Have you ever read the first book of a series and thought that any books that followed would never be quite as good? That is how I felt after reading The Number of Love, book one in The Codebreakers series. Well, let me tell you, I was wrong! The second book is just as good, and it may be even better. 

It is hard to decide what I love best about On Wings of Devotion. Is it the sweet, compassionate nurse who deeply cares for her patients and profoundly loves her Jesus? Maybe it is the Major who has been labeled as Black Heart, the man accused of deliberately causing the deaths of his squadron. Perhaps it is learning more about Room 40 and The Codebreakers, the people who played such an important part in World War I, and being reunited with some of the people we first met in The Number of Love. Could it be watching as Arabelle Denler befriends Phillip Camden and through her Christian witness, encourages him to to seek his own relationship with God? Or seeing their friendship turn into something more?

On Wings of Devotion is certainly another feather in Roseanna White's writing cap and it has all of the drama and suspense that we've come to expect in her books. It is rich in historical detail and the romance is extremely satisfying but I especially loved seeing how Phillip changed from a self-absorbed person to a man who knew that his only hope was in truly knowing Jesus Christ. 

Life. Not death. Victory. Not defeat. Something only the Lord could have granted him. (p. 377)

If you enjoy historical fiction and Christian romance, you will definitely want to read On Wings of Devotion. I am looking forward to seeing what the third book of this series has in store!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to provide a positive review and these are my own thoughts.

Love this story so much! I really enjoy the historical aspect, as well as the moral questions that Roseanna writes in her stories. All of her books have been excellent!

On Wings of Devotion was written by Roseanna M. White. It is book two in The Codebreakers series. It is not necessary to have read the first book in the series in order to enjoy this one.

Summary: Phillip Camden is filled with deep, mind-numbing regrets. His squadron is dead, and he blames himself completely. He knows that someday soon he will face a firing squad for his actions, and he wishes the military police would just come for him now and be done with it.

Nurse Arabelle Denler sees underneath Phillip’s tough exterior. She knows that no life is wasted, and she wants to make sure Phillip realizes it as well.

Can she convince Phillip that God loves him, and he is valuable-no matter what the past holds?

Summary: I liked this book. The characters are interesting, the plot has plenty of twists and turns, and there is some pretty exciting espionage along the way.

If you like WWII books, and/or stories of redemption with a bit of romance, you will probably enjoy this one. I definitely enjoyed it, and would read it again.

I would like to thank Bethany House for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my review. Thank you!

On Wings of Devotion is the second book in Roseanna M. White's The Codebreakers series. While some characters were introduced in the first book, I still felt like enough backstory was given that I could read as a standalone and not feel lost. 

To be honest, this book has been sitting on my TBR pile for MONTHS--- since it's release back in January. Somehow, it kept getting pushed to the bottom of the pile. With the new book coming out this month, I knew it was time I finally brought it to the top.... and now having read it, I can't believe this gem had been sitting there all this time. It is such a unique historical novel full of intrigue, adventure and romance that I could not get enough of. 

This story takes place in Europe during the first World War. In the story, we meet heiress and nurse Arabelle, who is perhaps the most generous and likable book character ever written. In contrast, we also meet Phillip Camden- called 'Black Heart' by the press as he's been accused of being responsible for the death of his entire squadron. These two very different characters form a rather unlikely friendship and the story that follows is one not to be missed. Add in some spies and you really have the making for a great story!

I loved learning in the author's note about the actual history included in the story as well. It gave me that much more respect for this book and the research and creativity that went into it. Overall, a really interesting book that fans of historical fiction are sure to enjoy.

On Wings of Devotion by Roseanna M. White is book 2 in the Codebreakers series. This author is among the best writers in historical fiction.  I love the ways she brings the harsh realities of World War 1 to life. The story of a patient who is hated and the woman caring for him-- it's amazing! Don't miss this book. But I recommend the entire series as well. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

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6 months ago
On Wings of Devotion by Roseanna M. White
On Wings of Devotion (The Codebreakers, #2)
by Roseanna M. White (Goodreads Author)
Read  
Read in January 2020
Um 10 out of 5 stars!!! 😍 Review will be up soon!

Y’all, if you just read one book this year, let it be this one! Honestly, I don’t have enough good things to say about this book and Roseanna M. White’s writing in general. She is the most phenomenal author ever!

