Margot De Wilde is a young woman who has had to endure chaotic change in her life due to WWI. She and her family had to flee their homeland of Belgium and move to England when the German's invaded. Her father having died she now lived with her mother in England and they both worked for the war department.

Margot, even though just 18 years old was a brilliant mathematician, just as her father had been. She was hired to work as a cryptologist and had proven herself just a brilliant as any of the men in the department. As such, the men accepted her as an equal, something that wouldn't happen for most women in the early 1900's.

Margot will, along with others, solve the major codebreaking needed so that they could thwart the efforts of the Germans. She will befriend another young lady, a new secretary, and together they will forge a bond that will change both their lives.

What makes this novel particularly enjoyable is the faith in God that Margot and her new friend, Dot share. They see that God is sovereign and thus they can depend on him to keep them and their families safe. Or can He? Because of circumstances Margot finds herself in a dilemma of faith. Can she or can she not trust God.

Not only do we have a historical novel about WWI, but the added benefit of a love story and a story of how women could also do the same work as men and do it well. Add in to that the principles and truths of God that weave through the story and you have a great "Book Club" read for any church or community book club. Discussion questions at the end of the book will add to it's use for your book club.

Enjoy!

I loved Margot when we met her in A Song Unheard, so I was super excited to learn she was going to get her own novel. I was even more excited to know the series was going to be based on Room 40 and the codebreakers. And what a great start to the series this is. The historical setting is well-realised and authentic, as it always is with Roseanna White’s novels, and the plot is compelling both in terms of the war effort and the characters’ personal lives. But for me, the standout factor in this novel was Margot. Margot as a character, and the way Drake set about courting her.

I love unique characters, and Margot is certainly that. She’s a brilliant mathematician—genius level brilliant—which can be quite a challenge to portray convincingly, because it’s not just about being a brilliant mathematician when mathematics is called for. A brilliant mathematician sees the world in a different way, and it’s capturing that unique outlook that really brings characters like this to life. And Roseanna White totally nailed it. Not just Margot’s mathematical way of processing life, but the logical and analytical personality that often accompanies it. And her wit and sense of humour were a perfect match for her personality.

And then there was Drake—the perfect match for her. Margot was very clear about her intention not to marry, but Drake took the time to understand why and discover what was important to her, then set about winning her heart accordingly. Now that’s true romance! And through all this, the tension mounts over who Das Gespenst really is and whether he will succeed in his mission, and Margot struggles to come to terms with certain events that have unfolded and how they affect her relationship with God. Oh, and Phillip Camden…I can’t wait for his story!

Seriously, if you enjoy engaging and intelligent characters, an authentic WWI setting, and a plot that sucks you in, Roseanna M. White should be on your “must read” list.

I absolutely loved the Shadows Over England series by Roseanna M. White and was so happy to see that one of the secondary characters from that series was going to be in the first book of a new series. I've been (im)patiently waiting to get my hands on The Number of Love and I was not disappointed. This book was full of twists and turns with a bit of romance to make it a read I won't soon forget.

Margot De Wilde intrigued me. I think she was well ahead of her time as not only a brilliant woman but as a codebreaker. I found it absolutely fascinating to read about her part in helping the Allied forces during WWI. I even found her to be a bit like Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory in the way that she used facts instead of emotions to get through life. Drake Elton was the perfect counterpart for Margot as he softened her up a bit and made her not only see things differently but made her feel things. This couple is high on the list of all time favorites. They were a perfect combination and so fun to read about. I also enjoyed Dot and Red and would love to read more about them in future books.

One thing I've always loved about this author's work is her ability to make me forget I'm reading a work of fiction. It is so easy to become totally immersed in her stories and the lives of the characters that she creates. Many times while reading her work I have to put the book away and think about what I've read and make sure I absorb the story before moving on.

This book is a great start to what I'm sure will be a fabulous series. I can't wait to read the next installment. If you are a historical fiction/romance fan or a fan of WWI novels be sure to pick up a copy of this book. It's a must-read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.

The Number of Love by Roseanna M. White is the first in her new series The Codebreakers. This book begins a phenomenal addition to her Shadows Over England series, which is set during the first great war, or World War I as we know it. The Number of Love mainly focuses on several aspects of the intelligence field during the war, from the perspectives of the two main characters--one involved in code breaking at home in England, while the other is an intelligence agent (a.k.a. spy) in Europe.

