Three years into the Great War, England’s greatest asset is their intelligence network–field agents risking their lives to gather information, and codebreakers able to crack every German telegram. Margot De Wilde thrives in the environment of the secretive Room 40, where she spends her days deciphering intercepted messages. But when her world is turned upside down by an unexpected loss, for the … the first time in her life numbers aren’t enough.
Drake Elton returns wounded from the field, followed by an enemy who just won’t give up. He’s smitten quickly by the intelligent Margot, but how can he convince a girl who lives entirely in her mind that sometimes life’s answers lie in the heart?
Amid biological warfare, encrypted letters, and a German spy who wants to destroy not just them but others they love, Margot and Drake will have to work together to save themselves from the very secrets that brought them together.
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I loved everything about this book! First of all, Margot!! I’ve wanted to know more about Margot since I read about her in the Shadows over England series. Margot’s not your usual heroine. She thinks in numbers and values logic over feelings. I can admire that and it made for a great read.
And Drake! What a hero. Instead of forcing Margot to comply to his way of thinking, he woos her in a way she can appreciate. It was so sweet to see their romance bloom and I have to admit, I started spying connections with the numbers everywhere!
Oh and the cameos! I would love to spoil it but trust me, there are cameos galore in here that make you happy you and make you want to pull out some old books in Ms. White’s backlist. Enjoy them!
I devoured this book in one sitting—although I slowed down toward the end to savor it a bit—and can’t wait until the next Codebreaker releases.
*I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley. This review was not required nor influenced.
3 Reasons to Recommend: The Number of Love
3 – History.
During the Great War, Room 40 was the intelligence hub of the Admiralty. White portrays this organization of codebreakers and secretarial staff as a diverse yet tight-knit group of professionals. She draws a number of fascinating real-life events into her story—explaining in her author’s note how she had to alter the timeline of a few to fit her storyline.
2 – Friendship.
“I’m not a secretary—I’m one of the cryptographers. I hate fashion, I hate gossip, and I absolutely cannot stand girls who giggle over every man who sends a smile their way. So if you want to walk the other way, I won’t begrudge it.”
When Margo made this forthright statement and Dot accepted her, I smiled. I’ve begun two friendships in a similar way and one is still going strong—24 years later. I would much rather have a few friends I can be completely transparent with than a gaggle of shallow acquaintances. Dot and Margo’s friendship grows deeper and stronger as the story progresses and the two women change for the better because of it—like iron sharpening iron (Proverbs 27:17). In this fast-paced story or espionage and subterfuge, I felt like the friendship shared between Dot and Margot grounded the story.
1 – Margo De Wilde.
“Emotions didn’t obey the rules. They existed somewhere outside the set of axioms that governed the rest of her life. They confused her.”
When I look back over the list of books I’ve read this year (61 so far), Margo is one of the most memorable characters. I admire her intelligence and wit and I can relate to her introverted ways. While it’s not easy to gain access to her inner circle of trust, once you’re in, she is fiercely loyal. Drake “gets her” and works to win her by deciphering and speaking her love language.
*I deducted a star because Margo receives direct revelations from God, apart from scripture.
Christian Shelf-Esteem received a book to facilitate this review. The views and opinions expressed are 100% honest and my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255 Guidelines, concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising.
Roseanna White has rocketed into my short list of favorite authors of historical fiction (Christian fiction or general market–she can hold her own with either!). This book is worth studying for its characterization alone, but it delivers far more than that. If you’re looking for an atypical heroine, diverse cast of characters, suspense, romance, history, and a completely satisfying ending, look no further.
Love, Love, LOVED this book! But I will admit, I’ve never had a heroine (or the author who wrote her) leave me in awe of their intelligence — WOW! An incredible novel deeply researched and mind-blowingly creative threaded with a truly amazing and unique love story. Kudos to Roseanna White for a beautiful glimpse into a fascinating time of history.
The Number of Love is a unique look at intelligence work in the Great War. I know far more about World War II and The Spanish Civil War, so learning about this time in history was delightful. The characters were unique and interesting, and I found myself cheering them on.
