Holding the Line - (Love Along the Wires) by Jennifer Delamere

Do you ever feel the need to help another despite the risks? Rose Finlay jumped right in and did that! I admired her character and what she did. Helping a stranger because she saw herself in her and also joining in with the girl’s uncle to combine forces was commendable. What could possibly go wrong? This man, Sandy, who’s very powerful, could ruin the lives of Sophie, the niece, and her family. Follow along and see what ultimately happens. I got drawn in quickly and felt like I was apart of this whole story. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.

Set in London, England in the late 1800s, Holding the Line tells the story of Rose Finlay, a widow who highly values her independence. Betrayed by her husband, Rose has no illusions about men or marriage, and has only recently been considering that some men are deserving of trust as her two best friends had recently married fine men. John Milburn had no time to consider romance, much less marriage, as both his brother and brother-in-law had passed away leaving two families in his care. Very unusual circumstances brought Rose and John together in supporting the welfare of John's eldest niece, only recently introduced into society. Jennifer Delamere has written a well-paced story that demonstrates the value of people, and the importance of seeking wise council. This story also stresses that we should allow ourselves second chances as we do others. Once again she has given us a story that is a pleasant read and that also provides important themes to ponder. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Holding the Line from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Never again will she allow a man to dominate her life! Rose Findlay was widowed quite young, after her philandering husband was killed in an accident. As life with him left much to be desired, she makes this statement. Planning to never marry again, she sets her sights on a career as a telegraph operator and slowly moves up into a supervisory position. Overhearing a conversation that appears to put a naive young lady in a questionable situation, Rose unwillingly is swept into a dysfunctional family. Will she manage to come out of this unscathed? This early copy of Love along the Wires #3 was received through Bethany House Publishers, Baker Publishing Group and NetGalley. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.

What a delightful historical fiction tale by Jennifer Delamere! I love her writing style, and thoroughly enjoy her stories! In Holding the Line, the third story in the Love Along the Wires trilogy, young, no nonsense, independent widow Rose Finlay finally gets her story. She has been a widow for seven years and her husband deeply hurt her. She holds fast to her independence and works hard to maintain that independence. As she enjoys tea at an establishment next to the post office where she is the assistant manager, she sees an unaccompanied young naive woman meeting with a roguish aristocrat and she is drawn to try to help protect this young woman because of the bitter lessons she herself has learned. This accidental meeting leads to a string of experiences, including meeting the girl's uncle and guardian John Milburn, that ultimately have Rose re-examining her life. Life is not always fair, and yet her cousin Abby has her rethinking recent discouraging developments with a positive spirit. A subtle faith thread that shows Rose learning much from her cousin Abby, John, and her friends, Alice & Douglas Shaw, and Emma & Mitchell Harris. She is blessed to have their friendship and their faith filled example. (To read their stories, read Line by Line, and Crossed Lines. Absolutely delightful, and well written historical fiction, I highly recommend Holding the Line. Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

A fitting finish for the Love Along The Wires Series. This book can also be read as a stand-alone and still be enjoyable. I was glad to see Rose get her own story so I could get to know her background and what makes her tick. I loved the characters and how their stories intertwined because of a chance encounter in a tea shop and telegrams that Rose had knowledge of. I found the telegraphy theme that ran through this series interesting as historical knowledge is important to me. My favorite theme throughout this series was the spinster book and how it made me chuckle. In this story the chapter on widows played a part. Ms Delamere weaves history, faith, and a storyline that keeps you engrossed from beginning to end. I recommend adding to your TBR pile as soon as possible. I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.