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jen_newendyke's review
4.0
Joanna Davidson Politano has written an enchanting story about the power of words and the way they can touch our hearts. The story centers around Willa Duval, a nurse who wants to become a doctor in a time when that’s not a woman’s profession, and an anonymous love letter she finds in her desk. As the letter makes its way through the manor, touching each person in a different way, it sets changes in motion that alter the lives of its readers forever.
I absolutely loved the author's writing style and the beautiful way she crafted this deeply layered story. Willa is a bold and confident heroine, determined to reach her goals and still longing for a love that will give her the freedom to pursue her dreams. Gabe Gresham is a delightful hero, understated but charming in his own way. His tender heart allows him to see beyond the surface of everyone around him. The final chapters brought an unexpected yet satisfying conclusion - I never guessed the true author of the letter until it was revealed! This was the first of Joanna Davidson Politano’s books I’ve read, but it definitely won’t be the last.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I absolutely loved the author's writing style and the beautiful way she crafted this deeply layered story. Willa is a bold and confident heroine, determined to reach her goals and still longing for a love that will give her the freedom to pursue her dreams. Gabe Gresham is a delightful hero, understated but charming in his own way. His tender heart allows him to see beyond the surface of everyone around him. The final chapters brought an unexpected yet satisfying conclusion - I never guessed the true author of the letter until it was revealed! This was the first of Joanna Davidson Politano’s books I’ve read, but it definitely won’t be the last.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
jill_rey's review
4.0
Who would have thought an undelivered note, found years later amongst another’s things, could cause so much stir in an old and bitter house? This captivating story set in simpler times reminds us to never take a moment with a loved one for granted. Wholly enchanting with blazingly strong female characters, reader’s hearts will be ripped right out from their chest as Willa seeks to achieve her dreams and maintain her independence.
Author, Joanna Davidson Politano, transports readers back in time as Willa seeks to forage her own path a female doctor, withstanding marriage proposals in a time when marriage was a womanly duty. The characters within are all multi-layered with individual complexities slowly unraveling as the pages unfold. Politano uses the words within a love letter as she delivers an entirely engrossing plotline, full of historical romance, love and blazing one’s own path.
*Disclaimer: a review copy was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Author, Joanna Davidson Politano, transports readers back in time as Willa seeks to forage her own path a female doctor, withstanding marriage proposals in a time when marriage was a womanly duty. The characters within are all multi-layered with individual complexities slowly unraveling as the pages unfold. Politano uses the words within a love letter as she delivers an entirely engrossing plotline, full of historical romance, love and blazing one’s own path.
*Disclaimer: a review copy was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
chewie_the_mouse's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
"The Love Note" by Joanna Davidson Politano is one part historical fiction, one part romance, one part women's empowerment, one part Christian fiction, and one part pure literary magic. The book tells the story of Willa, an 1800s nurse who yearns to be a doctor rather than follow the path society (and her father) expects of her....namely, to get married and be a full-time wife.
In the course of trying to steer clear of marriage, Willa makes a deal with her father and finds an old love letter. This propels her on a course of self-discovery and strengthened faith.
The novels truly shines in several areas:
1. Character development: While we learn the most about Willa, several other major characters are portrayed in great detail, which makes them feel like real people you (as the reader) could meet and interact with. I loved how their hidden motivations for their actions were slowly revealed as more information is gradually uncovered about each person's past and experiences.
2. The love note plot: The note Willa found early on plays a major role in the story. I loved seeing how different people came across it, believed it had been written for them, and reacted to the words. I also appreciated the way Willa's search for the (long ago) intended recipient is seamlessly woven into the current events in her life. The author skillfully manages to tell several people's stories at once without ever overwhelming the reader. I enjoyed learning about all of them, and some will stay with me long after I've finished reading.
3. The wonderful little quotes at the start of each chapter: Although it's never stated explicitly, I believe these are Willa's own musings. All were entertaining, and some were downright profound.
4. The unexpected surprises: Certain things happened throughout the story that I wasn't expecting. I liked how these small (and not so small) events peppered the narrative, giving me some enjoyable surprises.
5. The faith element: Willa, as well as other important characters, is a Christian. I liked how her faith guided her actions, and how she actively sought out God when circumstances grew difficult. Her story provides wonderful inspiration and support for Christians who are struggling, and a nice faith boost to those who aren't.