You know those stories that leave you satisfied and sad at the same time? Satisfied because the book is good in every way. Sad because the final page has been read, but you’re just not ready for the adventure to be over. Yeah, this is exactly the kind of story The Number of Love is. This book is so excellent I can’t help but be excited for the future novels in this series.
My most favorite thing to do is to study God’s Word. I pray and sing and go to church, but God meets me the most when I am in His Word. When I study, I’m all in. I have my Bible, my Strong’s concordance, a few of my favorite online sources opened, a notebook, my favorite highlighter and pencil, and some sticky notes. I mark my current study Bible up with facts, connections, notes, prayers, thematically similar Bible verses, Hebrew/Greek word studies, number symbology, personal connections, etc. When I am in God’s Word I feel like I am in His presence. The world quiets down, and it’s just me and Him. In these moments, He speaks to me. He leads me. In these moments I am at peace, and I feel safe and loved. It’s truly the best feeling!
As they do to almost every human on earth, traumas throw me for a loop. In my personal experience, they hurt me so deeply I shut down for a while. I struggle to pray or sing or go to church. I struggle with getting into my Bible and studying. Honestly, I struggle with the most basic of human interactions. I become like a hurt animal who crawls into a hole to escape the world. In these moments, God’s Voice seems to disappear. It scares me. I feel alone, cold, and utterly shaken.
Margot De Wilde endures a devastatingly unexpected loss that throws her world into chaos. Her beloved numbers, the conduit through which God has used her entire life to communicate with and guide her has been shut off. God’s Voice disappears. Margot becomes angry, scared, and lost. She, too, becomes the wounded animal who wants to hide in a hole until life becomes a little more understandable again. What really rocks Margot’s world is that communicating with God was always so easy. But when communicating with God stops being easy, when it is clear He isn’t right there, how does one find Him again? This is the question Margot desperately wants answered.
I will not share how Margot gets to the bottom of this scary question because I will not ruin any part of this magnificent book. But, I will share how I answer this question. For me, I try with all my might to remember two things. First, God is ALWAYS there no matter what. It’s kind of like a radio. Certain frequencies pick up certain stations. If your radio accidentally gets bumped it could mess with the frequency and then you no longer hear your favorite station. All you have to do is get back to the right frequency and you’ll be fine. God is always at the same station. He is unchangeable. I just have to make sure I am set to the right frequency. Sometimes this is harder said than done, but I have to remember in times of utter grief and pain that God is always right there! The second thing I remember is 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. These are the verses where Paul talks about being strong in weakness. Even though he may be physically or emotionally weak, if he relies on Jesus Christ, he is the strongest man alive. I love the mental image these two verses create, and I try to keep an image of me leaning into Jesus in my mind so I can stay strong.
When it feels like God has gone silent, I force myself to Bible study. I force myself to utter some kind of prayer or praise to God. Eventually, the forcing leads back to my normal habit of studying and praying, and I do hear God’s beautiful Voice again. I find my proper frequency again. Margot eventually realizes that she needs to lean into God no matter what. She puts one tiny faith footstep into motion, which allows God to help her get back on His right station. I’m going to be honest, I sobbed like a baby when Margot hears God’s Voice again. I’m not sure I’ve ever been more relieved for a fictional character.
The Number of Love by Roseanna M. White is an outstanding story. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment I spent reading this beautiful novel. The action, the intrigue, the timely themes, and the endearing characters make The Number of Love a 2019 must-read novel for sure. I highly recommend purchasing a copy for yourself today. You will not be disappointed!
I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form and in paperback from the publisher, Bethany House, via snail mail and NetGalley & Celebrate Lit. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I enjoyed reading this book! It did take me a bit longer than normal though. It is filled with great, complex characters that I needed to take my time, savoring the words of each page.
The heroine, Margot De Wilde loves numbers! She finds comfort in numbers, she speaks to and hears God in numbers. It took me a little while to get used to her way of thinking but once I did, I loved her. She is one of the most unique characters I’ve ever read. Margot is extremely logical, she is brilliant. She is not like other girls/women and has a difficult time relating to most of them. I loved that she was able to make friends with Dot. They helped each other get along in the world. I thought Margot was very brave after her Mother died and the numbers no longer spoke to her as they once did. She has a certain determination about her that is appealing.
