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randikaye's review
4.0
The Love Note is the second book that I have had the chance to read by Joanna Davidson Politano, and after finishing I can say without a doubt that she truly is a unique voice among the Christian fiction genre... not just for the unique stories she presents, but because of the beautiful style in which they are written. They have a timeless style that is just absolutely beautiful to read.
In this book we meet the very independent Willa Duvall. Willa dreams of becoming a doctor despite being female in 1865. She likes the idea of romance, but doesn't think it's the end all be all for women, and certainly not for her. When she finds an old letter, she takes on a nursing job at Crestwicke Manor to try to find the intended recipient. Not only does the letter turn her life upside down, reuniting her with her childhood friend Gabe... but it seems to turn the lives of ALL the residents of Crestwicke Menor upside down as well. With tales of romance, buried secrets and elements of great mystery, it was an absolutely beautiful story... and so unlike the classic romance that one might expect from the name. I cannot say much without giving it away, but I truly could not get enough. It tells us a great story of the true impact that words can have on each of us... and also of the importance of love and forgiveness as well.
If you enjoy historical fiction, this is certainly one not to be missed.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for consideration. All thoughts are my own.
In this book we meet the very independent Willa Duvall. Willa dreams of becoming a doctor despite being female in 1865. She likes the idea of romance, but doesn't think it's the end all be all for women, and certainly not for her. When she finds an old letter, she takes on a nursing job at Crestwicke Manor to try to find the intended recipient. Not only does the letter turn her life upside down, reuniting her with her childhood friend Gabe... but it seems to turn the lives of ALL the residents of Crestwicke Menor upside down as well. With tales of romance, buried secrets and elements of great mystery, it was an absolutely beautiful story... and so unlike the classic romance that one might expect from the name. I cannot say much without giving it away, but I truly could not get enough. It tells us a great story of the true impact that words can have on each of us... and also of the importance of love and forgiveness as well.
If you enjoy historical fiction, this is certainly one not to be missed.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for consideration. All thoughts are my own.
gretchenlouise's review
5.0
A letter cloaked in mystery. A daring student of medicine. And a house full of hurting people in need of love.
This unusual story drew me in with all its mysterious facets. But my biggest question was always: Would the love note ever be delivered to the one for whom it was written?
In a style that reminded me a bit of George MacDonald's novels, The Love Note took some unexpected twists and didn't wrap up all the loose ends for every character. I wanted to re-read it immediately just to see if there were sub-plot hints I'd missed in my haste to find out what happened.
But The Love Note left me pondering the power of words. Truly, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue..." (Proverbs 18:21).
(Disclosure: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher. Opinions are my own.)
This unusual story drew me in with all its mysterious facets. But my biggest question was always: Would the love note ever be delivered to the one for whom it was written?
In a style that reminded me a bit of George MacDonald's novels, The Love Note took some unexpected twists and didn't wrap up all the loose ends for every character. I wanted to re-read it immediately just to see if there were sub-plot hints I'd missed in my haste to find out what happened.
But The Love Note left me pondering the power of words. Truly, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue..." (Proverbs 18:21).
(Disclosure: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher. Opinions are my own.)
arthur_pendrgn's review
2.0
It was okay, but not spectacular. I loved the conceit of the letter, but the execution of the conceit not as much. Predictable plot.
rachel_loves_2_read's review against another edition
4.0
Couldn’t put it down
The story kept me riveted. I loved the different stories going through. I do feel like I need closure on several and didn’t get it. It’s a good story but also bittersweet
The story kept me riveted. I loved the different stories going through. I do feel like I need closure on several and didn’t get it. It’s a good story but also bittersweet
texanoffer's review
3.0
“The air of Crestwicke had felt even thicker lately with the longing for authentic love, the silent pain of disappointment in dashed hopes. I’d come to uncover a single broken love story and encountered a house full of brokenness and unsettled hearts longing for a safe place to land.”
