The Sedalia Code

by Patricia Raybon

A courageous young woman struggles to rise above her dirt-poor beginnings and outsmart a Nazi threat on U.S. soil during WWII in this thrilling Southern tale of bravery, love, and forgiveness.

Sedalia, North Carolina, 1943. While war rages overseas, Laurette Lowe faces a more personal battle when she lands a job teaching math at La Porte Academy, a prestigious Black finishing school. Determined to rise above her sharecropping roots, deep family hurt, and the suffocating limits of Jim Crow, Laurette quickly learns that survival and success demand constant vigilance, carefully measuring every step and word to earn her place among the social elite.

A chance encounter with Nev Pierce, a handsome Army lieutenant from nearby Camp Butner, threatens to derail her plans. Though she first dismisses him as an unwelcome distraction, she’s drawn in by his request to decipher a cryptic message passed to him by an Italian POW. What begins as an intellectual puzzle becomes a chilling details of a Nazi plot to assassinate the U.S. president.

Cracking the cipher, however, only brings a more troubling puzzle. Army officials at the segregated base are unlikely to heed a Black schoolteacher’s warning and Nev could land in serious trouble for involving an unauthorized civilian. With time running out, Laurette and Nev enlist a small circle of allies from the school in a cunning and courageous ploy, boldly risking their futures and lives to stop a deadly threat no one else sees coming.

Standalone World War II historical fiction by award-winning author Patricia Raybon, featuring a setting inspired by the real Palmer Memorial Institute in Sedalia, North CarolinaPerfect for fans of Susan Elia MacNeal, Rhys Bowen, Vanessa Miller, Sarah Sundin and Roseanna M. WhiteIncludes discussion questions for book clubs

Genres: Historical, Christian, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

352 pages, Paperback

First published October 6, 2026

About the author

A newspaper journalist right out of the gate, Patricia turned to writing historical mystery novels during the pandemic and hasn't looked back. Her first fiction is the award-winning Annalee Spain Mystery series whose debut, “All That Is Secret,” won a Christy Award for First Novel. The series' second installment, “Double the Lies,” won the Christianity Today Book Award for Fiction. The third in the series, “Truth Be Told,” was a New York Times' pick among "4 Great Fictional Detectives."

“...[M]ystery novels that incorporate religion in a significant way aren’t all that common. Thankfully, the inspiring Patricia Raybon, a veteran nonfiction writer and novelist, has been threading the needle in just the right way with her Annalee Spain series, set in 1920s Denver.” (Sarah Weinman, New York Times).

"It's something special," says NBA star Steph Curry about the Annalee story. Others agree. "Brava, Patricia. It is captivating." (Jerry B. Jenkins) "Rich with romance and spiritual searching." (Sujata Massey) "A fast-moving mystery.” (Publishers Weekly) “Not only a good mystery, but a realistic insight into the African American experience in the 1920s in the West.” (Rhys Bowen)

Patricia cut her writing teeth in high-pressure newsrooms and won multiple awards for feature writing during her years at The Denver Post and later at the Scripps Howard Rocky Mountain News in Denver. Mid-career she taught print journalism for 15 years to bright graduate and undergraduate students at the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Now writing full-time, she is a regular contributor at Our Daily Bread and, in addition to writing historical mysteries, is author of two notable memoirs, “My First White Friend,” a winner of the Christopher Award and a Books for a Better Life Award, and “I Told the Mountain to Move: Learning to Pray So Things Change,” a Book of the Year finalist in Christianity Today’s Book Awards. Patricia was also inducted into the Colorado Authors' Hall of Fame.

A lifelong Colorado resident, Patricia is mom to two grown daughters, a “Grammy” to five grandchildren, mother-in-law to one “son,” and the wife of 48 years to her husband Dan Raybon, a retired educator. Patricia and Dan share a passion for movies, popcorn, college hoops, and historical dramas and mysteries on Masterpiece on PBS.

Join her on the journey at her Reader’s Circle at patriciaraybon.com and get her free prayer download, “The Busy Person’s Guide to Hearing God.”

