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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This book! I have to add it to my very short favorite book list. There is so much to love about this story. The heroine is brilliant and beautiful inside and out. The way she hears and follows God through the numbers she sees in her mind is beautiful and unusual. In this story there is mystery, adventure, love, pain, intrigue, and some definite twists. I loved each of the characters and their individuality. I also enjoyed learning more about this time in history. What the code breakers did in WWI was extraordinary. I very highly recommend this book. I loved it and could hardly put it down.
I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions are my own and are expressed voluntarily.
‘The numbers marched across the page in a glory all their own.’
Margot De Wilde has a mind that most of us can’t really comprehend and it is amazing to see how she can analyze and solve mathematical problems. Knowing that she has been blessed with such mathematical genius prompts Margot to volunteer to help break the codes that are being used in German telegrams during WWI and she spends long hours in a secret room, Room 40.
The Number of Love features spies, biological warfare and danger that lurks everywhere but there is also romance and Margot’s eventual understanding that she needs to learn to wholly and completely trust God. Margot has never felt a need for love, marriage, or children and even though she believes in God, she finds herself often wondering just what God’s Plan truly is as this dreadful war continues.
Drake Elton finds himself falling in love with ‘the nameless young girl with the impossibly dark eyes’ and he shows creativity and patience in his plan to win Margot’s heart. A question is asked concerning how long two people should wait when they know that God has put them together for a reason and Drake simply replies “As long as it takes.” And, still later, in a letter, he tells Margot “I want forever with you. I will wait a year, a decade, a century to make you my wife.”
White certainly knows how to write words that made me swoon! She also knows how to write about faith and family; reading Margot’s ability to finally trust completely is very heartwarming. The doubts that she once had are replaced with the knowledge that God can be trusted ‘not just with her well-being, but with her dreams.’
Author Roseanna M. White has a knack for combining fiction with historical facts and she has succeeded in making The Number of Love another must-read for lovers of Christian historical fiction! It is very apparent that she devoted a great deal of time and effort in researching for this book and it is a fantastic way to begin a new series. I am looking forward to the next book in The Codebreakers series.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher and all opinions in this review are my own
I think I love spy novels even more than frontier stories. I don’t know if it’s the secret codes or the chance to become someone you’re not. The way people who aren’t quite normal in regular life find meaning and purpose. At least a little bit of it is the way the work that is done in secret can save lives, stop wars before they start, or reduce the casualty count. Maybe it’s because there are spies in the Bible. But if spy novels are just plain awesome, historical spy novels are the next level. My favorites are World War I, World War II, Cold War stories. Today’s technology makes for some great gadgets, but I love the human element and the old school, hands-on ways of doing things. So take my love for historical fiction, all things intelligence, and the last Roseanna M. White book I read, and you can bet I was eagerly anticipating The Number of Love.
A Great WWI Story
Ms. White tells a great story, long enough for my taste too! She’ll make you fall in love with the world of WWI codebreakers, and with a young lady who thinks and feels in the land of numbers. This gal is really, really smart! You’ll feel a sense of good vs. evil and a sense of purpose – even a hunger to find purpose in what you do every day. And you may find yourself thinking about the “bad guy” through different eyes too. I am really looking forward to reading more of The Codebreakers series!
This Girl is a True Believer
I was so glad to get to know a cast of characters with a Catholic background. See, while I’m not Catholic, and I’m not always on the same page theologically with my Catholic brothers and sisters, we serve the same Christ. In Protestant circles, Catholics have a reputation for being more ritualistic than religious, but I think you’ll find the same thing to some degree in any tradition. In every group of Christians, you’ll find “nominal” believers (I call them “cultural Christians”) and true believers. The Catholics in this story, like so many, are true believers, and their journey of faith so closely resembles mine.
Enemy or Opponent?
I loved how our heroine, Margot, sees the enemy. When her home was occupied in Belgium by the Germans years before, she learned “that a uniform didn’t make a man by nature a friend or an enemy. But choice did.” Even as she faithfully serves as a codebreaker in the secret Room 40, her desire is not to see the enemy destroyed but the enemy stopped. At the end of the day, at the end of the battle, at the end of the war, the guy in the other uniform is a son, a brother, a father, a husband, a patriot. Margot’s love for her enemy comes out in a beautiful way at the end of the story.
