loved this book. Highly recommend. Great character development. Interesting story. Didn't want it to end.

I enjoyed the characters and the historical background of this story. World Wars always has fascinating me. Plus this story was written surrounding London and I personally know these places by heart as Westminster is one of my favourite places to meet God.

The story was fast-paced and I missed the interaction between the two main characters. I would love loved to see their relationship blooms. That was my missing and wished it was developed.

I will definitely pick another book from this author.

I loved this book! The characters are wonderful, it is well written, I learned about WWI, and it has suspense and romance. What isn't there to love?

Margot is a woman of numbers. I can't imagine what it would be like to have numbers constantly running through your mind. It makes her a perfect code breaker. Everyday she works on breaking the code on intercepted German intelligence. She is a loner and keeps up emotional walls. It is hard for someone to get inside and when they do, they become someone she treasures. An example is Dot. Dot has her own issues that make it hard to navigate in society. She is an anxious person who has a hard time going outside of her front door. The women understand each other and are amazing friends.

Dot has a handsome brother, Drake, who is a spy. He is working in Spain against the Germans. I loved his adventures. When he is injured and returns home to recover, he and Margot make a formidable team.

This book kept me fascinated from cover to cover. As I stated above, I loved everything about it. I look forward to reading more from this series. This book is Christian fiction, contains non-graphic violence, and sweet romance.

My thoughts on The Number of Love:
I have loved everything I have ever read by Roseanna M. White, and I’ve read everything of hers that I’ve been able to find. They’re marvelous. They are wonderful. You will love them.

Really, I should just go ahead and say go get this book and read it now. You will not want to stop reading. It’s wonderful!

I loved getting to know Margot more. She is someone I can relate to as I’ve always had an affinity for numbers and love solving number puzzles and such. Numbers can also be calming as they are always in a pattern. I can relate to how she sees them everywhere. That is she did see them everywhere until one disaster befell her too many and her life changed forever. And then the numbers stopped. Not the numbers that you see on a page but the numbers inside, the ones that would dance through her head, the voice of God.

As someone who is not Catholic, I don’t have that in common with our main character group in this story, but I could still relate to them on so many levels. It’s all about asking the right questions!

The teaser at the end with who the next Codebreaker book will follow was also a great one. I can’t wait to hear his story and find out what really happened with his pivotal life moment.

WWI is not a time period I am extremely familiar with, especially as it would pertain to those living in England at the time. I knew that they did some horrible things but I never realized that anthrax could possibly have been involved. War is such a different time period. Learning new bits and pieces of history always fascinate me.

Is it asking too much for the next book to be available right now?

Pivotal and key points to me in the story without giving away too much include dealing with grief in a healthy or unhealthy way. We see both in this story. As a nurse and a mental health nurse at that, it is such a great thing to talk about and shed light on. I don’t think that way even on the author’s radar when writing this book but maybe it was. Grief causes us to lose parts of ourselves we didn’t know we needed. It’s how we fill the holes that matter.

Reading is a fun pastime for me. I love that I can escape into a book. The really good books make you a part of the story rather than just a bystander though. This is one of those books. It draws you in and then makes you a character. I related most with Margot. Though I have to admit Drake was also very relatable to me. I really enjoyed meeting his character and learning about him.

Margot turns 18 within the pages of this book. She’s a child forced into adulthood during the war. Although she maintains that she was never truly a child as her mind was never that of a child with her numbers racing through. Life marches on whether we’re ready for it or not and sometimes death comes like a thief with no warning. You’d think during the war she’d be used to that by now.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

Wow. This was a story that I just couldn't get myself to finish in one sitting. I tried and I tried, but I did finish eventually. 

I loved the book. It was just finding the time to devote to reading it that kept me away from finishing. Outside watching the cats to keep them from wandering off. This was our weekend trip and devoting time to reading was limited to travel. But finally, I finished it and want to reread it again in one sitting.

It was rich of details and drama, it had me guessing the direction of the story and each time I ended up wrong. The way it cumulated at the end was a moment of ahhh. In addition, I truly appreciate the epilogue.

