"Yours Truly Thomas " is written by Rachel Fordham. Is is a romantic fiction book. The story takes place in 1883. Penny works at the Dead Letter office and reads mail that is sent . She had some attachment to some letters that came from Thomas and were written to Clara. The stories expressed how much He loved her and then Thomas stated that she died. Penny decided to write Penny back. Penny did not know him. In the meantime Thomas left for the west to start a new life. He ended up on Azure Springs., Iowa . Penny decided to go to Iowa after losing her Dad and she needed a fresh start. Azure Springs is a small and personable town. Penny stayed in a boarding house run by Margaret. Margaret goes the extra mile to make sure her guests are cared for and relaxed. Penny treasured the way love was expressed in letters at that time. Her parents wrote love letters to each other to show how much they cared for each other. While at the boarding house Penny met Thomas and got to know him. When a tragedy struck for Thomas and Penny they are forced to show each other how much they care for each other. What will become of the relationship with Penny and Thomas and how will the tragedy shape their characters. This book is well written and shows the Christian love and care that Thomas and Penny showed for each other. Thank you for the author and netgalley and Revell for allowing me to read and review this wonderful book. I am not obligated to give a positive review.

Wow! I loved Rachel's debut novel, The Hope of Azure Springs, and was blown away by this book! So much emotion and pain plagued Thomas and Penny. Penny works at the Dead Letter Office, where letters that can't be delivered go and providence hands her Thomas' love letter to Clara. Thomas is heading west trying to run from his past.

I love Penny's stubborn drive to not let go, she finds herself at Azure Springs, determined to meet Thomas. Their meet cute was so fun! And every time they're together, I just loved them more! From chasing adorable Honey, Penny's fuzzball of a dog, to stealing pie. Their friendship felt real and authentic.

With the help of characters from the 1st novel, although this is a stand-alone, the two find themselves either pushed together, thanks Margaret! or solving a mystery. And Penny, the dreamer, loves stories and solving mysteries thanks to her time at the Dead Letter Office.

The pacing was perfect as well as the writing. I couldn't put the book down and didn't want it to end! I loved the edition of letters in the book and it made me remember that receiving a letter is a special gift! Especially nowadays when we can send digital letters, but it doesn't have the same feel to it. The cover is gorgeous and draws the eye. I received a copy of this book from the publisher and these are my own thoughts but I know you'll love it!

This is such a sweet story. I loved the concept of the dead letter office. The letter writing back and forth between the characters was so sweet and flowed well and added a special layer of depth with this story. An emotionally engaging story of redemption and second chances.

This was a nice read. I enjoyed Penny’s spirit and her determination. At times she came across a bit immature but I think as the book went along that changed and she developed more into a woman.

Thomas had a backstory I was dying to know more about. Who was he before he came to Azure Springs and what happened with Clara?

The other characters in Azure Springs adds interest and life to the story.

A copy of this book was given to me through the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Penelope “Penny” Ercanbeck works in the dead letter post office in Washington DC. After her father’s death leaves Penny and her mother rather destitute, she has been forced to work. She actually enjoys working in the dead letter office. Her best friend and co-worker, Dinah is always there to encourage her. Her mother would like for her to move in with her uncle who is very controlling and looking for a “good match” for her. Penny is looking for love and romance and wants no part of her mother and uncle’s schemes. She comes across some fascinating letters that a man named Thomas writes to his fiancée, Clara. After she reads a few letters that Thomas wrote to Clara, she begins a mission to bring the two back together. But that mission will prove to be more difficult than she could ever imagine.
Return to the bygone days of the hand written letter. The words of the author are not so important as the feeling and warmth of the letter writing that is sprinkled throughout the novel. Do you remember the days of writing letters? If not, come join the folks in Azure Springs and capture the long-lost art of the old -fashioned letter and how it can reach and touch people more than you would ever imagine. The richness and heart of the story are in Thomas’s letters that wind up in the dead letter area of the post office. These letters are truly life changing for both of them. This is a story of love and forgiveness and accepting that change as a gift from above. See how Thomas struggles to transform his life in an effort to become a better person. Penny’s life will also change as she saves a life and endangers her own life. Oh, and don’t forget about a cute little dog named Honeysuckle, nicknamed “Honey.” I have to admit that the beginning of the novel moved rather slowly for me. But as the letters were more prolific in the novel, I began to become more engrossed and had a better grasp of what the author was trying to get across through the letters.
Note: The Hope of Azure Springs is Rachel Fordham’s debut novel and we do return to this quaint little town for this novel, but it certainly could easily be a stand-alone. However, I highly recommend the first novel, as you will miss meeting Em and Elizabeth and some other key characters from the first story. It’s a fabulous debut novel!
4.5 Stars
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Beautiful story

Rachel Fordham has followed her debut novel with another heartfelt and soul stirring tale of pain and heartache and finding joy and love again. When it seems you have lost everything and written words are the only thing left that can touch you deep within. This was a beautifully written story with characters that will stay with you for a very long time.

