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3.69 AVERAGE
3.69 AVERAGE
Imagine inheriting a manor home and discovering two-hundred-year-old love letters addressed to you. Would you assume it was fate leading you to the stranger’s words or something more?
Josie De Clare has had the worst year of her life. After losing her father, she is unsure what she is to do with her life. Feeling hollow, Josie ventures to Atteberry in Northern England to explore the estate her father left her in his will. Searching for ways to feel close to him again, Josie is surprised to find a stack of love letters in the study’s desk draw. Even more shocking, the letters are dated two hundred years prior, yet her name is attached, and all the details seem to make Josie think they are about her.
Elias Roch believes he has met the love of his life. Josephine De Clare captured his heart from the moment he laid eyes on her, but soon after their introduction, she disappears, and he is unable to find her. Determined to be reunited, he begins to write love letters to her in hopes that she will one day read them. Born a bastard, Elias struggles to understand his new role as lord of the estate; however, as fantasies of Josephine De Clare control his mind, the rest of the world seems to fade away. Nothing will be right until they are together, or that is at least what Elias believes.
Jumping from narration to letters, letters to emails, emails to texts, and texts to an unpublished manuscript, Dearest Josephine was initially a bit confusing to piece together.
In the 21st Century, Josie must try to unravel the meaning of the letters and manuscript that have pulled her into their storyline. Could she really be the Josephine this Elias Roch writes about?
Meanwhile, in the 19th century, Elias Roch must decide whether he will live within the dream of ‘what ifs’ or find peace in the present. Time separates the two lovers, but is it true love? How can one know for sure by just reading words on a page?
Dearest Josephine was a clean romance that took us through the ages. Filled with mystery, love, friendship, grief, healing, and literature, it was a delight to read. I loved how Caroline George made it feel as though we were reading everything through Josie’s eyes, experiencing the agonizing time it takes to get through books when friends are messaging you and life calls for our attention. Grief has a way of swallowing people into its abyss in different ways, and this novel depicted the many forms of mourning we take on.
While I found Josie’s infatuation with Elias a little much, I can understand the desire to feel connected to a person whose words seem to bring so much truth and honesty about who you are. It was entertaining to listen to Josie and her friends, Faith and Oliver, as they read through Elias’ letters and novel. Going between the three worlds made it feel like a soap opera. The drama, passion, mystery, and self-discovery made Dearest Josephine relatable. The characters were real, and the things they went through spoke to my heart. I think we all long to have friends like Faith and Oliver; through their love for Josie, they never let her feel alone and always told her the truth, even when she was too blind to see it.
For an introduction to Caroline George, I was impressed with how she managed to fit three narratives into one, creating a seamless work that will entertain and leave readers wanting more. This is a great novel for teens, especially those searching for a heart-throb to drool over without needing to close your eyes on explicit scenes. I will say that the narrator was fantastic with her Northern accent, though her American could do with a bit of work. Nevertheless, she was wonderful to listen to and pulled me into the story with each word!
Positive content: 4⭐️
Language: 1⭐️
Sexual content: 1⭐️
Violence: 1⭐️
Age: 15+
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a pre-release copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are entirely my own!*
Josie De Clare has had the worst year of her life. After losing her father, she is unsure what she is to do with her life. Feeling hollow, Josie ventures to Atteberry in Northern England to explore the estate her father left her in his will. Searching for ways to feel close to him again, Josie is surprised to find a stack of love letters in the study’s desk draw. Even more shocking, the letters are dated two hundred years prior, yet her name is attached, and all the details seem to make Josie think they are about her.
Elias Roch believes he has met the love of his life. Josephine De Clare captured his heart from the moment he laid eyes on her, but soon after their introduction, she disappears, and he is unable to find her. Determined to be reunited, he begins to write love letters to her in hopes that she will one day read them. Born a bastard, Elias struggles to understand his new role as lord of the estate; however, as fantasies of Josephine De Clare control his mind, the rest of the world seems to fade away. Nothing will be right until they are together, or that is at least what Elias believes.