Margot De Wilde is the sister of the violinist, the one we met in a previous story when he met his wife, Willa. This story is a new series of codebreakers and I found myself fascinated with how well Roseanna could keep her details and facts together. That in itself is what led me to the amazing conclusion to the book. 

Margot is a codebreaker and faces loss and heartbreak, while at the same time gaining a friend. There is so much within the story that to create a synopsis outside of the one given on the back of the book is hard. But the number 18 is what is echoed throughout the story, and to understand the number, you will have to read the book.

Excellent book by an excellent author. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

In The Number of Love, Margot de Wilde solves puzzles for a living – she is one of the few female codebreakers, deciphering German telegrams for hints of their battle plans. Her success in deciphering those complex messages is critical to England’s intelligence network. Then her mother’s death shakes up her world, leaving her alone except for some friends and her work. Can she find her footing again in this new world without her beloved Maman?

Meanwhile Drake Elton, wounded field agent, is recuperating in London, unaware that an enemy followed him home vowing revenge. Attracted to the intelligent but unconventional Margot, who vows not to get involved in a relationship, he knows a regular courtship won’t win her. Drake works on deciphering the Margot he is coming to love. Will they have a future together, once they deal with the enemy pursuing him?

White excels at both character and plot development. Rich in plot twists and historical detail, as well as romance and adventure, The Number of Love is a delight to read. The faith element is evident but not heavy-handed or distracting. The Asian strategy game of Go is a symbol of the plot in the story. Margot engages in the game with a man who plays a pivotal role. Relationships are clean, making the book suitable for adults and older teens. Margot was introduced in White’s earlier book, A Song Unheard, another example of excellent historical fiction readers expect from the author.

I've enjoyed Roseanna M. White's other books and was looking forward to starting this new series, and while I enjoyed this book as well, I didn't like it as much as the others I've read. First I'll mention that, as usual with this author's books, I did like the historical setting, and the way the author weaves in real historical events and figures into her stories. Also, if you read the Shadows Over England series then you will recognize the main character and several others. I liked that we got another glimpse of Lucas and Willa among a few others.

While I liked Margot I did find that I had a hard time relating to her at times because she thought so much in numbers, which is definitely not my thing. I did however find the code breaking interesting. I liked the love interest Drake a lot, but I felt like the romance was a bit flat. I think that was a lot because of Margot's personality.

The mystery aspect of the book was ok, but it didn't really keep me on the edge of my seat or anything. The lack of romance and the so-so mystery resulted in me being a bit bored at times. Because this author usually does a really good job keeping me interested, I'm not giving up on this series just yet, but I'm also not thrilled that the next book features a character that I didn't care too much for in this one. Hopefully he has a really good redemption story.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book.

The Number of Love is the latest book from Roseanna M. White. Margot DeWilde spends her days working as a codebreaker to help England's efforts in WWI. By deciphering messages that are intercepted from the German troops, Margot wants to help England gain an upper hand!

When Margot meets Drake Elton, she has no idea how her controlled world is about to change. Drake is immediately drawn toward Margot; however, Margot does not know what to make of this man from the war front. Soon you will find these unique characters working together to track down a critical German spy!

Drake and Margot will encounter some interesting hiccups along the way, but their belief and trust in God hold them fast in the end!

Margot De Wilde escaped the German occupation in Belgium, and now she and her mother are living in London where Margot works in Room 40 of the Old Admiralty Building. She’s a codebreaker—one of the stars of the department, despite being the youngest cryptographer and the only female.

She has a unique brain, in that numbers seem to rearrange themselves into words and messages. Drake Elton is a British spy disguised as a Lieutenant in the Royal Navy. He is half-Spanish so is the obvious choice to work as an undercover agent in neutral Spain. He finds himself back in London after a mission goes wrong. But the mission follows him to London and is now targeting him and those around him … including Margot.

