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melissasbookshelf's review
5.0
I loved The Love Note! Joanna Davidson is a favorite author because of her endearing characters, beautiful writing, and deep heartfelt stories. She also deftly weaves a beautiful religious message into her story in an uplifting, relatable way.
The idea behind this book was so creative, take an unsigned love note and try to return it to the rightful owner and then watch as the consequences unfold. There were so many layers to this story and just when I thought I’d figured things out, my idea was turned on its head. The havoc this letter unleashes was so unexpected. So many misunderstandings and past mistakes are brought to light. I loved the way the truth behind the letter finally brings about a satisfying ending.
I loved soft spoken yet wise Gabe who only speaks when he has something important to say. He’s so patient and unselfish. The growth that Willa undergoes was enjoyable to see. She wants so desperately to be a doctor and is willing to sacrifice love to achieve it. Her experience as a nurse at Crestwicke and her search for the letter writer lead her to discover not only more about the people she cares for but also herself. I was so happy to see the choice she ultimately makes.
I enjoyed the narrator. She voiced all the characters so well and really made them come to life. I liked the emotion she put into it as well. There was only one word “lichen” that stuck out to me but then realized she used the English pronunciation and not the American.
Highly recommend this book! Fans of Christian historical fiction and historical romance will enjoy this. Thanks to the author for the complimentary audiobook. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.
The idea behind this book was so creative, take an unsigned love note and try to return it to the rightful owner and then watch as the consequences unfold. There were so many layers to this story and just when I thought I’d figured things out, my idea was turned on its head. The havoc this letter unleashes was so unexpected. So many misunderstandings and past mistakes are brought to light. I loved the way the truth behind the letter finally brings about a satisfying ending.
I loved soft spoken yet wise Gabe who only speaks when he has something important to say. He’s so patient and unselfish. The growth that Willa undergoes was enjoyable to see. She wants so desperately to be a doctor and is willing to sacrifice love to achieve it. Her experience as a nurse at Crestwicke and her search for the letter writer lead her to discover not only more about the people she cares for but also herself. I was so happy to see the choice she ultimately makes.
I enjoyed the narrator. She voiced all the characters so well and really made them come to life. I liked the emotion she put into it as well. There was only one word “lichen” that stuck out to me but then realized she used the English pronunciation and not the American.
Highly recommend this book! Fans of Christian historical fiction and historical romance will enjoy this. Thanks to the author for the complimentary audiobook. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.
sassybookishmama's review
5.0
Wow! What a wonderful book definitely one of those that I could not put down. There was so much going on in this book and I definitely don't want to give too much away. There are so many things going on in this book and it all starts with the Love Note that Willa finds in her desk and boy does that Love Note take us on a journey.
Willa is a strong-willed young lady. She knows what she wants and doesn't want to back down from the goals she has set for herself. She wants to become a doctor just like her father. She wants to marry, one day, but she doesn't want to succumb to what society wants her to be. She wants to prove herself especially to her dad, in hopes to find the love that she seeks from him. She is a hurt soul.
After finding the love note she is determined not only to return it to the original author but find out this love that transcribed through this letter. She returns to Crestwicke where she becomes Mrs. Gresham's nurse and that is where the "love note" truly becomes the focus of the story. You meet so many characters in the house that are affected by the note in different and unique ways. It truly represents something different to everyone the note encounters.
I thoroughly enjoyed Willa's love story and I don't want to give it away but I am so happy she ended up with who I was rooting for the whole time! I was a little worried for a few seconds but in the end it all worked out perfectly! Willa definitely goes through a journey and I really enjoyed how the author takes you in this journey and makes you feel all the emotions these characters are feeling. She is very descriptive and you can almost picture being there with them.
Overall this book was perfection to me and I highly recommend it. It has intrigue, mystery and romance. A well rounded historical fiction book.
