Set during the First World War, Roseanna White's A Portrait of Loyalty takes us once again to England's Old Admiralty Building housing Admiral Hall and his intelligence-gathering, code-breaking staff. This time we are introduced to Lilian Blackwell, Hall's photography expert, and Zivon Marin, a cryptographer from Russia. Zivon, a czarist, has left his country after his fiance was targeted due to his views on the Bolsheviks. As drawn as he becomes to Lilian, he can not allow himself to be the cause of another death.

White develops very personal characters that are easily liked, believable plots, and interesting dialogue. Her books are well-researched, and I highly recommend this book and each of her series. I am grateful to have received a copy of A Portrait of Loyalty from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

This story centers on Lily and Zivon, whom we met briefly in book 2. Zivon faces struggles with what has happened to him and him family in Russia and learning how to deal with his anger in the face of wanted revenge. Lily is a photographer whose work is critical to the intelligence arm under Admiral Hall. This story is set in London in 1918, March to November, and brings to light some of the stress and resilience the war brings and the work that needs to be done due to that. Maintaining faith in God, and seeing the beauty around us, is a gift Lily has, that offsets Zivon’s seriousness. The book also touches on the Spanish Flu and how it impacted characters in the story during this time. We see Ara and Camden briefly, as well as De Wile, Barclay and Elton, along with some new characters, Evgeni, Nadya, Effie, Sophie and Paul. Beautiful conclusion to this series that has brought WW1 to life within the pages.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House. A review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I always enjoy Roseanna White’s storytelling. This book is the end of a series and while it did reference other characters that had previously been introduced it seemed like it could have been read as a stand alone.

I have been trying to decide if it is the time in which I read the book or if it is the book itself, but this novel seemed a bit darker than previous books in the series. The introduction of the revolution in Russia alongside the war in Britain and the flu pandemic wove three rather serious strands in and out of the story.

I enjoyed the photography aspect of the book as well as the consideration of art and ethics. The strands of romance ranged from simple and sweet to complex and heartrending, while the divisions between family and friends were a bit too real for me in the present moment.

There was, as expected, faith and hope and triumph in the tale and the writing was excellent, yet, it was probably my least favorite book by Ms. White. I still recommend it. There was faith, hope and triumph along with a call to pay attention and make the most of each day. I think that it simply wasn’t the type of book that I most need for this crazy year of 2020, but that might not apply to you at all.

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

I loved the beautiful storyline of this book. It gave a clear look at the difficult circumstances faced daily by the people in England from both the Great War and the Spanish flu. The two main characters, Zivon and Lily, have compelling stories that touched my heart and kept me reading “just one more chapter” to see how the war would affect their families and their future. There’s some intrigue surrounding Zivon, and I admired Lily’s loyalty in believing in him even when events were casting doubt on his true character. There’s a theme of trust in God that ties the different storylines together. There was a poignant event that took me by surprise, and thought that it encapsulated very well the emotions felt in England at that time in history.

Even though this is the last book in this series, you can easily read it without feeling lost in the storyline. This is an excellent series, and I’m sorry to say goodbye to these characters. Roseanna White has never disappointed me yet with her stories. I’m already eager to read whatever she has next for us. This series is an example of excellent Christian historical fiction.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

A wonderful, heartbreakingly real conclusion to Roseanna M. White’s Codebreakers series! Full of deep characters, inspirational moments, and intriguing history, readers will not want to miss A Portrait of Loyalty.

White always writes very unique characters, but Zivon and Lily may be two of her most unique. Zivon sees the world in patterns, and Lily is a photography genius. Their relationship was lovely to read about. I also adored seeing the sisterly bond between Lily and Ivy; their story definitely made me cry a few times. Readers will also love seeing characters from several of White’s past series!

In the latter half of the book, the 1918 influenza pandemic becomes a significant part of the plot. Although it was, at times, very hard to read because of parallels to our world today, White tells the story so well and the lessons the characters learn from dealing with that pandemic can be applied to our own lives and may provide some healing—it certainly did for me. I did cry during these parts, not only because I was saddened but because it was so movingly inspirational. Even though it may be hard to read, it is well worth it. Everyone can take something away from it, and, like Zivon notices Lily does in her life, learn to see the beauty where we once thought there were only ashes.