The whole concept of coding has always fascinated me, as I suspect it has fascinated Roseanna M White. I understand the basic principles of cyphers and codes, but I am clueless when it comes to the maths behind creating and (especially) cracking codes. That’s why I find a heroine like Margot De Wilde fascinating. She might be only a teenager, but she’s cleverer than most of the men working in her department and has gained their respect because of her skill.

If you read Roseanna M White’s excellent Shadows Over England series, then you’ll recognise Margot De Wilde and her family from A Song Unheard. And if you’ve read The Cypher Ring series, then you’ll know Roseanna M White has a longstanding fascination with codes and codebreakers.

But don’t worry if you haven’t read them: The Number of Love is an excellent standalone novel that combines White’s love of codes with an excellent romantic suspense story set against the backdrop of World War I London.

The characters are fascinating, the writing is excellent, and the result is a unique page-turner. Recommended for fans of historical fiction, and for those intrigued by movies such as Enigma or Hidden Figures. I’m looking forward to reading the next in the series.

Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

What a fascinating book! I love reading about women who are given opportunities, in a time that was unlikely, like Margot was! I've never been a history buff but this book made me want to do some digging.
This book will hold your attention and not allow you to put it down for long!

I will be anxiously waiting for the next book in the series!


I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

My thoughts...This novel was unlike many of the historical Christian fiction that I've read lately. I particularly found the heroine to be very unique. Margot De Wilde is a highly intelligent code breaker that works practically around the clock to solve complex German messages, but number codes aren't just her job. Her whole life revolves around them. It's how she communicates love, spirituality, and how she relates to people...which can be awkward at times because most people don't communicate that way. It makes her character very complex and at times hard to relate to, but at the same time the author does a great job at inviting us into her world.
The hero in the story helps balance out Margot's character with an intensity of his own. Drake is courageous...a dedicated soldier and spy who will risk everything to defeat the enemy. He and Margot have a connection before they even realize it, and when they do finally meet they are drawn to one another. I really liked that Drake wasn't just written as a big, strong man who swoops in to win the day, but has needs, weaknesses and intelligence that makes him a good counterpart to Margot.
Overall, I was impressed with all the detail in this novel. The depth of everything from the game Margot and her mysterious rival played with one another to the descriptions of the messages Margot decoded...practically everything about this novel displayed the author's research skills and applying that research to create an intriguing novel. It could feel a bit heavy at times, as there was a lot of pieces to this story, including psychological and emotional aspects. It did enhance the story and make the characters more believable, but it wasn't always easy to read.

**I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley in order to share my honest opinions, which I did.**

Simply wonderful! It has mystery, suspense, romance, humor, real pain and forgiveness.
I fell in love with Margot’s unique character. The numbers speak to her and it’s intriguing how she analyzes everything in an equations or other mathematical terms. Author Roseanna did a splendid job with the plot and characters, I felt like I was in the mist of it feeling all their emotions. I can’t wait for book two!

Plot Synopsis:

Three years into the Great War, England's greatest asset is their intelligence network--field agents risking their lives to gather information, and codebreakers able to crack every German telegram. Margot De Wilde thrives in the environment of the secretive Room 40, where she spends her days deciphering intercepted messages. But when her world is turned upside down by an unexpected loss, for the first time in her life numbers aren't enough.

Drake Elton returns wounded from the field, followed by an enemy who just won't give up. He's smitten quickly by the intelligent Margot, but how can he convince a girl who lives entirely in her mind that sometimes life's answers lie in the heart?

Amid biological warfare, encrypted letters, and a German spy who wants to destroy not just them but others they love, Margot and Drake will have to work together to save themselves from the very secrets that brought them together.

My Review

Roseanna M. White has a way of writing once in a lifetime love stories. Not fairy tales, genuine love stories with large doses of reality. Margot has a personality that many would describe as INTJ or INFJ. Her mind was always focused on solving a problem. Solutions were her goal.