I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion
Willa is a strong-willed young lady. She knows what she wants and doesn't want to back down from the goals she has set for herself. She wants to become a doctor just like her father. She wants to marry, one day, but she doesn't want to succumb to what society wants her to be. She wants to prove herself especially to her dad, in hopes to find the love that she seeks from him. She is a hurt soul.
After finding the love note she is determined not only to return it to the original author but find out this love that transcribed through this letter. She returns to Crestwicke where she becomes Mrs. Gresham's nurse and that is where the "love note" truly becomes the focus of the story. You meet so many characters in the house that are affected by the note in different and unique ways. It truly represents something different to everyone the note encounters.
I thoroughly enjoyed Willa's love story and I don't want to give it away but I am so happy she ended up with who I was rooting for the whole time! I was a little worried for a few seconds but in the end it all worked out perfectly! Willa definitely goes through a journey and I really enjoyed how the author takes you in this journey and makes you feel all the emotions these characters are feeling. She is very descriptive and you can almost picture being there with them.
Overall this book was perfection to me and I highly recommend it. It has intrigue, mystery and romance. A well rounded historical fiction book.
I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion
anke_books's review
5.0
Elk boek van deze auteur is een feestje om te lezen! Ik heb de pagina's weer verslonden, virtueel dan. Door haar thuissituatie én een brief die Willa vindt, komt ze op Creswicke terecht als verpleegster van een oudere dame. Met haar zoon Gabe is ze in de afgelopen jaren bevriend geraakt toen ze Creswicke Manor regelmatig bezocht met haar vader.
Nieuwsgierig gaat Willa op zoek naar de auteur en de begunstigde van de liefdesbrief die ze gevonden heeft in haar secretaire. De brief is prachtig geschreven en werkelijk op iedereen van toepassing (chapeau voor Joanna Davidson Politano!). Door een ongelukkig toeval, komt de brief in verschillende handen terecht en heeft het een effect op elke lezer. Het dienstmeisje denkt dat Gabe hem geschreven heeft, Miss Clara (die geen meisje blijkt, maar de vrouw van Burke, broer van Gabe) besluit het dienstmeisje te helpen om hetzelfde handschrift in huis te vinden, maar dan vindt Burke de brief en denkt hij dat zijn vrouw vreemdgaat. Tot slot komt de brief in handen van Celeste, de zus van Gabe, en zij denkt dat dokter Tillman een oogje op haar heeft.
Ondertussen blijkt de vrouw des huizes, Golda Gresham, niet zo ziek te zijn als Willa dacht. Medisch bijstaan bij de zangoefeningen en voorkomen dat ze flauwvalt, meer niet. Maar ook Golda heeft een verhaal en misschien is er wel meer aan de hand..
Willa en Gabe pakken hun oude vriendschap weer op en Gabe is duidelijk verliefd op Willa. Maar Willa wil niet trouwen, zij wil studeren en dokter worden, in een huwelijk word je alleen maar aan banden gelegd en dat wil ze niet.
Via een aantal grote zijsporten, waar wij als lezer ook vrolijk op gestuurd worden, komt Willa uiteindelijk achter de ware briefschrijver en begunstigde, totaal niet wat ze had gedacht! Geheimen komen boven tafel. En is er hoop voor Willa en Gabe? Of gaan een vrouwelijke dokter en een huwelijk niet samen?
Nieuwsgierig gaat Willa op zoek naar de auteur en de begunstigde van de liefdesbrief die ze gevonden heeft in haar secretaire. De brief is prachtig geschreven en werkelijk op iedereen van toepassing (chapeau voor Joanna Davidson Politano!). Door een ongelukkig toeval, komt de brief in verschillende handen terecht en heeft het een effect op elke lezer. Het dienstmeisje denkt dat Gabe hem geschreven heeft, Miss Clara (die geen meisje blijkt, maar de vrouw van Burke, broer van Gabe) besluit het dienstmeisje te helpen om hetzelfde handschrift in huis te vinden, maar dan vindt Burke de brief en denkt hij dat zijn vrouw vreemdgaat. Tot slot komt de brief in handen van Celeste, de zus van Gabe, en zij denkt dat dokter Tillman een oogje op haar heeft.
