Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South is one of my absolute favorite books. And, I don’t think I’m alone, when I say that this book was extremely comparable to that classic.

This is a story of an arranged marriage that doesn’t start out too promising. It’s not that the newlyweds are awful people–they just don’t interact much.

In an effort to make his new wife happy, Alexander takes a much needed trip to the country where his wife can ease her loneliness. After an accident, Isabel is tasked with taking care of her new husband.

To say that this couple has a rough go of it would be an understatement. But, some of the best relationships happen when they overcome trials and tribulations.

I really enjoyed the message of this story–that one should never give up and that even those who may have had a more privileged upbringing can be made of steel. Isabel definitely is one of those characters who rises above. She and Alexander both are.

This is a clean, lovely romance that leaves me feeling refreshed and happy.

North and South fans will love this new historical romance by debut author Rebecca Anderson. Set in Victorian Manchester, Isabelle and Alexander marry without knowing much about each other, but Isabelle hopes that love will grow. So, she soon finds herself trying to find her place in Alexander’s world – despite his moodiness and stoicism.

Isabelle and Alexander is a slow-burn romance about two people getting to know each other while building real love. With the cotton mills, industrialization, and character growth, it’s hard not to see how this novel pays tribute to Elizabeth Gaskell.

However, it’s more of a sweet read, perfect if you’re looking for something enjoyable and satisfying to read.

Overall, this is a pure romance full of swoony moments, excellent characterization with a fantastic female character, and lovely writing. I look forward to reading more of Rebecca Anderson’s future novels.

Adaptation Recommendation: This needs to be a feature film period drama – perfect for streaming. The swooniness of the story will surely get the period drama audience watching.

Content Note: Completely wholesome.

Overall rating: 4.5
Romance rating: 5

Isabelle and Alexander was a delightful read. I relished the time spent looking on as the couple navigated the many obstacles they faced, wondering if they had the fortitude and inner strength to overcome them. Alexander was a complicated character that required patience and understanding to break through the rough exterior that ultimately overshadowed his true self. I admired Isabelle. The challenges she faced required an immediate maturity, and she rose to the occasion.  In doing so she adopted a new perspective on life, as well as her relationships, including the one she shared with her cousin, Edwin.

And now a few words about some of the secondary characters…

The house staff, mill workers and friends that made appearances throughout the book contributed nicely to the development of the plot.  Collectively, they played a significant role in propelling the story forward, maintaining my interest. One of the characters, a young girl named Glory who had some challengers of her own, but was nevertheless a great asset in many ways, was unique, complex and very likable. I enjoyed the space she was given in the book. My favorite character’s were the family doctor, Dr. Kelley,  followed by the housekeeper, Mrs. Burns. Her gentle words of wisdom, along with Dr. Kelley’s, were like a healing balm to Isabelle.  Glory’s parents, the Kenworthy’s, are also noteworthy. Their obvious love for Glory and their warm regard for Alexander moved me.  Also, Yeardley, Mr. Osgood’s faithful butler, while mainly quiet and relegated to the background, was a loyal servant who was of great help on many occasions involving Mr. Osgood.  Mr. Connor, Alexander’s engineer, also deserves an honorable mention. His dedication to the Osgood Mill gave new meaning to the words Work Ethic. I have hurriedly dismissed from my mind the two villainous characters, Dr. Fredericks and Nurse Margaret.  I shudder thinking of them. Their gruff demeanors and heartless treatment of their patient left much to be desired. Even the Osgood Mill was like a character in my mind. The description of the various features and functions brought it to life. I could hear the noise and smell the pungent materials within its walls.  The efficient way it operated, and the genuine concern for its owner was heartwarming.

In conclusion, I loved Isabelle and Alexander, and I highly recommend it. I believe the ending certainly leaves the door open for a sequel, and if that is the case, I will look forward to reading it.  (I could imagine a storyline emerging from Edwin and his enigmatic bride, Charlotte.)

This was like a Victorian Me Before You. And I found it really sweet.