This was a beautiful ending to this series, and I hope we see some of the side characters have their story continued in White’s forthcoming books—I’d especially love to see more of Lieutenant Clarke’s story! 4.5/5 stars

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

Title: A Portrait of Loyalty

Author: Roseann M White

Ch: 29

Pg: 384

Series: The Codebreakers book 3

Genre: Christian Historical fiction, Christian Historical Fiction

Rating: 5 stars

Publisher: Bethany House Publisher



Lily Blackwell is photographer who’s using her skills for the war effort and Zivon Marin fled Russia after the Revolution now he’s using his skills to help Britain’s war effort.



The two couldn’t be more different he’s a man without a country and she’s the daughter of a British Naval Captain. But maybe just maybe both their skill sets can help win the war and lead to more and just maybe Lily and Zivon have more things in common than they realize. But forces beyond their control his enemies from Russia and an unknown illness are working to keep them apart.



As a lover of history including Russian history I always wondered what happened to the Russian citizens loyal to the czar and the royal family who weren’t royal after the Russian Revolution. A Portrait of Loyalty gave me a glimpse of one possibility.



As an American I really didn’t learn about WWI in school as it’s a war we weren’t involved in for very long. So it was nice that A Portrait of Loyalty and the other books in the series gave a glimpse behind the scenes so to speak of the men and women working in Room 40 to help end the war.



Lily Blackwell is a skilled photographer a woman in a men’s field using her talent to help the war effort. It was nice to read about a character that shared my love of photography. That’s what I loved about A Portrait of Loyalty and the Codebreakers series as a whole. It’s the part that Woman played in the war effort. And not just as nurses. Though there was a small scene in the novel that paralleled what’s currently happing in the world. As sad as I was to see the Codebreakers series end I enjoyed this book and the characters. And I feel like the book had an ending that wrapped up the book and the series.



This is one series that you really do need to read in order: A Number of Love which had my favorite heroine, On Wings of Devotion my favorite hero and finally A Portrait of Loyalty with my favorite couple. Once I started reading I couldn’t put it down. And as always I look forward to Roseanna M Whites Next book.



I received a complimentary copy The Number of Love from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Roseanna M. White's A Portrait of Loyalty (The Codebreakers, #3) is a excellent story and finale to the Codebreakers series. I was sad to see it come to an end. This story has danger, intrigue and romance.

Zivon Marin, a Russian cryptographer, has fled his country during the October Revolution and has offered to help the British. Lily Blackwell is a photographer who secretly works for the intelligence division. When they meet at a dinner to become friends but they both have secrets they hide.

Great reading with interesting history. Well researched and well developed characters. Ms. White's books are all wonderful reads with reoccurring characters in many of her stories. Highly recommended if you enjoy historical fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of A Portrait of Loyalty from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

What does the year 2020 have in common with A Portrait of Loyalty? A lot it seems. Roseanna M. White has once again used her talent for historical details and appealing characters to bring the early 20th century to life. Set in London in 1918, WWI is raging, a flu pandemic is ravaging the world, and communists are fighting for control of Russia. In Room 40, the codebreakers furiously work to decode messages that will help Great Britain win the war.

Zivon is a Russian immigrant who worked for the Czar, but had to flee Russia as the communist revolution began. His brother is missing and Zivon is trying desperately to find him, save Russia from the Bolsheviks, and help his new country using his codebreaking skills. Lily is a photographer who uses her art in the war effort. She has a talent for seeing things others do not and is skilled at manipulating photographs. When her father invites Zivon over for dinner, she is immediately taken with the quiet Russian. She itches to take his photograph. As Zivon and Lily become closer, Zivon's loyalty is questioned and Lily must fight to find the truth.

It's amazing how history seems to repeat itself. While 1918 was by far a more difficult year, I could immediately identify with the fear generated by the pandemic. It was also interesting to read the views of one of the characters who is a communist. It's sad that the same misguided views are still entertained today. Ethics also play a role in this story as Lily struggles over what to tell her mother who is adamant that art should not be used to manipulate. Is propaganda ever good?