That being said, what was it that I enjoyed about this book? Everything! From the very first page, I was pulled right into the pot and I didn’t want to put this book down until finished. The plot wasn’t fast-paced like a suspense novel, but it had it’s own elements of mystery and I didn’t feel like it lagged at all. The characters were absolutely amazing. I honestly didn’t think I’d be able to like these characters as much as I enjoyed the Margot and Drake in The Number of Love, but I think Arabelle and Camden are now my favorites! Ara and Camden were so real, with such relatable struggles and that really made me feel with, and for, them.

Honestly in the end, there is nothing that bothered me about this book. White is a wonderful author and this book is going on my favorites of the year. If you enjoy historical novels, and even if you don’t, I would strongly encourage you to read this gem and I’m nearly certain you won’t regret it!

**I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own**

Once again, Roseanna M. White does not disappoint! On Wings of Devotion, her second Codebreakers novel, delves into the scandal and mystery surrounding Major Phillip Camden, also known as “Black Heart.” Yet, even the blackest of hearts does not lie outside the realm of redemption, and though first introduced in The Number of Love as quite surly and unlikable, his story proves quite endearing and likable after all.

 The British public believes Phillip to be a scoundrel and monster. However, as he forms a friendship with nurse (and wealthy heiress) Arabelle Denler, helping her after the ending of her engagement, his true character shines—but will he remain too stubborn to prove who he is and ask for what he needs before it is too late? 

 Ara, of course, cannot helping Phillip as much as he helps her, and she proves quite capable of handling the burdens of the past and the uncertainties of the future. Together, they make a perfect, though unexpected, pair, and following them as they approach their many challenges is a true pleasure. I highly, highly recommend their story to readers of inspirational historical romance.

I read On Wings of Devotion immediately after finishing The Number of Love, so I was glad for the continuity of characters I'd come to love. Thoroughly enjoyed this sequel and will definitely re-read the series!

Maybe it’s the fact that I love everything medicine related, or maybe it is the fact Roseanna M. White is a FANTASTIC author, or maybe it’s both because an amazing author she certainly is.

I will say, I’m going to get all of Roseanna’s books as soon as I can! I need them on my bookshelves so bad *does happy dance*.

All right. These are the type of books that rekindle my love for medicine 😂. When times get hard and I just want to ditch everything, reading about women on the front line, helping the sick and injured, is nothing short of inspiring.

What I love about Roseanna’s books, is the fact that she portrays women as strong yet not invincible. Because in my humble opinion, no human is strong without one another. Portraying strong women is so much more than making them strong and independent (which are also valid and admirable qualities), on the contrary, I feel women who support each other and lean on each other and lift each other up are braver than those who’d rather work alone. It takes so much courage to trust, to open to people, to be vulnerable. And that is a quality I so admire in characters.

That is Ara. Ara is a nurse, an heiress that doesn’t mind getting her hands dirty. She longs only, for one thing, a family, to be loved as she never was. And yet, that is the one thing that is always so near and yet so far away from her grasp. Yet she is patient, she is kind, and when doubt starts to creep, when she just wants to throw everything away, she turns her eyes to God, even when in doubt.

These are the type of books I love to read about. Books that inspire my faith and encourage me to grow in my relationship with Christ.

And Camden. Oh, man, I love that boy. He is secretive and charming yet so lost and hurt, it pained me to even read about him because I just wanted to creep into the pages of the book and hug him, tell him everything will be alright. I love his family’s relationship, because even though it’s broken, even though he is broken, he always puts them first and does everything (in his own moody way 😂) to protect them.

And Ara’s dad. He is a quirky explorer that loves traveling and is on a life mission to find Atlantis 😂. Hehe, he’s so fun.

A Wing of Devotion is nothing short of amazing. Roseanna’s ability to weave a story of courage, love and faith has truly captivated my imagination and transported me to this glittery, yet foggy world of Ara and Camden, where decoding german messages is a daily job, where secrets roam on tea parlors, and death menaces to pounce.

ps. I recommend reading the books in this series in order. Though they can be read as standalones, characters from previous books are mentioned and you are going to miss so much of the fun if you don’t know their backstories 🥰!


Cleanness: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/4 The romance theme is strong with this book and there are some parts where it was a little too descriptive. Of course, always clean, but just a heads up for younger teens. There is also mention of injuries and people who suffered amputations due to the war (nothing graphic). There is no bad language, though it’s implied in some scenes.

Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4 /5

Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5

My personal rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5/5

Roseanna does it again! She puts another 5-star novel with just enough action, espionage, edge of the seat page-turner. If you like reading romance in WWII era, this is one you won’t want to put down!

I love the emotions and insecurities she weaves into Ara, not feeling valued outside of work.

