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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Great history, descriptive scenes, complex romance, and realistic tragedies all come together in perfect order to craft a truly delightful novel! This book is the start of a new and exciting series by Roseanna M. White, but readers will be thrilled to find characters from her previous books intermixed among the new ones. I like that she includes short snippets of the mindset of the villain, as I think it adds to the suspense and mystery. Margot is the perfect strong female lead with intelligence and wit combined with her adorably oblivious attention to her own good looks. I also really liked her friend Dot, who struggles with agoraphobia. The romance was realistic in its timetable and its outcome. I learned much about World War I too, and it is obvious that the author did her research. I really loved this book and cannot wait for book two!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions of the review are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.
I’ve been wanting to read Margot De Wilde’s story since I met her in Roseanna White’s previous series. She is such an unusual heroine with a unique way of looking at, and coping with, the world. Her intelligence and wit shines in The Number of Love, and Drake Elton is the perfect counterpoint to her character. He sees something deep inside her and is willing to work to understand her world. White is a master at creating fascinating and colorful characters, and this story has plenty of them, including several cameo appearances of people from her Shadows Over England series. It was such fun to see them pop up here and there.
With a setting in London during World War I, this tale is replete with rich historical detail and fascinating information about the intelligence network during the war. The author’s research shines through and adds such deep interest to the story, while the inspirational themes of faith, hope, courage, and the power of love lend depth and satisfaction. I would recommend this book to those who love well-written historical romantic fiction with large doses of suspense and intrigue thrown in.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Margot De Wilde is all grown up and thriving by putting her skills to use as a codebreaker, but her world changes and her faith is shaken by a sudden loss that puts her in a tailspin. Numbers have always been there to help Margot make sense of the world around her, but in light of current events she must move outside her comfort zone. I admired Margot’s strength and compassion, she understands what it is to be different, and I liked how she makes new friends and grows in her faith.
Drake Elton returns from the warfield ready to serve his country again in a different capacity. He is enchanted by Margot, who is different from every woman he has even met before, and the more he gets to know her the more he wants to be a permanent part of her life. Drake is strong and resourceful, persistent, he takes his time getting to know Margot learning to speak her language. I admired his strong faith and how he encourages and counsels Margot as they get to know each other.
A fast paced read with excellent tension that kept me glued to the story, with fingers poised to turn the next page. A riveting race against time, Drake and Margot must work together to catch the enemy because lives are at stake. Very well researched, Ms. White brings the world of codebreaking to life, I loved learning about the brilliant men and women who used their gifts for their country. I was so excited when I first heard about this book, because I had loved Margot ever since I read A Song Unheard, where she is featured alongside her brother, Lukas. And while you certainly don’t have to read A Song Unheard in order to understand this book, but I felt like I appreciated it so much more having read its companion book.
Overall, one of my favorite books by Roseanna White that I have read so far, fantastic characters, great plot, and a historical setting that comes to life in all of its intrigue and suspense, grounded in faith.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The Number of Love by Roseanna M. White blends war-time intrigue, delicious romance, and lurking danger to create a captivating story that is unexpectedly thought-provoking.
Roseanna M. White’s writing finesse shines in her prose and characters. My favorite character in The Number of Love is Margot. She fascinated me with her mathematical genius and unique way of thinking. The correlation between numbers and Margot’s prayers prodded me to consider… Does God use our unique abilities and interests to speak to us in ways others might not understand? I think so.
What I loved most in The Number of Love was the author’s treatment of God’s silence during difficult times. I could identify with many of Margot’s thoughts and emotions. Plenty of time is allotted to the examination of this issue and easy, pat answers are bypassed in favor of deep character development. Margot’s struggle and resulting growth was a pleasure to observe.
The Number of Love is the first novel in The Codebreakers series by Roseanna M. White. It does have returning characters from her other novels, particularly A Song Unheard; however, it can be read as a stand-alone novel. I recommend this novel to readers who enjoy inspirational historical romances.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions I have 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.”
Very complex story, so much to soak in and ponder on. Each character demands a certain strength in their everyday living. The will to survive, the strength to live and love. The author takes great detail in the characters personalities and how their minds work. This is a book of great aptitude not just a simple telling of a love story. Forgiveness and grace wrote into the very pages that held revenge and hurt had me breathless. Every emotion will be touched and tucked away into this book. A story that will captivate every thought well after each page is turned. This is Roseanna’s best work yet, a total masterpiece!