I loved the letters written throughout and how they brought the story together so perfectly. I highly recommend this book!

This was such a great story. I really enjoyed the characters and the plot. I liked that we got to know each of the main characters apart from each other and their story gradually brought them together. Well written, good solid book.

You meet Penny as she is working at the Dead Letters office in Washington D.C.. She is soon drawn to letter from a Thomas to the young woman, Clara. Penny wants to assist Thomas with making a connection with Clara. This plan ends up taking Penny all the way to Azure Springs, Iowa!

This was an interesting tale; however, it took too long to come to the conclusion!

Penny Ercanbeck has been opening and reading other people's letter as part of her job in Washington D.C. at the dead letter office. One day she comes across a letter addressed to a woman named Clara, from a man called Thomas in Azure Springs. She is intrigued by their tragic romance, and with each letter her interest grows, and she goes in search of the mysterious Clara, following her conclusions to Azure Springs and Thomas.



Thomas began writing to Clara after a tragic accident as a means of coping, the last thing he was expecting was a reply.



The story follows both Penny and Thomas as their paths grow ever closer to each other. Penny has many huge decisions in her future, she is a determined and compassionate person, her heart instantly goes out to the author of the letters to Clara. She is very clever and enjoys piecing together the clues in order to solve the mysteries that her job brings.



Thomas was originally a businessman, but since ending up in Azure Springs he realizes that he enjoys working with his hands on the land. He is trying to come to terms with the tragedy that made him start writing the letters to Clara. He makes many friends in Azure Springs, who encourage this step in a different direction.



Overall, a well paced plot with a lot going on and multiple characters, I really enjoyed returning to Azure Springs and seeing many familiar face, even though it is not strictly a sequel--more like a stand alone companion. Good interaction, and it really surprised me how much I liked it since, it did end up taking while for Thomas and Penny to meet in person. An enjoyable read, with great characters, and personal growth from Penny and Thomas.




I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Penny, working in the dead letter office in D.C. becomes overly involved in reading letters written by Thomas and sets out to find him. A lot of this book is written in letter fashion which I'm not fond of. Azure Springs is a very small town and the busybodies grew annoying. I found the story to be unlikely - Penny trying to find Clara, Clara's father teaming up with the neighbor, etc. I do enjoy this author but this book did not work for me.

There’s nothing better than a sweet, tender, clean love story that makes you give a happy sigh when you finish reading the last page of the book. Rachel Fordham has given us a treasure of a love story between Thomas and Penny. From the first chapter, my sympathy was stirred for Penny. She’s loyal, caring, and courageous. My heart hurt for her as she struggled with the daily disappointments and rejections of her life. Thomas is running from tragedy in his past and is looking for a new start. He’s made many mistakes but realizes it’s time for him to become a better man. Both Thomas and Penny are searching for acceptance as well as peace of heart and mind. Penny’s job in the dead letter office is not exciting, but that changes when she reads a series of letters from Thomas. They both find that the road to their futures will take them to the friendly town of Azure Springs.

The heart of this book is the letters from both Thomas and Penny. They are not sugary-sweet sappy letters. They are heartfelt, honest, and reveal the steadfast hearts of the writers. That’s the true romance of this book: Loving, faith-filled hearts searching to do the very best for each other.

This book is high on my list of the books I’ve read this year, and it’s one that I’ll be reading again.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Yours Truly, Thomas is a sweet historical romance about finding love through second chances and overcoming the past.

Penny Ercanbeck works at the Dead Letter Office, and is drawn to the tales she finds in the penned letters. But one, written by a Thomas to his lost love, particularly tugs on her heart. She is determined to help Thomas reconnect to his sweetheart. When the opportunity arises for Penny to track Thomas down and return to him his lost letter, she jumps at the chance and journeys to Azure Springs. There, she finds more than she could have expected, as well as the chance to finally find freedom and maybe even a home.

Penny is a total romantic and dreamer, so it comes at no surprise that she connects so quickly to Thomas via his letters. Penny has no intentions, though, to fall in love with Thomas, but even as she first meets him (though she doesn’t yet know that it was him) and later reconnects with him, she can’t deny the connection she feels to him and his loss.