Ondertussen blijkt de vrouw des huizes, Golda Gresham, niet zo ziek te zijn als Willa dacht. Medisch bijstaan bij de zangoefeningen en voorkomen dat ze flauwvalt, meer niet. Maar ook Golda heeft een verhaal en misschien is er wel meer aan de hand..
Willa en Gabe pakken hun oude vriendschap weer op en Gabe is duidelijk verliefd op Willa. Maar Willa wil niet trouwen, zij wil studeren en dokter worden, in een huwelijk word je alleen maar aan banden gelegd en dat wil ze niet.
Via een aantal grote zijsporten, waar wij als lezer ook vrolijk op gestuurd worden, komt Willa uiteindelijk achter de ware briefschrijver en begunstigde, totaal niet wat ze had gedacht! Geheimen komen boven tafel. En is er hoop voor Willa en Gabe? Of gaan een vrouwelijke dokter en een huwelijk niet samen?
emmasbookdiary's review
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
5.0
I am at an utter loss of words for this novel or how much I loved it. This is one of those books that’s so achingly beautiful that you feel it has had a profound impact on you. It reminds you why it is you love to read. Simply put, this book was wonderful! Reviewing it will be no easy task but I will attempt it... and I have a feeling it’s going to be a very long one. I have so many thoughts.
This story gripped me completely. This happened almost instantly which is so rare for me with books but when it does happen, I love it.
I was completely lost in this story. With each chapter, I was captivated by it.
The writing. Oh my goodness, the writing!!! It was beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. The kind of beautiful that’s rare and leaves you in awe at the affect words can truly have. It felt like a classic in many ways. It was beautiful, lyrical, and unique.
The characters were wonderful. I do not say this lightly. Every one of them had such personality, such character, such stories. They were all their own.
Willa is now one of my favorite protagonist I’ve ever read. She was incredible. She reminded me a bit of Jo March in a way but at the same time, she is all her own character and I admired her so much. Her faith in God and going to Him before anything else, praying to Him. It inspired me.
Gabe. How does one even do justice to Gabe?? How? He is a hero I could ramble about for hours and still not do justice to his character. He. Was. Amazing. AMAZING. He is what every hero should be. He’s wise in his ways, selfless in his actions, and loving to everyone. He puts his trust in God and doesn’t mind what other people think. He’s truly the kind of hero that takes your breath away and makes you fall in love and sigh... without even saying a word. His faith in God is undoubtedly the most attractive thing about him. I admired him so much.
Other characters in this story were equally intriguing and complex. I loved how complex every character was, how they each had a profound role in the plot. They weren’t just added as “extras” that have no depth. They all had their places, even the side characters.
Mrs. Gresham and Aunt Maisie’s stories intrigued me entirely along with Mr. Gresham’s. I also got pulled in by the side character’s stories... Burke, Clara, Celeste.
They all felt so real. In my mind, it feels like these people lived.
Now, to the story itself. It was beautiful! t’s the kind of story that pulled me in, gripped me... ultimately, it’s the kind of story that LIVED for me.
It has twists and turns. It has suspense and mysteries. Intrigue and romance. Oh, how romantic this book was! And not in the silly romantic way. No. This was truly romantic in every sense of the word.
The love stories in this book were so complex, so realistic, so deep. No shallowness. There are times when I feel like I’ve read so many similar love stories that I simply want something fresh, original, and deep— something that goes far beyond outward attraction and feelings. And this love story did that. It took my breath away. How these characters made God their rock and foundation of their relationship inspired me so much.
It has truths that touched me. Really, I read this book at the exact time I needed it. It really did touch me. It brought me to tears with it’s message.
We all have this deep desire and longing for love. We run to humans for it but really, there’s only One who can fill that desire, craving, and longing in our heart. Our Savior, God.
