Carole J. (PianoLady357) reviewed On Wings of Devotion (The Codebreakers) on + 157 more book reviews
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 â complex, deep, loyal and heroic â 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 âwears his pain like a uniform.â 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.
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 â complex, deep, loyal and heroic â 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 âwears his pain like a uniform.â 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.
I thoroughly enjoyed Arabelle and Camden's story. I loved the historical aspects as well as the inspirational and romantic ones. This series involves the codebreaking division that we see in a previous series by this author so familiar characters are dotted throughout. I just loved that. What a kick to see my favorite ones show up unexpectedly. But this story stands on its own. Arabelle is wonderfully good and innocent. Sometimes characters who are good can be almost too sugary sweet but this was not the case with Ara. Her personality, although rare, drew me into the story. How does someone manage to get past initial human reactions to do things that go against our natureâthose things that God wants us to do? I so admired her strength of character. And how could I not love Camden? Sure he was nicknamed âBlack Heartâ, but we soon see what Ara sees in himâthat many times blackness comes from deep hurt. What Camden really needs is God. He fights it every step of the way, but in the end (and I hope this isn't a spoiler to anyone), he does find his way. Not only to God, but also to a deep love and peace. Full review is at my website: lorainenunley(dot)com
I received this book complimentary as a participant in the JustReads reviewer tour. I was not required to give a positive review. All of the opinions I have expressed here are honest and my own.
I received this book complimentary as a participant in the JustReads reviewer tour. I was not required to give a positive review. All of the opinions I have expressed here are honest and my own.
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 âBlack Heartâ 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.