“Das Gespenst,” one of the German spies in The Number of Love, thinks of Margot not as an enemy, but an opponent. The difference is honor. Respect. And a different desire, because when you defeat your opponent, you can shake hands and move on to the next match. When you defeat an enemy, the enemy is destroyed.
Margot’s war, “The Great War” as it was called, seems a lot more cut-and-dry than some of our wars today. Today the battle lines seem more blurry. How much more important, then, is Margot’s perspective? On the other side of the battle, no matter how important, is another human, another life created in God’s image.
It doesn’t mean we shouldn’t fight.
There are times to stand and fight, to come between evil and the innocent and say “it stops here.” But we fight with God’s heart for those who oppose us. We grieve when there is loss, because God grieves. Maybe, too, we can fight in the way of honor. A way that honors God, that honors those who have gone before us, and yes, even our opponents. The Number of Love reminds us that in whatever fight, be it on the battlefield, the courtroom, or even with your coworker or neighbor or your teenager, we can remember that Satan, not the human in front of us, is the real enemy.
43 “You have heard that it was said, You must love your neighbor[a] and hate your enemy. 44 But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who harass you45 so that you will be acting as children of your Father who is in heaven. He makes the sun rise on both the evil and the good and sends rain on both the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love only those who love you, what reward do you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing? Don’t even the Gentiles do the same? 48 Therefore, just as your heavenly Father is complete in showing love to everyone, so also you must be complete. – Matthew 5:43-48 CEB
I received a review copy of this book; all opinions are my own.
Such an intriguing approach to a storyline! This will be a super amazing series and this first one was top notch! Ms. White knows how to weave all the history, romance, and mystery into each story she writes. Her characters are written as if you are right there in the book. I’m already counting down to book two.
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.
Roseanna M. White’s latest novel begins a new series. I always look forward to her work and am sure to find an enjoyable, thoroughly researched book with characters that capture my heart as well as my imagination. The Number of Love exceeded my expectations and has left me eagerly awaiting the continuing stories that will emerge from Room 40.
The reader first meets Margo several books ago, but it is not essential to have read that book to fully engage with this one. She is a memorable character with quirks and nuances that must have been daunting to write, but she is incredible to read about. I have never met a real person like her, but the peek inside a very different mind is intriguing.
While the romance is not exactly typical, it was breathtaking nonetheless, simply because of its unique nature. Margo is a woman who needs to be wooed differently and rather than convince her of all the ways she’s doing things wrong, Drake pursues her on her own terms, makes her feel loved in a way that makes sense to her. He is unselfish and it is a beautiful love story to read.
The Christian content is first-rate also. I love how the author portrayed Margo’s relationship with God in a very different way, perfectly suited to how He created her. I know this is fiction, but it came across the page as both realistic and incredibly touching in the care God takes with each of His children, how we all receive individual care and attention.
One more thing I’d like to note: I really, really appreciate how the author is able to write a compelling, realistic story about war and spies with no cursing on page. There are muttered words, shouted “curses,” etc., but it never gets spelled out to the reader, and I love that! I don’t need, don’t want, it minutely detailed.
This well-crafted story is another example of White’s extraordinary storytelling talent. Fans of a fast-paced plot with unique characters will enjoy it, as will those who like their novels with incredible historical detail and fascinating storylines. This novel should not be missed!
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.
‘There were others — a brilliant confederacy — whose names even now are better wrapt in history.’
Winston Churchill in ‘The World Crisis’ , one Room 40
Oh my gosh! What an incredible beginning to a new series – certainly one you and I won’t want to miss! Young Margot was absolutely brilliant with dreams and aspirations that were not in step with the time she was living in. Working in cryptography certainly wasn’t a job for the faint of heart nor a young lady. In all of this, she realized that God was smarter than she was – she didn’t always understand but she knew she could trust Him. She lived in a world of cause and effect, actions and reactions. Emotionally withdrawn, numbers were her world until unexpected events occurred. How was she to deal with them?
A fabulous book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, wondering what will happen next. With intelligence agents, German spies, kidnapping and a poisonous substance the story is sure to keep your attention!
I received this ARC through NetGalley and CelebrateLit. The impressions and opinions stated are my own.