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patricia Raybon brings us a standalone WW2 historical mystery featuring a courageous Black teacher who risks it all for national security.

When Laurette Lowe accepts a math teaching position at a prestigious Black finishing school, she has no idea that her curiosity, her coding skills and her new friend will soon navigate her through unforeseen challenges.

I was impressed with (1) the courageous heroine, (2) the narrative featuring the cost of freedom and love, and the value of forgiveness, and (3) how quickly I was immersed in the Jim Crow era setting.

It was good to view things from Laurette’s eyes to see how times have changed. I can’t imagine that the weight of what she had to share would be seen as less important simply because of her skin colour! On the same token, it was interesting to see what a risk it was for men such as Lieutenant Nev Pierce to be seen with a Black woman, let alone being involved in decoding sensitive information with a civilian. We’ve come a long way since 1943 in many respects, but we’ve fallen backwards and been stalled in so many other aspects.

This was an interesting read about a courageous heroine who refused to be constrained by society or seen/treated differently because of her skin colour. With so many code-breaking novels on the market these days, this one will stand out (in a positive way) as it features a person of colour in the field.

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Patricia Raybon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page turner! That was my goal with this “smart and gripping” codebreaking story inspired by a real Black finishing school where Southern fiction, World War II suspense, and a wartime love story collide. I loved writing THE SEDALIA CODE, and I pray you enjoy my brave heroine's North Carolina tale, her spiritual questions and answers, and historic thrills as you cheer her on!

[Katja Labonté · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+ stars (6/10 hearts). Okay, as soon as I saw the blurb I knew I'd love this, and I was NOT mistaken. First off, it's WWII... but not the usual POV. Laurette, a whip-smart and deeply insecure woman trying to prove she's not bound by her poor roots, teaches math at an acclaimed Black finishing school and meets a handsome lieutenant stationed at the nearby base where Italian POWs are treated better than the Black American soldiers. And it's not long before Laurette finds herself personally fighting the Nazis, putting her job on the line.

I loved the characters... I liked the way Laurette pointed out the beauty in math, and the determination with which she pursued her dreams and refused to let nasty people and difficult circumstances stop her. I loved how Nev almost never stopped smiling in spite of everything. I loved the unlikely little group that banded together to save their land despite her flaws. I loved the honesty that filled the book—Rayburn never shied away from showing just how hard and unfair things were for Black Americans in the 1940s—and how it was mixed with truth and beauty and hope. I liked how unpredictable the plot was and how Laurette didn't spend the whole book sneaking around her boss but invited her into the mess. I loved the sermons, and the message that was woven throughout the story.

This was a top favourite traditionally published books of 2026 for sure 💙

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*

[Christine Barth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review by librarian Christine Barth was first published in the Sept. 2026 issue of Library Journal.

Laurette Lowe grew up in "an ugly time in an ugly town" beset by racism at home and Nazi aggression abroad, but her new job teaching math at the prestigious all-Black La Porte Academy in Sedalia, NC, might be her big break. As war rage overseas, Black soldiers and academics struggle to fight oppression in Europe even as they are denied basic rights at home.
On fire to change the world, Laurette encounters prejudice even within the La Porte community. Soldier Nev Pierce knows only Laurette, whom he met once, might be smart enough to break the code passed to him by Italian prisoners of war. Breaking a whole host of regulations, Nev, Laurette, and a few others uncover a plot against FDR himself. Fearing no one will believe their unusual group of allies, they devise an audacious plan to protect their country despite its flaws.
VERDICT: Raybon (Truth be Told) brings the World War II home front to life, scarcely giving readers a chance to breathe between political intrigue, ciphers, and carefully crafted character interactions.

[Jeanette Durkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is a wonderful book! It was set in North Carolina in 1943 at La Porte Academy.

The cast of characters are written brilliantly! Laurette is AMAZING!! She rises from poverty to become a teacher at La Porte Academy. Life has dealt her some hard blows but she's ready for this next chapter to begin. Nev is my favorite! He's someone who sees the glass as half full. He's intelligent, compassionate and brave. Jenny is the best friend that everyone needs in their life. Dr. Clarice Dodd Widener is a passionate and wise woman.

