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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Dang. This series and these characters just keep getting better!
I loved Arabelle and could relate so much to her. And Phillip is her perfect match. I can’t say I adored Phillip, as he isn’t usually the kind of guy I like, but his character was nonetheless fabulous and I loved him, even if I didn’t love him, ya know? 😉
White’s writing style is as beautiful as ever. I instantly feel like I’m living in the time period with the authentic and historically accurate dialogue and descriptions. The history lessons White includes are so fascinating as well, and never dry or boring or interrupting the story.
Speaking of story, from page one I was draw into the story and couldn’t put it down! Even the slower moments kept my interest and the fast-paced suspenseful moments had my heart racing.
All in all, I greatly enjoyed book two in The Codebreakers series, and can’t wait to get my hands on book #3! I cannot recommend this enough if you are a lover of rich and fascinating historical fiction with a side of romance, espionage, and suspense. You definitely want to check this one out!
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
I really am enjoying this series. It’s set in London during WWI. I think we focus on others that are in the spotlight vs. those who are behind the scenes. I like that this series focuses on those behind the scenes. The unsung heroes. Ari is a nurse in London, and her father is an Explorer. She desires to serve and save. She meets disgraced pilot Phillip Camden and a friendship begins between them and between him and her father. I really enjoyed the grace displayed freely by the heroine. She is a gracious woman who tries to see the best in everyone, including Phillip. Will her grace make a difference in his life? Can she show him he’s redeemable in the eyes of God? Another book I didn’t want to take a break from while reading! Excellent writing. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All views stated here are my own.
Excellent addition to the Codebreakers series! Loved the characters. Loved the hero discovering his true self in the eyes of God. Loved the heroine and her generous heart. Book three can’t come soon enough.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists,
and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive
reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this
in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
As the second book in the Codebreakers series, On Wings of Devotion, by Roseanna M. White, is a thrilling work of historical fiction! Descriptive, intriguing, and thoroughly engaging, this novel is a genuine pleasure to read and to savor. Elements of history, romance, and mystery combine seamlessly to fashion a story that is interesting, thoughtful, and remarkably enjoyable.
From the historic setting, to the unique characters, to the surprising plot, Ms. White delivers a story that is utterly satisfying! Set in England during WWI, the story captivates as it unfolds along the streets and in the buildings of early twentieth century London. Living under the shadow of blackout curtains, food rationing, and fear of air raids, the characters attempt to carry on with their lives and do their part for the war effort. And in so doing, they must face their fears, address their insecurities, pursue redemption, renew their hope, and nurture their faith all while their dreams are threatened by a dangerous enemy who is closer than they realize.
On Wings of Devotion is truly a special book! Very well-researched and exceptionally well-written, it is a novel that inspires even as it entertains. As compelling as it is memorable, it is definitely a novel I can recommend wholeheartedly.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.
On Wings of Devotion by Roseanna White is the second book in her Codebreakers series. Philip Camden blames himself for the death of his whole flying squadron. Nurse Arabelle Denler sees Camden not as a “Black Heart” so much as a “hurting heart”. Together they will find healing, forgiveness and mercy. I loved how Ara stood up for herself and those she loved. The interaction and jokes between Ara and Camden were hysterical. I laughed out loud so many times throughout this book. There was a mystery in the story that kept you on the edge of your seat not knowing what to expect next. Roseanna again wove her love for the Lord through the story so beautifully. I can’t wait for the next book.
I received this book from the author for my honest review.
This book, y’all! It was so, so good! It’s Roseanna White at her finest.
Ara and Camden were wonderful characters. Ara was an admirable lady. She had such a giving and selfless heart. She was so quick to offer forgiveness, even to those that had wronged her or the ones she loved. I also thought it was really sweet that she prayed for Camden even before she knew him. She glimpsed a hurting soul and wanted to help him. If only the world could be more like her.
I have a hard time resisting a broody leading man and that’s exactly what Cam was. I was drawn to him right from the start. I hurt for him, though. The guilt he felt for something that happened to his squadron, tore him up inside. He was devastated, but hid it behind charm, bravado, and jests.
I could gush about this book forever, but I know there’s no way I’ll be able to do it justice. I’ll just end by saying, go grab yourself a copy. You don’t want to miss out on this gem.
On Wings of Devotion, book two from The Codebreakers by Roseanna M White is now my favorite book I have read by her to date. Even though it is part of a series, I believe it can be read as a stand alone. The historical details were so vivid in this one, I felt like I was part of the story. I loved the chemistry between the two main characters, Arabelle and Camden. The plot has a lot I love in a book: adventure, romance, suspense and faith. I could not ask for much more than that.
I give On Wings of Devotion five plus stars. I look forward to book three from The Codebreakers to see what will happen next.