All in all, this is a truly special book. Five out of five perfect razor-thin slices of mild cheddar!
In the course of trying to steer clear of marriage, Willa makes a deal with her father and finds an old love letter. This propels her on a course of self-discovery and strengthened faith.
The novels truly shines in several areas:
1. Character development: While we learn the most about Willa, several other major characters are portrayed in great detail, which makes them feel like real people you (as the reader) could meet and interact with. I loved how their hidden motivations for their actions were slowly revealed as more information is gradually uncovered about each person's past and experiences.
2. The love note plot: The note Willa found early on plays a major role in the story. I loved seeing how different people came across it, believed it had been written for them, and reacted to the words. I also appreciated the way Willa's search for the (long ago) intended recipient is seamlessly woven into the current events in her life. The author skillfully manages to tell several people's stories at once without ever overwhelming the reader. I enjoyed learning about all of them, and some will stay with me long after I've finished reading.
3. The wonderful little quotes at the start of each chapter: Although it's never stated explicitly, I believe these are Willa's own musings. All were entertaining, and some were downright profound.
4. The unexpected surprises: Certain things happened throughout the story that I wasn't expecting. I liked how these small (and not so small) events peppered the narrative, giving me some enjoyable surprises.
5. The faith element: Willa, as well as other important characters, is a Christian. I liked how her faith guided her actions, and how she actively sought out God when circumstances grew difficult. Her story provides wonderful inspiration and support for Christians who are struggling, and a nice faith boost to those who aren't.
All in all, this is a truly special book. Five out of five perfect razor-thin slices of mild cheddar!
mjsh's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
"That means there's so much hope for new and beautiful chapters, because God's the one writing them and he isn't done yet. You never know what's coming - unexpected tender moments, closure and healing, delightful surprises, a chance to fix what's broken."
Joanna Davidson Politano knows how to cast a spell with her beautiful poetic words. The trope seems simple: find closure for the aged love letter found within the crevice of a desk. But the plot and the characters revolving around that letter are anything but simple. With writing style that is lyrical and powerful, characters who are so broken yet noble, intrigue around the love note that exposes hidden longings and layered secrets, and irrefutable spiritual truths, this book will enchant you and make you cry tears of heart-break and joy.
Willa is an energetic, impulsive, brilliant and intriguing woman who sets out to be a nurse to an ailing woman at Crestwicke Manor for a professional purpose but also to find a closure for the two people involved in the love note she discovers. There are multiple third person narratives from the secondary characters, which help to bring together a complex plot as the love note that Willa brings to the manor exchanges hands many times among the occupants in the manor. Gabe is a wonderful hero - a steadfast, loyal, tender, faith-filled protector and rescuer - who allows Willa's set ways to soften. The words from the love note becomes so much more meaningful in the end when Willa finally sees behind the mere words. There is humor hidden in this gem of a book, and you will find yourself laughing out loud at the banter and thoughts from the characters.
You won't want to miss this captivating masterpiece. It's one of my favorite reads of 2020.
I received a copy of the book from Revell/Baker Publishing Group and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
Joanna Davidson Politano knows how to cast a spell with her beautiful poetic words. The trope seems simple: find closure for the aged love letter found within the crevice of a desk. But the plot and the characters revolving around that letter are anything but simple. With writing style that is lyrical and powerful, characters who are so broken yet noble, intrigue around the love note that exposes hidden longings and layered secrets, and irrefutable spiritual truths, this book will enchant you and make you cry tears of heart-break and joy.
Willa is an energetic, impulsive, brilliant and intriguing woman who sets out to be a nurse to an ailing woman at Crestwicke Manor for a professional purpose but also to find a closure for the two people involved in the love note she discovers. There are multiple third person narratives from the secondary characters, which help to bring together a complex plot as the love note that Willa brings to the manor exchanges hands many times among the occupants in the manor. Gabe is a wonderful hero - a steadfast, loyal, tender, faith-filled protector and rescuer - who allows Willa's set ways to soften. The words from the love note becomes so much more meaningful in the end when Willa finally sees behind the mere words. There is humor hidden in this gem of a book, and you will find yourself laughing out loud at the banter and thoughts from the characters.
You won't want to miss this captivating masterpiece. It's one of my favorite reads of 2020.
I received a copy of the book from Revell/Baker Publishing Group and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.