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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Beautiful characters that became so dear to my heart! I was drawn into this story and my mind stayed constantly on it until the last page. As this story unfolds the readers heart is fully immersed with the love of each character. The beauty and talent that draws life into the very pages of this book brings so many emotions with it. Tears and mourning bring about love, life and forgiveness throughout this amazing story. The author does a incredible job of showing the atrocities of war as well as God is still in control and is there in the midst of it all. The dedication of all who worked for the cause of country and fellow man was astounding, courageous, a light in the darkness of war. This is a story that will stay in the readers mind impacting how we see beauty when there is so much falling apart around us. To describe this book as anything less than beautiful, engaging and fully engulfing the soul would be an injustice!
Was given a complimentary copy, all opinions are my own.
If your ever craving a fantastic historical novel, look no further than Roseanna M. White! She writes with such authenticity, passion, and faith that you will be drawn in and glued to the pages until the end. A Portrait of Loyalty is the third book in the Codebreakers series and it is absolutely enthralling. Lily is a photographer that works with the British Admiralty to retouch and photoshop (before photoshopping was a thing) pictures, helping with the war effort. Her skills are unsurpassed and intriguing. Zivon has escaped Russia as his enemies want to see him stopped. He has something they want and doesn’t even realize it. When Lily and Zivon meet their friendship blossoms and it’s beautiful to watch. They compliment each other perfectly and I enjoyed it very much. The strong faith and family elements are also something I greatly enjoyed! Ms. White has a wonderful way of including faith without being preachy or pushy. This story has some events that are incredibly relevant to today’s headlines and they’re also heartbreaking. SO well done! I’m greatly looking forward to see what comes next for Roseanna M. White!
I received a complimentary copy of this story through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
I so enjoyed this series and this latest addition was no exception, and so very timely considering what is happening in the world.
You will also have a greater understanding of the White and Red Russian, and make sure you read the author’s notes at the end!
Who do you trust, and things get twisted so once you make up your mind, many will change theirs.
There is a bit of sweet romance, some very sad happenings, and a finding of the faith that you thought you lost.
We walk with these folks that you will soon care about, as they are fighting the evil of WWI, and learning more about those who help win the victory.
Yes, this book can stand alone, but you once you’ve read this one, you will be grabbing the others.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.
This book is so well-written and there are so many interesting things about it. I loved how the details about Lily’s photography and her work altering photos were incorporated. It was also really interesting to learn more details about the Bolshevik revolution in Russia and the worldwide flu pandemic of 1918. There was a lot going on, and yet, it was written so well that it all came together seamlessly, without feeling bogged down with too much information. The historical information was awesome, but it didn’t outshine the characters. Lily and Zivon pulled me in from the beginning; I loved how neither was a particularly flashy or outgoing character and yet they both made important contributions to the war efforts and were wonderful together. Another excellent book from Roseanna M. White.
4.5 stars.
I read an ARC provided by the publisher via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.