Beyond the struggles of the characters, is the constant religious theme of "Be still and know that I am God." As a Christian, it was a good reminder for me of Who is ultimately in charge. I empathized with Zivon's agony at seeing his country being torn apart by differing ideology. Although entertaining, I appreciated the thoughtfulness that went into this book and would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys good historical fiction with a positive message. I was privileged to receive a complimentary NetGalley copy of this book for review. All opinions are honestly expressed and entirely my own.

Portrait of Loyalty, the third and final book in the Codebreakers series by Roseanna M. White, is a wonderful 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. It is a beautiful story of love, loss, families, and faith. With an expert pen and graceful characterization, the author ushers readers into London of WWI and the lives of Lily and Zivon. I loved the characters in the book--vibrant, compassionate, able to weather the storms they encountered. Lily, the expert photographer who retouches and recreates photos for British Intelligence. Zivon, a top cryptographer who has left Russia to escape the political upheaval brewing there. Watching their romance begin and deepen during the backdrop of WWI, the Spanish Flu, and the Bolshevik Revolution was captivating. This multifaceted story kept me turning the pages--wondering if Zivon's past was going to ruin his present and his future; wondering if Lily and her mother would find their way back to the friendship they once knew; wondering if Lily and Zivon's romance has any chance at all of surviving the various interruptions and interferences. Being a collector of Matryoshka dolls, I enjoyed the references throughout the book to those enchanting nesting dolls.
A Portrait of Loyalty is a book that fans of historical fiction will not want to miss. Some of the characters and circumstances are loosely based on real individuals and situations. There is an Author Note section at the end of the book that speaks to the author's research and her fictionalization of real scenarios and people. I found that to be very interesting.
This book is not only a story of family relationships and love in wartime but a story where individuals learn that their faith in God is valid and that He can be trusted--that He wants to be trusted...Be still and know that I am God...to work out circumstances in His time.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

Zivon Marin, Russia’s top cryptographer, has to make the decision between remaining in his homeland to fight for his political beliefs or flee to stay alive long enough to actually aid his country. When he realizes his presence and knowledge is hurting those he holds dear he flees to London in hopes that aiding the British with his intelligence skills will end the unrest in his beloved Russia.

Lily Blackwell can see the good in everything and takes advantage of that gift through her talent in photography. Working covertly as an intelligence officer through the connections of her father’s business associates, she uses her talents to help England and its allies.

When the two are brought together at a family dinner party neither one of them know the secrets each other is keeping. When loyalties are unsure neither know where to turn. Using their talents and the small foundation of trust they have built between each other they realize they may be each other’s only hope in saving not only their respective countries, but themselves as well.

This is book 3 of the Codebreakers series and while I highly recommend this book I would recommend reading the first two books before picking this one up. All are 5 star worthy and fantastically suspenseful with a dash of romance!

I loved everything about this book and it lived up to everything I expect from Roseanna M. White novel. The attention to detail and the multiple storylines rolled into one incredible novel is nothing short of perfection. I will admit to an ugly cry while reading this book but was moved by the insightful and inspirational opportunity it presented. I’m not sure I’ve ever highlighted in a book as much as I did this one! This is a book that left me feeling like there is hope and goodness in all situations if we are willing to look for it.

Fantastic read, 5 stars, and reread worthy for any Christian historical fiction and suspense lover. This book has it all!