The Number of Love is the newest release from Roseanna M. White and it is incredible! The story, set in England during World War I, features Margot De Wilde who is brilliant with mathematics and works as a codebreaker in secret Room 40, decrypting intercepted German telegrams as well as coded messages from the England’s field agents. Drake Elton works as one of those secret field agents, gaining intelligence in an effort to help England. Margot finds friendship in Drake’s sister and heartbreak when tragedy strikes for her personally. When Drake returns from a mission wounded, he makes it his mission to get to know Margot as well. Situations become tense and quick thought and action is needed when it is realized that a foreign agent working opposite Drake is set on destruction. The story moves along so wonderfully and the characters are so genuine and relatable. The plot makes putting the book down so very hard! Margot is such a delightful heroine and her intelligence makes her all the more fascinating. The story moved me so that I found myself having reactions ranging from holding my breath to sighing with contentment. Filled with suspense, intrigue, friendship, faith and a bit of romance, The Number of Love is book not to miss! I also enjoyed the level of research spent to bring this book to life with historical accuracy. Definitely a favorite read for me, and I look forward to the next book in the Codebreakers series. I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions about it are my own.
A moving story
I have never before considered numbers to be romantic!
Margot is a genius who thinks, dreams, and even prays in numbers. She clearly used them in learning and remembering, cataloging information in her brain by the number of times it occurred. She is not impressed with flattery or pretty things. She is extremely logical and literal (which made for amusing conversations!) Despite this, she is also witty, with a quirky sense of humor. I loved her first meeting with Drake and the responses she gave to his getting-to-know-you questions!
While I am not a numbers person and don’t do calculations in my head just because, the author made Margot’s character so real and her thoughts so plausible to me. I loved the ways she was constantly calculating – from the area of a room to the angle of the stair rail to anything else that caught her attention. If not for reading the notes at the end, I would have thought the author herself was a numbers person, like Margot.
Drake was an observer. That was what made him valuable to the war effort. With the ability to see things many overlooked, and to ask just the right question, he was not only able to ferret out the enemy’s secrets, he also was able to deduce the secret to Margot’s heart. The manner in which he wooed her was so beautiful!
Dot, Margot’s friend and Drake’s sister, was also eccentric, suffering from agoraphobia. I loved her courage in getting and maintaining a job despite this.
In addition to the amazing and rich characterizations, as if they are not enough for me to suggest you run out and buy this, the mystery and suspense related to the enemy agent greatly added to my enjoyment of The Number of Love, as did the historical gems incorporated.
Though this is the first book of a new series, The Codebreakers, Margot was originally introduced in the Shadows over England series. While it is not necessary for understanding this story, it could enhance your experience if you read those first. And they are so good, you’ll want to do that anyway!
Read my review of The Number of Love by Roseanna M. White at AmongTheReads.net
One thing one can always depend upon when reading a story by Roseanna White is her attention to detail and accuracy. Reading one of her stories is a delightful way to have a history lesson. I must admit I have read a lot of WWII stories but very few WWI. I knew that there had been code breakers in WWII, but to learn that we had them in WWI was what drew me to wanting to read this story. Another eye opening fact was that there were submarines back then and that men would actually drive into the deep ocean trying to retrieve the enemy’s code books.
If I had to pick a favorite character it would be Dot, Drake’s little sister, followed by Margot. The author brought to life the true meaning of how one feels as we delve into the minds of these two quirky individuals with real live social struggles. Dot with her fear of leaving the security of her home, and Margot living in her mind of numbers. How their friendship developed and their way of helping each other constantly kept me looking forward to reading their interactions within this story.
This book overall was a very charming story to read. Would I read it again? Maybe, maybe not and here is why… Drake, who was the English spy working in Spain, in this intriguing WWI Christian historical novel, started out so strong in the beginning that I was looking forward to reading his part in this duel POV more so than Margot’s. However, once he returned home to England after being wounded the story took a complete right turn so to speak for me until about the last quarter, and then the story picked up, but not like the on-the-edge-of-your-seat action I have read in Roseanna White‘s other books. I would have to say that this story was more mind action than physical which is a slightly different approach for this author which was a surprise and took some getting used to. My rating 4.5 stars for historical and Christian content, 3.5 stars for mystery & suspense, and romance.