It took me until the section where Thomas and Penny meet and start interacting face-to-face to really fall in love with this story. Fordham has such a wonderful way of writing their interactions - part humorous, part deeply touching, and part simple, glorious romance.

This is not just a romance, though that forms the majority of the story. There is intrigue and a touch of suspense as Penny and Thomas must face down the ghosts of the past before they can move ahead with their future.

Honey is a wonderfull, doggy addition to the story. There are also a few guest appearances of characters readers will remember from Azure Springs, and boardinghouse keeper, Margaret, has some fun with matchmaking.

Yours Truly, Thomas is an enjoyable and deliciously romantic historical romance story. The power of the two main characters and their undeniable connection breathes life into the story.

The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

Rachel has crafted a triumphant story of overcoming tragedy and the overwhelming hopelessness attached to the inability to forgive oneself.
Written with depth of character I was drawn into the lives of the protagonists. They are written not as perfect people but rather, people who are being perfected through their imperfections.
In “Yours Truly, Thomas” I was quickly invested in Penny’s desire to help a hurting man reach the woman he loves. Although she is not supposed to be involved in the lives of people whose letters arrive at the dead letter office, Penny’s empathy stirs in her a passion to do more than read and discard undeliverable letters. So, she writes a response to Thomas where she vows to pray for him.
I can relate to Penny. When she responds emotionally as Thomas pours out his heart in his letters, I am reminded of myself. Many times I have been stirred by the brokenness of others and have not wanted to sit back and do nothing.
Thomas responds to Penny’s letter and is amazed by her prayers. He confirms that he is not a lost cause. “You spoke of the loss of your father... I believe he was right that we must keep seeking purpose and joy. I can attest to the difficulty of doing so. But both purpose and joy are out there. We must seize them when and where we can.”
Through circumstances and the help/interference of the endearing people of Azure Springs they are drawn to each other and the book comes to a satisfying conclusion.
This book is not overtly Christian but the threads of faith, love, hope and forgiveness are woven throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
I received this book through Interviews and Reviews courtesy of Baker Publishing Group. This review is voluntary and reflects my personal thoughts on the book.

5 stars
Yours Truly, Thomas is just an incredible book, I read the first one in this series last year and loved it. I was so beyond thrilled to be able to receive the second one set once again in Azure Springs, Iowa. If you haven’t read the first one in the series, do not let that stop you from reading this one. Yours Truly, Thomas can be read as a stand-alone.
I absolutely adored Penny, Mae, Millie, Thomas and Margaret and Penny’s mud loving dog Honeysuckle. Rachel Fordham has an incredible way with words. I was drawn into the book, the characters and the town from the very first page. There is little better than an engaging, well-written clean book! I so highly recommend this book and I truly hope there will be more in this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. The views given are my own. #YoursTrulyThomas #NetGalley

This was an absolutely spectacular book. I devoured it from cover to cover in one evening. Yes, I stayed up all night just to finish this beautiful tale of love, intrigue, mystery, family, secrets, and honesty. Author Rachel Fordham has a talent which can only be given by our maker. Her skill is heavenly.

From the beginning I was invested in this book. “One hundred percent, let those dishes pile up, no I don’t want to watch television, sorry I forgot to fix dinner, tell her I will call her back” invested. The book had me mesmerized and I was trapped willingly in Azure Springs. Pages flipped and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next. There is mystery, romance, adventure, a lovable rambunctious standard poodle, and a cast of quirky characters. Characters from other Azure Springs books spring up and I was thrilled. I would ask my husband “Oh, guess who just came to visit Penny?” He would good heartedly play along and send his best wishes.

The author has researched her subject well. This is a brilliant idea for a book. I was able to learn something about the Dead Letter Office. There is scripture, prayer, and references to God. I love this, too. If your classification is Christian fiction, put the Christians in the book, please. The big old lovable unruly dog was a very sweet part of the story.

The writing was exemplary. I felt like I was back in Azure Springs among old friends and making new ones. Conversations flowed gently and naturally. They never seemed rushed, but very authentic. The bad guys were very bad and easy to dislike. There are twists and turns to keep you on your toes and your interest piqued until the very last page.

All while reading this sure to be an award winning book, I kept thinking, this would be the best movie. It really would with the unique story, big muddy dog running amok, a quaint town with unique individuals, and mysteries. I kept changing the cast as I continued to read. Faces finally came together with characters and voila, I was ready to rally for a movie. I bet you will be, too.

Yes, I highly recommend this book to anyone. I rated this literary jewel 5 out of 5 stars. I was provided a copy from the publisher but was under no obligation to write a review. These are my own, honest words.