This book reminded me of that in such a beautiful way. That’s what I call a good love story, when it points you to the greatest love story of all. Really, this book was a blessing for me and I’m so very grateful I had the opportunity to read it. And it’s one of those books I want to reread over and over again... I never wanted to end.❤️
I could talk about this book for hours. I know it will be one of those books I think about months from now. It goes down on “my favorite books in the world” list because it was really that incredible.
It was everything I love in a book.
*Thank you to Revell Publishers and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
2023 reread-
It was just as beautiful the second time reading it. I love this book so much! Gabe is definitely one of my favorite fictional male characters ever. His quiet strength and kind soul makes him one of those heroes I love from page one and don’t forget after I’ve turned the last page.💗 I also love Willa! She is one of my favorite heroines. She is so relatable. I feel like we would be good friends.
I loved everything about this book once again. The mystery, the characters, and the story as well as the subtle humor and the lyrical writing. I laughed and teared up— just as if this was the first time I read it.
It’s the first book I read by Joanna Davidson Politano and it introduced me to one of my top favorite authors which makes it a special one. Truly, this is one of my forever favorite books!
This story gripped me completely. This happened almost instantly which is so rare for me with books but when it does happen, I love it.
I was completely lost in this story. With each chapter, I was captivated by it.
The writing. Oh my goodness, the writing!!! It was beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. The kind of beautiful that’s rare and leaves you in awe at the affect words can truly have. It felt like a classic in many ways. It was beautiful, lyrical, and unique.
The characters were wonderful. I do not say this lightly. Every one of them had such personality, such character, such stories. They were all their own.
Willa is now one of my favorite protagonist I’ve ever read. She was incredible. She reminded me a bit of Jo March in a way but at the same time, she is all her own character and I admired her so much. Her faith in God and going to Him before anything else, praying to Him. It inspired me.
Gabe. How does one even do justice to Gabe?? How? He is a hero I could ramble about for hours and still not do justice to his character. He. Was. Amazing. AMAZING. He is what every hero should be. He’s wise in his ways, selfless in his actions, and loving to everyone. He puts his trust in God and doesn’t mind what other people think. He’s truly the kind of hero that takes your breath away and makes you fall in love and sigh... without even saying a word. His faith in God is undoubtedly the most attractive thing about him. I admired him so much.
Other characters in this story were equally intriguing and complex. I loved how complex every character was, how they each had a profound role in the plot. They weren’t just added as “extras” that have no depth. They all had their places, even the side characters.
Mrs. Gresham and Aunt Maisie’s stories intrigued me entirely along with Mr. Gresham’s. I also got pulled in by the side character’s stories... Burke, Clara, Celeste.
They all felt so real. In my mind, it feels like these people lived.
Now, to the story itself. It was beautiful! t’s the kind of story that pulled me in, gripped me... ultimately, it’s the kind of story that LIVED for me.
It has twists and turns. It has suspense and mysteries. Intrigue and romance. Oh, how romantic this book was! And not in the silly romantic way. No. This was truly romantic in every sense of the word.
The love stories in this book were so complex, so realistic, so deep. No shallowness. There are times when I feel like I’ve read so many similar love stories that I simply want something fresh, original, and deep— something that goes far beyond outward attraction and feelings. And this love story did that. It took my breath away. How these characters made God their rock and foundation of their relationship inspired me so much.
It has truths that touched me. Really, I read this book at the exact time I needed it. It really did touch me. It brought me to tears with it’s message.
We all have this deep desire and longing for love. We run to humans for it but really, there’s only One who can fill that desire, craving, and longing in our heart. Our Savior, God.
This book reminded me of that in such a beautiful way. That’s what I call a good love story, when it points you to the greatest love story of all. Really, this book was a blessing for me and I’m so very grateful I had the opportunity to read it. And it’s one of those books I want to reread over and over again... I never wanted to end.❤️
I could talk about this book for hours. I know it will be one of those books I think about months from now. It goes down on “my favorite books in the world” list because it was really that incredible.
