I enjoy novels that include correspondence so the title of The Letter Tree by Rachel Fordham definitely caught my attention. Even though the exchange of letters is a relatively small part of the plot, I liked this novel I read via the audiobook narrated by Kira Fixx.
Laura Bradshaw leads a lonely life in 1920s Buffalo, NY. Ever since her beloved mother died seven years ago, her father spends all of his time running the family shoe factory, and her only friend is a mystery man with whom she's exchanged letters for years by leaving them at a tree within the Buffalo Zoo.
Isaac Campbell is a very eligible bachelor who is heir to, but has little interest in, his family's business. Once his father and Laura's father were best friends and business partners, but the relationship ended badly, and they've been fierce competitors ever since. Laura and Isaac's childhood friendship was severed by this rift, and they're forbidden to have any contact with each other. When love interests come into both of their lives, are their motivations true, or are they pursuing bigger objectives?
This plot is a clever historical spin on You've Got Mail with representatives of rival companies unknowingly communicating with each other. It's also a subtle homage to Romeo and Juliet with a much happier ending. I feared two plot points would be drawn out due to lack of communication, but thankfully both were resolved within realistic timeframes.
The novel includes a secondary storyline that added an intriguing element. I also appreciated the Niagara Falls historical facts woven into this part of the story. I liked the characters Laura and Isaac and the pursuit of their goals. I also enjoyed Mrs. Gaskin, the Bradshaw housekeeper and Laura's confidant.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson and UpLit Reads for the review copies of this novel.
Laura Bradshaw leads a lonely life in 1920s Buffalo, NY. Ever since her beloved mother died seven years ago, her father spends all of his time running the family shoe factory, and her only friend is a mystery man with whom she's exchanged letters for years by leaving them at a tree within the Buffalo Zoo.
Isaac Campbell is a very eligible bachelor who is heir to, but has little interest in, his family's business. Once his father and Laura's father were best friends and business partners, but the relationship ended badly, and they've been fierce competitors ever since. Laura and Isaac's childhood friendship was severed by this rift, and they're forbidden to have any contact with each other. When love interests come into both of their lives, are their motivations true, or are they pursuing bigger objectives?
This plot is a clever historical spin on You've Got Mail with representatives of rival companies unknowingly communicating with each other. It's also a subtle homage to Romeo and Juliet with a much happier ending. I feared two plot points would be drawn out due to lack of communication, but thankfully both were resolved within realistic timeframes.
The novel includes a secondary storyline that added an intriguing element. I also appreciated the Niagara Falls historical facts woven into this part of the story. I liked the characters Laura and Isaac and the pursuit of their goals. I also enjoyed Mrs. Gaskin, the Bradshaw housekeeper and Laura's confidant.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson and UpLit Reads for the review copies of this novel.
