Review of “A Portrait of Loyalty” by Roseanna M. White

Finally! I’ve been looking forward to reading this book and seeing the conclusion of the Codebreakers series, and Roseanna M. White does not disappoint. I didn’t expect to like this book more than the other two (which I kind of do), but I did hope it would wrap up the other stories nicely and of course end the war. A Portrait of Loyalty met my expectations and more.

The year is 1918, and the war is raging on with no end in sight. Lily Blackwell, however, sees beauty in everything when she views the world through the lense of her camera. Secretly using her talents with photography to assist the codebreakers of Room 40, Lily begins to feel torn between two worlds: the one in which she works as a nurse at the local hospital, and whose family hosts dinner parties on weekends; and the other, where her talents truly shine but Lily herself is rarely seen. That is, until a certain Russian cryptographer takes an interest in her. But Zivon Marin has troubles of his own. On the run from his homeland’s new regime, Zivon knows being away from his country is the only way he can help Russia return to normal. But when the past catches up with him and he is falsely accused, there seems to be no one who sees the truth–except Lily. Will this unlikely couple be able to endure the pressures and expectations of the ones they hold most dear? And what’s more, could their combined efforts and talents possibly help bring an end to the war?

I have so many feelings and thoughts on this one, I don’t even know where to begin! I guess I’ll start by saying that I’ve loved the world of the Codebreakers since book one. I’m drawn to stories whose characters have difficult, personal obstacles that must be overcome, but even more so to the stories that show the Christian perspective. It’s inspiring to read about the tales of those whose faith in God is what gives them strength through their trials. A Portrait of Loyalty also struck a chord with me on a personal level. Lily is very close to her family, which I totally relate to; and she has a special bond with each of her family members, especially her sister. But when tragedy strikes Lily in her very core, I found it almost too difficult to get past that moment and keep reading (don’t worry, no spoilers here!). As I’ve said before, if an author can write a story so well that you’re drawn into these characters’ lives and can relate easily to them, then the author has done what he/she set out to do.

To be honest, this turn in the story made me a little upset. I was like, “Why would she write it like that? Couldn’t she have written it like thus and so?” But as the Great Author helps us understand, these difficulties and trials are what creates the story’s beauty. As the Bible says in Romans 8:18 KJV, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us;” and later in Romans 8:28 KJV, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” Praise God we are called by His Son Jesus Christ for the purpose of living eternally with Him!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this review! My rating for this book is ☕☕☕☕/5 coffees. Thanks for stopping by, and happy reading!