Zivon Marin was one of Russia’s top cryptographers until the October Revolution tore apart his world. Forced to flee to England after speaking out against Lenin, Zivon is driven by a growing anger and determined to offer his services to the Brits. But never far from his mind is his brother, whom Zivon fears died in the train crash that separated them.
Lily Blackwell sees the world best through … through the lens of a camera and possesses unsurpassed skill when it comes to retouching and re-creating photographs. With her father’s connections in propaganda, she’s recruited to the intelligence division, even though her mother would disapprove if she ever found out.
After Captain Blackwell invites Zivon to dinner one evening, a friendship blooms between him and Lily that soon takes over their hearts. But both have secrets they’re unwilling to share, and neither is entirely sure they can trust the other. When Zivon’s loyalties are called into question, proving him honest is about more than one couple’s future dreams–it becomes a matter of ending the war.
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Roseanna White knows how to deliver a well-balanced story that inspires, intrigues, and entertains! This book is one that draws you back (if you reach the point where you have to put it down), demanding to be cracked open again and again for more. I loved the characters – Zivon is absolutely endearing with his quiet nature and observant ways, which allow him to prove his loyalty and genuine care through intentional actions and well-chosen words. And Lily is a heroine to root for as she navigates questions and hopes that seek to cross each other while confusing her well-intentioned decisions in life. This series has been so much fun! I look forward to more from this author (as well as going back to read what I’ve missed!).
[I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.]
Roseanna White writes such powerful stories that I know each book of hers will take me on a rich cultural and emotional journey as I absorb the lives of the precious characters she creates and join them on their intriguing adventures. Her newest novel, third in her compelling Codebreakers romantic suspense series set during World War I, is no exception—in fact, it may be her best yet! I will be sorry to leave these dear people I’ve come to know and love. Not only do we see behind the scenes of those serving England by breaking codes, examining secrets, and creating propaganda photos, this book includes a Russian defector who fled the Bolshevik revolution, so it contains Russian history too. The intricate plot and heart-touching tale keep readers fully engaged as they await and perhaps dread the outcome. The ups and downs include plenty of twists, misunderstandings, and surprises as well as tear-evoking scenes, along with wise insights and plenty to ponder. Of course, a strong faith theme runs through this story of second chances and redemption. I recommend reading the trilogy in order for maximum enjoyment, but each book can stand along too. I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Roseanna White has finished her Codebreakers series with a resounding hit in A Portrait of Loyalty. It is always a treat when the final book in the series is better than the first! In my opinion, each book in this series only increased in depth and purpose. It was like biting into a doughnut, only to find the rich cream filling in the end, rather than the middle.
What made this book so wonderful? For me, it was the combination of a plot so carefully timed as it unraveled page after page and the characters who made you want to cry, laugh, cheer them on, and adopt into your family. By the time I concluded the story, my heart was fully invested. I felt as though I had lived those pages myself, and I was in no way ready to let them go.
There are a few authors I never miss, and White is one of them. Her perspective, her twist on life, and her unique sidelines are guaranteed to engage and utterly entrap you. There is a depth to her work that brings her novel to the next level. You will never regret the time spent in one of her books.
Grab this book and the entire series – no, White’s complete book list! – along with it. You won’t be disappointed!
I received this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
As WWI rages on in France and Russia endures the takeover of the country Zivon Marin arrives in Great Britain to help those in the OB with his gift of decoding. As he conforms to what is now his life, he meets Lily Blackman. She is also working in the OB, however, he is unsure what she does. He doesn’t know that she is using her ability to alter photos in hope of shortening the war. After enjoying an evening together with her family, their friendship grows. Roseanna M. White weaves a story of intrigue, danger and changes of the heart. This book is the final installment of a three book series named ‘The Codebreakers”. I, for one, am sorry to see this series end. Ms. White is a wonderful storyteller and while there is usually a formulaic in books of this genre, I don’t see this book or series. I couldn’t put the book down. You will enjoy this book as a glimpse of all we were taught about “The War to End All Wars” with the a blend of fact and fiction. Don’t wait to add this to your reading list. You will not be sorry! As a member of the Launch Team of this book I received a copy at no cost to me. These are my opinion and was not colored by the copy I recieved.