Jumping from narration to letters, letters to emails, emails to texts, and texts to an unpublished manuscript, Dearest Josephine was initially a bit confusing to piece together.
In the 21st Century, Josie must try to unravel the meaning of the letters and manuscript that have pulled her into their storyline. Could she really be the Josephine this Elias Roch writes about?
Meanwhile, in the 19th century, Elias Roch must decide whether he will live within the dream of ‘what ifs’ or find peace in the present. Time separates the two lovers, but is it true love? How can one know for sure by just reading words on a page?
Dearest Josephine was a clean romance that took us through the ages. Filled with mystery, love, friendship, grief, healing, and literature, it was a delight to read. I loved how Caroline George made it feel as though we were reading everything through Josie’s eyes, experiencing the agonizing time it takes to get through books when friends are messaging you and life calls for our attention. Grief has a way of swallowing people into its abyss in different ways, and this novel depicted the many forms of mourning we take on.
While I found Josie’s infatuation with Elias a little much, I can understand the desire to feel connected to a person whose words seem to bring so much truth and honesty about who you are. It was entertaining to listen to Josie and her friends, Faith and Oliver, as they read through Elias’ letters and novel. Going between the three worlds made it feel like a soap opera. The drama, passion, mystery, and self-discovery made Dearest Josephine relatable. The characters were real, and the things they went through spoke to my heart. I think we all long to have friends like Faith and Oliver; through their love for Josie, they never let her feel alone and always told her the truth, even when she was too blind to see it.
For an introduction to Caroline George, I was impressed with how she managed to fit three narratives into one, creating a seamless work that will entertain and leave readers wanting more. This is a great novel for teens, especially those searching for a heart-throb to drool over without needing to close your eyes on explicit scenes. I will say that the narrator was fantastic with her Northern accent, though her American could do with a bit of work. Nevertheless, she was wonderful to listen to and pulled me into the story with each word!
Positive content: 4⭐️
Language: 1⭐️
Sexual content: 1⭐️
Violence: 1⭐️
Age: 15+
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a pre-release copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are entirely my own!*
Imagine inheriting a manor and discovering two-hundred-year-old love letters addressed to you. Would you assume it was fate leading you into the stranger’s words or something more?
Josie De Clare has had the worst year of her life. After losing her father, she is unsure what she is to do with her life. Feeling hollow, Josie ventures to Atteberry in Northern England to explore the estate her father left her in his will. Searching for ways to feel close to him again, Josie is surprised to find a stack of love letters in the study’s desk draw. Even more shocking, the letters are dated two hundred years prior, yet they're addressed to her; but, how is that possible?
Elias Roch believes he has met the love of his life. Josephine De Clare captured his heart from the moment he laid eyes on her, but soon after their introduction, she disappears, and he is unable to find her. Determined to be reunited, he begins to write love letters to her in hopes that she will one day read them. Born a bastard, Elias struggles to understand his new role as lord of the estate; however, as fantasies of Josephine De Clare control his mind, the rest of the world seems to fade away. Nothing will be right until they are together, or that is at least what Elias believes.
Jumping from narration to letters, letters to emails, emails to texts, and texts to an unpublished manuscript, Dearest Josephine was initially a bit confusing to piece together.
In the 21st Century, Josie must try to unravel the meaning of the letters and manuscript that have pulled her into their storyline. Could she really be the Josephine this Elias Roch writes about?
Meanwhile, in the 19th century, Elias Roch must decide whether he will live within the dream of ‘what ifs’ or find peace in the present. Time separates the two lovers, but is it true love? How can one know for sure by just reading words on a page?
Dearest Josephine was a clean romance that takes readers through the ages. Filled with mystery, love, friendship, grief, healing, and literature, it was a delight to read. I loved how Caroline George made it feel as though we were reading everything through Josie’s eyes, experiencing the agonizing time it takes to get through books when friends are messaging you, and life calls for our attention. Grief has a way of swallowing people into its abyss in different ways, and this novel depicted the many forms of mourning we all experience.
