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english_lady03's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this story overall. The backdrop of the late Victorian/early Georgian telegraphy (forerunner of telephones or the internet) network was an interesting choice and worked quite well. In fact, I think this might have been better than the first novel in the author's first trilogy which come out a couple of years ago.
The story and some of the characters were quite normal for this genre but not uninteresting. The heroine's assortment of cats was an amusing touch.
There were a few Americanisms in the characters speech and mannerisms, but that's to be expected and I'm usually pleasantly surprised when there aren't.
Recommended.
Thanks to the publisher Bethany House for allowing me to read a copy of this title. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
The story and some of the characters were quite normal for this genre but not uninteresting. The heroine's assortment of cats was an amusing touch.
There were a few Americanisms in the characters speech and mannerisms, but that's to be expected and I'm usually pleasantly surprised when there aren't.
Recommended.
Thanks to the publisher Bethany House for allowing me to read a copy of this title. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
amelia990's review against another edition
4.0
This author is quickly becoming a favorite. I really have been enjoying her telegraph series. The hero and the heroine are both well rounded people who are likable and you want to root for. The hero is respectful of the heroine, and values her for her intelligence and her business acumen. It is amazingly refreshing to get to read about a hero who isn't thinking only of how pretty the heroine is but instead is recognizing her accomplishments. Although it isn't a major part of the story, I also enjoyed the relationship between the heroine and her former teacher. The author does a good job of walking the line between a romance story where the characters get together at the end and respecting that women can want complex things. The only thing that had my eyebrow raising was that the author was overly kind to Carnegie (who was not as good of a person as he's portrayed in this); he's only a small part of the story, though.
fantasticcan1475's review against another edition
emotional
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
abigailkayharris's review against another edition
5.0
Delamere pulls you in with barely the first line.
From the first page, I was attached to Alice, she is not the usual heroine. Neither too feminine nor too much of a feminist, I was thrilled to follow along as the story progressed.
Douglas is a hero who I liked from the first as well, you can see instantly that he is not perfect and yet he is not a hero that you are disappointed in.
With a smart writing style that is as alluring as the plot is, "Line by Line" had me eagerly turning every page until I reached the end on a new favorite historical romance.
Note, there is a slight villain and he is something of a creep but he does not take over the story in any way that made me uncomfortable.
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
From the first page, I was attached to Alice, she is not the usual heroine. Neither too feminine nor too much of a feminist, I was thrilled to follow along as the story progressed.
Douglas is a hero who I liked from the first as well, you can see instantly that he is not perfect and yet he is not a hero that you are disappointed in.
With a smart writing style that is as alluring as the plot is, "Line by Line" had me eagerly turning every page until I reached the end on a new favorite historical romance.
Note, there is a slight villain and he is something of a creep but he does not take over the story in any way that made me uncomfortable.
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
travelerswife4life's review against another edition
4.0
Travelers Wife 4 Life
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Line by Line was a sweet story with a compelling plotline. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres to read from and Jennifer Delamere certainly emphasized why! This is the first book in her new series Love along the Wires which if I am right, she does introduce some of the characters who will have their books coming out next.
I loved how Alice McNeil knew what she wanted in life. She is independent, competent, and a hard worker who is great at her job, that of a telegrapher; a job that sounds like so much fun. I thought Douglas Shaw was a great balance for her, and I loved the tensions between them. It was a very interesting story to watch unfold.
The setting of this story was around the turn of the century 1880s and it was right when women started trying to have more of a voice in things, and branch out into industries that they previously had not been able to be in. I thought Jennifer Delamere did a great job bringing to light different aspects of the time and telling them in a no-nonsense way, just making them flow seamlessly with the story. I enjoyed this story and I am excited to pass it to someone else who will enjoy it as much as I did.
I give this story 5 out of 5 stars for the great characters, the fun & informative plot, and the theme of being open to what God wants you to do.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
.-.. .. -. . / -... -.-- / .-.. .. -. . / .--- . -. -. .. ..-. . .-. / -.. . .-.. .- -- . .-. .
Line by Line was a sweet story with a compelling plotline. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres to read from and Jennifer Delamere certainly emphasized why! This is the first book in her new series Love along the Wires which if I am right, she does introduce some of the characters who will have their books coming out next.