Drake had a very serious job in the field during the Great War but a hilarious sense of humor whilst working. Elton was determined to make Margot fall in love with him whether it was possible or not. It was a great combination of wit and the reality of living through the Great War. White has become one my favorite authors in the Christian and Historical Fiction genres. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end.

I rate this book 5 out 5 stars.

* I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

I’ve enjoyed White’s books ever since I first had a chance to read the first book in her Shadows Over England series, A Name Unknown. Then, in the next book, we met Margot, and I instantly fell in love with her. Somehow, her spunky, focused, determined self did something that I loved, and I know I quoted her in my review because I loved her comebacks so much. I’ve wondered about her story ever since then—and was beyond thrilled when I saw that the first book in the new Codebreakers series was from her perspective! I immediately requested it for review, and eagerly anticipated it once I finished a few other pressing books.

Margot hasn’t changed much since I met her in A Song Unheard. She’s grown up a little, of course, but she’s still her witty, somewhat-distracted self. Her work was of particular interest to me; I’ve always loved codes and things like that, but only on a child’s level of the term. Seeing how she used her abilities to help others was special, and I also enjoyed seeing how her coworkers worked with her. They were doing a potentially dangerous job; if someone found out what they did, they could have suffered personal consequences, but they really did help out Britain’s war effort in the end. I also loved seeing Margot’s personality shine through; her contented aloofness, the joy she had in her family, her fierce independent yet also fiercely loyal spirit when her friends were in need, her dependence on the Lord’s direction, and her struggles when His direction didn’t seem to be as much of a constant in her life.

I also enjoyed meeting Drake. His love and desire to protect his sister were special, even while he was doing a dangerous job. His job was also interesting; I had no idea that the Germans tried to infect animal cereals with a disease in order to hurt Britain’s war effort! I have to wonder what happened to all of that.

As far as history, this book seemed to be steeped in it. I feel like I’ve learned another piece about what England looked like during World War I, but that I didn’t really even know I was learning because the story was so interesting! The writing style was beautiful, as always. Yes, there were the scenes where people were being hurt, and a few choice words appeared fairly regularly that I don’t appreciate, but overall I really enjoyed this book. If you like historical fiction with a romance on the side, you’d probably like this book.

(Note: One reviewer mentioned the feministic leanings in this book, and I would have to agree. It wasn’t overt all the time, but one of the characters did lean that way more than I appreciate. I understand why the author made the choice she did, though, and I think I would make the same—but if this is something you watch out for, do know that it is here somewhat.)

I requested a free review copy of this book from NetGalley, and this is my honest opinion of it.

The Number of Love was one of my most anticipated reads of 2019 but boy did I get more than I anticipated! I knew the book would be terrific because Ms. White's writing is always impressive. I will say that this is one of the most compelling novels that I have ever read.

I absolutely loved the young and brilliant Margo De Wilde who deciphers intercepted messages during WW1 in Room 40 which was a highly secretive British Intelligence Organization. Margo is a mathematical genius who tends to have an analytical mind which made her interesting to me. It was refreshing to find a character during that time period who was less interested in finding a husband than other girls her age. That's not to imply that she is unfeeling because she is a loving daughter and sister. The fact that she was highly respected and an asset in what was typically a male dominated profession added my love of this book.

Drake Elton added a bit of humor to the storyline and his interactions with Margot were some of my favorites as they become better acquainted. It's not all fun and games for Drake though since he is a spy and his life is in danger. I loved his relationship with his sister who is a complicated young lady but one who I really liked.

There are just so many things to love about this book, from reconnecting with characters from the authors previous books to meeting new and exciting ones in this book. I loved the fast-paced and riveting storyline and the fact Ms. White clearly does her research. It will be hard to wait for the next book in the series to be released but in the meantime, I will read this one again. I highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction or anyone who loves a well written fantastic novel.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley but was under no obligation to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.

One thing about a book set during World War ll it takes a lot of research. To know what took place during that time. A lot of the book is fiction but the author still has to do the research. To know that time period. Some parts of the book are true. That would take a lot of time writing the book. 