While I found Josie’s infatuation with Elias a little much, I can understand the desire to feel connected to a person whose words bring so much truth and honesty about the person you are. It was entertaining to listen to Josie and her friends, Faith and Oliver, as they read through Elias’ letters and novel. Going between the three worlds made it feel like a soap opera. The drama, passion, mystery, and self-discovery made Dearest Josephine relatable. The characters were real, and the things they went through spoke to my heart. I think we all long to have friends like Faith and Oliver; through their love for Josie, they never let her feel alone and always told her the truth, even when she was too blind to see it.
For an introduction to Caroline George, I was impressed with how she managed to fit three narratives into one, creating a seamless work that will entertain and leave readers wanting more. This is a great novel for teens, especially those searching for a heart-throb to drool over without needing to skip over explicit scenes. I will say that the narrator was fantastic with her Northern accent, though her American could do with a bit of work. Nevertheless, she was wonderful to listen to and pulled me into the story with each word!
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a pre-release copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are entirely my own!*
Josie De Clare has had the worst year of her life. After losing her father, she is unsure what she is to do with her life. Feeling hollow, Josie ventures to Atteberry in Northern England to explore the estate her father left her in his will. Searching for ways to feel close to him again, Josie is surprised to find a stack of love letters in the study’s desk draw. Even more shocking, the letters are dated two hundred years prior, yet they're addressed to her; but, how is that possible?
Elias Roch believes he has met the love of his life. Josephine De Clare captured his heart from the moment he laid eyes on her, but soon after their introduction, she disappears, and he is unable to find her. Determined to be reunited, he begins to write love letters to her in hopes that she will one day read them. Born a bastard, Elias struggles to understand his new role as lord of the estate; however, as fantasies of Josephine De Clare control his mind, the rest of the world seems to fade away. Nothing will be right until they are together, or that is at least what Elias believes.
Jumping from narration to letters, letters to emails, emails to texts, and texts to an unpublished manuscript, Dearest Josephine was initially a bit confusing to piece together.
In the 21st Century, Josie must try to unravel the meaning of the letters and manuscript that have pulled her into their storyline. Could she really be the Josephine this Elias Roch writes about?
Meanwhile, in the 19th century, Elias Roch must decide whether he will live within the dream of ‘what ifs’ or find peace in the present. Time separates the two lovers, but is it true love? How can one know for sure by just reading words on a page?
Dearest Josephine was a clean romance that takes readers through the ages. Filled with mystery, love, friendship, grief, healing, and literature, it was a delight to read. I loved how Caroline George made it feel as though we were reading everything through Josie’s eyes, experiencing the agonizing time it takes to get through books when friends are messaging you, and life calls for our attention. Grief has a way of swallowing people into its abyss in different ways, and this novel depicted the many forms of mourning we all experience.
While I found Josie’s infatuation with Elias a little much, I can understand the desire to feel connected to a person whose words bring so much truth and honesty about the person you are. It was entertaining to listen to Josie and her friends, Faith and Oliver, as they read through Elias’ letters and novel. Going between the three worlds made it feel like a soap opera. The drama, passion, mystery, and self-discovery made Dearest Josephine relatable. The characters were real, and the things they went through spoke to my heart. I think we all long to have friends like Faith and Oliver; through their love for Josie, they never let her feel alone and always told her the truth, even when she was too blind to see it.
For an introduction to Caroline George, I was impressed with how she managed to fit three narratives into one, creating a seamless work that will entertain and leave readers wanting more. This is a great novel for teens, especially those searching for a heart-throb to drool over without needing to skip over explicit scenes. I will say that the narrator was fantastic with her Northern accent, though her American could do with a bit of work. Nevertheless, she was wonderful to listen to and pulled me into the story with each word!
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a pre-release copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are entirely my own!*
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! In fact, “enjoyed” does not fully express my emotions over this book. I was ensnared by it and still feel its effects on me long after I finished the last sentence.