As is common to Ms. White's writings, this work has an extensive historical depth, giving the characters very real situations, challenges, and trials to endure.  As a World War I and II buff, I greatly appreciated the very realistic scenes of the home front and the situations based off of actual events.  The historical context of the story created an excellent background for the plot as well as strengthening the characters.

Another aspect of this book that I greatly enjoyed was the theme of mathematics and code breaking. Although I am most definitely not a mathematician, I do appreciate the logic and order of mathematics. It was a very intriguing new aspect of the main character to have her thinking and life revolving around mathematics and numbers. I thought that it was very interesting and added an new twist to the character, taking a strength of her career to make a difficulty for her socially and romantically.   

Margot De Wilde is a very intellectual young woman, serving as a code breaker for the English during World War I. Margot loves her job of cracking the German codes from the intercepted German telegrams in the top secret Room 40 of the headquarters of the British intelligence in London. She uses her love and talent for mathematics and logic to fight against the Germans. When Margot unexpectedly loses a loved one, she is completely devastated and even loses her faith in God  

Drake Elton is an intelligence agent serving his country in Spain, which is the homeland of his grandfather. With his cover as a student at the university in Bilbao, Drake gathers critical information to aid the allied forces in the fight. When Drake is tasked with gathering information and tracking a dangerous shipment, he is injured very severely. After his injury, Drake is sent back to England to recover, where he becomes more acquainted with Margot. Drake doesn't realize how involved Margot is in the code breaking, assuming that she is a secretary at the headquarters like his sister, but soon realizes her true intelligence and passion for life.

Drake and Margot must work together with their combined talents and knowledge to uncover the secrets of the German plans as well as to keep their loved ones safe from a certain German spy determined to kill them. Between the threats on their life, the losses dealt with, threats of bombings, impossible to unravel coded messages, threats of biological warfare, Margot and Drake discover that their friendship is developing into more. But will it survive the barrage of attacks?  

To say that this book has adventure and excitement, would be a gross understatement. This book is full of plot twists, intrigue, mystery, suspense, extremely dangerous situations, and various added elements of literary excellence.  However, merely from the book's description and the main character's position as a code breaker, many readers could accidentally pass over this book. Don't make that mistake!  This was an excellent historical Christian fiction work, which keeps the reader entertained, surprised, and turning the next page. I would highly recommend The Number of Love.

Rich in history and based on true events, this novel is quite remarkable. Margot sees the world through math which makes her an intriguing character. Room 40, the secret hub of intelligence for decoding German messages and deterring their plans was hugely successful. This story invites readers to become a part of a critical time in history. Highly recommended!

Margot De Wilde is all grown up and thriving by putting her skills to use as a codebreaker, but her world changes and her faith is shaken by a sudden loss that puts her in a tailspin. Numbers have always been there to help Margot make sense of the world around her, but in light of current events she must move outside her comfort zone. I admired Margot's strength and compassion, she understands what it is to be different, and I liked how she makes new friends and grows in her faith.



Drake Elton returns from the warfield ready to serve his country again in a different capacity. He is enchanted by Margot, who is different from every woman he has even met before, and the more he gets to know her the more he wants to be a permanent part of her life. Drake is strong and resourceful, persistent, he takes his time getting to know Margot learning to speak her language. I admired his strong faith and how he encourages and counsels Margot as they get to know each other.



A fast paced read with excellent tension that kept me glued to the story, with fingers poised to turn the next page. A riveting race against time, Drake and Margot must work together to catch the enemy because lives are at stake. Very well researched, Ms. White brings the world of codebreaking to life, I loved learning about the brilliant men and women who used their gifts for their country. I was so excited when I first heard about this book, because I had loved Margot ever since I read A Song Unheard, where she is featured alongside her brother, Lukas. And while you certainly don't have to read A Song Unheard in order to understand this book, but I felt like I appreciated it so much more having read its companion book.



Overall, one of my favorite books by Roseanna White that I have read so far, fantastic characters, great plot, and a historical setting that comes to life in all of its intrigue and suspense, grounded in faith.