It was everything I love in a book.
*Thank you to Revell Publishers and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
2023 reread-
It was just as beautiful the second time reading it. I love this book so much! Gabe is definitely one of my favorite fictional male characters ever. His quiet strength and kind soul makes him one of those heroes I love from page one and don’t forget after I’ve turned the last page.💗 I also love Willa! She is one of my favorite heroines. She is so relatable. I feel like we would be good friends.
I loved everything about this book once again. The mystery, the characters, and the story as well as the subtle humor and the lyrical writing. I laughed and teared up— just as if this was the first time I read it.
It’s the first book I read by Joanna Davidson Politano and it introduced me to one of my top favorite authors which makes it a special one. Truly, this is one of my forever favorite books!
brittsbooknook's review
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
5.0
1865
Wonderful! I just love everything she writes! I loved her story of how one letter travels through so many hands and the affects it has on each person who reads it.
Wonderful! I just love everything she writes! I loved her story of how one letter travels through so many hands and the affects it has on each person who reads it.
sierra_trot's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
beckys_bookshelves's review
5.0
“The deep-seated desire in all of us for authentic love is a miracle. Not because of the bliss of a fulfilled ending, but because of the relentless pursuit it awakens in us-and the treasure we eventually find if we search long enough.”
WOW! The Love Note by Joanna Politano is truly enchanting. Joanna Politano has created an amazing story that draws you in deeply and beckons your heart to reimagine the love God has for you and your own love story.
I was delighted to enter the world of The Love Note. Willa Duval, the main character is lively, thoughtful, and refreshing. She finds a letter in an old desk that she is determined to return to its rightful recipient. Highlights for me were the setting at Crestwicke manor, the mystery woven through the story, the romance in new and old relationships, and the twists and turns that lead to an incredibly satisfying ending. (Insert big happy sigh here)
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time spent reading The Love Note. I look forward to having this book on my shelf and taking it out to read again and again. It is a fantastic story that I highly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review.
WOW! The Love Note by Joanna Politano is truly enchanting. Joanna Politano has created an amazing story that draws you in deeply and beckons your heart to reimagine the love God has for you and your own love story.
I was delighted to enter the world of The Love Note. Willa Duval, the main character is lively, thoughtful, and refreshing. She finds a letter in an old desk that she is determined to return to its rightful recipient. Highlights for me were the setting at Crestwicke manor, the mystery woven through the story, the romance in new and old relationships, and the twists and turns that lead to an incredibly satisfying ending. (Insert big happy sigh here)
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time spent reading The Love Note. I look forward to having this book on my shelf and taking it out to read again and again. It is a fantastic story that I highly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review.
hkar0610's review
4.0
I received an arc of this novel from LibraryThing’s Early Reviewer’s group.
This was a good book that you’ll want to throw across the room. You know those books where you’re dying to know what happens, eating up all the plot twists, but you just want to yell at the heroine? Give her a good shake and tell her to stop being so wishy-washy? I know it makes for some of the most famous classic literature, but it’s just not the heroine I’m looking for.
I found this story to be a more straightforward and faster read than Finding Lady Enderly. The characters are fleshed our similarly, so many stories and backstories, you could take a left turn out a side door and walk around the world for weeks. But this plot was a step simpler on the brain, less Clue and more traditional historical romance. And I did find the characters to be more relatable.
The Love Note also talks A LOT more about the heroine’s beliefs in God than what I remember in Finding Lady Enderly. I didn’t realize this is a Christian author, but you get that hint as you go through the book. It is just an element of the story, a character.
A good novel, not at all what I expected, but a great story.
This was a good book that you’ll want to throw across the room. You know those books where you’re dying to know what happens, eating up all the plot twists, but you just want to yell at the heroine? Give her a good shake and tell her to stop being so wishy-washy? I know it makes for some of the most famous classic literature, but it’s just not the heroine I’m looking for.