At the start I doubted the book was going work for me, but I kept reading and soon could not put it down. I was completely captured by the prose and the characters. There are also so many wonderful quotes to be found in this book! I was moved to tears by the end. Looking forward to re-reading and marking all my favourite parts.
4.5 stars ✨
At the start I doubted the book was going work for me, but I kept reading and soon could not put it down. I was completely captured by the prose and the characters. There are also so many wonderful quotes to be found in this book! I was moved to tears by the end. Looking forward to re-reading and marking all my favourite parts.
4.5 stars ✨
This book took a a little more time to get into and I almost quit 100 pages in. The premise was promising, but the execution was lacking. The Regency aspect really needed some work because certain things took me out of the story. For example, having Lorelai stay with a man unchaperoned is not something that would happen without her reputation getting tarnished, but apparently in this story Regency rules don't exist in that matter. I didn't mind the letter and email aspect of the story, but I really wanted more in depth character development. The love story between Elias and Josephine I didn't believe, and that pretty much ruins any chance of giving this book a higher rating.
You'll feel all the warm feels with this one. A very atmospheric book that you'll want to read before bed. Soothing, beautiful, with a great twist.
I mean it was cute but then it dragged and got annoyingly predictable at the end
Anyways it was a good break between all the series I’ve been reading
Anyways it was a good break between all the series I’ve been reading
I’m grinning like an idiot, and I can’t stop.
This book was a rollercoaster of emotions. It took a minute for me to get into it, because of the format, but it was so compelling. This would honestly make a great movie. I loved Josie! She always had me laughing. She was so relatable.
And the sass of Elias *bows down*
His love letters were the stuff of fairytales. I was swooning so much! I was hardcore shipping him and Josie, but then...I won’t spoil anything, but that ending was what Rom-Coms are made of. I love you to the moon and back - er, well, can’t say his name because spoilers, but you know who you are *wink*
Also, let’s give a round of applause for Faith Moretti. She was SUCH a great friend!
*insert clapping noise here*
The writing, as well, was just pure magic. I was constantly highlighting little tidbits here and there. They were truly iconic. I think I may have found a new author to obsess over…
I would have loved it even more maybe if it was in traditional first-person, but in a lot of ways, I think that’s just how this story is. I see a lot of reviewers about other books saying “well, I didn’t like it because the author didn’t tell it this way” and believe me, I understand! But sometimes there’s no other way to tell a story. And with this one, it was perfect. I’m honestly keeping my eyes peeled for a movie adaptation just because I think it would be amazing.
Big thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishing House + Netgalley for sending me an ARC of this beauty!
This book was a rollercoaster of emotions. It took a minute for me to get into it, because of the format, but it was so compelling. This would honestly make a great movie. I loved Josie! She always had me laughing. She was so relatable.
He touched my candy with his tobacco-stained fingers and said, “One awful period, huh?”
All manners went out the shop’s window. Instead of answering the question with a polite NO, I wiped my tears and yelled, “Neil, I’m having a real crappy day. Give me the chocolate.”
And the sass of Elias *bows down*
“I daresay you care more about sleep than entertainment,” Sebastian said.
“Sleep is my entertainment.”
His love letters were the stuff of fairytales. I was swooning so much! I was hardcore shipping him and Josie, but then...I won’t spoil anything, but that ending was what Rom-Coms are made of. I love you to the moon and back - er, well, can’t say his name because spoilers, but you know who you are *wink*
Also, let’s give a round of applause for Faith Moretti. She was SUCH a great friend!
*insert clapping noise here*
The writing, as well, was just pure magic. I was constantly highlighting little tidbits here and there. They were truly iconic. I think I may have found a new author to obsess over…
Indeed, to perish from illness while surrounded by books seems fitting, for I am more ink and paper than skin and bones.
…
You have a story, Josie De Clare. A flipping wonderful story. And I want to be a part of it for as long as you let me, because this - what’s happening between us - is better than fiction. Real. This is real.
