Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Review of On Wings of Devotion (The Codebreakers)

On Wings of Devotion (The Codebreakers)
PianoLady357 avatar reviewed on + 157 more book reviews


I have been a fan of Roseanna M. White's writing since discovering her earlier Culpepper Ring series and she never disappoints. Her writing is lyrical, characterization deep, storylines complex and unique. A gifted author from the beginning, White just keeps getting better and better. There are tie-ins to characters from previous series in this second Codebreakers book, but it totally works as a standalone. If this is your initial introduction to White's writing, however, I can almost guarantee you will be hurrying to obtain more.

On Wings of Devotion is an epic story, exquisitely blending history, romance, courage and faith in ways that touched this reader on every page. It's like stepping into the pages of history. Small liberties are taken here and there for the sake of story, but the historical framework is firm and accurate, inspired by hero and villain alike. Spies, espionage, treachery and deceit are contrasted with honor, integrity and compassion.

This series shines the light on an incredible group of people who worked with skill and dedication as codebreakers in London's Room 40, thwarting numerous attempts of the enemy to kill and destroy. Hell ⦠It's name was War, and it existed right here on earth. And when the demons of hell roamed freely, even men who never saw direct action, like the codebreakers he now served with, experienced their horrors in one way or another. These men and women are an inspiration to us all.

Phillip Camden and Arabelle Denler leap off the page and are two of the most memorable characters I've ever encountered. Phillip is a wounded hero â complex, deep, loyal and heroic â but flawed from the years he lived for self and carrying the weight of guilt from a horrible tragedy in which he was the lone survivor. A man who âwears his pain like a uniform.â I loved that Arabelle is not the typical beautiful leading lady, but rather tall and plain, and we are shown what true beauty is through her caring, compassion and faithful witness.

When the story opens, Arabelle is engaged to marry Braxton, caught up in a loveless relationship designed to provide mutual benefit ⦠the home and family she craved while providing the means to keep his ancestral home from ruin. There's some delightful humor and witty dialogue throughout. The scene surrounding the initial meeting between Arabelle and Phillip is pure genius.

I loved Phillip's gradual maturing and transformation. On Wings of Devotion is about gently growing romantic devotion on a human level, but the overall theme reflects life's true romance with God. We see God as the patient pursuer and faith lived out in daily life as the gospel message is presented in a realistic way.

The narrative moves at a steady pace, keeping me eager to turn pages, yet allowing time to savor every word and nuance. On Wings of Devotion goes on my favorites list.

Very highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours and Bethany House. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.