I received a complimentary copy (or ARC) of this book from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley for its JustRead Publicity Tour. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This book was fantastic! It kept me on the edge of my seat and I had the hardest time putting it down. Of course, that makes the book great, but also keeps me from getting much done!
I didn’t realize at first that this book somewhat tied into the previous series, but upon realization, that made it all the better. I was already familiar with some of the characters and felt like part of the family.
I loved the decoding part of the book. It was so fun to read about Room 40 and the deciphering they were doing there during WWI. I loved the characters, their personalities, their faith, and their stories. The mystery was intriguing and I wasn’t able to quickly figure out all the details.
I don;t know if I have a favorite character. I guess, if I had to chose it would be Margo, but honestly, I liked them all, ironically even the bad guys (for the most part). I am still just soaking up the story, pondering parts of it, wishing I knew these characters personally, savoring the after-thoughts.
Roseanna has long been a favorite author for me. I probably read just about all of her books. She just seems to have a way with words that draws the reader in and makes you feel like part of the story. The locations and people come to life.
I was privileged to receive a complimentary copy of this book courtesy of publisher and author to read. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.
Number of love
One thing about a book set during World War ll it take a lot of research. To know what took place during that time. A lot of the book is fiction but the author still has to do the research. To know that time period. Some parts of the book is true. That would take a lot of time in writing the book.
Margot works with numbers and is a expert in doing so. How her character work with numbers and the codes is interesting. I loved Drake, he was determined to get to know Margot. Also after he got injured he was not one to just sit around.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write an positive review. This is my own opinion.
I am always amazed that authors can write stories about war that people like me will want to read. Yet Roseanna M. White has done just that, and admirably so, in The Number of Love. First, in The Codebreakers series, we are introduced to Margot de Wilde, a mathematical whiz who actually thinks and perceives all of life around her in numbers. I struggled some with this. First, it was way beyond my comfort zone. I can learn and even teach a bit of math, but I much prefer words. So even just reading that much about numbers was a little bit of a struggle, but thank goodness God gives everybody different strengths. What an interesting look into the battlefield that was played, not on land, but in minds, in ‘room 40’ in London. I also struggled with someone who saw herself as one of the most intelligent people on earth, next to God. Yes, God gave Margot and the other codebreakers an unusual gift, but I like to think others also have/had very unusual gifts, too. So I guess I felt like she thought a little highly of herself, which, coincidently, I would say, she was on her way to putting things back into perspective by the end of the book.
What I loved about the book was plentiful. There was lots of action. The reader gets to vicariously travel a bit. There are many different storylines going at once, giving a healthy vigor and breadth to the novel. Faith and kindness play huge roles in The Number of Love and actually lead to a remarkable ending.
What I really loved, though, was that Ms. White allowed her character to question God. She asked the tough questions. But it was the answer that she arrived at that I have either never heard, or it hit me afresh. So wonderful! I would suggest reading this book just to find out what her answer from God is. The romances are sweet; I enjoyed the tie-ins to characters from other books; the suspense was palpable; but the answers for life, we can use. Thank you, Ms. White.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher and Celebrate Lit through NetGalley. I was in no way influenced by this fact, and all opinions are my own.
The Number of Love is a story that deals with love, spies, and faith during a time of war. Focusing on Margot De Wilde, a character from author White’s previous series and earlier book, A Song Unheard, this child genius with numbers is now a young woman working as a codebreaker in the top secret Room 40. Margot is such an interesting character, a woman yet a woman who is unbelievably smart and can compete in a dominant man’s world when women were thought not to be able to. She is also drawn within herself and looks at life and relationships a little bit differently than the average young woman of her day and even ours.
Enter Drake Eaton a spy who has a sister with complicated needs and he becomes quite taken with Margot and is determined to get to know her. I like Drake, he was not pushy at all and yet he was kind and caring and gave Margot what she needed even though she thought there was probably no one out there for her. Their souls clicked and they both were better together.
We get to visit with others from White’s previous series and there were other complicated secondary characters that were quite interesting to get to know. Even the protagonist had a complicated character arc that kept me interested in the drama in his life as he was a bit of a gray character.
I always enjoy author White’s stories and this was no exception. The writing was superb and the mystery was tight, the danger palpable, and the love story was sweet and endearing. I like that these characters were a bit out of the norm and I am not a number person, but I really liked that aspect of the story. Very clever storytelling.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
What an incredible story!
