All of England thinks Phillip Camden a monster–a man who deliberately caused the deaths of his squadron. But as nurse Arabelle Denler watches the so-dubbed “Black Heart” every day, she sees something far different: a hurting man desperate for mercy. And when their paths twist together and he declares himself her new protector, she realizes she has her own role to play in his healing. Phillip … Phillip Camden would have preferred to die that day with his squadron rather than be recruited to the Admiralty’s codebreaking division. The threats he receives daily are no great surprise and, in his opinion, well deserved. What comes as a shock is the reborn desire to truly live that Arabelle inspires in him.
But when an old acquaintance shows up and seems set on using him in a plot that has the codebreakers of Room 40 in a frenzy, new affections are put to the test.
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I enjoyed listening to the audio version of On Wings of Devotion. Roseanna White did a wonderful job with this story and the narrator brought it all to life. The hero and heroine are unique and interesting. I like the way she tied the series together with some of the characters appearing in the next book. Well done!
I’ve said it before and I’ll keep on saying it- Roseanna M White is a genius! On Wings of Devotion is the second in The Codebreakers series. It could be read alone, but I suggest starting with A Name Unknown, which is actually the first in the series before this one. You won’t regret it!
On Wings of Devotion by Roseanna M. White is a wonderful story. In fact, it may be my new favorite Roseanna M. White novel. I was drawn into the plot from page one and could not put the book down. I love the way White writes. The prose flows so perfectly and the way she writes tension is outstanding. Part of the reason I could not put this book down is because everything is so tense — Ara’s fractured betrothal, Phillip’s constant harassment by an angry, bitter woman and his past catching up to him, and an evil German soldier and his lover waiting for the perfect moment to exact their nefarious plans against Britain. I just had to keep turning pages to find out what would happen next! At the same time all of this tension is happening a beautiful romance develops between Ara and Phillip that made my heart so happy. Ara and Phillip’s romance grows naturally and realistically, and is one of the best parts to this story.
Phillip is the best kind of hero. He is known as Black Heart but his heart is far from black. He is actually very sweet, very protective, and very loyal. But he just can’t get over the mistakes of his past. He holds onto them fiercely and refuses to let go. Again, the writing is so stellar that the reader can’t help but feel bowed down under the weight of all the sin and guilt and trauma Phillip insists he carry upon his shoulders. I love how Ara reinforces to him time and time again that he isn’t the Black Heart he thinks he is. Everyone needs an Ara in their corner — that one person who sees through all the negatives to the true person we are. What I love the most about Phillip is how desperate he is to protect Ara. He wants to protect her from pain and heartache, he wants to protect her from those who would take advantage of her and her millions, and he wants to protect her very life. It’s so romantic how he constantly puts Ara before himself. And, the final thing that I appreciate about Phillip is how realistic he is. Phillip is a sinner. He is a man of the world. But then trauma happens and his whole world view is turned upside down. Then he meets Ara and his life is forever changed. The journey Phillip undertakes to become the man Ara needs and the man God made him to be makes On Wings of Devotion such an excellent story. One I won’t forget anytime soon!
On Wings of Devotion is an excellent Historical Romance. It’s well written, fast-paced, and everything a reader could want in a WWI romance. I highly recommend this story. If you have not yet read this book, I implore you to purchase a copy for yourself today. You will not be disappointed in this beautiful novel!
***Recommendation*** On Wings of Devotion can easily be read as a standalone novel; however, I personally feel that to get the best reading experience you should read The Number of Love first.
I purchased a copy of this novel in paperback form from Roseanna M. White’s website in order to review. I also purchased a copy of this novel in eBook form from Amazon.com on August 17, 2020. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The codebreakers series is fantastic! As is the series before this one. Anything that Rosanna M. White writes is a must buy for me now. I also pick up the audiobooks as the narrators she uses is fantastic! I feel like I am right there in the actions with the characters. And the subtly she uses when infusing God or her message is great. I don’t feel like she’s preaching to me, it truly is part of the story.
On Wings of Devotion by Roseanne White
Another winner! I don’t know how Roseanna White keeps coming up with these great stories, but she does. On Wings of Devotion, picks up where the Number of Love ended. Major Phillip Camden, Black-heart, has been working with the code breakers and Arabelle Denler, an wealthy heiress, is working as a nurse. When their paths cross, the fireworks begin. The chemistry between them is very swoon worthy. I love all of the twists and turns in this story. The characters are wonderful. The history of World War II is so intriguing. The facts and fiction are interwoven so well together. Also the introduction of Lily and Zivon, for the 3rd book, sound very interesting! This book is categorized as a Christian, Historical romance. It is 5 star book, in my opinion. Bring on The Portrait of Loyalty
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.