The hero, Drake Elton is intrigued by the girl by the witty girl with the “impossibly dark eyes.” She invades his thoughts far too often. I thoroughly enjoyed his escapades as an agent, he sees lots of action. I loved how he figured out a way to woo Margot, in the best way she would understand.
There is much more to say but I don’t want to give spoilers. I can’t wait to see who’s story will be told next!
*I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. A review was not required. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
If I had any doubts about how brilliant this author is, (and I didn’t) all doubts are gone! Another great read!
White’s characters are deliciously complex and her plot delightfully unexpected for an intellectually and emotionally satisfying reading experience. Historical aspects of the story fascinated my mind while intimate details of each character’s life captivated my heart!
Margot’s uniqueness makes her an especially endearing character. In addition to her mathematical genius, she is a genuine young woman with vulnerabilities. Drake’s intelligence, bravery, and persistence in not only serving his country but also wooing a reluctant young lady are just the beginning of his long list of admirable character traits.
Fans of White’s previous series, Shadows Over England, will be just as pleased with this first installment of The Codebreakers series including its occasional cameos by beloved characters. The Number of Love is Margot’s chance to shine as the heroine of her own story and shine she does!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
The Number of Love, by Roseanna M. White, is the first book in The Codebreakers series. A genuine page-turner from start to finish, this novel is a stunning piece of historical fiction. Truly riveting and utterly fascinating, this engaging story is incredibly well-researched and exceptionally well-written.
With great skill and thoughtfulness, Ms. White brings a refreshing vitality and relevance to historical events and settings that existed more than a century ago. It is within this rich setting that the characters in this story thrive with purpose and authenticity. As their desires, fears, strengths, and idiosyncrasies are revealed; they become wholly intriguing and memorable. With excellent pacing and compelling details, the gripping plot entertains with a thrilling blend of mystery, suspense, and romance. Themes of perseverance and faith add depth and meaning to a story that is inspiring and unforgettable.
Ms. White has firmly established herself as one of my favorite authors. Her talent for storytelling thrills me again and again. The Number of Love is a novel I look forward to sharing with friends and re-reading in the future. I highly recommend this book to all readers.
*I was given a copy of this book from the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written contains opinions that are entirely my own.
Margot De Wilde escaped the German occupation in Belgium, and now she and her mother are living in London where Margot works in Room 40 of the Old Admiralty Building. She’s a codebreaker—one of the stars of the department, despite being the youngest cryptographer and the only female.
She has a unique brain, in that numbers seem to rearrange themselves into words and messages. Drake Elton is a British spy disguised as a Lieutenant in the Royal Navy. He is half-Spanish so is the obvious choice to work as an undercover agent in neutral Spain. He finds himself back in London after a mission goes wrong. But the mission follows him to London and is now targeting him and those around him … including Margot.
The whole concept of coding has always fascinated me, as I suspect it has fascinated Roseanna M White. I understand the basic principles of cyphers and codes, but I am clueless when it comes to the maths behind creating and (especially) cracking codes. That’s why I find a heroine like Margot De Wilde fascinating. She might be only a teenager, but she’s cleverer than most of the men working in her department and has gained their respect because of her skill.
If you read Roseanna M White’s excellent Shadows Over England series, then you’ll recognise Margot De Wilde and her family from A Song Unheard. And if you’ve read The Cypher Ring series, then you’ll know Roseanna M White has a longstanding fascination with codes and codebreakers.
But don’t worry if you haven’t read them: The Number of Love is an excellent standalone novel that combines White’s love of codes with an excellent romantic suspense story set against the backdrop of World War I London.
The characters are fascinating, the writing is excellent, and the result is a unique page-turner. Recommended for fans of historical fiction, and for those intrigued by movies such as Enigma or Hidden Figures. I’m looking forward to reading the next in the series.
Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
Sometimes love does have a number…
I have been looking forward to this book for awhile now. First introduced to the teenaged math and cryptology genius, Margot, in author Roseanna M. White’s previous series, I was both intrigued by her and excited to read her story. Needless to say, when I found out that the The Number Of Love would be That story I was beyond thrilled.