I loved how Alice McNeil knew what she wanted in life. She is independent, competent, and a hard worker who is great at her job, that of a telegrapher; a job that sounds like so much fun. I thought Douglas Shaw was a great balance for her, and I loved the tensions between them. It was a very interesting story to watch unfold.
The setting of this story was around the turn of the century 1880s and it was right when women started trying to have more of a voice in things, and branch out into industries that they previously had not been able to be in. I thought Jennifer Delamere did a great job bringing to light different aspects of the time and telling them in a no-nonsense way, just making them flow seamlessly with the story. I enjoyed this story and I am excited to pass it to someone else who will enjoy it as much as I did.
I give this story 5 out of 5 stars for the great characters, the fun & informative plot, and the theme of being open to what God wants you to do.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
melmo2610's review against another edition
5.0
Line By Line was truly a charming story. This is my first book by this author but it will not be my last. The book caught me early on and I loved every moment of it. The meet cute between Alice and Douglas was one of the best I have read. Alice's reactions during that scene were absolutely hysterical. Their developing relationship was entertaining and their friends helped to round out the story very well. The story didn't lag and kept me invested and the ending was perfect. I really really enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading Jennifer's earlier books as well as reading the upcoming books in this series. Jennifer Delamere has a new fan in me!
I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my honest opinion.
I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my honest opinion.
clonazine's review against another edition
2.0
I couldn't finish it, I was just bored, it wasn't what I was expecting. I read "The Captain's Daughter" by Jennifer and I think that book it's better, I enjoyed that one more.
melissasbookshelf's review against another edition
4.0
What a great start to a new series! There were so many things about this book that I enjoyed. The characters were loveably flawed and yet were willing to change their preconceived notions. Alice is the intelligent woman who wants to be appreciated for her talents and wants independence. She vows to remain a spinster. Douglas is the self made man who has lifted himself up from poverty. He is extremely ambitious and is willing to do what it takes to get ahead including marrying a woman for the money and prestige she will bring to him regardless of how he feels about her.
It’s interesting that even as times change human nature doesn’t. I loved the Spinster’s Guidebook based on a real book. It offers some interesting advice and Alice proves that using that advice can have interesting consequences. The spiritual aspects were seamlessly woven into the story, especially that money in itself is not evil, it’s the love of money. I liked that Andrew Carnegie’s actual philosophy was included in the story. His philanthropy was amazing! I felt like both Carnegie and the fictional Miss Templeton, who is Alice’s mentor, served as voices of wisdom for both the main characters at critical points in the story. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next book in the series!
It’s interesting that even as times change human nature doesn’t. I loved the Spinster’s Guidebook based on a real book. It offers some interesting advice and Alice proves that using that advice can have interesting consequences. The spiritual aspects were seamlessly woven into the story, especially that money in itself is not evil, it’s the love of money. I liked that Andrew Carnegie’s actual philosophy was included in the story. His philanthropy was amazing! I felt like both Carnegie and the fictional Miss Templeton, who is Alice’s mentor, served as voices of wisdom for both the main characters at critical points in the story. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next book in the series!
sassybookishmama's review against another edition
4.0
What a great book!! This is my first book by Jennifer Delamere and definitely did not disappoint!! II will definitely be adding her to my to-be-read authors list!! I absolutely loved this story. It was thoroughly engaging and had all those elements you look for in a story; love, a somewhat villainous character, comedy, disappointment and more love! Right away you can tell that the author has done extensive research to make this book come alive! It was interesting to relive that moment in history when technological improvements were just beginning.
The characters are very relatable and endearing. Both main characters Douglas and Alice are determined to make their own way into the world and be successful in what they do. For Alice that means being an independent woman, not focused on marriage or starting a family but rather focus on making herself a successful telegrapher. Douglas on the other hand has come from poverty so he is determined to make a name for himself in the business world and climb that corporate ladder in whatever way that may be even the possibility into marrying into a what most consider a noble family. That is until he meets Alice!
Oh my stars! Their love story is so good! It really all starts with a friendship and a bookstore! (How can you go wrong with a book that includes a book store?!) And seriously it all starts with a book she picks up from the bookstore called "The Spinster's Guide to Love and Romance". I don't want to give you any spoilers but by picking up this book it causes Alice to come across many comical problems. They moments she encounters truly have you shaking your head and smirking!