The Sedalia Code parts of the book are my favorite! Laurette uses her math skills and intelligence to crack a code that contains a threat to America.

Laurette is also on a spiritual journey. One day during a chapel service, a preacher talks about Jeremiah. "Ah, Lord God! Behold, thou hast made the heaven and earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is NOTHING too hard for thee."

I was provided a complimentary ARC copy of the book from Tyndale House Publishers via NetGalley through Interviews and Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Michele Morin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patricia Raybon has created another sharp, heroic, and believably flawed character in her latest novel, The Sedalia Code. Frustrated by the limitations she encounters in the Jim Crow-era South, Laurette Lowe works hard and finds success on her own terms as a teacher in a posh private school for Black students.

Laurette reminded me of my own half-blind self when I was her age. Coming from poverty into academia is unsettling, and it hooks every natural instinct of self-preservation and image management. Determined to live down her “dirtpoor childhood,” she was determined that nothing would “stop, delay, or deflect her climb up the ladder.”

Romance and intrigue show up in the plot at the same time in the person of Nev Pierce, a handsome young soldier. What begins as a cipher to be solved mathematically swiftly reveals an international plot against the president’s life and uncovers a ring of NAZI racists who will stop at nothing to advance their wicked agenda.

Raybon’s research of World War II-era details, particularly of life on the home front, makes this story both engaging and informative. Laurette’s internal struggles perfectly mirror the times, but are also, in a way, timeless. We all have areas of delayed obedience when it comes to the hard work of forgiveness. And we’re all a little unsure about our place in the world.

Surrounded by friends and colleagues who see her value apart from what she has accomplished, Laurette receives the counsel of Chaplain Dunlap with grace and humility:

“I’ve done my share of shining so folks see ‘important’ me. But elevate God when you shine. Then folks see God, who made your bright thing happen, the one who fights our battles, who conquers all our foes.”

When we turn our attention toward the real enemy, when we direct our life’s fight toward the thing that’s REALLY holding us back, we discover a God who sees our light shining—even in impossible circumstances—and who sings over us with joy.

[Scott County Library System · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review by librarian Christine Barth was first published in the Sept. 2026 issue of Library Journal.

Laurette Lowe grew up in "an ugly time in an ugly town" beset by racism at home and Nazi aggression abroad, but her new job teaching math at the prestigious all-Black La Porte Academy in Sedalia, NC, might be her big break. As war rage overseas, Black soldiers and academics struggle to fight oppression in Europe even as they are denied basic rights at home.
On fire to change the world, Laurette encounters prejudice even within the La Porte community. Soldier Nev Pierce knows only Laurette, whom he met once, might be smart enough to break the code passed to him by Italian prisoners of war. Breaking a whole host of regulations, Nev, Laurette, and a few others uncover a plot against FDR himself. Fearing no one will believe their unusual group of allies, they devise an audacious plan to protect their country despite its flaws.
VERDICT: Raybon (Truth be Told) brings the World War II home front to life, scarcely giving readers a chance to breathe between political intrigue, ciphers, and carefully crafted character interactions.

[Danielle | Lovedatfirstwrite · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED THIS STORY SO MUCH. 🎉

This was an all gas, no brakes kind of book.

It completely floored me. From the first page to the last, I had no idea what was coming next. It was a wild + satisfying ride.

This book made me laugh, then had me feeling anxious, worried, and curious. Every time I thought I had it figured out, the story surprised me.

This was exactly my kind of WWII historical fiction. The realities of the Jim Crow era added depth to the story, while the mystery kept me turning the pages.

I also loved the setting at La Porte Academy. Knowing it was inspired by the real Palmer Memorial Institute made the story feel even more authentic.

I loved Lorette. I loved Nev. But most of all, I loved the author’s way of writing. So intriguing and unique. I couldn’t put this book down 😭

Thank you to NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers for the early review copy. I highly recommend this one.