I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
What can I say? Amazing? Wonderful? Sweet? Emotional? All of these I think! I loved this book!
Phillip Camden, Black Heart, as they called him. Was he a villain or what? He was one of a kind character that I so enjoyed. Well Arabella could certainly hold her own with Brax and Camden. I loved that she was strong and I loved her faith. She even prayed for Camden even before she really knew him.
I loved this quote in the book.
“He’d thought before that he’d lost it all. That he had nothing to live for. He’d been so very wrong.” So much in this book I enjoyed. I really really recommend this book to my friends. You don’t want to miss this whole series.
I received this book free from Bethany House Publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
What a SPELLBINDING read! This book had more twists and turns than an Ozarks road and was enthralling read from start to finish. Ara was quite a likable character and don’t even get me started on our tortured hero/villain Phillip Camden…which will he turn out to be?!?! Roseanna wove quite the tale of romance, mystery and intrigue. Be forewarned: once you start this book-putting it down will be nearly impossible. Can’t wait for more of this series!
I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
This is an incredible historical romance!
The main characters, Arabelle Denler and Phillip Camden, are very well developed. In some ways they are similar, but their differences are much more apparent. It was a lot of fun to see how they interacted with each other from the first time they met. I liked seeing how their relationship changed throughout the book.
On the other side we have Diellza, or Dee, Mettler and Alwin Weber. This couple gives us a great look at what people are capable of doing for someone they love.
The development of the story and the work done by the codebreakers and the intelligence department was fabulous. I was very intrigued by all of it.
I’m really looking forward to what comes up for the Codebreakers in the next book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.
Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I’ve done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
This book wowed me and is my favorite of the new decade! Roseanna White certainly is a master at crafting characters and situations that appeal to readers and evoke their emotions. I was so involved in the story that I sometimes exclaimed out loud and was so moved near the end I could hardly continue reading. Such a powerful tale deserves wide readership. The novel can stand alone, but it’s even more intriguing when you have read the preceding one in The Codebreaker series and the original Shadows over England series from which these spun off, and women from another series also make cameo appearances. The author brings out things from World War I that I wasn’t aware of and includes plenty of twists and surprises. We see pain on the page and false assumptions and trickery and sacrifice and love and forgiveness demonstrated, in addition to learning to trust God no matter how bleak the situation. In this dramatic story, Nurse Arabelle Denler, daughter of a world explorer, is thrown together with Major Phillip Camden, a pilot whom everyone considers a scoundrel. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
Wow, I really enjoyed this story. It was a little bit romance, a little bit spy, a little (ok, a lot) bit war, all rolled into one intriguing story line.
Ara is such a strong main character, but I appreciated the vulnerability that she tried so hard to hide. Actually, Cam was the same way. He tried so hard to pretend that what was happening to him didn’t bother him, but Ara could see right through him. I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop.
This is a story about forgiveness and redemption. The bad guys are very clear from the beginning, but even that isn’t as cut and dried as you might think it is.
I didn’t realize until I finished the book that this was part of a series. That’s a good sign that this book works well as a stand alone. It’s also a good sign that I now have another book to add to my “to-read” list.
Author Roseanna White never disappoints, I’m not sure how she does it but each book seems to top her last one. This is the second book in her Codebreakers series and WOW!
The author’s writing style just blows me away, I don’t know how she pens such a marvelous spellbinding story each time but she does.
There are tie-in characters from the first book but if this is the first book your reading it’s explained very well so you’ll be able to get right into the book.
Beautiful story of redemption and forgiveness .
Set during World War I in England filled with codebreakers, threats and fraught with danger this fantastic historical will have you racing to finish the pages between the covers.
Highly recommended!
Published January 7th 2020 by Bethany House Publishers
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
I have always been a fan of Roseanna M. White’s writing since the first book I read by her. In this one she brings us another book about room 40 and the code breakers. This one deviates somewhat from being about the code breakers exclusively and centers on a man accused of letting his men under him die when he could have saved them. He even believes it himself and believes he deserves to die as they did. Phillip Camden and Arabelle Denler are the main characters. Phillip a wounded war hero dubbed “Black Heart” a monster with no feelings, accused of a war crime. Arrabelle a nurse who tends to the wounded men in the hospital. I loved reading how these two unlikely people were brought together and what they learned from each other, how they fell in love never expecting to at all. What an enthralling book filled with Spies, espionage, treachery and deceit. Still we find honor, integrity and compassion and a strong thread of faith through out……I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Okay. Let me breathe for a moment, and then scream, and then cry.
This book was amazing. Utterly amazing. Almost perfect. And it holds tear stains for the first time ever. I’ve cried in a hundred books, but I’ve apparently never laid my head down on the book and sobbed.
