Hello, my name is Jessica and I have a problem. I love to read. Okay, that’s not really a problem (cough, cough). The problem is reading so many fantastic books all at once! Okay, that’s not really a problem either. How about this – my problem is that every book I read by author _______ (you fill in the blank), I’m going to say it’s my favorite. Recently Roseanne White released another book, book two in The Codebreakers Series. I desperately want to say it’s my favorite book by her, but I know that will change as soon as I read the next one 😉
All of England thinks Phillip Camden a monster–a man who deliberately caused the deaths of his squadron. But as nurse Arabelle Denler watches the so-dubbed “Black Heart” every day, she sees something far different: a hurting man desperate for mercy. And when their paths twist together and he declares himself her new protector, she realizes she has her own role to play in his healing.
Phillip Camden would have preferred to die that day with his squadron rather than be recruited to the Admiralty’s codebreaking division. The threats he receives daily are no great surprise and, in his opinion, well deserved. What comes as a shock is the reborn desire to truly live that Arabelle inspires in him.
But when an old acquaintance shows up and seems set on using him in a plot that has the codebreakers of Room 40 in a frenzy, new affections are put to the test.
Woof.
My favorite word from this whole story. You’ll have to read it to understand. But I couldn’t start this review without saying that. Roseanna has outdone herself with this story – truly. Each time I read her story I wonder how the next one could be any better (I loved book one – The Number of Love!), and they always surpass my expectations. I took so many notes and flagged several quotes – a sign of a really good book!
Let’s start with Camden. This dude obviously needs the Lord in his life, but boy you can’t help but fall for him and hard! There is a point early on where he implies that he doesn’t think Arabella is “pretty”, and at the time I was kind of irritated by his statement, classifying him with the other male pigs I have read about in the past. But then, somehow he just changes your opinion on him. I think it was as he started to become intrigued by Arabelle, even though he couldn’t see it. His demeanor changed, and all the stigmas that were attached to his name seemed to disappear, and you saw the person he truly was. I, for one, loved him!!
The chemistry between him and Arabelle was off the charts. Who would have thought to (seemingly) totally opposites would have such an attraction to each other! Well, I take that back, they didn’t realize it half the time. But you could see it, you could feel it, from very early on. The thing that grabbed my attention on the beginning of their relationship was how Arabelle seemed to want to save him. Typically we see the hero want to have this role, so it was kind of refreshing to see a leading lady have these thoughts. Arabelle had this spunk to her, and yet she handled herself with grace. All this leading up to a kiss that had my heart racing, and I wasn’t even there!
White managed to also include a subplot – Diellza’s story – that also had my attention. At first I was intrigued in how she would fit into the big picture. But as information came to light, and the storylines all came together, I couldn’t get enough. She was the character you love to hate! At least for me. White managed to bring all the information together masterfully, with a few surprises even. I don’t know how she manages to do this time and time again, but she just truly wows me.
And lastly, I cannot end a review without commenting on how White leads people (both readers and her characters) to the Lord. This moment in the book was breathtaking, and I found myself reading it not once, not twice, but three times just so I could soak it up. So many people need to read this book, if not for this reason alone. White weaves the Lord into her book seamlessly, no preachy, not in your face. Just subtle, seeds planted here and there until the characters understand in their own timing how much they need the Lord. Just like us.
I highly recommend reading this story, well the series actually. It was nice to say hello again to old friends from book one! This is going to make Top 2020 lists, I can guarantee you that! So happy I was finally able to dive into this story. The only downfall is waiting for the next book to come.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.
Have you read any of Roseanna’s books? Which one is your favorite?
Fantastic review! I too, loved this book. How can you not love a hero who gifts a puppy to the heroine??? Woof! ( double meaning for those that haven’t read the book! Look out!)
Roseanna is a very favorite author. I cannot choose a favorite book of hers. Yes, this will definitely make my top 10 list of 2020.