A huge THANK YOU to NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is the third installment and conclusion to the “Codebreakers” Series and it even surpassed my high expectatives after the previous two, which I loved. I don’t know if it was the fact that the Hero was russian and that made it more complex and intriguing or the fact that the heroine was a photographer, a hobby I truly love. I felt so related and deeply made connection with the main characters! This is a story that deeply touched my heart, because of them having such integrity, kindness, and their willingness to sacrifice for their country and ending the war. Zivon Marin has fled from the Russian Revolution and the bolsheviks, after being one of the most prestiged cryptographers working for the Tzar, and speaking freely against Lenin. He knows he can't go back to his country because persecution awaits him there, so he decides to make England his country and aid the Brittish inteligence, with his linguist and codebreaking skills in order to help end the war, even if to some of his countrymen he is no more than a traitor. But being a foreigner, it's difficult to know who to trust. Plus, he doesn't know anything of his brother Eugeni since the train accident, and he fears he might have died. Lily Blackwell is a genteel lady by all means, and has lived a privileged life, until the war starts. Her father works for the secret services helping promote propaganda to aid the war, even having her wife opposed to his dealings. Lily is an extraordinarily talented photographer, and without the knowledge of her mother, she joins her father’s cause and starts helping the Brittish Intelligence with her photography skills of retouching and recreating photography in the most natural way. She divides her time aiding the nurse station and her photography work that she does in the afternoons. But if her mother ever found out…That's how Lily and Zivon meet, after her father invites him to dinner at home. Slowly, a growing friendship ensues, until mutual respect and admiration give way to deeper feelings they are both reluctant to acknowledge, as it’s not the time for romance. And they both have secrets also reluctant to unfold. Will they learn and risk trusting each other? Will the war efforts tear them apart? Will their loyalty be tested and can love survive in a country raged by war? I totally loved everything about this book! First of all, I’m admired of the richness in historical detail about the war, both on England and Russia’s side. I was always wanting to understand the bolshevik rebellion, and this book just did it for me. I’m amazed at how well researched the book, and the previous ones have been. I felt right there in middle of the war, with the Brittish Intelligence. I loved seeing other characters from the Room 40, I love that they worked practically as a family always sticking for one another. The plot is complex and so intriguing. It really is a total page turner in spite of being an historical book (it’s not easy) because of the constant action, danger and intrigue. The romance was really sweet and I loved that it was not the solely focus of the story, there was so much going on, but the characters had a heart of gold that made the romance so sweet and heart tugging. I really fell in love with the characters and felt they were made for each other. Zivon had bitterness to overcome and Lily’s view of life, through her camera’s lens helped him see the light in the darkness. There’s an inspirational message too that’s so natural and not preachy at all. I loved the freshness of their dialogues with God, even if the answer they seeked was not immediate or what they expected. I definitely recommend this beautiful and touching story! But above all I recommend the whole series! It’s a true gem! I will definitely be rereading these stories! Loved them! I received a complimentary copy of the book from the Publisher via NetGalley but was not asked to post a positive review, and this is my honest and completely unbiased review.

Zivon Marin, enjoys his position as one of Russia’s top cryptographers until the Bolshevik Revolution tears his world apart. He flees with his brother, hoping to offer his services to either the French or the English in their fight against the Germans. A train crash separates him from his brother and the evidence he needs to prove his loyalty to the British government.

Lily Blackwell leads a double life. Her mother lets her volunteer at a nearby hospital and allows her some freedom to pursue her passion for photography. But Lily’s father knows her ‘passion for photography’ includes touching up photographs to help the British intelligence division—a job he recruited her for. Her best friend and sister, Ivy, keeps her spirits up through the long war.

Living a double life puts a strain on Lily, but life gets sweeter when her father introduces her to Zivon Marin, a new cryptologist. As their friendship develops, Zivon struggles to prove his loyalty to the British while searching desperately for his missing brother. Lily comes to believe in his unswerving loyalty, but someone wants to call into doubt Zivon’s integrity.

Both Lily and Zivon struggle with their relationship with God and his sovereignty in their lives when everything seems to go wrong.

Why I Love This Book

The third book in Roseanna M. White’s Codebreaker series, A Portrait of Loyalty continues to shed light on Britain’s Room 40—the seat of British intelligence during World War I. Characters from her first two books appear in this one, but readers can enjoy it as a standalone book.

White’s meticulous research into both the history and culture of the time period makes the book a delight to read. Her characters have depth—even the antagonists—that will draw the reader in.