There were some pacing choices that had me struggling at times. Especially the beginning. It just seemed so slow. And then also with the development of the relationship, it often times felt like instead of taking baby steps forward, they'd take a baby step forward and then a giant step (or two or three) back. It got frustrating at times.

But overall, I liked the idea of a romance that starts with a wedding (arranged marriage) and then follows the couple as they learn about each other and learn to be together.

Isabelle Rackham is a genteel bred daughter of a mine owner and was always aware that her marriage would be part of business arrangement rather than a love match. Her intended, Alexander Osgood, is a young mill owner with great financial prospects that will benefit her family and more than capable to keep her in a lifestyle close to the one she’s accustomed to.
Once they marry things are not as she expects and, on top of not really knowing each other, Isabelle is met with an absent husband who barely talks to her which gives way to increasing frustration and loneliness on her part. When she finally figures a way to gain Alexander’s attention, tragedy will strike and their lives will be turned upside-down in the cruelest way.
This is another one of those hidden gems I found by way of its beautiful cover while looking for something out of my usual read and it didn’t disappoint. Isabelle and Alexander is not the run of the mill love story, but one in which a couple struggles to find their footing and come together after being married.
Set right after the industrial revolution, this arranged marriage will got through great trials and tribulations and it’s a testament of how seriously a couple will take their wedding vows whether or not they were in love.
At first I had a lot of issues with Alexander, but I learned to love him along with Isabelle. I’d have really liked to know more about his POV instead of learning about him from the secondary characters, but I could still see why he was so distant early in the marriage.
This story is very nicely written and, once again, I found myself a clean story filled with the unexpected. I devoured it in one sitting and it pulled at the strings of my heart while waiting to find out if they would find out if Alexander would come back from his injuries and they’d find their HEA.

4 stars

I am unable to review Isabelle and Alexander. I don't know what happened, but Amazon never allowed this one to go to my kindle.
Sorry.

Although arranged marriages are no longer a thing, Isabelle and Alexander have been promised to each other. Once married they struggle to connect to build a relationship. Alexander plans a trip for them to his country home hoping to connect, when he is thrown from his horse and paralyzed. He must now depend on his wife and hopefully they are able to build a relationship they so struggled with.

Great story I really enjoyed it and it was easy to read. Its about a couple who go through a tough time early in their marriage and try to find love in what they have even though they didn't marry for love it was a marriage of convenience/business transaction for Alexander.

This was a great book about finding what is really important in love and marriage. I loved how this story was written and how it took the characters time to figure out what true love really is. I also like how the trial they had to face that changed their plans was really what eventually brought them together. I liked seeing the characters grow and seeing them come to care for each other. I also liked learning about mills during the Victorian time period. Overall I thought this was a great story.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

Isabelle Rackham has accepted that her upcoming marriage will be a business match. Arranged to merge her father’s upper-middle-class status with Alexander Osgood’s prospering textile mills, Isabelle knows her position well. Her soon-to-be husband might be a coveted bachelor, but for him acquiring a wife is not a matter of love.

Life in Northern England is nothing like in her childhood home in the lake country. Dank and dreary, the soot from the mills coats Isabelle’s new surroundings in a perpetual gray hue, one that seems to seep into every corner of her life. Her husband, though courteous, seems to prefer immersing himself into the mill than spending time with her at home.

When an unexpected trip to Alexander’s country estate culminates in a tragic accident that leaves him paralyzed, Isabelle is propelled in a direction she never imagined. She must decide whether she can embrace the life she didn’t sign up for and the husband who does not love her.

In Isabelle and Alexander, Rebecca Anderson delivers a sweet story of overcoming the odds that transports readers to Victorian England and the mill country. It evokes a North and South (Elizabeth Gaskell) feel that this Mr. Thornton fan loved. Though immediately intrigued by the premise, the novel started off slow, but I became more engrossed after the accident and its consequent upheaval to the newlyweds.

In a time and age when many give up on marriage rather than put in the hard work necessary, a romance built on values and perseverance is a breath of fresh air. However, most of the time, I felt like a spectator in the corner rather than someone immersed in the middle of the events, which made it disappointing. Told in first person from Isabelle’s point of view, a large part of the information came through introspection. I wanted to be shown things instead of told.