Both characters are amazing. Ara is fierce, but tender and loving, full of Jesus. In some parts, she just shined through the pages at me with how much she understood God’s mercy. She could blow up, and be a terror too, but she KNEW. Deep down, despite her insecurities, she KNEW how much God adored her, and because of that, anything thrown her way is a step toward Him.
Phillip, or “Cam”, or my personal favorite, “Philly”, did not know. Oh my goodness, I was head over heels in love. IN LOVE, y’all. He’s hurting so much that his pain is disguised with flirting, with a temper that was first shown in A Number of Love, and everyone hates him, which he seems to be fine with, cuz he hates himself.
And he’s running from God, with the full knowledge that his life is going to end. And I’m not going to be able to stop talking about this book. Possibly ever.
The mercy that is shown from God, from his mom, from his brother, from Ara….it’s beautiful. I could’t stop squealing at the perfectness of how he’s treated by the people he loves. (And when Cass comes running out, crying, and he wraps her in a bear hug? *swoon*)
It’s a beautiful story because it’s a true one. In many aspects, but the truest is that so many people hide behind a mask of indifference, of hatred, of feelings that tick the rest of us off. But in reality, they need prayer and love, which Ara gives.
Also the storyline of her not being pretty. A lot of books try to do that, but it leads to either fiery descriptions of bodies, or it falls flat. This book does neither, and I love how Roseanna writes those exchanges. I love everything.
Okay, I’m going to stop talking. Even though I want to continue. But I must first mention a scene that about had me squealing and just loving Ara and Cam to death. Quiet, tender, vulnerable moments are underrated, y’all. I love them.
Ms White paints excellent and surprising characters, develops plots well, and I especially appreciate the characters she develops that show up in a variety of her books and series.
Through her last several series, Roseanna M. White has continued to hone her craft and create books that sweep the reader away to another time and place. In this latest novel, she has outdone her previous works and created characters that exceeded my high expectations for her storytelling.
On the surface, Arabelle and Camden have little in common. She is a believer; he is not. She speaks kindly and helps to heal others; he repulses them with anger and holds himself apart. But their outward actions are driven, at least partially, by the same cause: guilt.
But I absolutely loved how White delineated these characters, showing how the same causes can lead to vastly different effects. Arabelle is frustrated, can be hurt by words, but still digs deep into her heart and leans on her faith to respond in a largely saintly way to whatever injury or insult may be directed at her. Camden keeps others at a distance, pretending that he doesn’t desire friendship, love, or even another’s good opinion of him.
These characters are so well-drawn, they had my emotions widely swinging at various points. I enjoyed the unlikely romance, the careful dancing together, then apart, circling around each other for a time. Then the author masterfully tugged on my heartstrings, evoking gasps at cruel words expertly aimed and clenched fists at injustice and wrong assumptions about the people I have come to care for, no matter that they are fictional.
As always, White’s historical detail and plot are well-thought out and executed, but for me, it’s the characters that make this story stand out. I can honestly say this is my favorite book of hers to date, and I eagerly await what she has in store for readers next.
I received a review copy of this book from the author and publisher but was under no obligation to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Black Heart is not a name anyone would want tagged as their name, but Major Phillip Camden wore the name loudly since his entire squadton lost their lives. Everyone but Camden. Now he is being blamed. But after spending time with Phillip, nurse Arabelle Denler sees him differently.
This is another amazing book by author Roseanna White. Fron the first page, I was hooked on this story. Again, i was fascinated by the jobs of the code breakers. It’s a job I would have loved, though it had it’s moments. I liked Phillip from the beginning. Maybe because I felt sorry for him? But he just seemed like a nice guy. And Ara felt the same, especially the more she spent time with him. I was happy when she wanted to do what she could to help him. These are both truly wonderful characters. And the other characters are well thought out and created as well. The story is very well written and held my attention, so much so that I didn’t want to put it down.
There’s much going on in this story. Too much to talk about here, and I don’t want to ruin the book for you. I highly recommend On Wings of Devotion. This is a story you are sure to love. Especially if you enjoy historical fiction!
A copy of this book was given to me by the author or publisher. I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions here in this review are totally mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
OMG What an amazing story! This is the second installment for “The Codebreakers” Series and I didn’t think it could best the first book, which I truly loved, and I think it did! I don’t know still if it’s because I fell even all the more for the main characters, or if the plot had to do more with it, but I really think this book was amazing, one of my favorites!
We get a glimpse of Phillip Camden in the previous book, but well, this is HIS story, and a beautiful one at that, full of mercy, compassion and healing, brought to him mostly by the way of nurse Arabella Denler, a young woman with a sweet and determined strength and a heart of gold.