And yes, it’s the first book in a new series, from the talented Roseanna White….but it didn’t really feel like the first book in a new series…..because…well, some of her beloved characters from the Shadows over England series join us in this series too.
Yeah, I wasn’t expecting it, but I loved it.
But wait. Let me go back and start at the beginning. What first caught my attention about this book (well, after the fact that I knew I had to read it because of who the author is) was the beautiful cover. It’s not only gorgeous, but also intriguing. The girl is pensive, and she’s writing a number into the condensation on the window….?
So. Meet Margot DeWilde. And you will see almost immediately why numbers are on the cover, although it took awhile to figure out why 18 was significant, but I had my suspicions… :0 )
I loved her…Margot DeWilde. As the heroine, she was great. I think I probably should have remembered her as a secondary character in A Song Unheard. (Or maybe it’s just that her brother was the main character there, I can’t remember, exactly…)
She’s smart, talented, and dedicated to her work. A job which was highly unusual for a woman in those days. She’s a codebreaker, one of the best, actually, during the Great War. She’s so talented in numbers that she thinks in numbers.
She’s not looking for love, or romance, of any kind.
So when she meets Drake Elton, she’s not quite sure what to think. Because he makes it very obvious that he wants to pursue her.
And then there’s the whole danger factor. And the fact that her mom died quite unexpectedly.
So yes, there’s a bit of suspense involved here.
The characters are so real. And relatable. I love how Ms. White has the ability to bring those days to life right before my eyes! I love, loved this visit to England in 1917!
This whole book wraps up into a absolutely engaging story.
If you enjoy historical fiction, you won’t want to miss it!
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
Roseanna M. White’s books are always among my most anticipated releases each year and they always find a place on my favorites list. And this one was no different! I completely loved every single second of it!
After meeting Margot in the last series all of us readers were begging for her story and White delivered in a spectacular way! Margot is definitely unique, she’s a mathematical genius in a time when women were still expected to do little more than be a wife and mother. She sees things in a different way than the rest of the world and views everything through numbers and facts instead of feelings. I absolutely loved how the author wrote her thoughts in such a way that truly got inside her head and saw things from her unique perspective. But even though she didn’t always understand people or their feelings I loved how she did try and she cared about and for them in her own way.
Drake was an amazing hero and the perfect match for Margot! I loved loved loved the way her pursued her without pushing. He met her on her level and slowly won her over. He had me stupidly grinning so many times as he broke down her walls! And he wasn’t just a gentleman in his pursuit of Margot he was just an all around stand-up guy. From his dedication to his job and the selfless work he did to the way he protected and loved his sister, to helping his friends without being asked he was completely deserving of the title of hero.
One of my favorite things about Margot and Drake’s relationship was the banter between them that started from the very first time they met! Their wit was evenly matched and made for hilarious conversations!
It was also so much fun to have some characters from the Ladies of the Manor and Shadows Over England series pop in! I love catching up with old friends!
Basically this book was amazing and you need to read it! I cannot wait for the next book, especially since it’s about Camden!
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.
The Number of Love was an intriguing story. Even though it’s the first in the Codebreakers series, the author has added several appearances from characters in previous books. I wish I would have read her book A Song Unheard so I could have known a bit more of Margot’s life prior to this book, but it didn’t prevent me from following along with the story at all. (I actually didn’t know this fact until after I saw a few other reviews). it was really incredible how the author was able to weave it all together. Have you ever finished reading a book, and then you’re sad because you wish you had more time with the characters? That’s the type of gem you receive when reading this one. 🙂
I liked that Margot wasn’t your typical heroine. Women are often considered the more “emotional beings” but that isn’t always the case. It was really interesting to see a young woman facing hurdles that may not be typical of others. I marveled in getting inside of her mind as she faced both success and heartache. And Drake? Ohh Drake. Men, take some notes, because Drake was wonderful. Instead of trying to “fix” Margot, he found ways to be supportive of her.
I admit that while I’ve heard of codebreakers before and find them fascinating, I haven’t read much about them in the past. At the end of the book the author shares a bit of the “fact and fiction” from her research. I always appreciate when authors share this because it shows a deep respect for true history even when the stories may (or may not) slightly alter people or events. I don’t believe I’ve heard of Room 40 before, but it’s incredible the work that those people did and how close they were as people.