Of course, Captain Blackheart’s grief and self-guilt are so palpable. It’s easy to relate to him as he deals with past regrets. And the moody man becomes a favorite in this historical romance that will have you swooning by the end. 😉

Disclaimer: “I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.”

Roseanna White takes us back to Room 40 during World War I in this second book of the Codebreakers series. Phillip Camden's reputation as the man who let his squadron die has earned him the nickname of "Black Heart". When Phillip intervenes on the behalf of his sister to end an engagement, his path crosses with nurse Arabelle Denler, and sparks fly between them. However, both are hurting, and their hurt may destroy their chance at love and happiness.  Paralleling this story is a sinister plot to hurt the Allied war effort.  White has done it again with a page turner!

A fabulous book that I struggled to put down. The character development was well-done, the suspense kept me coming back for more, and the love that develops between the characters reflects the real-life misconceptions we sometimes hold about one another.

On Wings of Devotion by Roseanna M. White has Arabelle Denler working as a nurse at Charring Cross Hospital in London of February of 1918.  The young ladies volunteering at the hospital gather each evening to watch Phillip “Black Heart” Camden walk from the Admiralty building where he works to his residence.  Many people believe Phillip should still be in prison for what he did to his squadron.  It does not help that Phillip receives threats daily from the wife of one of the deceased pilots.  Phillip’s mother comes to London needing his assistance.  It seems his sister, Cassandra has gotten herself into a pickle with a fellow.  He would like to marry her, but he is already betrothed.  Phillip decides to intervene in his own unique way and meets the heiress Arabelle Denler.  Phillip becomes Arabelle’s protector and Arabelle realizes she is meant to help him heal.  Philip is surprised when a woman approaches him one day outside the Admiralty.  He can tell she is up to something, and it is up to Phillip to uncover the truth.  On Wings of Devotion is the second novel in The Codebreakers series.  It can be read as a standalone if you have not read The Number of Love featuring Margot De Wilde.  Arabelle Denler and Phillip Camden are great characters.  Arabelle is a Christian woman who believes God put Phillip in her life for a reason.  Phillip wishes he died with the rest of his squadron in The Incident (as he calls it).  He is a strong man with a big heart.  You can tell that Phillip loves his family and will do what it takes to help them.  He also has a fun-loving side which rarely comes out.  The two of them complement each other which makes for an entertaining story.  The author has a wonderful writing style which draws the reader into her story and holds them until the end.  Roseanna M. White captured the time period and made me feel that I was there with the characters.  I loved the intrigue surrounding our mystery woman and I could not wait to see how this thread would playout.  I liked that Margot De Wilde and her fiancé (from The Number of Love) are in the story along with Barclay Pearce and his family from Shadows Over England series.  On Wings of Devotion is a story of forgiveness and redemption.  The author combined romance, humor, mystery and intrigue along with complex characters into one entertaining story.

Classic Roseanna M White.  I love her story telling.  I love her characters.  I love her research. I love her books.  I am certain that you will too.  Experience this historical novel.  You will not be disappointed.  Five stars.

n On Wings of Devotion, nurse Arabelle Denler plays a key role in the healing of Philip Camden, nicknamed “Black Heart.” Philip believes (as does all of England) that he was instrumental in the deaths of his entire squadron, and struggles with survivor’s guilt, refusing to defend himself at his court-martial.
 
Alone for most of her life (her mother is deceased and her father leaves her frequently for adventuring expeditions abroad), Arabelle fills her life with nursing work, even while dreaming of having love and a family of her own. Arabelle sees Philip as a man who needs mercy and healing, regardless of what others think.
 
Reluctantly recruited to the Admiralty’s codebreaking division, Philip earns the respect of co-workers. Caring for Arabelle awakens a new desire in him to live a better life. He finally surrenders himself to God while facing his court-martial. Meanwhile, an old acquaintance tries to use him as a pawn in a plot against the Crown. Will his redemption be more than just spiritual? Will Arabella’s devotion to Philip provide the key to his release from possible execution?
 
White excels at both character and plot development. Rich in plot twists, historical detail, romance, and adventure, On Wings of Devotion is an excellent read. The faith element is evident but not heavy-handed. Relationships are clean, making the book suitable for adults and older teens. Readers will delight to see characters from her earlier series make an appearance, and will look forward to the final book in this series.

I loved Arabelle and Camden! I've been without internet access and unable to share how exciting I think this book is. I loved Ara's independent strength and Camden's complexities.
Roseanna M. White writes such great detail! I really feel like I'm watching a movie when I'm reading.
I highly recommend this book in any format! I read it then purchased the audio version.

