If you enjoy historical fiction with a touch of intrigue, a dash of romance, and a message that inspires, On Wings of Devotion is one you’ll want to put on your to-read list.
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With three kids five and under, my reading time is precious and limited. So, I don’t like to waste it on mediocre books. When I select a book, I want to know I’m going to love it.
And I always know I’m taking a safe bet when I start a Roseanna M. White book.
In fact, I love them so much, I have to save them for the weekend because I know my productivity will take a nosedive while I’m reading it.
Such was definitely the case for her latest novel, On Wings of Devotion, the second book in her Codebreakers series.
This book had all the hallmarks of my favorite fiction — engaging plot, sweet romance (read on to find out how she broke out of typical romantic fiction norms), and characters I loved.
In fact, it had one of my favorite and most inspirational characters of all of Roseanna’s books.
If you enjoy historical fiction with a touch of intrigue, a dash of romance, and a message that will inspire you, this is one you’ll want to put on your to-read list.
Read on to learn more!
Summary of On Wings of Devotion
All of England thinks Phillip Camden a monster — a man who deliberately caused the deaths of his squadron. But he would have preferred to die that day with his men 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.
As nurse Arabelle Denler observes the so-dubbed “Black Heart”, she sees something far different: a hurting man desperate for mercy. And when their families and paths twist together unexpectedly, she realizes she has a role to play in his healing — and some of her own to do as well.
With Camden’s court-martial looming, an old acquaintance shows up, intent on using him in a plot that sends the codebreakers of Room 40 into a frenzy. With their fragile hopes for the future in the cross hairs, Arabelle and Camden must hold on to hope — and each other — if they want to survive.
My Thoughts
My favorite fiction books are those that are entertaining AND impactful, and On Wings of Devotion is the perfect example.
Not only did the story pull me in (hello, I read it in just over two days!), but it moved me, as well. Arabelle became one of my favorite main characters in Roseanna’s books, and she embodied so much of what I want to be as a Christian woman. I found myself repeatedly thinking, “I want to be more like that!”
But in true Roseanna fashion, it didn’t feel forced or heavy-handed. Arabelle was simply a good character who inspired me to develop more of her grace and kindness in my own life.
Another thing I loved about On Wings of Devotion (and most of Roseanna’s books, in general) was that the romance wasn’t hurried or cheesy — a rarity among Christian fiction. Roseanna did a wonderful job of writing two characters who came together based on a soul connection, not just a physical attraction.
In fact, this story was highly unusual (in a good way) in that the main female character was not a great beauty, and the main male character was not immediately drawn to her physical charms. While I did find the narrative of her plain features to be a bit excessive at points, it was refreshing to read about a main character and romantic pairing that didn’t follow the typical “attraction at first sight” storyline.
Finally, as with all Roseanna’s books, I enjoyed the historical component — learning about major events and the peek into life in a different time period.
Bottom line: If you enjoy reading historical fiction and fiction that inspires, I highly recommend On Wings of Devotion. You will love it.
**I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. A positive review was not required, and all opinions are my own.
While you’re at it, be sure to grab the first book in the Codebreakers series, The Number of Love! (Here’s my review — it was one of my favorite reads from 2019!)
AUTHOR BIO
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.
MORE FROM ROSEANNA M. WHITE
Culper Ring Series
Ladies of the Manor Series
Shadows Over England Series
See Full List of Roseanna’s Books
More Book Reviews:
- Hitting the Sweet Spot in Christian Fiction: A Review of A Song Unheard
- Don’t Say I Didn’t Warn You: A Review of An Hour Unspent
- My Favorite Books I Read in 2019
- My Top 10+ Favorite Books From 2018
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