[Hannah · Rating 3.25 out of 5]

'The Sedalia Code' brings 1940s North Carolina to life through its historical setting. As someone who enjoys math, I especially liked seeing Laurette use her abilities in a meaningful career and have the opportunity to help her country during the war. It was heartwarming to learn about the people who helped her rise above her difficult beginnings, and I enjoyed the hints of romance throughout the story. I also appreciated seeing characters at different stages in their relationship with God.

There are a lot of interesting elements in this story, from Laurette navigating her new position in a society shaped by racial prejudice to the effort to stop a Nazi plot. I enjoyed the group of characters who came together, but I struggled to believe some of the developments surrounding the Nazi plot and the attempts to thwart it. With so many storylines to explore, I also wished the characters and their experiences had been given more room to develop. While I appreciated many aspects of the book, the different elements didn't come together as cohesively as I had hoped, and I eventually found it difficult to stay invested.

Special thanks to Tyndale Fiction and NetGalley for providing an advance review copy. I received this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

[LA · Rating 3 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed the first half of this WW2 Homefront story about African American involvement with the war efforts and holding Italian POWs on American soil.

The main female lead is a mathematician working to step out of the shadow of her poor upbringing. The main male lead is an army lieutenant who is treated less than the Italian POWs under his care. They uncover and decode secret messages that will change to course of the war.

There are quite a few supporting cast that make for an interesting story - creating both friction and warm moments.

The pacing is well done - it never feels slow or sluggish. It held my attention until about the fifty percent mark. At this point, it was difficult to believe what the hero and heroine were about to do and how they foiled the plans of the enemy.

It would have been helpful to have an author’s note at the back of the book explaining which parts of the book were based on fact and which were from the author’s imagination (I love reading those notes and wished this had been provided).

I received a copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Crystal Tipton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Special thanks to Edelweiss for the advanced reader copy of this book. I absolutely couldn't put this book down; I finished it in one day. It reminded me a bit of Hidden Figures, but with more of a storyline and a lot more suspense. The unfortunate circumstances of the character's struggle with what to do because of their race added so much tension and made the story even more powerful. Definitely worth the read!

[Linda Galella · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE SEDALIA CODE is my first book from Pratricia Raybon. It won’t be my last from this award winning author.

Laurette and Nev meet in the black section of a bus in North Carolina. She’s heading to a new job as the math teacher at an elite, black finishing school. He’s a Lieutenant in the army head to camp. Tiny sparks fly…

Once on campus, Laurette discovers prejudice exists in the school hierarchy. Her immediate supervisor becomes an instant nemesis. Nev discovers the Italian POW’s he and his men are guarding get better treatment than they do.

Jim Crow is alive and incredibly unwell in WW2 North Carolina.

When one of Nev’s men finds an odd piece of paper, he brings it to Nev, knowing something’s not right. It looks like it might be coded and he knows just who might be able to help.

Laurette is surprised to find Nev at her school. It’s NOT a good time but she takes the paper to see what she can do to help out.

Obviously, based on the title of this book, Laurette discovers a code.

Raybon crafted a multi layered plot that revolves around: discrimination, unresolved family issues, political intrigue, WW2, questions about faith, forgiveness and love. Laurette is surrounded with a fine collection of interesting characters at the school, Nev has a few at the base, (not well developed but key to the plot), a few colorful society members plus FDR - yup, the POTUS. He becomes a key figure in this storyline.

Readers are easily drawn into the story by characters that are easy to care about and root for. As their lives are respectfully explored, individual characters become familiar. Their interactions and relationships grow, change, and become meaningful entanglements.

I really appreciated the historical aspects and context of the Jim Crow Laws. Raybon tells the story honestly without an agenda. These characters lived courageous lives while dealing with unconscionable situations creating a compelling narrative.

Highly recommended for readers of: historical fiction, southern fiction, WW2 fiction, black fiction, historical mysteries and light political thrillers📚

I received a copy for review purposes. All opinions are honest and mine alone.
Read & Reviewed from a NetGalley eARC with thanks to the publisher and author.