I didn’t think I could possibly love this book more than *Wings of Devotion* but wow, it was great. I have never highlighted so many passages in a novel before. The conversations among the characters were so rich and deep and thought-provoking. My heart just ached with Zivon—loving his country so much, watching as it destroyed itself following a lie, wondering if and when and how God would make it all right. The relationships between all the characters were so meaningful—I appreciated the sweet balance of the romance. It didn’t consume the whole book; it added to the story but gave room for other themes and issues the characters were working through. Highly recommend this whole series!!
What an incredibly fantastic novel by this author. She finished off the series with my favorite of the three!
The storyline is strong in this read. I have always been fascinated by Russian history especially the time as they transitioned from a czar to Lenin and Stalin. This book contains some of that history and some characters within it. The male lead, Zivon, is a strong character with a fascinating backstory. His love of patterns is something I thoroughly understood, and I loved the in depth study we get of him.
Lily is wonderful as is her family. Her character is written so well, I feel as if I’ve met her.
The storyline itself yields to some wonderful faith filled scenes and quotes. The hope and faith really hit home for me in this novel. The main characters walk through grief, sorrow, family difficulties, and in the end find that God does know and do what is best.
I finished almost the entire book in one session. My hubby heard several of my proclamations…and reminded me it was just a book. Well written books seem far more real to me than any movie. This book definitely played a movie in my head as I read it.
Truly a read to savor…I highly recommend!
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
WHAT I THOUGHT ABOUT THIS BOOK
This is the third and final book in the series, so I went into it with excitement as I’d been awaiting the story for a long time. I’m pretty picky with my series endings, and they quite often disappoint me, so I was a little bit nervous to pick up the book and dive in. Recently I’ve not been in a readerly mood, so most of the books I’ve read in the last few months have fallen short of my expectations, so I was also a little worried.
Then I started reading. And, Roseanna M. White did it again – she wrote a book that was delightful, fully immersive, had complex characters, and a plot that kept me wanting to read.
Due to life being really busy I had to read the book throughout a couple of weeks, but it’s the kind of story I could have easily swallowed in one sitting. Every time I picked the book up I was sucked back into the story, eagerly anticipating what would happen next.
Although the storyline was very interesting, it wasn’t exceedingly fast, which means I was able to get to know the characters and really delve into the time period, instead of just wanting to flip pages as fast as possible. The plot covered the topic of propaganda and (essentially) photoshopping photographs which is something I didn’t realize was happening back during the first World War. That was interesting to read about, and the author did a great job explaining it in an easy-to-understand way that also just blended into the story.
The characters were ones I enjoyed reading about. I especially enjoyed watching Lily (the main female character) and her sister, Ivy, interacting. I’m one of five sisters and reading a book that correctly portrays a good sister relationship makes me happy. Their bond was so deep and even amid war, they were able to find joy and laughter together.
While we get to watch Lily and her sister’s relationship, we also get that with Zivon (the main male character) and his brother. (Which is funny because I didn’t realize until just now how the stories parallel each other.) Zivon spends a good portion of the book trying to find his brother – who he’s not even sure is still alive – and we get to see how much he loves his brother.
Another side of this book was getting to read from the point-of-view of two not-so-great characters. We got to know them a lot better than we normally get to see this author’s “villains” and I enjoyed that and the character arc that they went through.
CONCLUSION
I liked it a whole lot. I lent the book to a friend literally as soon as I finished it so that she can read it and I can have someone to discuss the story with.
You’ll get more out of the story if you read the series in order, but I do think this book could be a standalone if you wanted to read it that way.
RATING
I’m giving A Portrait of Loyalty 4.5 out of 5 stars. I received a complimentary copy A Portrait of Loyalty from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone. Thank you to the author and publisher for sending me this book!