As a non-point-of-view character, Alexander’s words and actions are vital to revealing his inner feelings, struggles, and changes. While we clearly see this come through when pushing his wife away, his subsequent softening isn’t as visible. It made his switch and the ensuing romance at the end feel rushed and sudden.

I liked both Isabelle and Alexander, but the scenes between them never achieved their full potential — again, mostly because of too much telling and not enough showing. I did enjoy watching Isabelle grow into her role as wife and mistress of the house even as she discovered herself as a woman and human being.

A stronger sense of setting also would have helped place the reader deeper in the tale. As is, the descriptions in Isabelle and Alexander didn’t always carry across the page, painting a clear picture of the scene and era. I saw a lot of promise in the writing, the characters, and the setting. Had I been less interested, I might have not cared so much about the details. But the story did capture me, making me wish I could submerge myself in the events instead of just scratch the surface. Creating characters that readers connect with is half the battle, and Anderson definitely accomplished that. I would recommend this book to fans of Victorian novels and arranged marriages, and I will keep my eyes out for more titles by this author.

Isabelle and Alexander is a different type of romance. I really loved and enjoyed the story and I appreciated the representation of two characters with a disability. Their relationship was definitely a slow-burn, but I felt it represented an arranged marriage well, the real life of it. It's not always love at first sight. There are some very sweet moments between them and also some very hard and real moments as Alexander tries to figure out his new reality.
I loved when they would visit the mill. I could feel that Alexander felt more himself there. As with anyone adjusting to a disability, there were hard times. I enjoyed how Isabelle had a great support system. Mrs. Burns, Mr. and Mrs. Kenworthy, Glory (who I adored), Yeardley were perfect additions and wonderfully giving characters. Whenever Dr. Kelley was around, there was always a sense of comfort and love in the air.

Arranged marriages is not my favorite trope, but this book was so good! It had some unexpected twists that I didn't see coming! The character arcs, you couldn't help but love the characters are cheer them on. This story has a lot of depth in it and is a clean regency romance.

I received an ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.

A light, easy read full of the expected tropes in modern Regency, I nonetheless enjoyed this story very much.

The characters were a little one-dimensional and the narrative probably would've benefited from another character's POV, particularly Alexander's. Sure, it was predictable and a little cheesy, but I think that's to be expected in this genre.

I flew through Isabelle and Alexander in record time. While that may not speak to complexity or depth, it certainly speaks to enjoyability.

Isabelle and Alexander is a sweet story that deals with an arranged marriage with unexpected difficulties.

Isabelle is a woman of fortitude. Life has not turned out how she expected, in spite of disappointments, she rises and excels at the challenges placed in front of her. When the story begins she is looking forward to an arranged marriage to Alexander Osgood. He is new money and the owner of a clothing mill. He is not a man of many words and it leads to frustration on both of their parts.

Shortly after their marriage, Alexander is thrown from his horse and left with paralysis. This is not a good start to their marriage, particularly one where they are strangers. This was an interesting conflict that is not typically part of a romance book. I loved how Rebecca Anderson was able to write this realistically. She portrayed the frustrations of the characters. The story is written in the first person, but she described Alexander's reactions that indicated his feelings.

It is at this point that Isabelle really shined for me. Her determination to take care of her husband and help his recovery was admirable. She is compassionate, not just in her dealings with her husband but also with Glory, a disabled young woman that Isabelle takes under her wing. She is so patient and kind. It became understandable how Isabelle could transition into a caregiver.

I loved this journey. This wasn't just a book of romantic fiction to me. I was inspired by the characters. This is not your typical romance, this is something more.

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Isabelle and Alexander are adjusting to each other in the awkwardness of an arranged marriage that isn't what either of them expected. Just when you think they might be starting to warm up a terrible tragedy occurs, leaving Alexander paralyzed. Alexander needs a supportive wife but he pushes Isabelle away. She has to grow in confidence and find her voice to be strong when he cannot.