[Eunice R]

Some of my very favorite combinations are threaded throughout this narrative: strong faith based acknowledgement and sparks of humor! What a wonderfully, heartwarming story with added multicultural interest. This is played out in the life of the protaganist, Laurette Lowe, as she navigates the severe prejudice of her times due to her colored background, abuse from her mother; challenges from rich vs poor, and living during WWII conditions in the USA.

Her character and dignity shine through the mix of mystery, suspense, misery and life challenges and to finding happiness. Her mathematics and code's brain lands her in some pickles, but interesing situations, perhaps more than she'd like. She even gets to meet a very, very important person.

Along for the ride are her friends Jenny Clay, Doctor Widener, her special man Nev Pierce and even Nancy Bellamy, to name a few. In my opnion, The Sedalia Code has been a truly great story to read and definitely deserves a 5 Star rating.

And kudos to Patricia Raybon, the author!

~ Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger ~

June 2026

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent to me by NetGalley and the publisher.

[Sandy Quandt · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Relatable characters. Authentic dialog. Suspense. Intrigue. Romance. Betrayal. Jim Crow. You’ll find these, and more, inside the pages of Patricia Raybon’s latest historical suspense mystery, The Sedalia Code.

The Sedalia Code is set in Sedalia, North Carolina, in 1943 during World War II. At a time when Jim Crow law ruled, Laurette Lowe teaches math at the prestigious Black finishing school, La Porte Academy.

After her brief encounter with Nev Pierce, a Black Army lieutenant from nearby Camp Butner, Laurette becomes entangled in his request to decipher cryptic messages from an Italian POW working at the Army base. Reluctant to become involved at first, Laurette can’t help but take on the challenge.

What she discovers is a sinister plot. Nazis are planning an invasion on American soil. When the target of the attack shifts, Laurette and her friends at the Academy, along with Nev and some of his trusted buddies, set into motion a plan to foil the enemies’ attempt. Only to have their plans morph into something they weren’t expecting.

This well-researched, sweet romance, brings the 1940s wartime Deep South into sharp focus. Through their bravery and courage, Laurette and Nev willingly risk it all for a segregated country. A country whose leaders likely won’t believe they are telling the truth about the threat they’ve discovered.

I received an ARC for an honest review.

[Adam‘’s book reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Sedalia Code is a historical mystery set in North Carolina in 1943, following Laurette Lowe, a Black mathematics teacher who returns to the South to begin a new position at a finishing school. As she settles into her new environment, she finds herself drawn into a mystery involving coded messages and the war. The story also explores racism, segregation, and the challenges Laurette faces as she learns how to navigate the school environment.

I thought this was a good book, and I enjoyed the historical setting and the inclusion of the World War II elements. I also liked the developing relationship between Laurette and Lieutenant Pierce. The cliffhangers and unanswered questions kept me interested and made me want to keep reading.

My biggest issue was the pacing. I thought the story was somewhat too drawn out, and the timing of events often seemed to stretch longer than necessary. There were also a few inconsistencies that caught my attention and occasionally pulled me out of the story. Even so, I found the characters and mystery engaging enough to keep me invested.

Thanks to NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers for providing an advance copy.

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story taught me so much as the author provides readers with a unique perspective. We get to know Laurette, a young math instructor at Palmer Memorial Institute, an elite finishing school for Black women. She was used to discrimination, but she is unprepared for the prejudice she faces from the school administration.

I particularly liked how Laurette uses her mathematical abilities to unravel codes and make sense when solving challenges in life. I liked how the author puts readers in Laurette's shoes as she looks for true companions and a place to call home. Laurette must choose who she can rely on and help with this matter. if ignored, it could endanger lives. This intriguing mystery, which combines a charming romance with themes of bravery, friendship, and trust, appealed to me. This would be a fantastic choice for a book pick.