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

My family is mathematically minded. My daddy taught math and computers for many years; my brother is an accountant; my husband is an engineer, and my mom almost became one. I, however, am horrible at math. I wasn't too bad at in school, although it was my least favorite subject, but now I can barely do basic math.  Maybe that's why I was fascinated with a character that thought entirely in math formulas. I had been looking forward to Roseanna White's newest book, The Number of Love since I finished her last book, An Hour Unspent. The Number of Love is the first book in a new series, but it is closely related to her last series. I started it, and then I couldn't stop reading it. I was drawn into World War I with Margot De Wilde and Drake Elton. I wanted to know more about the codebreaking happening in Room 40, I wanted to know more about Drake's adventures in Spain, and I wanted to know what would happen with the romance forming between Margot and Drake. The historical details, the fascinating characters, the mystery and adventure, all these make the book an amazing read. It truly was a stunning book; one that I will definitely be reading again and again. And maybe, as I'm reading it I'll become more mathematically minded like the rest of my family.

I would recommend this book to those who enjoy historical fiction with mystery, romance, and adventure. I would also highly recommend this book if you have enjoyed Roseanna White's other books. 

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

“The numbers marched across the page in a glory all their own.” - Opening line of The Number of Love by Roseanna M. White

Being a lover of mathematics and, by extension, codebreaking, this book’s plot appealed immediately! Spies, decryption and an intelligent female lead? Yes please! Add Roseanna White as the author and it’s a winning formula!

Margot, codebreaker extraordinaire, fast became one of my favourite fictional characters. She shares a unique perspective on the world: Christianity mixed with logic. I just love it! She struggles to connect with people and show emotion, she see the world in numbers. She is fabulous and fascinating.

Her opposite number, and leading man, Drake, runs on emotion and instinct serving as an intelligence officer for the British. In the midst of the Great War, he sets out to stop biological warfare by collecting information. Drake’s understanding of people, how to influence and motivate them, is wonderful and a great addition to the story.

The plot moves swiftly and narration switches from Margot to Drake to an enemy spy on the prowl. This adds to the tension and mystery, building the suspense. I found it a page-turner! To share more would be to spoil the excitement!

Christianity (in war, in hurt, in fear) features strongly and I so enjoyed how Roseanna’s characters wrestle with God for clarity and come out stronger in their faith for it!

I am glad this is the beginning of a series and look forward to the next one! It’s five out of five on the en-JOY-ment scale and highly recommended!

My Review:

Genre: Historical, romance, fiction, WWI.

My Rating: 5 stars.

My Favorite Character/s: I have no words to adequately explain how much I love this book because of these characters. And I am not even going to try.

My Verse for this book is Deuteronomy 33:25 Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days, so shall thy strength be. (King James Version.)

I just can't believe I got to read this book! I wasn't able to get on the lunch team sadly and therefore had thought I would have to wait until it was published, then I saw it on NetGalley and requested and received it!!!! This book is so AMAZING!!! And the characters that made cameo appearances, AWESOME!!! Mrs. White is one of my all-time favorite authors, and this book was no different from her previous novels with their intrgue, deep characters, and most of all the history woven through. I just loved this book and the cover is so perfect for The Number of Love with the 18 and window it ties in wonderfully with the story. If you haven't read Roseanna White's books before you need to get in your car, drive to your bookstore pick up one or five of her books, go home, snuggle in bed with a cup of tea and one of the books. Or if you're like me order them off Amazon and eagerly await the mailman.

I have read every novel by Roseanna M. White that I have been able to get my hands on, and loved every. single. one. of. them. The Number of Love was no exception. From the brilliantly written scenes, to the memorable and wonderful human characters, I was invested in the story from the very beginning. I will always be first in line to grab anything written by this wonderful author. A masterful story and a definite recommend!

I loved this book. It was deliciously complex, the details intricately woven. It was wonderful. I also love that this series is a spinoff of White’s “Shadows Over England” series so a lot of the characters are already familiar. It was a delight to encounter Willa and Barclay and the others again in this book.
I enjoy reading books set in the world wars. I haven’t read many that deal with codebreaking so that was fascinating to me. Margot De Wilde is an amazing mathematician who hears God’s voice through numbers. I have a nephew who also worships God in patterns and numbers in math so I enjoyed that.
Margot is not looking for a man to marry or even date but from the moment she meets Drake Elton, the sparks fly. It was very entertaining and wonderful to see how God can bring people together who truly suit one another in a unique way.
I highly recommend this book and I can’t wait to read the next one in the series.
Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I’ve loved Roseanna M. White’s characters in each one of her books. I think, however, that Margot might be my favorite character of all. . Margot is an unusual heroine. She has a genius-level intellect. Her obsession with mathematics and numbers leads to her looking at the world from a different viewpoint from most of us. She’s somewhat socially awkward which makes her even more endearing. It was fun watching her develop a romance with Drake and discovering that she did indeed have feelings as well as logic and could fall in love. Drake won my heart when he started courting Margot in a way that helped her see how much he valued her unique gifts.