It was a bit frustrating to watch them struggle with such poor communication through most of the story but I did appreciate the ending. I also liked how people with different abilities were valued in the book in spite of the challenges their caregivers faced. If you're looking for a slow-burn squeaky-clean romance, you'll love this book!

Isabelle knows she is destined for an arranged marriage. She just hopes she can one day love the man that will be chosen for her. When Alexander is chosen for her, she has high hopes. She soon comes to realize she has married a man that is emotionally and physically distant. He spends most of his time working at his textile mill, which she assumes is just an excuse to keep away from her.

After a terrible horse accident, Alexander is laid low for quite some time. Physical therapy is torturous to watch and Isabelle has to learn to fight for what she wants for her and Alexander. As she takes matters into her own hands, she learns what it means to truly love and serve another.

This was a sweet story of self-discovery and learning to be humble. I appreciated how clean it was and will let my teen read this one. I will say that at times it was a bit frustrating to read. Were they really that clueless to the feelings of each other? It's hard to judge the past with the mores of our time.

Thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Isabelle and Alexander by Rebecca Anderson

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
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Story Notes

Rebecca Anderson brings readers a different type of regency romance that begins with a rather cold arranged marriage and grows into a love story born from tragedy.

Arranged Marriages are a well-used trope that can be a way for an author to either blend in or stand out from others. Rebecca Anderson clearly stands out with her unique take on this trope that will have readers fully engaged and cheering for love to come through at last. Isabelle Rackham has resigned herself to marry as directed by her parents. They have sought out a man of not only means but with a reputation for being honest and kind. If only Alexander were a little more warm in his attention to her. Soon after the wedding Isabelle realizes if she is going to talk to her husband, she will have to make concerted efforts. She will also have to find her own way in the world of society now given that Alexander does not attend assemblies nor does he host gatherings. Friendship is found with the kind and welcoming Mrs. Kenworthy and her daughter - a young woman of some mental disability but with a joy for life that is contagious. A trip into the country to visit Alexander's estate brings a chance for Isabelle and Alexander to grow closer but when tragedy strikes, all focus turns to ensuring Alexander survives his injuries. Isabelle never dreamed that the phrase "in sickness and in health" would be presented to her so quickly in her marriage but she chooses to honor her promise and determines to ensure that Alexander receives the care he needs. They return to Manchester and begin a tortuous recovery that will challenge the mind, body and spirits of everyone in the Osgood household. With the help of the gracious and kindly staff supporting her, along with her friends, Isabelle finds the strength she needs to stand up for herself and her husband. It is strength that she will need when another tragedy strikes and the walls around hers and Alexander's hearts are crumbled forever. Can they find love in the midst of pain or will they let pride keep them from becoming the couple they long to be? Well, you'll have to come find out! I loved this reverse love story that tackled not only the battle of medical practices and care but also the stigmas attached to those who don't fit the world's idea of "normal". Nothing was off the table in the discussions and conversations and I really enjoyed the honest, if sometimes painful, things that were said. Isabelle is a fighter for those she loves but she never had a chance to see that until the situation with Alexander. She was hoping for a quiet marriage with perhaps a little affection one day but what she got was not that but so much better. Dr Kelly, Mrs. Burns, Glory and Mrs. Kenworthy become the friends and support that she needed and provided sounding boards for the toughest decisions. This was a marvelous story to read and one that more people should also read. I will certainly be recommending this book to others and truly hope that they will enjoy this gift of a story as much as I did.

I received this temporary complimentary E-book from Shadow Mountain Publishing via NetGalley in order to provide a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

Isabelle did not think she would marry for love. She married Alexander for an alliance between her father and him. They were married only a couple of months when out riding he was thrown from his horse and was paralyzed. Isabelle fought to keep him home with her and she would take care of him. He improved as time went by and the story tells us how they found love with the hardships they had to endure.

This was a slow build romance, but had a satisfying ending. Isabelle knew to expect an arranged marriage, but learning how to please her new husband is more difficult than she supposed. Alexander isn't sure he can keep his new wife in the style she lived in before. Then tragedy strikes and both must scrape together the courage to meet unexpected difficulties.