There are some sweet moments as well with Douglas and Alice that are swoon worthy! Especially on one scene where Douglas taps out Thank You in Morse Code after Alice helps him to feel more confident with dancing! Gah!! You definitely fall in love with Douglas and are pulling for him the entire time!
Although the love element is great in this story, it's only part of it. Douglas and Alice are both on a journey. They are both learning what they truly want out of life. When Douglas meets with Mr. Carnegie (yes the Carnegie from our history books) he definitely has an eye-opening experience. He not only learns that Carnegie is a business minded person but that his outlook on wealth is not to accumulate it but rather help others with it. I love how he says this " No idol is more debasing than the worship of money. If a person is going to spend so much of their life's blood and sweat on something, it should be something that is elevating in character." Wow! That is a teaching moment not only for Douglas but I think of all of us as human beings as well!
Alice also goes through an eye opening experience of her own after she gets dismissed from her telegraphy job (this is where that somewhat villainous character comes in) and heads out to her parents wedding anniversary celebration where she hears her dad say "You have been my best life's work." All this time she has been thinking that her sole purpose was to stay unmarried and focus on her independence. She has never wanted to have that independent spirit to be taken away. She realizes after speaking with her mentor as well that all this time she has wanted "a man to whom she could safely entrust her heard and her hard-earned independence."
It was lovely to see these characters grow and learn about themselves throughout the story. Jennifer Delamere definitely left the story open for continuation as we were introduced to two of Alice's friends; Rose and Emma and I for one cannot wait to read their stories in hopes to also catch glimpses of Douglas and Alice!
If you love historical fiction in a Victorian Era then I know you will love this book!
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
The characters are very relatable and endearing. Both main characters Douglas and Alice are determined to make their own way into the world and be successful in what they do. For Alice that means being an independent woman, not focused on marriage or starting a family but rather focus on making herself a successful telegrapher. Douglas on the other hand has come from poverty so he is determined to make a name for himself in the business world and climb that corporate ladder in whatever way that may be even the possibility into marrying into a what most consider a noble family. That is until he meets Alice!
Oh my stars! Their love story is so good! It really all starts with a friendship and a bookstore! (How can you go wrong with a book that includes a book store?!) And seriously it all starts with a book she picks up from the bookstore called "The Spinster's Guide to Love and Romance". I don't want to give you any spoilers but by picking up this book it causes Alice to come across many comical problems. They moments she encounters truly have you shaking your head and smirking!
There are some sweet moments as well with Douglas and Alice that are swoon worthy! Especially on one scene where Douglas taps out Thank You in Morse Code after Alice helps him to feel more confident with dancing! Gah!! You definitely fall in love with Douglas and are pulling for him the entire time!
Although the love element is great in this story, it's only part of it. Douglas and Alice are both on a journey. They are both learning what they truly want out of life. When Douglas meets with Mr. Carnegie (yes the Carnegie from our history books) he definitely has an eye-opening experience. He not only learns that Carnegie is a business minded person but that his outlook on wealth is not to accumulate it but rather help others with it. I love how he says this " No idol is more debasing than the worship of money. If a person is going to spend so much of their life's blood and sweat on something, it should be something that is elevating in character." Wow! That is a teaching moment not only for Douglas but I think of all of us as human beings as well!
Alice also goes through an eye opening experience of her own after she gets dismissed from her telegraphy job (this is where that somewhat villainous character comes in) and heads out to her parents wedding anniversary celebration where she hears her dad say "You have been my best life's work." All this time she has been thinking that her sole purpose was to stay unmarried and focus on her independence. She has never wanted to have that independent spirit to be taken away. She realizes after speaking with her mentor as well that all this time she has wanted "a man to whom she could safely entrust her heard and her hard-earned independence."
It was lovely to see these characters grow and learn about themselves throughout the story. Jennifer Delamere definitely left the story open for continuation as we were introduced to two of Alice's friends; Rose and Emma and I for one cannot wait to read their stories in hopes to also catch glimpses of Douglas and Alice!
If you love historical fiction in a Victorian Era then I know you will love this book!
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.