Confession: I am a Russian-history fanatic. I could regale you with many details about my fandom, but will spare you; suffice to say, I was very excited to dive into Zivon’s story–and it absolutely met (in fact, exceeded) my expectations. I loved diving back into one of my favorite eras, Russia around the end of the Romanov dynasty; the setting felt so comfortable and familiar, yet new and different. I don’t recall seeing White write on Russia to date, and thoroughly enjoyed her fresh take on this period in history.

A Portrait of Loyalty is book 3 in the Codebreakers series. I recommend reading the series in order, as each book builds on those previous and contains spoilers.

It’s funny: I wrote after reading The Number of Love that it was my favorite Roseanna M. White book to date. Well–I think A Portrait of Loyalty exceeded it! (I’m sure the Russian history had nothing to do with that … <innocent whistle>) Legit, though, White has outdone herself with this book. She continues to grow as a writer, create compelling characters, and bring to life both a setting and story like few others.

A Portrait of Loyalty was also an interesting read during the coronavirus pandemic. While he book is set in WWI Europe, rather than 2020 America, there were far more similarities than I would have expected between the two. The Spanish flu made its way around the world near the end of WWI, and the struggle between capitalism and socialism were uniquely present with the rise of the USSR at that time. In-book discussions on masks and contagion were all too reminiscent of present day, though thankfully, there were no discussions on toilet-paper shortages or store trips to stockpile items! We’ve also seen the American political climate change (or perhaps I’ve just become more aware of it) lately, and some of the characters’ discussions could have just as easily come out of 2020. Life was both very and not-so-very different back then.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I found book three to be just as thrilling a read as The Number of Love and On the Wings of Devotion. I really enjoyed the Russian aspect. After witnessing injustice during the Bolshevik Revolution, Zivon Marin wishes to fight for what is right. Lillian Blackwell, with her artistic abilities, fights the war through the lens of a camera. Who doesn’t love intrepid female spies working for the British intelligence during WW1? Oh, did I love that angle!

As always, Roseanna’s novels are chockful of history and research. The message of resiliency and hope within difficult times (war and the Spanish Flu epidemic) will inspire readers, especially today. Don’t we all need uplifting novels right about now? The faith message is gently interwoven with espionage and sweet romance. A Portrait of Loyalty provides the perfect ending to the series. It’s also a wonderful choice for bookclub enthusiasts. Another five star read for me!

I have loved reading this wonderful series about the codebreakers in room 40! A Portrait of Loyalty by Roseanna M. White is the third in The Codebreakers series. Each book has been so beautifully written and this last book is no exception. In fact I believe it is my favorite of the three. I loved the story of Lily and Zivon. So unlikely a couple, but such a beautiful spark of love and devotion. One of my favorite things about reading historical fiction is getting to catch a glimpse of what life was like in different times. And World War II is one of the subjects I find most fascinating. Such a time of hardship and grief, but also joy and love. All of these feelings and experiences are expressed so well in this lovely book. Roseanna M. White truly has a gift for writing beautiful, heart touching, and faith filled books. I truly enjoyed this beautiful clean and Christian love story with a wonderful ending and I recommend the entire series!
I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions are my own and are expressed voluntarily.

I have loved this series by Ms. White, each book just gets more interesting and keeps me turning pages long after I should be going to bed. A Portrait of Loyalty went above and beyond my expectations, maybe it’s because I realized the series was ending or maybe because I loved the storyline and the characters much more than I anticipated.

I loved Lily because I found her photography skills to be amazing, her job fascinating and her family relationships pretty interesting. I loved Lily even more with Ziovon and found their relationship to be so tender and sweet. It was also nice to see characters from the first books, making this reader feel like I was reconnecting with old friends. This book has everything I wanted and more from romance, sadness, illness, hope and good solid writing. A Portrait of Loyalty is a novel that will stay in my heart for quite a long time.