There’s mystery, suspense, and tension that builds all throughout this story. As both Drake and Margot race towards danger to save their friend and thwart an attack on London, I could hardly turn pages quickly enough. Don’t miss the author’s notes about her research for this story. I found the history behind the real code breakers fascinating. I also appreciated the faith aspect of this story. Both Drake and Margot find that even when circumstances are desperate and hard to understand, God is always there in time of need, waiting for His children to turn to Him for help.

This is such an intriguing and inspirational story. If you enjoy Christian historical fiction, you’ll love this one.

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

World War I is in full swing, and deep in the heart of London the codebreakers in Room 40 are responsible for deciphering German telegrams to preserve the Allied cause. Margot de Wilde, a young Belgian woman not yet eighteen, is an anomaly in the all-male environment. Her mathematical mind makes her capable of far more than secretarial work, and she works side by side with men twice or thrice her age to discover and anticipate the actions of the German armies responsible for destroying her homeland. Thrown together by circumstance with a British intelligence officer named Drake Elton, Margot discovers, for the first time, that the calculations and formulas that provide her certainty have become eerily silent on matters of the heart. In the wake of death and tragedy, Margot must decide whether to let Drake court her or to reject him entirely as a variable that doesn't fit into her life.

The perfect blend of action hero and intelligence agent (a la Jack Ryan?), Drake takes a bullet during a secret operation in Spain. While recuperating in England, he finds that his sister has befriended the mysterious dark eyed girl who works in Room 40. He also finds that the German assassin who shot him on a moving train may very well have followed him back to England to finish the job. With German agents on the loose in London, it's a race against time for Margot to solve the Germans' most enigmatic code while Drake tries to crack another code entirely-- the code that is Margot de Wilde.

This book is a spinoff from White's Shadows Over England series. A teenage Margot appeared as a secondary character (Lukas de Wilde's little sister) in A Song Unheard, and was probably my favorite character in that story as she matched wits with the German officer occupying their Belgian house. Now, on the cusp of womanhood, Margot must reconcile the logicality of her head with the promptings of her heart. Aware that Margot is wholly different than his mother, sister, or the ordinary Englishwoman, Drake must prove himself inventive and understanding to win her affections. I enjoyed this unique romance between a girl with extraordinary talents and a man with an overwhelming desire to know her and love her as she is.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I'm not a big fan of historical fiction, but I've just become a HUGE fan of Roseanna M. White! Her new novel in her Codebreakers series is packed with intrigue, sprinkled with romance, lush with historic detail, and populated with memorable characters.

First of all, I want to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was drawn to this book because codebreaker stories intrigue me. I loved The Bletchley Circle and the movie adaptations about Enigma.

The Number of Love is however set during the First World War. The story is told from three perspectives, Margot De Wilde, a Belgian refugee working as a codebreaker, Drake Elton an English spy in Spain and a German spy who threatens them on a personal level.

As I am Belgian myself (although I'm Flemish and not from Wallonia) I loved reading about a Belgian character, which is a rare opportunity for me. Margot views the world through numbers, loves her family and despite avoiding many social interactions with others, is able to strike up a meaningful friendship with Elton's sister. I did irk me at times that she is always described as incredible smart or the smartest person they know and only being 18 years old. Before the war started she already attended university.

Elton's perspective was interesting to read from as I like reading about spies. The romance between Margot and Elton was very slow-paced (my favourite kind!) and well-developed. Despite their many differences they always respect the feelings and wishes of the other.

The German perspective added some tension to the story and while I enjoyed this, I would also have enjoyed a book that focused on the first two perspectives alone as well.

All in all, I had a wonderful time reading this book. I liked the setting (I love Spain, England and actually live in Belgium) and the period. The characters were interesting and well-developed as was the slow burning romance. I highly recommend this book and gave it 4,5 stars!

I haven't read any other books by Roseanna M. White but I'm looking forward to checking them out. I'm now highly anticipating the second codebreakers book which focuses on a secondary character from The Number of Love.

This was another wonderful book by Roseanna M. White! I loved getting to see more of Margot's story, and the plot was amazing. From the workings of Room 40 with the encrypted letters, to the German spy who has big plans of his own, there were twists around every corner. The characters were also very nicely done, and the settings were wonderful. I already can not wait until the next book in the series is released!