Secrets, Love & Propaganda!
While WWI raged on, unrest took over in Russia with the removal and execution of the Tsar, along with the Bolsheviks take over. Zivon, an expert cryptographer, highly valued by the Tsar, had spoken out against Lenin, and put himself in peril. He fled for his life to England where British Intelligence put him in a low-level codebreaking job, far below the prestigious position he left. Although expert at his job, he was often looked at with apprehension, could he really be trusted?
Unknown to Zivon, his brother Evgenie has become a Lenin devotee. He along with comrade, and girlfriend, Nadya, dogmatically push anarchy, or anything else to help the revolution. They will stop at nothing, including putting Zivon’s life in danger.
Lily Blackwell secretly uses her expert photography skills for the British Intelligence, but she must sneak around so her mother does not discover it. Lily is fascinated by Zivon, but her father is suspicious of him.
Intrigue, espionage, and covert dealings pepper this tale’s pages, and keep you glued to them. At the same time, you will feel the emotions the characters face from the war, their interactions with each other, and, ironically, a flu pandemic. I highly recommend this clean, five-plus star story told from a Christian viewpoint.
Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, A Portrait of Loyalty, for the purpose of review.
A Portrait of Loyalty by Roseanna M. White is the third book in her Codebreakers series. Lillian Blackwell uses her camera and her knowledge to help the Admiralty during WW1. Zivon Marin, one of Russia’s top cryptographers, flees Russia with information he hopes the British will use to help end the war. Meeting Lily was not part of his plan. When her life and his loyalties are threatened, will they be able to overcome or will they be the next casualties of the war? The suspense was very intense in this book, but the romance helped balance it out very well. I loved Lily’s spirited nature and her willingness to help others. The echo that Zivon kept hearing, “Be Still, and know that I am God,” is something we all should listen to. I think this was a great ending to the series!
I received this book from the author for my honest review.
“Zivon Marin is either the greatest asset or the greatest enemy I’ve ever encountered. I think he is the first. But I can’t dismiss the possibility that he is simply more clever than I.”
And that was the real question, wasn’t it? Who was Zivon Marin? Friend, foe, or merely a man fleeing one terrible side of a war in order to aid the other. The problem was, who was going to believe him in any scenario? Fortunately, after fleeing Russia and making it into England Zivon has been given a second chance, plus an incredible opportunity to use his vast linguistic skills on behalf of British intelligence. Sadly, he was separated from his younger brother in the process, carrying only snippets of his former life, and one very intriguing photograph.
Lillian Blackwell meets the enigmatic Russian around her own family table, her father having issued Zivon a dinner invitation as he so often did with young men whom he thought might be suitable social companions for his lovely daughters. As an accomplished photographer, Lily sees a man who is shuttered, only giving away token glimpses of what he might be thinking or feeling; a man of sorrows, who has seen far too much taken away to have anything left to give. Nonetheless, as Lily’s sister so cleverly points out, “He intrigues you . . . . I maintain that your heart knows something your mind hasn’t caught on to yet.”
The path that Lily and Zivon travel is not an easy one. Not only is there danger, intrigue, and misunderstanding, but deep seeded guilt and a thirst for revenge vie for attention. Their faith will be tested, their lives rocked by grief and unanswerable questions, but in the end they will state with confidence that “He is God . . .. He has not changed. That the same Lord who loved us when all is well loves us still when all is lost. His promises are as true today as they were yesterday. . . . We must trust that His love is enough to see us through now.”
What an incredible story, one that readers will savor long after the pages have finished turning. It is Roseanna White at her very best!
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
Zivon Marin is a man caught between two worlds. Imperial Russia, his homeland, no longer exists thanks to the Bolsheviks and England, caught up in the midst of WW I views him with suspicion and distrust. Lily Blackwell is caught between parental expectations, her mother urging her to conform to society’s expectation of young women and her father encouraging her to use her photographic talents in the war effort. Can the attraction they feel for each other blossom despite the secrets they keep?
