old Admiralty building, she feels drawn to him in his suffering and prays for him.
Add to all this, enemy fire, a group of cryptologists intercepting messages in code, spies and much more, and you have a really exciting plot which marries history with fiction.
I cannot wait for the next book in The Codebreakers series and highly recommend On Wings of Devotion as a most enjoyable read.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

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