This is a story set during the First World War (which is a thing I especially liked, since most of the of the war setting stories I’ve read are during the WW2 or during the Civil War of the States) and this series dwelves into the so called “Codebreakers” mission in England to help decipher the enemies codes to aid the efforts of their country by twarting their efforts to kill and devastate, and thus help ending the nightmarish war. The Room 40 has a special part to play in this mission, and I love that these stories mix an historical part, that seems very well researched, with an intriguing part due to them being spies, and a side romance that’s sweet and deep and has an inspiring Christian message behind, that of God’s unflailing love, his infinite mercy and endless forgiveness.
Phillip has been labeled a “Black Heart” and a “monster”, the man who deliberately caused the deaths of his squadron. But little they know the baggage he carries (and the truth of the story) and the desperate need for mercy with it, that is, except for Arabella who every day watches from her work place this astonishingly good looking man come in and out of the Admiralty’s office, and is immediately attracted not only by his looks but by his guarded yet painful demeanor, because she sees an enormous vulnerability and a need for healing that tugs at her heart.
Arabella seems to be a common woman, tall and with plain and sweet but not greatly alluring looks, doomed to a loveless arranged marriage. But behind her apparent plainness, lies a beautiful heart yearning to love and be loved, always ready to give and be kind, to sacrifice for others, that Camden soon will discover, as their paths entwine together and circumstances grow in him the desire to be her protector. Arabella soon awakens in him a new desire to live and to love and be loved that he never knew he had. She’s like the light in his dark tunnel, and he can’t seem to keep away from her. But the threats he constantly receives make his life dangerous, and he would never put another life in danger, lest the woman he’s utterly and helplessly falling for… Will he have to make the biggest sacrifice of letting her go, in order to keep her safe, now that he discovered what living in the light might truly be?
This is my favorite quote of Ara, Phillips’s description: “She gave so freely. Out of her plenty, yes—but not just that. She gave of her heart, of her soul. She gave in her loneliness and she gave in her friendships and she gave in her hurt and her pain. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair. That verse was Ara”…
This was an epic story of love, loss and redemption. I liked how Roseanna weaves the faith element with such grace and naturality, without it feeling forced. I love her writing style. Through Arabella’s humbling love of God and others, Phillip will discover how God has never been far from Him, and how He can make good come out of evil, and something worthy be learned from his mistakes. It will be God’s unflailing love that will ultimately touch his heart and make him forgive himself and ask and be granted forgiveness, and Arabella will play a beautiful part in it.
The plot has also a great pace, it never drags, on the contrary, I had a lot of trouble putting it down! The main characters just melted my heart and I found myself rooting for their well deserved happily ever after.
I loved that this story has a lot of humorous parts (I just loved their first encounter!) and the dialogues were fascinating, witty at times, deep and sweet at others.
The romance was so endearing! I loved Phillip’s sweet devotion to her, and how he fell for her beautiful heart, not her looks, a heart that made her beautiful outside too. I also loved that it was sweet and clean.
This is an amazing and totally inspiring story I truly recommend! Your heart will fill up with it and it will leave you wishing to be a better person and love God more and trust his wisdom and unconditional love for each one of us. I really can’t praise this book enough!
I can’t wait for he next (and final?) installment! This story can be perfectly read as a standalone, but I recommend to read it in order if you can. I loved the appearance of cameos throughout the book! Love to follow the rest of the characters!
“You’ll either be a villain or a hero, Phil. Try to pick the right one, will you?”
On Wings of Devotion is an incredible story of compassion and redemption! White has significantly raised the bar in Christian fiction with this one. Even with a tad slow start, it didn’t take long for Phillip and Arabelle to take purchase in my heart. Both so different and yet so in need of the other; their love story is one that I will long remember.
This book has a strong Christian theme expertly woven throughout. Phillip’s agony over “The Incident” is palpable and blots out any color in his life…until Arabelle.
Arabelle Denler has an incredibly strong faith in the Lord and her compassionate nature is prominent as a nurse. She’s seen the atrocities and toll war takes on soldier’s so it’s only natural she recognize the deep hurt in “Black Heart” Phillip Camden.
I’ve always known White has a special gift when it comes to writing conversion scenes but the way she built up the emotional tension and turmoil leading to Camden’s conversion is exceptional. And may have caused a tear or two.
I was delighted to see Barclay Pearce and “the girls” (from White’s Shadows Over England series) make brief appearances. It definitely deepened my pleasure in the story. I hope they show up in the next book too.
Roseanna White fans are going to love this newest offering! It’s brimming with danger, intrigue, and romance. If you haven’t read her books, I highly recommend them.
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. All opinions are my own. No compensation has been received.