Was given a complimentary copy by Bethany House. All opinions are my own.
One of my favorite historical series is Shadows over England by Roseanna M. White. I have been wanting to read Margot’s story since we were introduced to her in A Song Unheard, book 2 of that series – which you do not have to read first. This book is the first of her new series called The Codebreakers.
I knew Margot would make such a unique character because she thinks a little bit differently than most people. She thinks in numbers. She looks at everything like a mathematical equation. I really loved her character because she was so different. And Drake was just perfect for her. I loved their banter which started the moment they met! I loved how Drake used the way Margot thinks to court her! It was so sweet.
I also loved this quote because it’s so true and it’s so easy to neglect your daily conversations with God for life’s daily routines, “Do not neglect your prayers, Drake. Neglect your chores, neglect your ablutions, neglect your mother, but never neglect your prayers. They are what root you to the Lord.”
The history in this story is done very well. I love how Roseanna uses real history in her plot elements. She writes in a way that I felt like I could picture everything that was happening. I also thought the secondary characters really added to the story- including the bad ones!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
The Number of Love begins a new series by Roseanna M White called Codebreakers. Readers are introduced to Margot de Wilde, a Belgian teen, breaking German codes during World War I. She wants all she can to help her country.
I have enjoyed reading books by this author in the past and The Number of Love does not disappoint. Margot is a fabulous character that I loved getting to know. her story is full of adventure, danger, mystery, action and suspense. This kept me intrigued and I wanted to keep reading. I have it read from start to finish in one sitting.
I am giving The Number of Love four and a half stars. I look forward to the next installment from the Codebreakers series, On Wings of Devotion. I recommend this one to readers who enjoy clean historic fiction, especially involving the first World War. I think it is definitely a must read.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
4.5 stars
Readers of Roseanna M. White’s Shadows Over England series met Margot De Wilde in book two. The girl, now young woman, is a genius who lives her life in numbers and formulas, not emotions.
In The Number of Love, Margot suffers a loss that draws out those emotions, yet Margot isn’t sure what to do with them. Add in a new friend with a brother who isn’t at all what she expects, and Margot questions much in her life.
White puts readers in Margot’s head. A woman who doesn’t see the world as almost everyone else, who sees an order in everything, who is intent on solving the unsolvable, she’s a difficult character to put skin on. Yet White does just that, making Margot even more likable than when we met her in A Song Unheard.
And Drake? Oh, you guys, Drake! This man has not interest in the flighty, pretty girls his sister knows. Nope, he’s drawn to the intelligence he finds in Margot, a woman who is content to seek an education and never marry. So what does Drake do? He goes about learning about this woman and what makes her tick then courts her accordingly.
And if that isn’t enough to get you into the book, how about adding a villain you can’t quite get a handle on, and the WWI codebreakers who work in London’s room 40.
The Number of Love is another can’t miss read from Roseanna White as she gives you a new lens to view history.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books 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.
Wow!! Roseanna White’s books have always captivated me and this one was no exception!
I was thrilled to read Margot’s story, after seeing her in “A Song Unheard” in the Shadows Over England Series.
I’m thrilled that this Series is like a countinuation of the last one, because I just loved the Shadows Over England Series!!
Only, this time, the characters are all related to Room 40 and the Codebreakers, the secret intelligence place were spies and people serving their country worked relentlessly to break the codes from the Germans and try to intercept secret missives in order to help England and the Allies end the war.
I really love learning about WWI so I was truly excited when I read the blurb of this first book in the series and discovering it would be the same setting! I’m an avid reader of Historical Fiction, and I especially like reading about different wars. It’s such important part of History and it’s something I’m still trying to comprehend. I’ve read most books about WWII or the Civil War in the States, but have found less books set during WWI, so I was fascinated. It’s a time that it’s just a century ago! And I find that Roseanna is a master in detail and research. How can she know so much? I’m not an historical expert, but I’m sure it’s because of a well invested research. Some things may be fictional, as the characters, but many things truly happened, so it always amazes me to learn of this part of History.
The plot is totally engaging, with the risky missions Drake has to complete and to the code decifering, the enemy’s pursual and attack, etc. I really felt as if I was there and the description made easy to imagine the different places, be London or Spain. It was a real page turner and I never felt it dragged!