Having grown up initially in a time of letter writing and witnessing the introduction of texting and social media, I love books that incorporate the historical importance of the written word! We forget how much thought can go into a letter when we have instant communication with people at all times. There was a movie and show on Hallmark called Signed, Sealed, Delivered that reminded me so much of this book. Set in modern times, it followed a dead letter office and their efforts to find the owners of letters. This book is set in the late 19th century, when letter writing was still a main mode of communication, and with everyone moving out west and becoming more separated from their families, it's not surprising that letters frequently found their way to dead letter offices. It was so enjoyable to read a book like this one!

Penelope Ercanbeck grew up knowing love and wanting love in return. Her parents wrote each other love letters, and she dreamed one day that she too could have such a romance. But three years have passed since her father died, and Penny is beginning to realize how much love might just be another fairytale. Working in a dead letter office to take care of herself and her mother, she becomes quite attached to the letters, especially the ones about matters of the heart. One particular author especially catches her eyes, as the man continues to write letters to a sweetheart who continues to not receive them. Realizing that there's a mystery to solve, Penny is determined to reunite the two. However, things are not so simple, and this one action leads to another which leads to another which leads to Penny taking the trip of a lifetime to meet the man who calls to her heart.

Penny was a darling character! I loved her idealistic view of the world, despite all the hardships she faced. She could have laid down and let her mother walk all over her, let her uncle decide her future, and remain uncaring about the plight of the poor letter writer, Thomas Conner. But her vision of a future love and the idea that everyone should find that love someday led her to have an amazing adventure, and it was such a pleasure to read! Thomas was an interesting hero, one who seemed to be in the midst of reforming himself, and he was charmed by Penny and wary of his interest in her. He had a dark past, and he was not without enemies, so their relationship definitely had its roadblocks. I also questioned his motive for writing the letters, given the circumstances that are eventually revealed to the reader. Seemed a bit odd. However, I thought the author did a wonderful job explaining everything and providing enough detail without getting bogged down in it. Lots of action, romance, and mystery to keep the reader going into the wee hours of the night!

I look forward to reading more books by this author! She is sure to be one I pick up in the future.

Letter writing seems to be a dead art. I can remember finding letters that my great-grandparents sent back and forth during their courtship, and loved reading through their histories. We don't have that these days...and I think that's one of the things that drew me to this book. Thomas is a beautiful writer who expresses himself in a way that would make any woman swoon! Also, the backstory and the Dead Letter Office were fascinating...I never knew so much about how that works, and am now curious to know how it has changed until today. The book is a clean romance with lots of history tucked into the pages, as well as some danger and mystery. It returns to the setting of Azure Springs, which was featured in an earlier book, but it is a perfectly fine stand-alone novel. A must-read for fans of historic fiction.

This was an enjoyable story with sweet, clean romance, and charming, interesting characters.

Penny is restless, brave, and longs for a 'happily ever after' - even if it's not her own. She cares deeply about people. She struggles with who she was, and, trying to find out who she can become.

Thomas is a good man, haunted by his painful past. He wants to be free and move on, but doesn't know how to on his own. He struggles with finding his own worth.
(Quote from book) - "He'd been slow to notice any beauty since his life had taken a turn."

Penny and Thomas are brought together through letters in an unexpected and heartwarming way.

I love the emotion that is openly shared in the letters.
Besides a great story line, the supporting characters were enjoyable too.
One of my favorite quotes from this book:
"I hope you have a moment when you know the road you've walked was not a mistake but a route leading you to happiness despite the bumps along the way."
There were a few twists and turns I didn't see coming, which provided for a bit of suspense. And I enjoyed learning some history about the post office in that era.
I recommend this book. It was an easy to follow story, and was written well.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinions are all my own.

Yours Truly, Thomas is a sweet historical romance. It is about a young woman who works at the dead mail center in Washinfton DC. She is a bit of a romantic and fell in love with the author of a letter she read. She goes in pursuit of the author. This is a cute book if you are in the mood for a light romantic read.
3.5 stars
*I was give a copy of this book by the publisher. This is my honest opinion.

Yours Truly, Thomas by Rachel Fordham is the first book I've read by this author. I found it a bit slow at the beginning. Once I got into the story, I loved it. I couldn't wait to turn the page! While I loved Thomas & Penny's story, I loved the way Fordham incorporated Honey into the story. I wasn't sure how the story would end and if things would work out for them. I would gladly read another book by this author.
I would recommend this book for Christian romance readers who enjoy a touch of mystery. I was given this book by the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and comments are my own.