I requested an ARC of this novel from the publisher, Netgalley. The thoughts are my own.
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
Nora St Laurent

[Jasmine Leggett Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sedalia Code was a true page-turner! Inspired by a real Black finishing school in North Carolina, this story blends Southern historical fiction, World War II, suspense, and a sweet wartime romance into an unforgettable read. I was completely drawn into Laurette’s journey and found myself cheering her on every step of the way. I especially enjoyed the codebreaking mystery, the rich historical setting, and the way the author thoughtfully explored faith, courage, and perseverance. Patricia Raybon created characters that were easy to care about and a story that kept me turning the pages. If you enjoy historical fiction with strong heroines, meaningful faith, and plenty of suspense, I highly recommend adding this book to your reading list. I received an advanced reader copy of #TheSedaliaCode from #Netgalley. Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers and Patricia Raybon.

[Psusan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sedalia Code is an absolutely unforgettable and stunning page-turner by Patricia Raybon. Many stories may make this claim, but The Sedalia Code lives up to it. I know exactly where Sedalia, North Carolina is located, having driven through this blink-and-you miss-it area, seeing the amazing Palmer Memorial Institute site. With characters that I could relate to and admire even more. Laurette Lowe is a strong heroine who continues to do the right thing along with Army lieutenant Nev Pierce, though there is segregation in place, biases along with laws that hold them back. Their quiet, determined well plan plot to stop a Nazi plot is a nail-biting story that is impossible to stop reading. Faith, forgiveness, God’s guidance and steadfastness is woven into every page of this book. I highly recommend The Sedalia Code to all.

[Libby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, even though I felt that it didn't quite reach the quality of Raybon's Annalee Spain mysteries. Although this is labeled as a historical mystery, I felt like the mystery was secondary to the focus on the historical setting and the life story of the main character, Laurette. In fact, my biggest complaint about the book is that we don't learn enough about Laurette's early life, her relationship with her mother, and what happened to her brother, all of which greatly impact her life. The mystery itself was unique and interesting. It reached its climax well before the end of the book. Again, I wish there had been a lot more details about the post-mystery part of Laurette's life. There is quite a bit but this part of the story still felt rushed to me. Highly recommended as historical fiction.

[Terry Felix · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Patricia Raybon. Her books never disappoint and The Sedalia Code is no exception. Great WWII historical fiction with personal struggle, strong faith, page turning suspense and a little romance. Laurette is a remarkable, brave, persistent, likeable heroine. The realities of being black in the time of Nazi control and Jim Crow was devastatingly difficult, this story gave me a greater appreciation of what it was like to live in such a painful time. The cast of supporting characters is well rounded and interesting. The plot is fast paced and not predictable. The Sedalia Code is an all-around good read.
Thank you to Tyndale and Net Galley for the opportunity to read for my honest review.

[Susan Feaster · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sedalia Code by Patricia Rayburn is a compelling story set in North Carolina during World War II, and is the setting is based on an actual Black finishing school in that era. The book gives a portrayal of what life was like in that era, and of the struggle to rise out of poverty. As the title indicates, there’s a code to break and that leads to uncovering a Nazi plot. There’s suspense, interesting characters, a love story, and a well written and intriguing story line - all combining to make this a good read. Many thanks to Tyndale Publising via Net Galley for providing a copy of this book

[Sharon Brewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. Laurette Lowe has landed a job as a Math teacher at La Porte Academy, a prestigious Black finishing school. She is trying very hard to make her way because she comes from a very poor background. After she has an encounter with Nev Pierce, an Army lieutenant at nearby Camp Butner, her live changes. Nev comes into possession of some secret letters written in code. Laurette, who is very good at deciphering codes, helps him solve them. This leads to a lot of danger and adventure as well as a budding romance. I thought the premise of this book was unique-history as well as a mystery. Recommend if you like both genres.

[Hannah Bristol · Rating 4 out of 5]

A vibrant and engaging WWII historical fiction! Laurette is a wonderfully likeable and compelling lead, and setting the story in the Jim Crow South adds impressive depth. The heart of the book lies in Laurette’s relationships—her romance with Nev, her bond with her friends at La Porte, and her growth alongside Dr. Widener were all highlights.