I also completely loved the characters! Margot was truly a heroine to me, and special because she was so out of the ordinary. I loved that she was a genius, a mathematician, and that we got to see the way she saw life and people, through numbers. A real cryptologist, and an astounding one at that. It was original and yet very realistic. I saw a movie about the Codebreakers in WWII and was delighted to learn more about them in the first war. I can’t say I’m a math lover but it wasn’t difficult to relate to her and her way of thinking, it made the story all the more interesting. She was truly selfless and giving, and overly matured for her age. She seemed in her early or late twenties and not a seventeen almost eighteen year old girl. But I’m sure that’s how most woman were at that age, growing up during war time and poverty. It was easier then to see what’s important in life and what is not, even if at a costly price. I just loved Margot! And wow! How she weathers her grief of loss! She was truly affected, yet she remains strong in her way, even if she thinks she’ll never be the same again.
And I loved her friendship with Dot. Both awkward and lacking social qualities, so different, yet kindred spirits who understood each other’s quirks very well. I liked that they are different, yet both endearing in their way and struggles.
And Drake, well, I just fell in love with him. I loved that he had Spanish ancestors (I do too) and his relationship to his Abuelo. He was daring, no nonsense, but kind and compassionate and with a heart of gold. I loved how he cared for his sister and how he fell for Margot. He was patient with Margot, gave her space, and tried his best to understand her so he could court her in the way she needed. The romance was totally sweet and clean! Just the way I like it, not overly to much, but enough to warm your heart.
I loved how they talked easily with God, and ask for his guidance and help. Both Margot and Drake, had an important upbringing that kept them close to their faith. So the book has an inspiring message about trusting God to be in control of your life, instead of carrying everything by yourself.
This is my favorite quote:
“Do not neglect your prayers, Drake. Neglect your chores, neglect your ablutions, neglect your mother, but never neglect your prayers. They are what root you to the Lord.”… and they definitely did.
I also loved how God inspired Margot to pray for agent 18, never knowing who he was really. The number theme was really awesome.
This book is a treasure and the best thing is that we’ll get a few more in coming years. I’m only sad I have to wait so long, but I know it’s truly worth it. An awesome book as this one can’t be written and perfected in a few weeks or months.
Thank you Roseanna for another incredibly story!! I can’t praise enough this new book of yours! It’s a must read I vividly recommend!
I can’t wait to read the next in the series. Phillip Camden!
When it comes to WWI stories, Roseanna White is at the top of my favorites list. Her latest, The Number of Love, is no exception. Though technically the first in her new Codebreakers series, White’s heroine is a character I was first intrigued by in her previous series. And to join her are other unforgettable and beloved characters from those books as well. Yet this story can completely stand on its own, and new readers should most certainly delve in!
With its unique plot of code breaking during WWI, women mathematicians with minds that baffle me, constant suspense and plot twists, and a gentle lesson of faith and love, White brings us a tale that challenges, intrigues, captivates, and makes you hungry for the next installment. You can always count on White to deliver an unexpected story with characters quite different from the norm!
I received this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
The Number of Love by Roseanna M. White was my most anticipated book of the year. I couldn’t wait to read about spies, history, and code breakers. The cover is beautiful and definitely something to admire. But unfortunately, White’s novel really didn’t hit it out of the park for me. The story has love in its title, and majority of the story is about the romance between Drake and Margot De Wilde. The novel starts with a little bit of spy information for Drake, then it moves pretty far away, before coming back in the last fifteen percent in the novel. The main heroine thinks of math in everything she does. She loses her mother early on in the novel, but she seems to move on pretty quickly. Yes, it comes up a couple of times, but as someone who lost a parent I was really close to, this pain doesn’t just move on so quickly. Margot doesn’t really change either. She is still the math nerd but falls in love with Drake by the end of the novel. Overall, The Number of Love was not what I expected it to be. I wanted a spy novel with history and elements of love. Not have the romance take over the whole plot. Others who are fans of historical romance might devour this novel, but it didn’t deliver for me.
I received a complimentary copy of The Number of Love by Roseanna M. White from Bethany House Publishers and JustRead Tours, but the opinions stated are all my own.
I’m not sure how Roseanna White topped her last book, which I loved but she has.
This is the first book in her new series, the Codebreakers series.
Her books are totally on point. Though fictional they are so meticulously researched you would swear you were reading a true account of things going on.
I am always fascinated in learning new information about things I already know.