I found this story to be a more straightforward and faster read than Finding Lady Enderly. The characters are fleshed our similarly, so many stories and backstories, you could take a left turn out a side door and walk around the world for weeks. But this plot was a step simpler on the brain, less Clue and more traditional historical romance. And I did find the characters to be more relatable.
The Love Note also talks A LOT more about the heroine’s beliefs in God than what I remember in Finding Lady Enderly. I didn’t realize this is a Christian author, but you get that hint as you go through the book. It is just an element of the story, a character.
A good novel, not at all what I expected, but a great story.
readwithrosemary's review
4.0
I went into reading The Love Note by Johanna Davidson Politano with no expectations and came out the other side loving it. It’s such a simple premise with enormous heart and numerous lessons for readers about love.
“Focused on a career in medicine and not on romance, Willa Duvall is thrown slightly off course during the summer of 1865 when she discovers a never-opened love letter in a crack of her old writing desk. Compelled to find the passionate soul who penned it and the person who never received it, she takes a job as a nurse at the seaside estate of Crestwicke Manor. Everyone at Crestwicke has feelings--mostly negative ones--about the man who wrote the letter, but he seems to have disappeared. With plenty of enticing clues but few answers, Willa's search becomes even more complicated when she misplaces the letter and it passes from person to person in the house, each finding a thrilling or disheartening message in its words.”
I loved the writing and the secondary characters were all given a moment to shine. There are so many amazing things to love about this book. Don't miss it and put Politano on your automatic buy list from now on!
Thank you to #Netgalley and @revellbooks for this wonderful read!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Focused on a career in medicine and not on romance, Willa Duvall is thrown slightly off course during the summer of 1865 when she discovers a never-opened love letter in a crack of her old writing desk. Compelled to find the passionate soul who penned it and the person who never received it, she takes a job as a nurse at the seaside estate of Crestwicke Manor. Everyone at Crestwicke has feelings--mostly negative ones--about the man who wrote the letter, but he seems to have disappeared. With plenty of enticing clues but few answers, Willa's search becomes even more complicated when she misplaces the letter and it passes from person to person in the house, each finding a thrilling or disheartening message in its words.”
I loved the writing and the secondary characters were all given a moment to shine. There are so many amazing things to love about this book. Don't miss it and put Politano on your automatic buy list from now on!
Thank you to #Netgalley and @revellbooks for this wonderful read!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
jamiegc's review
5.0
Could not put this one down
”Don’t you see? These words have a life beyond the page. They’ve taken flight in this house, moving where they will, seeping into the cracks of hearts. It’s woken something up in them, opened them to the possibility that love exists and they are the worthy recipients. And that is vital.”
When Willa finds a beautiful love letter in an old desk, she is determined to find out the mystery of who wrote it, and then plans to deliver it to the recipient.
She gets a job as a nurse at the house where the letter originated, but accidentally ends up misplacing it. The letter gets lost and found by many residents of the house. The most fascinating part was seeing how their lives were changed by this anonymous love note. Discovering that someone, somewhere, loves you is a life-changing power.
This book was beautiful.
I would label this as Christian historical fiction.
”Don’t you see? These words have a life beyond the page. They’ve taken flight in this house, moving where they will, seeping into the cracks of hearts. It’s woken something up in them, opened them to the possibility that love exists and they are the worthy recipients. And that is vital.”
When Willa finds a beautiful love letter in an old desk, she is determined to find out the mystery of who wrote it, and then plans to deliver it to the recipient.
She gets a job as a nurse at the house where the letter originated, but accidentally ends up misplacing it. The letter gets lost and found by many residents of the house. The most fascinating part was seeing how their lives were changed by this anonymous love note. Discovering that someone, somewhere, loves you is a life-changing power.
This book was beautiful.
I would label this as Christian historical fiction.