Roseanne White once again has created a masterful blend of history, intrigue, romance and faith in this final book in her Codebreaker series. I develop such a connection with her well crafted characters that I hate for each book to end. What will her next series entail? I can hardly wait to find out.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and am willingly giving this review.
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this series. First of all, White brings us characters who are different for the time period. Being someone who loves photography, I loved that this was Lily’s strongpoint! I always love strong heroines, but White’s are different. They are given such wonderful talents that are usually seen in men for this time. And yet, the men in this series have given Lily (and the others) the ability to shine, albeit secretly!
Zivon and Lily – um yes. All. The. Feels. They are such a great couple. White takes her time with them, and doesn’t rush their relationship. That’s just how I want my relationships to be! I don’t want to give anything away, so I’ll just say this – favorite couple of the series!!!
The other thing I love about White’s books is the attention to detail she puts into it. There are so many historic facts in the story, and yet not once did I feel like it was too much, or just info dumping. You learn something, and frankly – you want to learn even more! Lily’s ability to recreate photos was remarkable. I didn’t really know it existed back then honestly, but just another way that White brings history to life.
Like I said, I have loved reading this series, and A Portrait of Loyalty is no exception to that. With welcoming characters, incredible bits of history, and a romance you’ll adore, historic romance fans are sure to love this story. But, if you haven’t read the first two in the series, I highly recommend doing that. Trust me you won’t regret it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A compelling and timely read, set against tumultuous First World War.
Lily Blackwell is a skilled photographer who not only knows how to take good pictures, but how to edit them. Her father is well connected in the Navy, while her mother shuns the political use of the arts. She wants to do something that matters, putting her skilled eyes to work. I loved how supportive her family is, though they might not always see things the same way.
Zivon, one of Russia’s top cryptographers, fled his home country in hopes of helping to bring the war to a favorable end. Zivon is incredibly observant with great intuition that serves him well.
Once I started this book I couldn’t put it down, the author does a great job of blending the tension of the times and situation, with strong character growth and relationships. I love how this book delves into the families of Lily and Zivon, we see the relationships and dynamics that make them who they are and bring this story to life. I loved the friendships and the relationships in this book, as well as how it brings back many familiar faces from the previous books in the series. This was a fantastic read all the way through, with amazing chemistry and strong family ties, mystery and intrigue along the way. Highly engaging, with terrific pacing, a fitting conclusion to what has been a truly memorable series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Reading A Portrait of Loyalty by Roseanna M. White felt like the ending of an era. It’s the third book in The Codebreakers series, but the series built off of the previous series, Shadows of England, and even touched on a character or two from the previous series Ladies of the Manor. It was a fitting and beautiful culmination to this group of books.
Zivon Marin, one of Russia’s top cryptographers, fled to London after the October Revolution, aiming to work against Lenin’s Red Army. An accomplished linguist, he can be of help among the English cryptographers in Room 40, if the Brits can trust him. Yet behind all the intrigue, his heart is hurting over significant personal losses.
Deep in the basement of the Old Admiralty Building, Lily Blackwell plies her trade. A photographer with the added skill of being able to manipulate the pictures themselves, she’s invaluable to the spy game. Nevertheless, she stays hidden, even from those who work in Room 40, especially because even her mother doesn’t know of this particular way she aids the war effort.
It is Lily’s father who introduces Zivon and Lily, wanting his daughters to meet fine young men in order to marry one day. Zivon is captivated by how Lily captures beauty with her camera lens. Lily is intrigued by Zivon’s ability to see and anticipate patterns. Yet woven through this chance at a future is the world of spies, rebellion, and war.
I absolutely loved this story. The characters are so real. The philosophical challenges so difficult. The decisions so life-altering. Not just for Zivon and Lily, but for every person caught up in Word War 1 and the Russian Revolution. It is the conclusion of an epic tale and yet the personal is at the forefront so much so that it will make you cry. At least, it did for me.