The Love Note is a difficult book to review because I neither loved it, nor disliked it. It had an interesting premise; a young woman who longs for a career in medicine, but whose father is determined to see married off instead. A compromise with her father, and the revelation of unsigned love letter hidden within a desk give her the opportunity to find out if she is to pursue a medical career or the love of a gentleman.
The story itself was also quite intriuguing. (I especially enjoyed how the letter was, ‘unleashed’ on Crestwicke Manor and found it’s way into various hands, some of which were quite mistaken as to whom the letter was intended!) However, the narrative of this book was a bit like listening to a vocalist who has a lovely voice, but not enough training to sustain an even pitch. There were so many good lines written, but also so many that fell short. I found the beginning especially to be a bit confusing. I felt that the author could have done a better job of introducing each of the characters. I will say, though, that she did do a good job of giving life and personality to each of the characters throughout the narrative. I also would have liked more information when the desk first came into the story about where it had come from, and why it was in their possession. This was revealed not long after, but it did make things a bit confusing while entering into the story.
I think many people would enjoy this story, as it was a pleasure to read for the most part. I am not sure that I would recommend it, though, just based on the fact that I believe it could have been a much better story with more editing and some rewriting.
*Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced digital copy of this book! A positive review was not required, and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The Love Note is a difficult book to review because I neither loved it, nor disliked it. It had an interesting premise; a young woman who longs for a career in medicine, but whose father is determined to see married off instead. A compromise with her father, and the revelation of unsigned love letter hidden within a desk give her the opportunity to find out if she is to pursue a medical career or the love of a gentleman.
The story itself was also quite intriuguing. (I especially enjoyed how the letter was, ‘unleashed’ on Crestwicke Manor and found it’s way into various hands, some of which were quite mistaken as to whom the letter was intended!) However, the narrative of this book was a bit like listening to a vocalist who has a lovely voice, but not enough training to sustain an even pitch. There were so many good lines written, but also so many that fell short. I found the beginning especially to be a bit confusing. I felt that the author could have done a better job of introducing each of the characters. I will say, though, that she did do a good job of giving life and personality to each of the characters throughout the narrative. I also would have liked more information when the desk first came into the story about where it had come from, and why it was in their possession. This was revealed not long after, but it did make things a bit confusing while entering into the story.
I think many people would enjoy this story, as it was a pleasure to read for the most part. I am not sure that I would recommend it, though, just based on the fact that I believe it could have been a much better story with more editing and some rewriting.
*Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced digital copy of this book! A positive review was not required, and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
lilac_cottage_library's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
abigailkayharris's review
5.0
Thrilling! This was my first time reading one of Joanna Davidson Politano's books, and wow! The Love Note is one of a kind, bittersweet, romantic, and compelling novel.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I first started reading this story, I knew that I loved the cover, the description was interesting, and I have heard many good things about Joanna Davidson Politano's other books, I had to give it a shot, I knew. I'm so glad I did, the lesson in love that is explored was so deep with nudges from all corners, and though it wasn't completely a romance, yet it was, and so much more. The ending was so perfect but I do wish we could have found out more about what happened to the other characters, not just Willa and her love interest.
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher/review company. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I first started reading this story, I knew that I loved the cover, the description was interesting, and I have heard many good things about Joanna Davidson Politano's other books, I had to give it a shot, I knew. I'm so glad I did, the lesson in love that is explored was so deep with nudges from all corners, and though it wasn't completely a romance, yet it was, and so much more. The ending was so perfect but I do wish we could have found out more about what happened to the other characters, not just Willa and her love interest.
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher/review company. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
melmo2610's review
4.0
What a fun story! I liked the premise of the mystery letter and the historical backdrop made for an excellent read. The characters were perfect for the story and I loved the addition of a real life historical figure. The book had almost a lyrical quality to it and I felt immersed in it early on. Beautiful story.
I received this book as a member of the launch team and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
I received this book as a member of the launch team and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.