I received this book free through NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. The opinions are my own.

(5+ stars) - Totally loved it - I did not want to put it down!

Margot is a math savant who has no interest in most of the social norms. Men are attracted by her beauty but put off by her no-nonsense intelligence.

Drake is very much the exception as he is attracted to the whole package. He realizes that he can't pursue her in the ordinary way so he sets out to connect with her in a way that's a bit out of the ordinary.

Meanwhile, Drake's work as a field agent has garnered him some serious enemies. And he has unwittingly brought his work home with him.

This book had everything just right - an intriguing premise, wonderful characters, an authentic historical setting, a well developed plot with suspense, excitement & a rather different sort of romance. The dialogue is frequently witty. The plot is complex & yet plausible, keeping the reader guessing.

This may well be the best book I've read this year; I'm so looking forward to the rest of this new series!

Clean romance level: passionate kisses
Religion: References Christian beliefs & Christianity from a mainstream perspective (main characters are Catholic with minor references to attending Mass & saying the Rosary - I was surprised & grateful for the respectful knowledge demonstrated by the author's depiction)

I quite enjoyed this upcoming release by Ms. White, although again, it took several opening chapters for me to finally get into the story of mathematician and codebreaker, Margot De Wilde and British Spy, Drake Elton.
The story begins one year before the end of the First World War, examining the work of Room 40 and how this group of mathematicians cracked codes providing vital intelligence to the British Military officials. Margot De Wilde is the only female codebreaker, and considered a “walking calculator”. Math soothes her and invades her very thought life. It’s the only thing that makes sense to her so when the numbers fade with the entrance of British Intelligence Officer Drake Elton, Margot’s world spins out of control.
When Drake Elton is first introduced to Margot, he is instantly drawn and knows he’s in trouble. She fascinates him and he appreciates her intelligence and steady wit, but when duty calls him overseas he wonders if he’ll ever really get to know the woman from Room 40. His life will become connected to hers in an interesting twist of events that have both Margot and Elton confronting a German spy, though in very different ways.
I was delighted to find characters from previous series – Shadows Over England, and Ladies of the Manor, make cameo appearances. Despite their appearances, this book is sufficient enough to read without reading Brooke’s or Willa’s stories.
Danger, intrigue, and pulse-racing moments fill the pages of this historical, Christian romance. Ms. White does a beautiful job of weaving fact and fiction together to create a page-turning-stay-up-til-midnight reader experience.
I’m looking forward to the next installment of the final year of War and what The Codebreakers will do to bring the end about.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

3.5 stars

I’ve never read a book about codebreakers, so I was excited to have the opportunity to read this book and be on the launch team.

White’s latest takes the reader into the secret world of World War I codebreakers. Characters, including the secondary ones, are well developed and integrated. Those who enjoy math may connect with the story in ways that the average reader might not. However, the non-mathematical readers will likely enjoy the espionage angle and the challenge to crack the code.

The author blends fiction with historical facts, as this book was obviously well researched. The cover is lovely, and it’s a good fit for the story. I had hoped for a bit more mystery vs. romance, but this was still an enjoyable story overall. This is the first book in the Codebreaker series, and I look forward to reading the next installment.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and NetGalley, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

I was so excited for this book! I loved the first series, and thought that Margot was so interesting. This book is set during World War II, and Margot is a codebreaker in London. She meet Drake Elton, a spy for the British in Spain. They are instantly intrigued by one another. As strange occurrences begin to happen and suspicious people appear, they have to have the chance, although briefly, to see the rest of the family as well.
Margot is such a cool character! Her love of numbers and mathematics as well as her unique belief are both so interesting. She is very focused on her work, though she loves her family. Originally, she has an almost childlike faith in God, obviously He alone can be God and He must be in control. She even feels God’s working through numbers. She has to learn to trust God in a new way after sad events in her life. The entrance of Drake Elton, and his sister who works with her, also begins a change in her.
Drake was so sweet. He loved everything about Margot. He truly sought to show her this how she would understand. He courted her through numbers and patterns. Drake is a spy, and he is extremely observant. He was also extremely caring of his sister, Dot, almost to overprotectiveness. It was nice to see their relationship, and also to see her little romance.
I thought that this was in interesting, fun book. I loved the characters and the romance. It was lovely to see Lukas and Willa (and their daughter!) again. I would recommend this book to those who like historical fiction, romance, and a bit a of mystery. It is very clean, though it does mention a war and some of its effects.