A Portrait of Loyalty can be a stand alone book, but the depth of the story comes with it being the third book in the series. And, honestly, to get the full emotional impact, I suggest reading the one, even two previous series before ending with this one. Six books, perhaps nine, yes, but those books will make this one feel like the swell of the climatic end to an opera. So worth it!
Spies and war, intrigue and deception, personal loss and the quest for love. A Portrait of Loyalty has it all. And you should definitely give it a read.
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I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.
Roseanna M. White’s stories are well-written. She definitely knows how to dive into her characters and their settings. She does a wonderful job at picking a topic that is a little different, yet in a good way. She moves the story along at a nice pace. The romance builds slowly, which is the way I like my romances, if I want them a story, to happen. No rushing through the romances for me. With a Portrait of Loyalty, I really liked that the heroine had a job that I never heard of during the war. Some of her skills with pictures seems pretty obvious with all the technology we have now, but back then, it really didn’t seem that obvious. I really wished the story featured more of this in the story. When it happened, I was fascinated and wanting to learn more of what she was doing to help the war effort. It would have been nice to see her actually doing the task at hand, then just been told that this is what she was doing. As for the heroine, I really enjoyed how he was trying to run from his past, but still struggled with issues in his past. He wanted to do better, but he needed part of his past to be part of his future. A lesson a lot of people today actually need to learn. Overall, A Portrait of Loyalty had its ups and downs. A good story, well-written but had a little holes in the plot for me.
I received a complimentary copy of A Portrait of Loyalty by Roseanna M. White from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.
Fascinating!
Some books are great because of the story they tell. Some are great because of the characters. Some are great because of the colorful language used to paint the picture of the story. And some, like A Portrait of Loyalty, are great for all of the above reasons.
I have enjoyed every one of the books in The Codebreakers series! The characters in each have their own quirky form of genius, which Roseanna White has an amazing way of capturing. Zivon has the ability to see patterns that allow him to predict. And everything is a pattern. When his portion of the story is told, there is a cadence to the words. A rhythm beating to the drumming of his thoughts.
Lily is a photographer. I loved seeing the world through her eyes, the interplay of light and darkness. I could see the beauty of the world as she captured it. But what made her even more fascinating was her job at the OB (Old Building – the home of Room 40 where the codebreaking was done during World War I) forging photographs and helping to identify forgeries. Without Photoshop! Honestly, I’m not so great at doctoring photos using the tools available to me, so imagining her doing this with scissors, a darkroom, and her artistic talents was so much fun!
I loved the way the author showed not only the British perspective on the Russian Revolution but also showed it through the eyes of the Bolsheviks, giving insight into the circumstances that drove them to the bloody takeover of the government.
There is a strong spiritual message as well. Zivon, as he struggled with seeing God’s hand in the events that caused him to lose all he loved in this world, continued to hear a still small voice “be still and know that I am God”. His journey to trust God and to put aside his anger and desire for revenge was beautiful. And when tragedy touched Lily’s life, she had to learn to turn to God for help.
Combining faith, history, romance, and intrigue, A Portrait of Loyalty is a wonderful story that I highly recommend.
Read my review of A Portrait of Loyalty by Roseanna M. White at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
“Portrait of Loyalty” is the third book in the Codebreakers series. This series is best read in order. In a way, this book is the conclusion of more than this series as several characters overlap from the Shadows Over England series and a little bit from the Ladies of the Manor series. I was pulled back into the world of OB40 and the Admiralty. I devoured the book in very little time. I knew next to nothing of the Russian revolution and the Bolsheviks coming to power, so that intrigued me. The inclusion of the Spanish Flu that hit during the later parts of WWI also drove home how deadly it was. Biblical truths were prevalent throughout the book and you see that even in the pain and chaos He will hold you and guide you. There were unexpected twists that I did not see coming. I am sad that we won’t be going back to this story world, but look forward to reading what Roseanna M. White writes next.
I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review
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.
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.
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.