Margot is such a strong willed and intelligent woman . I loved seeing a woman involved in a field usually dominated by men. She is a codebreaker able to crack German telegrams gaining information about enemies plans. It was interesting learning about the importance of the secretive room 40.
The book intrigued me from the very start and I had to keep turning page after page to see what happened. The plot fascinated me and it moved along quickly. I can’t wait to meet up with characters from this book in the next book in the series.
Published June 4th 2019 by Bethany House Publishers.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
I’m completely enamored with The Number of Love since I’m a big fan of math! It was my favorite subject in school. I can totally relate to Margot’s love of concrete formulas and answers. Drake is witty, perceptive, and patient. The idea of two people who are so drastically different, maybe moreso than the average couple, makes for such a compelling story! I love the way that Margot and Drake learned to communicate! There’s one scene that was so romantic and I won’t spoil the surprise, but as others have mentioned, there’s one particular number that carries a lot of meaning for Margot and Drake. It’s literally their love language. I’m a little bummed that there’s no epilogue in this book, but if the next story picks up where this one left off then I’ll be happy!
I received a copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley and am under no obligation to provide a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Although I somehow missed this author’s first series, I have been a fan throughout the previous two series and fully intend to catch up on the earlier books as well. They are already on my shelf waiting for me to find the time to read them.
The Number of Love is Roseanna M. White’s first novel in her latest series, The Codebreakers which features members of Room 40, a secret and important part of England’s intelligence network during World War 1. Readers met Margo De Wilde in White’s novel, A Song Unheard, the second book in the previous Shadows Over England series. I loved seeing her in this important role as one of the esteemed codebreakers and learning more about her life and a bit of how her mind worked. Her reluctant romantic relationship with Drake Elton was a welcome bonus as he proved himself a very worthy suitor for her.
I am constantly amazed at the talent of Roseanna White and the magical way she brings her characters to life as well as the depth of her research. History comes to life from her gifted imagination and I find myself learning and wanting to know even more about our past. WWI was given so little time in my high school history classes and because WWII was the “big war” for my parents’ generation, it was the one I knew most about. I so appreciate the way White has filled in some of the gaps in my woefully inadequate knowledge about WWI.
As I have found in all White’s books, The Number of Love was easy-to-read with characters I cared about. It captured and held my full attention from the very beginning with its danger, mystery, action, and romance as well as its profound spiritual truths. This book added one more reason why I am such a fan of this author. All her books are on my keeper shelf. If you are a late comer to her novels, don’t wait any longer and give them a try, especially if you are a lover of history. I don’t think you will be disappointed.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Just Read Tours and am also a member of the author’s influencer team. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
This is the first book in Roseanna White’s new series, The Number of Love (Codebreakers, #1) and it is a fantastic story! It takes place during the Great War in England and Spain and has danger, intrigue and romance. The main characters are Margot De Wilde who is a codebreaker and works in Room 40 (the secret room) and Drake Elton who works in Intelligence. If you read White’s previous series you have met Margo in “An Hour Unspent” and you will also see some other favorite characters. I enjoy Roseanna White’s descriptive writing and her glimpses into history. Looking forward to the next book in this series!
I received a copy of this book from Roseanna White/Bethany House Publishers and all opinions are my own.
The Number of Love by Roseanna White is the first in the new series The Codebreakers.
This is a new series but we get to reconnect with some characters from previous books! The most notable one is Margo De Wilde, who we first met as a child prodigy in A Song Unsung. Margo may be only 17, but some find her intimidating because of her expertise with numbers, namely in codebreaking for the government. She is intriguing to Drake Elton. Drake is used to being a patient man in his capacity for the war effort. He uses that patience in his relationship with Margo.
I admit that I don’t like Math. But Roseanna White has made me a fan of the orderliness of numbers, codes and encryption. She even makes numbers romantic! I became so immersed in this story that I worried along with Dot, looked over Margo’s shoulder while she was at work and was right there on that train with Drake.
This book was extremely well researched. I have come to appreciate that in a Roseanna White novel. The story she weaves around the facts is fascinating and so well thought through. It was fun to learn about Room 40 and decryption and that Anthrax and Wolfram were around long before I thought they were. Take note of the cover and look for references in the text. It is spot on!
The spiritual thread gives the reader much to mull over. When we think God is silent, is He still in control or are we just not listening? A quote from the book: “Sometimes God’s will was to let man taste the consequences of his folly, his hatred and his supposed self sufficiency. Sometimes God lets people die. Lets His children break. And then pieces them back together into something new. Something that He could use for His Glory instead of theirs.”