And I was not disappointed in any way at all. The Number Of Love is filled with danger and intrigue, spies and counterspies, secret codes and unexpected romance. Plus it has one of my favorite heroines. While I was not a genius, especially not with numbers, I was a lot like Margot at that age. A bit awkward in social and emotional situations and annoyed by the shallow silliness of girls my age. Yeah, for me Margot is definitely a relatable character.
Anyway, I totally loved The Number Of Love and am pretty sure this it is going on my 2019 Favorites list. Wonderful story and I can’t wait for what Roseanna M. White has in store for readers in the next book in The Codebreakers series…
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
“He’d chosen his words carefully, so that he’d remember his own intentions. He wasn’t waiting for her. He was waiting on her. That kind of waiting wasn’t impatient, didn’t sit there tapping its foot. That kind of waiting was service. Selfless. Unflagging.”
Roseanna White has yet again outdone herself. I don’t know how she does it, but her writing becomes more intense, more gripping, and more lyrical with each new book and series. I thoroughly enjoyed the Shadows Over England series and love that some of the beloved characters from that series have roles in this story between Margot and Drake. Of course, we met Margot in A Song Unheard (book 2 in Shadows Over England) as the quirky younger sister of the world-renowned violinist Lukas De Wilde but this book can be read as a stand-alone, without having read the previous series (but I highly recommend that you do read the series if you haven’t yet).
So knowing what a fantastic storyteller the author is, the wait for this book was agonizing….but so worth it. The deliciously fast-paced suspense, mystery, and secrecy of espionage in this book far surpass what I remember from the previous books. The fascinating and clever dialogue that is the author’s trademark is taken up a notch. Roseanna White has a way of creating unforgettable characters and she has indeed gone above and beyond in introducing Margot and Drake to the world. Margot thinks in numbers and relies on methodical calculations and logic to face the world of loss as WWI destroys everything she holds dear. She’s a very different kind of heroine with a unique voice that comes so clearly across the pages. Drake is an injured espionage agent who has survived on instinct and fearlessly takes on Margot’s intelligence to show her that emotions and feelings are not enemies but something to treasure. His devotion, maturity, and selflessness make him quite swoon-worthy. And there is a villain with a voice that sends chills up my spine whenever I think about him! And, of course, there is that gentle spiritual reminder in this book that “faith isn’t just feeling. We have to know He’s still there, unchanged, even when we can’t feel Him. When the grief’s too loud to let us hear His voice.”
Now I am in my agonizing waiting period again for the next book to be released so I can revel in Phillip and Arabelle’s story!
I received a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
This was so good that I have added it to my favorite books of all time list!!!! Drake and Margot have a love story for the ages not because its saccharine and over the top, but because its sacrificial. They love each other as they are instead of what society expects them to be. Every girl who ever had to make the decision to hide her intelligence for a relationship or be herself even if it means a life of singleness will be a little jealous that there aren’t more Drakes in the world.
But the real gem of this novel is how each character relates to God. Sometimes we shrink the God who made the universe down so far, he becomes as flat and cookie cutter as the gingerbread man. Every single character in this story has different struggles, needs, and most importantly different heart languages. Margot sees the world through the lens of math; why wouldn’t her Creator speak to her in the language that means the most to her?
While the suspense of spies, sabotage, and code breaking was phenomenal, I loved that Roseanna White kept all the players in this game human. Even the enemy agent was treated with respect. Margot’s amazing mind allowed her to speak to him and pray for him in his own language. I have to admit it choked me up a little right at the end. I hated finishing this one because I didn’t want to say goodbye!
The Number of Love is powerful historical novel. Roseanna M. White produced a well-crafted and thoughtful novel with strong, complex characters. Margot De Wilde is a brilliant mathematician whose education was interrupted by the war. She utilizes her talents by breaking the enemy’s codes. Numbers are constantly running through her head and some of them are vitally important. She relies on facts instead of emotions and pours herself into her work. Drake Elton is a naval lieutenant whose background makes him a perfect field agent for the intelligence services. Drake has a big heart and Margot is never far from his thoughts since the moment they met. Drake has an enemy following him who performs missions, but he also has his own agenda. The author did her research for this book. I like how she incorporated the historical information from the Great War along with Room 40 with the codebreakers and the work of the field agents. Faith was an integral part of the story and our character’s lives. I appreciated that Barclay, Willa, Lukas and other characters from Shadows Over England series were included in the story. The vivid and detailed descriptions allowed me to visualize the characters and scenes. I would have liked a little more action which would have added a little more spark to the story. The Number of Love is an intriguing and captivating historical novel with suspense, romance, friendship, mystery, faith and family.