I liked Isabelle's character development, going from a whimsical girl to a brave-hearted housewife. Alec was harder to like, since his demeanor was cold and detached much of the book (a necessary trait for him, but hard to love). The secondary characters are all well-developed and help to move the story along. Overall, the book ended satisfactorily with a happily-ever-after feel.

Rated PG
--no language
--no sexual content (closed-door scenes)
--no gore
--no violence

I was provided this ebook through NetGalley for an honest review.

I have really enjoyed the ‘proper romance’ books from Shadow Mountain publishing over the years and their covers are so great. Every time I see one of them I know that I am instantly going to enjoy the book. Some more than others of course, but generally their proper romances are all great reads and for me, they read very quick.

When this one came up for review, I knew it was an easy yes. It sounded so great, an arranged marriage and two characters that ultimately fall in love against all odds. I had read a couple of other reviews before picking this one up and saw that many reviewers noted it was a slow burn romance and I love slow burn romances. So needless to say I was eager to check this one out.

If historical romance is your jam, then you should definitely check out Shadow Mountain publisher because they have a number of titles to choose from and many of them are off the beaten path and charming. I adore their titles. While I didn’t love this one as much as I had anticipated, it was still a good read and I am glad that I picked it up!

Summary
Manchester, 1850

Isabelle Rackham knows she will not marry for love. Though arranged marriages have fallen out of fashion, hers has been settled for some time. Alexander Osgood is handsome, well-known, and wealthy, but he is distant and aloof, spending much of his time at his textile mill.

Moreover, Northern England is nothing like Isabelle’s home in the Lake Country, and her marriage is far from the fairy tale she expected. Conversations with Alexander are awkward, when they happen at all, and Isabelle struggles with loneliness.

Sensing his wife’s unhappiness, Alexander brings Isabelle to his country estate. During their time together, the couple begins to build a friendship, opening up to each other about the details of their lives. But when a tragic accident leaves Alexander unable to walk, their fledgling relationship is tested.

Isabelle is determined to see to her husband’s recovery, and in caring for him, she discovers within herself an untapped well of strength and courage. In learning to rely on each other, the couple has an opportunity to forge a love connection that they both have longed for but never dreamed could be. (summary from Goodreads)

Review
I think the biggest issue I had with this one was Isabelle. I didn’t love her as a main character. I felt like she needed a little more ‘umph’ in the confidence department. I found her to be a little too timid/weak for the role of romantic heroine. I would have liked to have seen a little more fire from her as the story went on. She wasn’t awful but as a strong female reader, I wanted to see just a bit more to recommend her as the lead. I also found the detached POV a little difficult. I wanted to form a connection with the characters and I just didn’t get that with this POV.

Now readers of proper romances will know that the ‘romance’ parts her heavy on the clean side and more sweet than spicy, and this book did have a sweet romance but it took us a while to get there. It is a romance in reverse with the two characters already being married and then falling in love, and yes I knew it would be a slow burn, but I didn’t really feel a connection or even a real romantic element until over half way through. I think part of that was due to Alexander. I didn’t really start to like him until about half way through so I think that was part of the problem for me.

I know a lot of readers loved this one and it did have some great points. It felt different and I felt that it had a strong historical background. Many reviews have likened it to North and South with the textile parts and I agree. I liked the historical elements and thought it added authenticity to the story and it’s a favorite time period of mine so I enjoyed that. I also liked that the author took a bold new approach to romance in this one. I liked that Isabelle had to care for her paralyzed husband. It’s a troupe that isn’t all that common which made it feel fresh and new to me.

While I might not have loved this one, there were some great parts and I am not sorry I read it. It was an ok read that I finished up in a couple of days and enjoyed. If you like clean historical romances this one is for you!

Book Info and Rating
Format324 pages, Paperback

Published May 4, 2021 by Shadow Mountain

ISBN9781629728476 (ISBN10: 1629728470)

Free review copy provided by publisher, Shadow Mountain in partnership with Austen Prose blog tour, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and in no way influenced.

Rating: 3 stars

Genre: historical romance, historical fiction, romance