LINE BY LINE by Jennifer Delamere, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

Jennifer Delamere has started a new series with Line By Line. It is set in Victorian England in the offices of Henly and Company. The story follows Alice McNeil. She is a modern Miss trying to prove that women can do a good job in the workplace. Alice can support herself; she has no need to pursue a marriage match. Until she meets fellow telegrapher and her supervisor, Douglas Shaw.

This was an interesting mix of history and budding romance. Ms. Delamere is very adept at incorporating facts and tidbits into her stories. She conveys her character’s feelings in a relatable way. One tool she uses is a volume called The Spinsters Guide to Love and Romance, based on a real book of the era. This little tome could get Alice into all kinds of trouble. It was fascinating to see how Alice used the advice contained in it.

A character who makes an appearance is Andrew Carnegie. Ms. Delamere used his own words to show his faith and the reason for his philanthropy. Mr. Carnegie counsels Douglas to put his priorities in the right order. There are lessons for us all. Another character I enjoyed was Miss Templeton, a former teacher who Alice visits to get some perspective.

I look forward to reading the rest of this series to see what other trouble the little advice book can stir up.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*I give this book 5 stars. Strong faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
Alice McNeil resolved at a young age to travel through life unencumbered by love or marriage, free to make her own decisions. A seasoned telegrapher, she's recently acquired a coveted position at an important trading firm, but when the company's ambitious junior director returns to London, things begin to change in ways Alice could never have imagined.

For Douglas Shaw, years of hard work and ingenuity enabled him to escape a life of grinding poverty. He's also determined to marry into high society--a step that will ensure he never returns to the conditions of his past.

He and Alice form a friendly relationship based on mutual respect, but anything deeper is not in their plans. However, when Alice accidentally raises the ire of a jealous and vindictive coworker who's intent on ruining her life, Alice and Douglas are forced to confront what is truly important in their lives. Will their growing bond give them the courage to risk finding a better way?

Bethany House Publishing, June 2020
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