I met Phillip Camden in The Number of Love. That was when I knew I had to read the story of this snarling, brooding pilot accused of a heinous action that resulted in the deaths of the men in his squadron. Behind all his bluster, he’s a hurting, guilt-ridden, and currently honorable man.
I liked that this ultra-handsome, non-Christian hero was teamed with Arabelle Denler, a plain-looking, faith-filled Christian with self-esteem/abandonment issues. In fact, I came to favor Ara. She’s smart, loyal, charitable, and efficient. And the scene when she first confronts her fiance… I laughed out loud.
Ms. White made great use of the “wings” in the story. I even felt sorry for Dee…sort of. But it’s the writing that makes this story. It is exquisite. I savored words and phrases and challenged myself to up my own writing game.
I know it’s early in the year, but I’m already guessing that On Wings of Devotion will be one of my top three favorite reads for 2020.
Arabelle Denler is twenty-five, and is nursing in London in 1918 while her fiance, Edmund Braxton, serves in the British Army. It’s more a match of convenience than love, but it’s a match she means to follow through with. It’s her only chance of love and family.
Phillip Camden is better known as Black Heart since he apparently killed his entire squadron. Even though the Admiralty don’t seem to blame him, someone does—if the death threats are real. But he has a more immediate problem: his younger sister needs to marry Edmund Braxton. Now.
This means Arabelle is now an unattached heiress, the target of every fortune hunter in London. Camden offers to protect her, by pretending he’s her beau. That works in terms of keeping the “gentlemen” away, but Camden’s reputation brings Arabelle problems in the hospital.
Meanwhile, Camden has his own problems—the death threats, his intelligence work, and his reputation. As such, the novel has several threads which all work together to produce an outstanding historical romantic suspense.
Roseanna M White continues to impress me. Each novel is excellent, and each novel is better than the previous story. Her research is outstanding, yet never overpowers the story. I’ve always been fascinated with codes and codebreakers, which is part of the appeal of White’s novels. Her characters have real problems, yet always turn to God (willingly or unwillingly) for their solution. As such, her stories have a strong Christian thread I enjoy.
On the Wings of Devotion is the second book in The Codebreakers series, following The Number of Love. You’ll probably want to read that first, but it’s not necessary.
Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
Woof.
My favorite word from this whole story. You’ll have to read it to understand. But I couldn’t start this review without saying that. Roseanna has outdone herself with this story – truly. Each time I read her story I wonder how the next one could be any better (I loved book one – The Number of Love!), and they always surpass my expectations. I took so many notes and flagged several quotes – a sign of a really good book!
Let’s start with Camden. This dude obviously needs the Lord in his life, but boy you can’t help but fall for him and hard! There is a point early on where he implies that he doesn’t think Arabella is “pretty”, and at the time I was kind of irritated by his statement, classifying him with the other male pigs I have read about in the past. But then, somehow he just changes your opinion on him. I think it was as he started to become intrigued by Arabelle, even though he couldn’t see it. His demeanor changed, and all the stigmas that were attached to his name seemed to disappear, and you saw the person he truly was. I, for one, loved him!!
The chemistry between him and Arabelle was off the charts. Who would have thought to (seemingly) totally opposites would have such an attraction to each other! Well, I take that back, they didn’t realize it half the time. But you could see it, you could feel it, from very early on. The thing that grabbed my attention on the beginning of their relationship was how Arabelle seemed to want to save him. Typically we see the hero want to have this role, so it was kind of refreshing to see a leading lady have these thoughts. Arabelle had this spunk to her, and yet she handled herself with grace. All this leading up to a kiss that had my heart racing, and I wasn’t even there!
White managed to also include a subplot – Diellza’s story – that also had my attention. At first I was intrigued in how she would fit into the big picture. But as information came to light, and the storylines all came together, I couldn’t get enough. She was the character you love to hate! At least for me. White managed to bring all the information together masterfully, with a few surprises even. I don’t know how she manages to do this time and time again, but she just truly wows me.
And lastly, I cannot end a review without commenting on how White leads people (both readers and her characters) to the Lord. This moment in the book was breathtaking, and I found myself reading it not once, not twice, but three times just so I could soak it up. So many people need to read this book, if not for this reason alone. White weaves the Lord into her book seamlessly, no preachy, not in your face. Just subtle, seeds planted here and there until the characters understand in their own timing how much they need the Lord. Just like us.
