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estherfilbrun's review
4.0
I’ve enjoyed White’s books ever since I first had a chance to read the first book in her Shadows Over England series, A Name Unknown. Then, in the next book, we met Margot, and I instantly fell in love with her. Somehow, her spunky, focused, determined self did something that I loved, and I know I quoted her in my review because I loved her comebacks so much. I’ve wondered about her story ever since then—and was beyond thrilled when I saw that the first book in the new Codebreakers series was from her perspective! I immediately requested it for review, and eagerly anticipated it once I finished a few other pressing books.
Margot hasn’t changed much since I met her in A Song Unheard. She’s grown up a little, of course, but she’s still her witty, somewhat-distracted self. Her work was of particular interest to me; I’ve always loved codes and things like that, but only on a child’s level of the term. Seeing how she used her abilities to help others was special, and I also enjoyed seeing how her coworkers worked with her. They were doing a potentially dangerous job; if someone found out what they did, they could have suffered personal consequences, but they really did help out Britain’s war effort in the end. I also loved seeing Margot’s personality shine through; her contented aloofness, the joy she had in her family, her fierce independent yet also fiercely loyal spirit when her friends were in need, her dependence on the Lord’s direction, and her struggles when His direction didn’t seem to be as much of a constant in her life.
I also enjoyed meeting Drake. His love and desire to protect his sister were special, even while he was doing a dangerous job. His job was also interesting; I had no idea that the Germans tried to infect animal cereals with a disease in order to hurt Britain’s war effort! I have to wonder what happened to all of that.
As far as history, this book seemed to be steeped in it. I feel like I’ve learned another piece about what England looked like during World War I, but that I didn’t really even know I was learning because the story was so interesting! The writing style was beautiful, as always. Yes, there were the scenes where people were being hurt, and a few choice words appeared fairly regularly that I don’t appreciate, but overall I really enjoyed this book. If you like historical fiction with a romance on the side, you’d probably like this book.
(Note: One reviewer mentioned the feministic leanings in this book, and I would have to agree. It wasn’t overt all the time, but one of the characters did lean that way more than I appreciate. I understand why the author made the choice she did, though, and I think I would make the same—but if this is something you watch out for, do know that it is here somewhat.)
I requested a free review copy of this book from NetGalley, and this is my honest opinion of it.
Margot hasn’t changed much since I met her in A Song Unheard. She’s grown up a little, of course, but she’s still her witty, somewhat-distracted self. Her work was of particular interest to me; I’ve always loved codes and things like that, but only on a child’s level of the term. Seeing how she used her abilities to help others was special, and I also enjoyed seeing how her coworkers worked with her. They were doing a potentially dangerous job; if someone found out what they did, they could have suffered personal consequences, but they really did help out Britain’s war effort in the end. I also loved seeing Margot’s personality shine through; her contented aloofness, the joy she had in her family, her fierce independent yet also fiercely loyal spirit when her friends were in need, her dependence on the Lord’s direction, and her struggles when His direction didn’t seem to be as much of a constant in her life.
I also enjoyed meeting Drake. His love and desire to protect his sister were special, even while he was doing a dangerous job. His job was also interesting; I had no idea that the Germans tried to infect animal cereals with a disease in order to hurt Britain’s war effort! I have to wonder what happened to all of that.
As far as history, this book seemed to be steeped in it. I feel like I’ve learned another piece about what England looked like during World War I, but that I didn’t really even know I was learning because the story was so interesting! The writing style was beautiful, as always. Yes, there were the scenes where people were being hurt, and a few choice words appeared fairly regularly that I don’t appreciate, but overall I really enjoyed this book. If you like historical fiction with a romance on the side, you’d probably like this book.
(Note: One reviewer mentioned the feministic leanings in this book, and I would have to agree. It wasn’t overt all the time, but one of the characters did lean that way more than I appreciate. I understand why the author made the choice she did, though, and I think I would make the same—but if this is something you watch out for, do know that it is here somewhat.)
I requested a free review copy of this book from NetGalley, and this is my honest opinion of it.
writings_of_a_reader's review
3.0
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 first time in her life numbers aren’t enough.
Drake Elton returns wounded from the field, followed by an enemy that just won’t give up. He’s smitten quickly by the too-intelligent Margot, but how to convince a girl who lives entirely in her mind that sometimes life’s answers lie in the heart?
3.5 stars. I've enjoyed Roseanna M. White's other books and was looking forward to starting this new series, and while I enjoyed this book as well, I didn't like it as much as the others I've read. First I'll mention that, as usual with this author's books, I did like the historical setting, and the way the author weaves in real historical events and figures into her stories. Also, if you read the Shadows Over England series then you will recognize the main character and several others. I liked that we got another glimpse of Lucas and Willa among a few others.
While I liked Margot I did find that I had a hard time relating to her at times because she thought so much in numbers, which is definitely not my thing. I did however find the code breaking interesting. I liked the love interest Drake a lot, but I felt like the romance was a bit flat. I think that was a lot because of Margot's personality.
