I love historical novels and have read many set during WWII. This one was set at the onset of WWI and it was very interesting to learn about cryptography. I will say that a lot of it went over my head and I skimmed a bit because I couldn’t understand it. But the actual storyline was good and it kept me guessing with a few twists. There’s romance and it was done well, not to sickening, just enough for me.

I encourage you to read the Author’s Notes at the end and learn what events/places were real and what was not. ( )

This story line intrigued me. I found myself very interested in the whole code-breaker, encryption, cipher key, cryptography work that went on in this story; along with the mysterious saboteurs and the sweet romance mixed in. This takes place in 1915 when enemies were doing their best to keep the United States out of World War I. I appreciated the fact that the author gave us what was factional and fiction in her story before the story began. It caught my interest at the very beginning and held it throughout the book. A little bit of mystery, romance and intrigue.

Emma Shuster finds her life totally turned in a different direction when she finds her father murdered and his secret encryption project left unfinished, but desperately wanted by the enemy. The navy offers her a position trying to break intercepted ciphers from the enemy in Washington D.C., which she decides is the best thing to do. But people are after her and the encryption project so no matter where she goes, they will track her down. But Emma does have John Patterson on her side, who also works for the government, and who helps her through some very difficult situations she finds herself falling into on numerous occasions.

The characters in this story showed great bravery and a deep love of their country at a time when it was hard to know who to trust. I learned a little bit of history while reading this story and found myself very intrigued with this time in our country's history. Good job Susan Page Davis! (Also thought the cover was great!) ( )

I really enjoyed this refreshing, historical romance novel that takes place in the early 1900's. The characters and setting will transport you to a past era in our history. Secret encryptions, murders, suspense and intrigue all add up to an entertaining read. ( )

You have got to read this book! If you love U.S. history, maybe if you don’t, this book will make you a lover! From the first page to the last, I was totally engrossed in the story of Emma Shuster. This story is set in pre Great War Maine and Washington, D.C and its surrounds. It centers on a love story, a mystery and field of code breaking. The main characters, Emma Shuster and Lieutenant John Patterson are charming, intelligent and endearing. Emma becomes a master at decoding
secret messages from the enemy.
You will learn about simple ciphers to the very complex.
Even the cover of this book is mysterious. A beautiful woman with a black hat covering and shadowing a good of her face will intrigue you. And if you tilt the cover with the light shining on it, you will have a surprise. That will be for you to find. Before the book begins, Susan Page Davis puts the story straight as to what is fiction and what really happened. And what really happened is amazing. You will learn about the terrorism that occurred in the U.S. just before the Great War!
The book demonstrates bravery, intelligence and love of country hope for the ideals of United States and a profound personal trust in God. ( )

I love a good espionage novel, and this story about a code breaker is an absolute delight. Although I had been introduced to the writing of author Susan Page Davis in another historical series that was not quite my cup of tea for the portion I read, I enjoyed this book so much that I will have to give that series another chance. The Crimson Cipher has mystery that keeps you on edge and romance that makes you just melt. The verbiage was great and made me really feel like I was there in the time b ...more I love a good espionage novel, and this story about a code breaker is an absolute delight. Although I had been introduced to the writing of author Susan Page Davis in another historical series that was not quite my cup of tea for the portion I read, I enjoyed this book so much that I will have to give that series another chance. The Crimson Cipher has mystery that keeps you on edge and romance that makes you just melt. The verbiage was great and made me really feel like I was there in the time before America in the Great World War in 1915. Through out the entire novel I was entranced by random details I did not know such as the building of the Washington Mall, the Lincoln Memorial and others. Susan Page Davis did a great job of intertwining historical detail in a heart beating-page turning novel.

I will definitely keep coming back for more from Summerside Press and now also from author Susan Page Davis!

*Thanks to Summerside Press for providing a copy for review through the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance.* ( )