I highly recommend reading this story, well the series actually. It was nice to say hello again to old friends from book one! This is going to make Top 2020 lists, I can guarantee you that! So happy I was finally able to dive into this story. The only downfall is waiting for the next book to come.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
On Wings of Devotion #2 The Codebreakers by Roseanna M. White
There is so much to this story that captured me and held me glued to the pages. The two main characters, Arabelle Denler and Phillip Camden—who is called Black Heart, are wonderfully portrayed. Arabelle is a strong, caring, forgiving and godly woman. As a nurse these attributes are evident in the care of her patients, interaction with her fellow nurses and those around her. As a retired RN I especially enjoyed reading a little of the nursing practices of the time period. Her faith is so much a part of her it overflows in all she does. I love that she prays for Phillip even before she ever met him in person. I could feel her uncertainty in regards to herself and her longing for someone to love her and to have a family.
Our hero, Phillip, is one handsome man. He is strong, loyal and very wounded. The experiences in his past, and most recently, have hardened his heart—hence the name, Black Heart. However, there is more to him than a black heart, even if he does not recognize it. The tragedy of the loss of his men weigh heavily on his heart and his pain is evident in all he does. I think working in Room 40 with other codebreakers is really good for him even though he doesn’t see it at first. I love that once he meets Arabelle and gets to know her a little, he makes himself her protector. I feel sure God has His hand in this. I enjoyed the interaction between Arabelle and Phillip and their growing feelings toward each other. They are perfect for each other. The ending is all that I hoped it would be and more.
I enjoyed the author’s historical notes at the end of the book. The historical aspects of the story are woven within the fictional story-line and weave an amazing story. A story filled with espionage, deceit, spies, honor, integrity, danger, suspense, love, faith and reconciliation.
~I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~
What a fantastic page-turning adventure that kept me up past my bedtime, eager to find out what would happen next! Roseanna M. White sure knows how to spin a story that entertains and that you won’t soon forget. These dynamic characters wove themselves around my heart!
Our hero, Phillip Camden grew so very much within this story. From a grumpy, hard-edged man that carried around a millstone of regret and anger, to one who learned how to give his past, his sins, to a savior who loved and cared for him. A man who kept everyone at arm’s length, to a man who was able to make friends, and fall in love. Oh, and what a heart-warming love story it is!
I felt welcomed into the story, the very scenes vibrant and alive. I walked the streets, heard the planes flying overhead, smelled the smoke from buildings that were bombed, and lived the story right alongside these amazing characters.
If you enjoy reading inspirational historical romance, then you are sure to fall in love with this story and want it for your “keeper shelf”, to pull out and enjoy again!
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I am not required to write a positive review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.)
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. Susan Lyons does a wonderful narration. I loved every moment of listening to this book!
I just need a second to gush! Y’ALL THIS BOOK WAS AMAZEBALLS! So stinkin’ good, and such a great way to start off the reading year!
Roseanna is a crazy talented author. I don’t think she has written a book I haven’t liked. She writes such unique and REAL characters, they’re just so easy to fall in love with!
Not many authors can take the risks she does and pull them off.
This book was no different! I loved every one of the characters! They each played their part perfectly! The villains, the leads, the side characters. They blended and meshed so well.
I just loved everything about this book! It was deep. It was light. It was emotional. It was humorous. It was the perfect blend of history and fiction.
Phillip Camden was the best! New favorite hero right there! Arabelle was his perfect match, the perfect leading lady.
They complemented each other so well. Each learning that what THEY defined themselves as was not who they were. They built each other up, and was a shoulder to cry on when they needed one. There was so much emotion and they both grew so much throughout the story.
PLUS! They’re chemistry and banter was EVERYTHING!
One thing that I’ve noticed in this series, and something I love with my WHOLE heart, is that the women pray for the men. Even before they know who he is, or that they’ll end up together. I just ADORE that thread so much. (it could be also in her other series too and I just didn’t realize it)
I will be gushing about this book always! There are so many things I didn’t even touch on in my review. It was just so amazing, and you all need to go order it!
I want to give this book all the stars, but alas I can only give it 5. So you should know what my rating is! 5/5 stars!
*I received this book from the publisher**All opinions are my own*
On Wings of Devotion is such a compelling book that it was hard for me to stop reading it once I started. I had waited for this book since finishing the first book, The Number of Love so I knew this would be good but I didn’t realize just how good it would be and that I would so caught up in the storyline from the very first page.
Arabelle Denler is an amazing character, she’s strong, caring, forgiving and the perfect woman for Phillip Camden who is called Black Heart. I loved them separately and I loved them together. Quite honestly I didn’t love him immediately because I had viewed him negatively in the first book but Ms. White made me love and root for him to live his best life in this artfully crafted novel.
