Another great book by Jennifer Delamere! I so enjoyed reading this story this month. It was engaging, and it was set in England, which is always a good thing! The characters were interesting and relatable--in fact, there were moments in the text that seemed to mirror events in my own life.
Alice McNeil is the main protagonist in this story, and this novel explains her plight to succeed in a male-oriented business. She loves telegraphy, and she is good at it, but unlike other women, Alice wants to be independent and support herself. Most ladies of this time period want to marry and have their husband support their livelihood--but not Alice. It is her one goal in life--never to marry. She prefers to spend her days free from such troubles, yet she never thinks of the future. But what will happen if her plans go wrong? Will she be able to easily move forward in the life she planned for herself, or will unforeseen difficulties cost her more than she thought possible?
Douglas Shaw desires nothing more than to rise higher and higher in his field of expertise--telegraphy and communication. He thinks of nothing else. Coming from meager beginnings, he hopes to never live in such a situation again, yet there are so many obstacles in his way. It seems he must constantly overcome some hurdle in order to achieve his goal. His best plans are challenged by others, and he begins to wonder if he will be able to go as far as he would like--such as, how can he deny the feelings of his heart? Especially when he knows it might cost him everything. What other choice does he have but to climb the business ladder though?
Delamere's books are such a delight to read, and this one is no exception. Her story-telling draws you into the world of these time eras as you get to know those who live there. It is truly a sad moment when you turn the page and find the last paragraph. I look forward to more of her stories in the future. I recommend checking out this book as well as her other novels. Happy reading friends!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the author for my copy.
Alice McNeil resolved at a young age to travel through life unencumbered by love or marriage, free to make her own decisions. A seasoned telegrapher, she's recently acquired 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 also determined to marry into high society--a step that will ensure he never returns to the conditions of his past.
He and Alice form a friendly relationship based on mutual respect, but anything deeper is not in their plans. However, when Alice accidentally raises the ire of a jealous and vindictive coworker who's intent on ruining her life, Alice and Douglas are forced to confront what is truly important in their lives. Will their growing bond give them the courage to risk finding a better way?
A history fan, travel lover, and outdoor enthusiast, Jennifer Delamere writes tales of the past...and of new beginnings. Her debut novel An Heiress at Heart was an RWA RITA® award finalist, and her follow-up, A Lady Most Lovely, earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly and the Maggie Award for Excellence from Georgia Romance Writers.
Jennifer earned her B.A. in English from McGill University in Montreal, Canada, where she also gained fluency in French and developed an abiding passion for winter sports. She's been an editor of nonfiction and educational materials for two decades. She loves reading classics and histories, which she mines for the vivid details to bring to life the people and places in her books.
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