Ever since I was introduced to the young mathematician Margot De Wilde in A Song Unheard, I couldn’t wait to know her better in Roseanna White’s latest release The Number of Love. While this first story of the Codebreakers series is filled with spies and coded language, it’s also a beautiful glimpse of how trusting in God isn’t always easy but it’s hands down the best mode of operation. And all of this is set to the mysterious backdrop of WWI.
Let me say it was super interesting living inside Margot’s intelligent mind and experiencing how she processes the world around her. I also loved how she used the gift God had given her to contribute to the war effort. Another element I adored was the friendship that blossomed between Margot and Dot. It was the perfect picture of how friendships should be. Add all of these factors to her spiritual journey – one that learns how to place complete trust on a worthy God – and you have a memorable heroine.
I’m going to be completely honest and say I LOVE LOVE LOVE a pining hero! Drake’s efforts to win Margot’s heart all the while respecting her need for space was nothing short of brilliant. And while I enjoyed their witty banters as well as their heart-to-heart conversations, I was completely taken with Drake’s thoughtful nature which sometimes confused – but no doubt intrigued – Margot’s authentic soul.
Of course, I cherished cameos by characters from previous stories. It’s SO cool when authors do that!
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and am excited for the next in the Codebreakers series!
*I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
The Number of Love was one of my most anticipated reads of 2019 but boy did I get more than I anticipated! I knew the book would be terrific because Ms. White’s writing is always impressive. I will say that this is one of the most compelling novels that I have ever read.
I absolutely loved the young and brilliant Margo De Wilde who deciphers intercepted messages during WW1 in Room 40 which was a highly secretive British Intelligence Organization. Margo is a mathematical genius who tends to have an analytical mind which made her interesting to me. It was refreshing to find a character during that time period who was less interested in finding a husband than other girls her age. That’s not to imply that she is unfeeling because she is a loving daughter and sister. The fact that she was highly respected and an asset in what was typically a male dominated profession added my love of this book.
Drake Elton added a bit of humor to the storyline and his interactions with Margot were some of my favorites as they become better acquainted. It’s not all fun and games for Drake though since he is a spy and his life is in danger. I loved his relationship with his sister who is a complicated young lady but one who I really liked.
There are just so many things to love about this book, from reconnecting with characters from the authors previous books to meeting new and exciting ones in this book. I loved the fast-paced and riveting storyline and the fact Ms. White clearly does her research. It will be hard to wait for the next book in the series to be released but in the meantime, I will read this one again. I highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction or anyone who loves a well written fantastic novel.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher but was under no obligation to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.
The Number of Love is another well researched piece of historical fiction by Roseanna M. White. I first met Margot in White’s book A Song Unheard from her Shadows Over England series, and my heartstrings were tugged by the whip smart teen with crazy skills in coding and decoding secret messages. Now she is an expert in her field, but struggling to find common ground with other young ladies her age…unable to tolerate the appreciative attention she receives from young men, until she meets Drake. I truly appreciate the skill with which Roseanna White develops her story lines and characters, intertwining faith and prayer throughout. I was never a student of history while I was a student, but authors like White not only provide the romance and intrigue that I enjoy, but also immersing me in the intricacies of a time period, urging me to learn more. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and am willingly giving this review.
Excellent! Historical fiction at it’s best—packed full of true people,situations, and fictional characters bring history to life.
Overall, a good story, but I have reservations.
The Good: I enjoyed the characters a lot. The codebreaking was fun. I liked the number play. Margot had a good relationship with God, and I liked how Drake set about winning Margot’s heart not by badgering or overpowering her, but by respecting her and winning her consent.
The writing was terrific and absorbing.
The Less Good: There isn’t really a plot. I know it’s a romance, but even so there’s normally a plot question that keeps coming up. Margot starts the story in a good place and doesn’t really need to change anything about it. This isn’t a reason NOT to read the story unless you demand a page-turner.
It’s definitely worth a read if you like well-drawn characters and good writing.