While the pacing was a little uneven at times—some slower stretches drag while major plot moments feel a bit hurried—the strong character work and immersive setting more than make up for it. Recommended for fans of WWII historical fiction with strong female leads!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I've read all of the Annalee Spain books and they were wonderful. This book is so very different but it was so very good. Set in the south during World War 2, Laurette Lowe was a teacher at a Black finishing school. She met a soldier named Nev and together they worked to decode messages that revealed a plot by the Nazis to assassinate President Roosevelt. I loved Laurette and Nev and the other characters too. Well done and I look forward to what Patricia Raybon writes next!

[Harper_Clark clark]

𝗛𝗶❟ 𝗜 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗜 𝗲𝗻𝗷𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆｡ 𝗜𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗲｡ 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗻｡

𝗜’𝗺 𝗮 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗪𝗲𝗯𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗻𝘀❟ 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮❟ 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀❟ 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴❟ 𝗜 𝗸𝗲𝗽𝘁 𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝘂𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗹𝘀｡ 𝗜𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗿𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲❟ 𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻❟ 𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘂𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆｡

𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗱𝗱 𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱 (harper_clark) 𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 (_harperr_) 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝘆 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸｡

[Kelly Bridgewater · Rating 3.25 out of 5]

The Sedalia Code by Patricia Raybon opens readers’ eyes to a whole different view of World War II. I loved how she didn’t shy away from the racial tension of the time. It happened, and I’m glad she stayed true to the period. As for the plot with the codebreaking, it was important to advance the storyline along. Without these clues left in the hero’s knapsack, then the heroine would not have gotten involved with trying to stop Nazi sympathizers who were on American soil. As for the romance, I had a really hard time believing that the couple would fall in love so fast. Yes, I believe they could have feelings for each other, but to say that they wanted to spend forever with each other. No. Honestly, they really don’t know much about each other to justify their quick wedding. Overall, The Sedalia Code by Patricia Raybon is a unique view into the world of World War II in the South. Readers that enjoy World War II novels might enjoy this novel too.

I received a complimentary copy of The Sedalia Code by Patricia Raybon, but the opinions stated are all my own.

[Kiersti Giron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This amazing World War II homefront novel kept me turning pages from beginning to end! Laurette Lowe, a gifted new math teacher at a prestigious prep school for young black students, just wants a fresh start in life. But when a frightening message of Nazi espionage crosses the path of Nev Pierce, a young lieutenant at the nearby segregated army base, he brings Laurette the message, knowing she has a knack for unraveling codes. But in a world already allied against them, can they figure out whom to trust, solve the puzzle, and prevent disaster before it’s too late?

Patricia Raybon’s novels consistently grip me with their fast-paced plots, compelling characters, stellar prose, and honest look at the hard truths of American history - always without letting go of faith and hope. If you enjoy Sarah Sundin’s WWII novels or movies like Hidden Figures, I think you’ll love this story!

[Kerrie G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers of Historical Mystery fiction will love this WWII novel about Laurette, a young girl turning into a woman from a backcountry, poor background, who cracks the code to a wartime event that could have had devising consequences. She is helped by Nev, an Army Lieutenant, as they work and plan together to prevent this possible tragic event from happening.
Patricia Raybon's storytelling keeps you glued to the pages. you won't want to put this book down.

[Grace R · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and Tyndale for an ARC of this book.
I have read several historical novels in the past several months that did not bring the historical setting to life. That always disappoints me as I love historical fiction and history. This book did not disappoint. The setting was written very well and I had no trouble picturing the placement of the story.
I really enjoyed reading a book about some of the little known aspects of World War II such as Italian prisoners of war on US soil and the effects of the war on African Americans. The author created a fun plot where Nazi spies worked with some Fascist Italians to try and kill the president.
The only thing in this book that I did not like was how the main character found God. By the end of the book, Laurette Lowe found her faith, but it didn't seem like she found redemption on Christ. Christ was not mentioned at all in the book and that was so disappointing.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore the author's books, and her latest offering is set in the U.S. during WWII, weaving in elements of faith, poverty, racism, and breaking enemy codes in a gripping tale I could not put down. Highly recommended!