I enjoyed the family dynamics. They were different for each family but they also showed that in times of adversity families pull together and affirm their faith in God.
Recommended for fans of Historical Christian Fiction with a suspense thread.
I am sure the next books in this series will be as exciting as this one. They just keep getting better!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
The Number of Love by Roseanna M. White is a fantastic historical fiction book. Having read several of this author’s books before I was excited to read this one and was not disappointed in the least. It is a beautiful, captivating story of love, loss, friendships, and faith. With an expert pen and graceful characterization, the author ushers readers into London’s codebreaking room during WWI where they are quickly pulled into the lives of Margot, Dot, and Drake, vibrant characters that each have poignant backgrounds and with which readers will easily connect. Drake, of the broken nose and insightful questions; Margot, driven by ratios, rates & angles—an education her dream not a brood of children; Dot, fearful of life outside her apartment and yet a fearsome friend to have; and a ghost of an enemy who is out for revenge. I loved how the author skillfully wove their lives together into a compelling read with the intrigue and dangers of war, the friendships that are formed in difficult circumstances, and of course, the romance…ahh, the romance. Interest is kept high with lots of action in a number of settings—a fearsome gunfight on a train in Spain, a frightening mugging on London streets, and a furtive midnight flight into France. This multifaceted story kept me turning the pages wondering if Dot was really the only connection between Drake and Margot? Would Dot and Margot still be friends since Dot was set on marriage and Margot on academia? What is this game of Go in the park? Why is Jaeger out to kill Drake? So many unexpected twists and reveals in the story. The Number of Love is a book fans of historical fiction will not want to miss. It is not only a story of friendships and love in wartime but a story where individuals learn that their faith in God is valid and that He can be trusted even with their dreams, and that He gives guidance and direction in dangerous times—sometimes even in the form of numbers.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.
This is my first book by this author but I definitely will have to rectify that. I love that this story was based on truth, my favorite kind of historical fiction. The characters are complex and of course being smart is one piece of that personality. I’m not the brightest star in math, it takes me a little bit but the codebreaking and math was an interesting thing to read about. Oh to be as smart as Margot and to help with the war must have been amazing, those that are brave enough to get in the middle of it. Margot and Drake’s story will touch your heart and keep you awake. If you are like me you’ll want to pray for them. Danger, inspiration and romance fill the pages of this wonderful story! I love this quote “Do not neglect your prayers, Drake. Neglect your chores, neglect your ablutions, neglect your mother, but never neglect your prayers. They are what root you to the Lord.”
Don’t miss this historical romance that was written by a wonderful author!
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions stated are my own.
The characters of Roseanna White’s newest release drew me in and the suspense kept me turning pages. I greatly appreciated the amount of research behind this romantic historical fiction. The work of the codebreakers included is interesting and also a good reminder of the sacrifice made by these individuals and the danger involved for them and their families. Of course, these characters, their lives, their families and their struggles became the heart of this novel for me. I think that White successfully communicated that God not only creates us as individuals but also interacts with each of us in unique and creative ways. Fans of Roseanna White will enjoy the return of characters from her previous books, but new fans will have no problem connecting with these characters. I am planning to read the next book in this codebreakers series because I can’t wait to see what happens to these characters! I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
The Number of Love #1 The Codebreakers by Roseanna M. White
London, England 1917… Since reading the Shadow’s Over England series I have waited to read Margot De Wilde’s story. . .it was well worth the wait! The way Margot incorporates numbers in everything she thinks and does is fascinating and fits well in the secretive Room 40 where she works. I love that she finally has a friend, shy Dot Elton, and how they help each other in their own different “oddities”. Drake Elton is the perfect hero, handsome and strong, a man of integrity and faith and falls in love at first sight. But the war makes it difficult to court his young lady and I love the way he does it in the manner his beloved would understand and maybe open her heart to him. In addition to the war there are enemies lurking, waiting to strike. There are some tense moments, especially in one scene, that had me on the edge of my seat. Throw in intriguing characters (some from previous series which I enjoyed seeing again), fascinating plot-line with mystery and intrigue, danger and suspense, joys and sorrows, love and enduring faith weave this fascinating, powerful story. I love the historical aspects of the story, the author’s attention to detail and her notes at the end of the book.
~I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher/NetGalley (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~