I enjoyed this novel and I’m interested in seeing where the story continues with the next in the series. Fans of WWI and WWII history are sure to get sucked right in.
*I received a copy of this book through CelebrateLit. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
This book was captivating from start to finish! I felt as thought there was never dull moment and I didn’t want to put it down! Overall this book was amazing! It was balanced well in plot, romance, and action! I am so glad to have another creative and unique series awaiting us from Roseanna White and I cannot wait to see where the next book in the Codebreakers series takes us!
This may have been my first book by Roseanna White, but it definitely will not be my last! From the very first page, I was captivated by this unique story and drawn into the complex plot. In general, I have not read a great deal of historical fiction set during WWI, and never about those responsible for decrypting and encrypting enemy code. There is an enigma surrounding codebreakers, one that brings to mind spies, conspiracies, and scheming. “The Number of Love” has all of that and more, tautly woven into an absorbing narrative.
Employing meticulous pieces that continue to add to the puzzle as a whole, White calculatingly draws the reader into what becomes a multifarious story. Early on in the novel, the setting is relatively serene, and Margot De Wilde had me grinning from the outset. There is so much to love about her character, particularly given the time period in which she lives. Forging a career for herself and defying convention, she is very much an innovative woman in a man’s world. She carries herself with aplomb and a sarcastic wit and is incredibly intelligent, being the only female codebreaker of the confidential Room 40, and only 18 years old at that.
“Mathematics never led her astray.” As an English major and someone whose worst subject was always math, Margot’s aptitude awed me. It was fascinating for me to read how White created this character who thinks and acts in terms of mathematics, whose ultimate goal is to complete her university studies and attain a professorship. Witnessing how Margot implements mathematical principles into all aspects of her life gave her character a stimulating individuality. Another aspect of her character that I really appreciated was her faith in God, demonstrating that the sciences and math do not preclude the existence of God and a personal relationship with Him. I thought that it was very fascinating that God communicates to Margot, and vice versa, through numbers. Also, the insight into the grieving process is well done, including facets of post-traumatic stress and anger toward God. Social anxiety is explored as well, along with various relationships and their consequences. “The Number of Love” provides a tale of intrigue, romance, and faith in the midst of battles both personal and national, a thoroughly engaging novel highly recommended for historical fiction lovers.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through CelebrateLit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
This was such a fun read! I thoroughly enjoyed the plot of the Codebreakers especially Margot and the way her brain worked so differently from mine(I am not mathematical in the slightest!). Books set during either of the World Wars are intriguing to me and I love that it’s set during World War 1. The look into the code breaking that went on during the war was fascinating to me. The characters were likable and different, with Margot’s super intelligence and Dot’s difficulties so that was a cool element with unusual types of characters that you don’t usually see in fiction. The story wove together well and kept me wondering at how it would all turn out in the end. It was a little slow for me at times but overall I enjoyed the story. All in all, a great start to Roseanna’s new series.
I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
veryone fell in love with the quirky, genius, number-loving Margot in A Song Unheard. And now she has her own story.
Roseanna White is an author with many strengths and talents, from strong plots to the historical depth her stories contain, but perhaps her greatest strength is her characters. Each and every one is unique with their own quirks, and each one sees the world a little differently. For this character-loving girl, that makes these books for me. Margot is quite possibly White’s most complex character, and while she is so different from me, I quickly fell in love with her. Drake, too, is a very distinctive character. I don’t think there is a character I don’t like in any of White’s book. (Okay, actually there is one. (view spoiler)) From page one, these characters grab your interest and you’re rooting for them for the rest of the story.
The plot moves along at a nice clip and there wasn’t ever a moment I wanted to put this book down. Packed with loads of historical depth, espionage, spies, encoded messages, gunfights, romance, and authentic Brittish dialogue, there’s something for everyone in The Number of Love! White explores themes of love, loss, and trust throughout the story, and there are several heartfelt scenes, a few of which had me tearing up. The romance is swoon-worthy without being over the top or sensual in any way.
All in all, White pens another fabulous novel. I have nothing negative to say! The quality of these novels is unsurpassed; I always know I’m in for an excellent read when I pick up this author’s books. Well done, Ms. White! I cannot recommend The Number of Love enough!
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this novel for promotional purposes from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.