The mystery aspect of the book was ok, but it didn't really keep me on the edge of my seat or anything. The lack of romance and the so-so mystery resulted in me being a bit bored at times. Because this author usually does a really good job keeping me interested, I'm not giving up on this series just yet, but I'm also not thrilled that the next book features a character that I didn't care too much for in this one. Hopefully he has a really good redemption story.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
Drake Elton returns wounded from the field, followed by an enemy that just won’t give up. He’s smitten quickly by the too-intelligent Margot, but how to convince a girl who lives entirely in her mind that sometimes life’s answers lie in the heart?
3.5 stars. I've enjoyed Roseanna M. White's other books and was looking forward to starting this new series, and while I enjoyed this book as well, I didn't like it as much as the others I've read. First I'll mention that, as usual with this author's books, I did like the historical setting, and the way the author weaves in real historical events and figures into her stories. Also, if you read the Shadows Over England series then you will recognize the main character and several others. I liked that we got another glimpse of Lucas and Willa among a few others.
While I liked Margot I did find that I had a hard time relating to her at times because she thought so much in numbers, which is definitely not my thing. I did however find the code breaking interesting. I liked the love interest Drake a lot, but I felt like the romance was a bit flat. I think that was a lot because of Margot's personality.
The mystery aspect of the book was ok, but it didn't really keep me on the edge of my seat or anything. The lack of romance and the so-so mystery resulted in me being a bit bored at times. Because this author usually does a really good job keeping me interested, I'm not giving up on this series just yet, but I'm also not thrilled that the next book features a character that I didn't care too much for in this one. Hopefully he has a really good redemption story.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
goodjollymissmolly's review against another edition
inspiring
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
booksarebetter's review
4.0
This started out strong but it's inspirational messages and all just weren't for me. I'm atheist though so there's that. All in all the writing was very good, the characters believable and the storyline interesting. I always find codebreakers unique and fascinating. 3.5 ⭐ rounded up.
srmcdaniel14's review
5.0
Ever since I was introduced to the young mathematician Margot De Wilde in A Song Unheard, I couldn’t wait to know her better in Roseanna White’s latest release The Number of Love. While this first story of the Codebreakers series is filled with spies and coded language, it’s also a beautiful glimpse of how trusting in God isn’t always easy but it’s hands down the best mode of operation. And all of this is set to the mysterious backdrop of WWI.
Let me say it was super interesting living inside Margot’s intelligent mind and experiencing how she processes the world around her. I also loved how she used the gift God had given her to contribute to the war effort. Another element I adored was the friendship that blossomed between Margot and Dot. It was the perfect picture of how friendships should be. Add all of these factors to her spiritual journey – one that learns how to place complete trust on a worthy God – and you have a memorable heroine.
I’m going to be completely honest and say I LOVE LOVE LOVE a pining hero! Drake’s efforts to win Margot’s heart all the while respecting her need for space was nothing short of brilliant. And while I enjoyed their witty banters as well as their heart-to-heart conversations, I was completely taken with Drake’s thoughtful nature which sometimes confused - but no doubt intrigued - Margot’s authentic soul.
Of course, I cherished cameos by characters from previous stories. It’s SO cool when authors do that!
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and am excited for the next in the Codebreakers series!
*I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
Let me say it was super interesting living inside Margot’s intelligent mind and experiencing how she processes the world around her. I also loved how she used the gift God had given her to contribute to the war effort. Another element I adored was the friendship that blossomed between Margot and Dot. It was the perfect picture of how friendships should be. Add all of these factors to her spiritual journey – one that learns how to place complete trust on a worthy God – and you have a memorable heroine.
I’m going to be completely honest and say I LOVE LOVE LOVE a pining hero! Drake’s efforts to win Margot’s heart all the while respecting her need for space was nothing short of brilliant. And while I enjoyed their witty banters as well as their heart-to-heart conversations, I was completely taken with Drake’s thoughtful nature which sometimes confused - but no doubt intrigued - Margot’s authentic soul.
Of course, I cherished cameos by characters from previous stories. It’s SO cool when authors do that!
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and am excited for the next in the Codebreakers series!
*I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
christian_faith_and_fiction's review
5.0
The Number of Love is an intriguing blend of romance, mathematics and espionage.
It was really interesting to view the story from the viewpoint of the main character Margot as she thinks so differently from myself. Her thoughts are full of numbers, they even play a role in her communication with God.
I enjoyed the way the main characters developed throughout the book, as well as their different friendships and relationships.
The story contains moments of thoughtful reflection as well as high tension and I loved the mix of historical romance with wartime suspense.
It was really interesting to view the story from the viewpoint of the main character Margot as she thinks so differently from myself. Her thoughts are full of numbers, they even play a role in her communication with God.
I enjoyed the way the main characters developed throughout the book, as well as their different friendships and relationships.