I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

I could explain the intricacies of the story line, the ever-thrilling plot, and the completion of a wonderful series (The Codebreakers), but A Portrait of Loyalty is my new favorite book by Roseanna White for her amazing characters! Lily Blackwell is beyond talented with her picture taking (and editing) skills and does necessary work for in the war effort, but her best quality is how she sees life, which is usually captured by film. She makes every decision with her heart and is the ideal sister and friend! Her counterpart, Zivon Marin notices minute details, and reacts in super-human speed. His professional history is intriguing and yet the struggles that he's endured at the hands of his enemies are what has shaped him tremendously. Both Lily and Zivon's story makes for a parade of glorious scenes in the reader's head, but after the last page is turned, their personalities will be the lasting image of this book!
When you're ready to add this beauty of a book to your shelf, you can order it through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Christian Book Distributor, but my new favorite spot is from White's own website (and who doesn't love to support an individual?), which sends personalized, signed copies!

I received a complimentary copy of A Portrait of Loyalty from the publishers. I am not required to provide a positive review. All of the gushing is my own reaction to a great book!

True beauty captured on paper. Roseanna M. White has a way of creating stories that come to life and go straight to my heart. In this third installment of the Codebreakers, I could not help but fall in love with Lilly, a fellow photographer. There were so many scenes where I could relate to how she noticed the little things and sought to capture beauty and life in all of her pictures. Roseanna does a great job of genuinely describing this form of art and the various ways it can be used and expressed. Zivon is a category all his own! A handsome, quiet, deep thinker hero guaranteed to steal your heart. Lilly and Zivon together just made sense and felt like a breath of fresh air as they found their place together. I really enjoyed learning so much about Russian history through Zivon and his family. The Spanish Flu makes an appearance as well, which brought the book to life all the more during our modern events. I also really loved getting some updates on previous beloved characters from the other two books in the series. I highly recommend this book to lovers of historical fiction.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own and freely given.

A Portrait of Loyalty
The Codebreakers #3
By Roseanna M White

He was trying to save his brother and his homeland. The knowledge that he took with him has made him a target. Zivon Marin has defied the Bolsheviks and their revolution, but it has come at a steep cost. And if he is not careful, ensuring his silence could cost him even more.

Lily Blackwell sees beauty in the everyday moments of life. Fallen petals. A smile. But the Admiralty has another use for her gift - a service that her mother would disapprove of. But her father feels this secret is necessary to England's war efforts. Tweaking and manipulating photos for the country's propaganda efforts can't be wrong, not when it could save lives and help bring this war to a conclusion.

When a passing invitation brings Zivon and a colleague to a dinner at the Blackwell home, they soon find themselves frequent guests of the Blackwells. Lily sees something in Zivon - something that makes her want to get to know this somber, serious young man.

When tragedy strikes, Lily begins to question her role within the Admiralty. Could her work cause more harm than good? Meanwhile, Zivon's loyalty is being questioned - he fears that the very people he escaped from have found him and are seeking to once again ruin the life he has. With the evidence he had so carefully hidden lost to him, he has nothing to corroborate his claims. Can their faith sustain them through the trials that they are both facing?

A Portrait of Loyalty is able to be read on its own if you have not yet read the first two books in the series (The Number of Love and Wings of Devotion). But in my opinion it is so much better to read these books in series order as they do build upon each other. This book opens in February 1918 and ends in November 1918 with most of the scenes taking place in England and then France. I liked that some of the characters who were in Roseanna's Shadows Over England and Ladies of the Manor series also made an appearance. This story takes place during the final days of the war but also during the beginning days of the Spanish Influenza. I found it quite interesting the parallels between then and now. I highly recommend this book and this series which due to the very subject matter has emotional moments that will move the reader. This is a series that I know is one that I'll be rereading it is that good. This is my pick for the next book club selection (whenever that happens).

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

I have really enjoyed this series! This third book once again has great characters that draw you into their story with ease. I liked Zivon and Lily and enjoyed their intelligent conversations and their keen observations of each other and their environment around them. I loved the descriptions of Lily’s photography as well! The secondary characters are equally engaging and I enjoyed reading their convictions and story. I loved the author’s attention to detail, especially the history woven throughout the novel. I really learned a lot about the time period and different parts of the war! I also found myself relating to the spiritual truths and struggles in the book. This novel can be read as a standalone but the entire series is definitely worth a read! I’m a little sad to see it end. I have really enjoyed getting to know more about a unique set of individuals from World War I. I definitely recommend this book!

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