I would have loved it even more maybe if it was in traditional first-person, but in a lot of ways, I think that’s just how this story is. I see a lot of reviewers about other books saying “well, I didn’t like it because the author didn’t tell it this way” and believe me, I understand! But sometimes there’s no other way to tell a story. And with this one, it was perfect. I’m honestly keeping my eyes peeled for a movie adaptation just because I think it would be amazing.
Big thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishing House + Netgalley for sending me an ARC of this beauty!
*Note: Any quotes referenced in this review may be subject to change in the final copy.
I have so many feelings after reading this book! I’m going to try to get my thoughts straight here, but I’ll start by saying that I absolutely adored it! I loved the style with the story being told through letters, emails and chats…so unique and fun! And the characters are ones that worm their way into your heart and stay!
I’ve always enjoyed stories with a love that transcends or messes with time, like The Lake House. And if you’re a fan of that too, you’re going to love this one! Oh, and the fact that half the book takes place in the early 1800’s in the English countryside…..yep, that didn’t hurt either!
I won’t give anything away, but I will say that I was quite happy with the ending. And it’s not the ending I thought I wanted either! Confused? Well, now you have to read the book!!
I’ve always enjoyed stories with a love that transcends or messes with time, like The Lake House. And if you’re a fan of that too, you’re going to love this one! Oh, and the fact that half the book takes place in the early 1800’s in the English countryside…..yep, that didn’t hurt either!
I won’t give anything away, but I will say that I was quite happy with the ending. And it’s not the ending I thought I wanted either! Confused? Well, now you have to read the book!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️
This could have been so good if it had been... a story. If it had had some kind of... anything. Anything. I dont even know how to explain how sad I am. There were so many parts of this book that made me tear up. So many things I wanted to take photos of because the quotes were just so amazing. Sadly, it was a bunch of wonderful quotes that combined amounted to absolutely nothing.
I appreciate the formatting the author tried to go with but it just didnt work. It was awkward and didnt add anything to the book. It was.... meh. It was just meh.
Good idea. Bad execution.
This could have been so good if it had been... a story. If it had had some kind of... anything. Anything. I dont even know how to explain how sad I am. There were so many parts of this book that made me tear up. So many things I wanted to take photos of because the quotes were just so amazing. Sadly, it was a bunch of wonderful quotes that combined amounted to absolutely nothing.
I appreciate the formatting the author tried to go with but it just didnt work. It was awkward and didnt add anything to the book. It was.... meh. It was just meh.
Good idea. Bad execution.
I'm not typically a fan of contemporary or romance novels, but Dearest Josephine is a great read. If you enjoy watching RomComs like The Lake House and Kate & Leopold, you may enjoy this book.
I am generally averse to contemporary romance novels because the plot lines feel canned and repetitive. Suspense and intrigue is sacrificed for an emotional appeal that you can see coming. For the first half of the book, I found Dearest Josephine sweet, but nothing out of the usual. HOWEVER, George did include a tiny twist I did not expect, which is what ultimately solidified my rating for this book.
While the genre of this book would generally turn me away where others would flock to it, the format is what I love and others may dislike. George wrote the story of Elias and Josephine as a collection of emails, texts, letters, and a fictional novel by one of the characters. I love this mixed format because, as a reader, you are more engaged in questioning the reliability of different characters.
I am generally averse to contemporary romance novels because the plot lines feel canned and repetitive. Suspense and intrigue is sacrificed for an emotional appeal that you can see coming. For the first half of the book, I found Dearest Josephine sweet, but nothing out of the usual. HOWEVER, George did include a tiny twist I did not expect, which is what ultimately solidified my rating for this book.
While the genre of this book would generally turn me away where others would flock to it, the format is what I love and others may dislike. George wrote the story of Elias and Josephine as a collection of emails, texts, letters, and a fictional novel by one of the characters. I love this mixed format because, as a reader, you are more engaged in questioning the reliability of different characters.