When the Number of Love ends, you want to have this one right away. It carries on the story, and the character that you were not the most fond of in the first one, you fall in love with here. He is heartbreakingly struggling with guilt from a death that everyone blames him for, including himself, that he is not responsible for. 

I loved how they talked about PTSD in how it was dealt with at this time in history. Plus, you get to see more of Margot here briefly.

I have been a fan of Roseanna M. White’s writing since discovering her earlier Culpepper Ring series and she never disappoints. Her writing is lyrical, characterization deep, storylines complex and unique. A gifted author from the beginning, White just keeps getting better and better. There are tie-ins to characters from previous series in this second Codebreakers book, but it totally works as a standalone. If this is your initial introduction to White’s writing, however, I can almost guarantee you will be hurrying to obtain more.

On Wings of Devotion is an epic story, exquisitely blending history, romance, courage and faith in ways that touched this reader on every page. It’s like stepping into the pages of history. Small liberties are taken here and there for the sake of story, but the historical framework is firm and accurate, inspired by hero and villain alike. Spies, espionage, treachery and deceit are contrasted with honor, integrity and compassion. 

This series shines the light on an incredible group of people who worked with skill and dedication as codebreakers in London’s Room 40, thwarting numerous attempts of the enemy to kill and destroy. Hell … It’s name was War, and it existed right here on earth. And when the demons of hell roamed freely, even men who never saw direct action, like the codebreakers he now served with, experienced their horrors in one way or another. These men and women are an inspiration to us all.

Phillip Camden and Arabelle Denler leap off the page and are two of the most memorable characters I’ve ever encountered. Phillip is a wounded hero – complex, deep, loyal and heroic – but flawed from the years he lived for self and carrying the weight of guilt from a horrible tragedy in which he was the lone survivor. A man who “wears his pain like a uniform.” I loved that Arabelle is not the typical beautiful leading lady, but rather tall and plain, and we are shown what true beauty is through her caring, compassion and faithful witness.

When the story opens, Arabelle is engaged to marry Braxton, caught up in a loveless relationship designed to provide mutual benefit … the home and family she craved while providing the means to keep his ancestral home from ruin. There’s some delightful humor and witty dialogue throughout. The scene surrounding the initial meeting between Arabelle and Phillip is pure genius.

I loved Phillip’s gradual maturing and transformation. On Wings of Devotion is about gently growing romantic devotion on a human level, but the overall theme reflects life’s true romance with God. We see God as the patient pursuer and faith lived out in daily life as the gospel message is presented in a realistic way.

The narrative moves at a steady pace, keeping me eager to turn pages, yet allowing time to savor every word and nuance. On Wings of Devotion goes on my favorites list.

Very highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours and Bethany House. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Adventure, family, loyalty, intrigue, and of course romance mark this book. And while that is just the norm for this sort of book, I really think there are some good takeaways from this book.

The two main characters, Arabelle Denler and Philip Camden could not be more opposite. One is all light and goodness and compassion and the other is called Black Heart for a reason. And yet, when you dig below you discover that Black Heart has a heart that is packed full of loyalty, a loyalty that will take a bullet to protect his men and their families. That is an impressive quality to have and one of the takeaways I encourage from this book.  Let's be loyal to our friends and family: don't be nice to their face and then stab them behind their backs.

Arabelle was a nurse and full of compassion and grace and faith in God. She was always out to take care of the disadvantaged, comfort the hurting, and just show love to the world at large. And yet, the book showed her to be human, she was capable of being hurt, of feeling pain as she watched her dreams fade away. And yet, she was faithful and she trusted.

Of course, this is a fiction story so everything turns out fine in the end, but there were some tense moments where I may have skimmed ahead to make sure the story was going to follow the prescribed story line for this sort of genre and it did.

The book is labeled historical fiction and there were bits of history woven throughout the book. I don't want to say too much about that because it would give away pieces of the story, but it was interesting to read about.

I received this book from Bethany House via Net Galley and was not required to write a positive review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Memorable. These are the words that always come to mind when thinking of Roseanna M White's books.
Sure enough, the history bleeds from the pages, but the characters and the imagination are even more powerful. They connect with the reader and transport them into an adventure sure to change you.

I loved Arabella -- she was unapologetically herself. And because of that, she is able to reach the one known as Black Heart. Add to this a wonderful group of unforgettable cryptologists who will weave their way into these two characters' lives and bring about Arabella's long desire for a family.