Margot works with numbers and is an expert in doing so. How her character work with numbers and the codes is interesting. I loved Drake, he was determined to get to know Margot. Also after he got injured he was not one to just sit around. 

I received a complimentary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write a positive review. This is my own opinion.

3.5 stars

The Number of Love is the first book in Roseanne M. White's newest series, The Codebreakers. I've read and loved White's previous two series and so I was eager to read this book. It was a very interesting story and I loved the setting. WWI storylines are fascinating and this one about codebreakers definitely grabbed my attention.

I really enjoyed the characters. The romance was sweet and it was intriguing how the heroine felt numbers. There were a couple things about the storyline that felt a bit weird to me; but, besides that, it was a good read.

All in all, The Number of Love was a memorable read and I look forward to the next book.

*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.*

The Number of Love, book #1 in the Codebreakers, is set in mainly London 1917, during WWI. I instantly took a strong liking to the main female character, Margo. She was intelligent beyond measure, very opinionated with a wicked wit. She was the only woman in the field of code breaking the enemies messages. The rest of the women were secretaries. But the men respected her to the point of thinking of her as one of them. She had plans to further her education after the war with no plans for marriage or children. Drake was an intelligence agent (or spy) for the allies. They spend a good amount of time together getting to know each other through his sister Dot, who Margo befriends. I was fascinated with Margo’s love for numbers. She counted everything in her going and coming each day, steps, tiles, bricks in a building, stitches in a blouse, etc. God put numbers in her mind that caused her to listen, stop, and pray.
This was an interesting story in the time of war that included secrets, spying, revenge, grief and a touch of romance. Be sure and read the author’s notes in the back. Although fiction, some of the history included was real as well as a few characters.
I received an ebook copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.

Three years into the Great War, England's greatest asset is their intelligence network--field agents risking their lives to gather information, and codebreakers able to crack every German telegram. Margot De Wilde thrives in the environment of the secretive Room 40, where she spends her days deciphering intercepted messages. But when her world is turned upside down by an unexpected loss, for the first time in her life numbers aren't enough.

Drake Elton returns wounded from the field, followed by an enemy who just won't give up. He's smitten quickly by the intelligent Margot, but how can he convince a girl who lives entirely in her mind that sometimes life's answers lie in the heart?

Amid biological warfare, encrypted letters, and a German spy who wants to destroy not just them but others they love, Margot and Drake will have to work together to save themselves from the very secrets that brought them together.

This was an interesting book. Not only did we get an incite into the workings of the intelligence workings of WWI, but also the inner workings of people with high intelligence and people with phobias. Margot is a genius with a head for numbers. She has no trouble figuring out the codes. But she has trouble communicating with people in everyday things. Drake tries to crack the shell that Margot has erected around herself. She has vowed never to marry or have children because her dream is to be a college professor. The only thing is that in the early 1900's women definitely did not become college professors. Dot, Drake's sister, has trouble leaving her apartment. With Margot's help she is able to go to work on a daily basis.

I thought it took awhile for the mystery to appear. But once it did, I had trouble putting it down.

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

I enjoyed the “Shadows Over England” series so much, that I had to sign up for The Number of Love, which starts a new series about the people who were code breakers during World War I. This featured a brilliant young woman who had a great mastery of numbers, and cryptography. I am not a math person, but I found the way she thought in numbers fascinating. She believed firmly it was a gift from God, which I definitely agree with if Margot was a real person.

Regarding Rosanna’s storytelling, it’s superb. It has been months since I’ve read her other books, but each person who appeared in her other books, I remembered. I enjoyed seeing previous family members and friends from the “Shadows Over England” series.

There is a love story (obviously 🙂 ) and for me, (probably just a personal preference) I felt the story got a little bogged down and slow in that area. I preferred reading more about what Margot did and her relationships with all the people around her, not just one. Regardless, it’s an easy 5 star for me! Looking forward to the next ones.

I received this book as a gift. I was not obligated to provide a positive review, nor did I receive any compensation, other than a really great read.