If you enjoy books featuring strong, independent women and a healthy dose of humor, Line by Line might be just what you're looking for!
Can her dreams of independence withstand a dash of love?
Since she was young, Alice McNeil has seen a career as a telegrapher as the best use for her keen and curious mind. Years later, she doesn't regret her freedom in foregoing marriage, especially when she acquires a coveted position at an important trading firm. But when the company's ambitious junior director returns to London, things begin to change in ways Alice could never have imagined.
For Douglas Shaw, years of hard work and ingenuity enabled him to escape a life of grinding poverty. He's now determined to marry into high society--a step that will ensure he never returns to the conditions of his past.
He immediately earns Alice's respect by judging her based on her skills and not her gender, and a fast camaraderie forms. However, when Alice accidentally angers a jealous coworker and his revenge threatens both their reputations, Alice and Douglas are forced to confront what is truly important in their lives. Will their growing bond give them the courage to see the future in a different light?
Line by Line is an enjoyable Victorian romance. Though it did take me a bit to get into the novel (probably 50 pages or so), I soon began really enjoying my reading. I especially appreciated the dash of humor brought by both the banter and the frequent references to The Spinster's Guide to Love and Romance (a guide book that should make reappearances in future novels!).
I enjoyed the romance (especially Alice and Douglas's first kiss!), but I think what I liked the most was just viewing Alice's daily life. I also loved her spunk and that she could go toe-to-toe with any man. And I appreciated how both Alice and Douglas grew throughout the novel—they were not static characters.
Those who enjoy historical romance featuring strong women will find much to like in this novel! 4 stars.
Buy the book (affiliate link).
Read my review of Delamere's The Captain's Daughter (3 stars).
Jennifer Delamere's (www.jenniferdelamere.com) debut Victorian romance, An Heiress at Heart, was a 2013 RITA Award finalist in the inspirational category. Her follow-up novel, A Lady Most Lovely, received a starred review from Publishers Weekly and the Maggie Award for Excellence from Georgia Romance Writers. Jennifer earned a BA in English from McGill University in Montreal, where she became fluent in French and developed an abiding passion for winter sports. She's been an editor of nonfiction and educational materials for nearly two decades, and lives in North Carolina with her husband.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and make a purchase, I'll make a small commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
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