The story contains moments of thoughtful reflection as well as high tension and I loved the mix of historical romance with wartime suspense.
skymama's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
forestidylls's review
4.0
I know WWII is all the rage right now, so when I saw this was WWI instead, I wanted to give it a try - plus, CODEBREAKERS! Who doesn't want to read about breaking codes? It was exactly what it promised, with codebreaking on one side, spying on the other, and romance intertwined. It was a little hard to figure out why the main character kept thinking random numbers, but eventually made sense and was a really cool way to communicate with God. I also really appreciated that the male protagonist actually pursued Margo instead of being frustrated she wasn't interested.
theavidreaderandbibliophile's review
4.0
The Number of Love is powerful historical novel. Roseanna M. White produced a well-crafted and thoughtful novel with strong, complex characters. Margot De Wilde is a brilliant mathematician whose education was interrupted by the war. She utilizes her talents by breaking the enemy’s codes. Numbers are constantly running through her head and some of them are vitally important. She relies on facts instead of emotions and pours herself into her work. Drake Elton is a naval lieutenant whose background makes him a perfect field agent for the intelligence services. Drake has a big heart and Margot is never far from his thoughts since the moment they met. Drake has an enemy following him who performs missions, but he also has his own agenda. The author did her research for this book. I like how she incorporated the historical information from the Great War along with Room 40 with the codebreakers and the work of the field agents. Faith was an integral part of the story and our character’s lives. I appreciated that Barclay, Willa, Lukas and other characters from Shadows Over England series were included in the story. The vivid and detailed descriptions allowed me to visualize the characters and scenes. I would have liked a little more action which would have added a little more spark to the story. The Number of Love is an intriguing and captivating historical novel with suspense, romance, friendship, mystery, faith and family.
english_lady03's review against another edition
4.0
Roseanna M. White has become one of my go-to authors since her Ladies of the Manor series debuted 4 years ago. It turned out to the first of 3 series set in Edwardian England.
The Number of Love, the first novel in her new Codebreakers series has been one of my favourite yet. There’s Romance, intrigue, unlikely heroes, witty banter, a train escape scene, and espionage galore.. Yeah, it’s about people breaking German codes so there's gonna be espionage.
It’s absolutely fascinating to learn that there were people doing this for the British Admiralty in the Great War: everyone has heard of the work of the women and men at Bletchley Park in WW2, but I had no idea that kind of thing was happening over 20 years before.
That's one of the other things I RMW's work, is how she works interesting and unusual historical details into the story.
The book is meticulously researched, and the characters brilliant. Margot de Wilde first appeared in the second novel of the last series as a Mathematical child genius who deserved her own story. Margot also happened to be autistic, so whilst she can do calculations and crack codes in minutes, she has problems with emotions, feelings and interacting with others. I appreciated having a woman with learning differences as a heroine as too many protagonists in fiction are perfect and good looking.
Drake Elton was a marvellously chivalrous and heroic leading man: but he also had a strong conscience, and even during war, did not seek to kill unnecessarily. He respects Margot's intelligence and choices, but also wants to help her understand that feelings and love are not something to be feared: nor will they necessarily spoil her dreams.
It was also great to see characters from earlier novels playing a role in the novel: including Brook and her father from the first series.
My only real complaint is I felt bad guy became obvious and a little sloppy in his schemes towards the end. After all that build up, it was a bit disappointing and felt rushed.
Other than that, however, this story was an almost perfect read for me. I look forward to the next one in the series.
I requested this from the Publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
The Number of Love, the first novel in her new Codebreakers series has been one of my favourite yet. There’s Romance, intrigue, unlikely heroes, witty banter, a train escape scene, and espionage galore.. Yeah, it’s about people breaking German codes so there's gonna be espionage.
It’s absolutely fascinating to learn that there were people doing this for the British Admiralty in the Great War: everyone has heard of the work of the women and men at Bletchley Park in WW2, but I had no idea that kind of thing was happening over 20 years before.
That's one of the other things I RMW's work, is how she works interesting and unusual historical details into the story.
The book is meticulously researched, and the characters brilliant. Margot de Wilde first appeared in the second novel of the last series as a Mathematical child genius who deserved her own story. Margot also happened to be autistic, so whilst she can do calculations and crack codes in minutes, she has problems with emotions, feelings and interacting with others. I appreciated having a woman with learning differences as a heroine as too many protagonists in fiction are perfect and good looking.
Drake Elton was a marvellously chivalrous and heroic leading man: but he also had a strong conscience, and even during war, did not seek to kill unnecessarily. He respects Margot's intelligence and choices, but also wants to help her understand that feelings and love are not something to be feared: nor will they necessarily spoil her dreams.
It was also great to see characters from earlier novels playing a role in the novel: including Brook and her father from the first series.
My only real complaint is I felt bad guy became obvious and a little sloppy in his schemes towards the end. After all that build up, it was a bit disappointing and felt rushed.
Other than that, however, this story was an almost perfect read for me. I look forward to the next one in the series.
I requested this from the Publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.