There is one scene in the book where I was completely surprised but extremely proud of the spunk Arabelle showed to a certain young man that had me laughing as I read it.
I loved everything about this beautifully crafted story that flows at a perfect pace. with a bit of danger, a lot of suspense and truly wonderful characters. My only complaint is having to wait for the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
On Wings of Devotion is the second installment of The Codebreakers by Roseanna White.
When people are confronted with seemingly impossible and humiliating circumstances, they handle things differently. Ms. White crafts a wonderful story around her characters’ reactions to the painful realities that have been handed to them. Not only has war complicated things in England but sometimes life gets in the way. The story is complex but superbly executed, rich in detail. A completely satisfying tale but leaves you wanting the third book as soon as possible.
The hero, Phillip Camden, is haunted by “The Incident” that caused him to be ostracized and has put him in the job he now occupies. He knows the truth of the Gospel but it hasn’t been made real to him because he is still trying to atone in his own strength.
Arabelle Denler is an heiress but is considered plain. She is lonely, so she becomes a nurse in order to feel useful during wartime.
This novel is full of intrigue, fascinating facts about WWI, codebreaking, spies and life in London in 1918. Spiritual truths ooze from the pages through Cam and Ara’s ability to see past the superficial and into the heart and soul of eachother. And who could resist a hero who gives a puppy to the heroine to keep her company?
Having just binged Downton Abbey, this novel seems to fit right in. I could definitely see The Codebreakers as a Mini Series.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
On Wings of Devotion is the second story in The Codebreakers series, and oh my word is it amazing! Confession here, I’m not much of a re-reader of novels, but after I reached the satisfying ‘The End’, I had the overwhelming urge to flip back to page one and devour the book all over again.
The interactions between the brooding, mad-at-the-world pilot, Phillip Camden, and the tenderhearted, Jesus-loving nurse, Arabelle Denler, were brilliant. Their witty banter made me chuckle while their heart-to-heart chats made me root for the success of their love story. And I’m going to go on record and say this story has one of the BEST kissing scenes I’ve ever read. And folks, I’m a romance junkie. It was just…all the sighs.
Add in the drama and suspense of WWI in England and you have a stellar story not to be forgotten!
** I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
Oh. My. Camden!!!
Y’all On Wings of Devotion is even more swoony than The Number of Love. Camden is moody, antagonistic, and so full of angst because of the haunting of his past. He carries such hurt and covers it with smirks (which I could totally imagine being smoldering) and humor. And Arabelle can’t help but fall in love.
Arabelle was Camden’s perfect hero. Full of goodness and light all stemming from her devotion of God. But what I liked more than anything, is that she prayed for Camden before she ever knew him, before they ever met. A person like that is worthy of friendship and the best of heroes.
I loved watching these two fall in love and their first kiss gave me ALL THE FEELS! This book will definitely be a reread which means I’d totally give it 6 stars if I could.
*I received an ARC copy from the publisher via NetGalley. I was not required nor influenced to write a review.
Christian historical romance at its finest! World War I history, intrigue, love, forgiveness and redemption all combine to put this novel on your keeper shelf. Make time in your schedule for this one, as you will not want to put it down!
As far as heroes go, Phillip Camden might be my favorite. Cam, as Arabelle calls him, is your usual wounded hero. Yet his loyalty comes out early in the novel, not only in his devotion to his sister and mother, but also through the sympathy he has for Arabelle when she’s caught in the middle.
And Arabelle is feisty. I respected her from the moment I saw her nursing in Charing Cross Hospital. But with one well-deserved punch to the nose, I loved her. White refrains from making Arabelle the perfect saint, which I appreciated. Instead, Arabelle has a mixture of flaws and virtues. Compassionate but stubborn. Kind but snippy. Sweet but witty. And this mixture of characteristics is what makes Arabelle the best heroine to be paired with the brooding Cam.
From the historical depictions of life in WWI-era England to the realities of war in Room 40 and Charing Cross Hospital, White thrusts you in the midst of the characters’ daily challenges. Admittedly, I’ve only read a few of White’s books, but I think this is her best novel yet. Filled with action, emotion, and gripping drama, On Wings of Devotion keeps you turning pages.
On Wings of Devotion is set during WW I. I liked the no-nonsense female MC. Even though she’s described as plain and gangly, her true beauty comes from within. She is balanced out by the male MC, who is handsome on the outside, but broken and bitter on the inside. They need each other equally. The femme fatale character provides the necessary evil to this story and makes it an engaging read.