Holding the Line is the third book in the Love Across the Wires series by Jennifer Delamere, but it can be read as a stand-alone novel. Rose Finlay is a young widow whose friends pass on "The Spinster's Guide to Love and Romance" because it has a section just for widows. With a busy career at the post office and caring for her mother-in-law, Rose has no plans to love again. That changes when she intervenes in the romantic lives of a young woman and an unprincipled aristocrat, and she meets the uncle of the young woman. Will Rose be able to give her heart again and find true love?

Holding the Line, by Jennifer Delamere, is the third book in the Love along the Wires series, but it reads very well as a stand-alone novel. Well-written and truly thoughtful, this story is creative and engaging. With moments of romance and gripping drama melding beautifully together page after page, this novel is genuinely enjoyable and compelling. Its vivid characters and memorable plot strengthen a story that is as meaningful as it is entertaining.

From busy post offices, to foggy London streets, to the warmth of neighborhood tea rooms, Ms. Delamere incorporates settings that are wonderfully descriptive and immersive. From these settings, the story unfolds naturally as the characters’ personalities and motivations are developed. Chapter by chapter, the main characters reveal themselves to be hard-working, resourceful, and kind. They grow increasingly sympathetic and intriguing as they endeavor to overcome setbacks and achieve their goals. Despite the effects of loss and uncertainty, the characters open their hearts to healing and to the possibility of a future redeemed by grace.

Holding the Line is a charming story of friendship, family, faith, love, misunderstandings, truth, and second chances. From beginning to end, it is moving, uplifting, and utterly enjoyable. A wonderful addition to a fabulous series, it is a pleasure to read, and I gladly recommend it.

*I was given a copy of this novel from the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

Holding the Line is a heartwarming conclusion to the Love Along the Wires series. The story, wrapped in a realistically depicted Victorian London setting, drew me in from the beginning and kept me engaged to the satisfying ending. I was glad to see independent, intelligent widow Rose Finlay get her own story. A compelling cast of characters, a well-structured and fittingly-paced plot, slow burn romance, humorous moments, interesting history, and a subtle faith thread combine to create an pleasurable, entertaining read. I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful story and highly recommend it especially for historical romance fans. Note: There are carryover characters from the previous books in the series, but this book can be easily read as a standalone.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

One of the best things about reading a book that can be read as a standalone story but is also part of a series, is that you get the conclusion of the story featurined in that book but have gotten to know the characters through other books. Holding the Line is a perfect example of this. Rose is built up as a somewhat mysterious character throughout the Love Along the Wires series. She is a young widow who doesn't share much of her history, but it's clear she has been hurt before. In this book, we're finally able to know more. Though I don't think it's a requirement to read the other books first, it definitely builds the anticipation of Rose's story.

After Rose overhears a conversation in a tea shop between a young lady of society and a man known to be a womanizer, she gets sucked into helping this young lady to not make the same mistakes as her. Fighting on her side is the young woman's uncle, John. John is doing all he can to help his family after his sister and sister-in-law (the wife of his brother) both become widows. This throws John and Rose together quite frequently. But what starts out as a way to save his niece Sophie from ruin turns into so much more.

Holding the Line has an appropriate amount of tension as both Rose and John struggle to help Sophie without it feeling like an overly dramatic story that drags on unnecessarily. I think the author did a great job of writing an annoying, overbearing character in Sophie's aunt. I just wanted to shove her to the side so many times that I felt myself rooting more and more for Rose. Overall, I highly enjoyed this book as well as the rest of the series and would recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and I'm leaving an honest and voluntary review.

I very much enjoyed this third book of the Love Along the Wires series! Historical fiction is my favorite to read because I love learning about the past. The author does a wonderful job bringing the fascinating details of telegraphy and the postal service to life. Rose and John, the main characters, are delightful and I found their friendship to be so uplifting and inspiring. The story is captivating and I am amazed at how well the author brings it all to a satisfying conclusion. I highly recommend it.

I received a copy of this book. This review is my own opinion.

1880s London
Third of an excellent series but works as stand alone. Rose is the last of the group. She is a widow from a terrible marriage and is determined to stay single. In unusual circumstances for the time, she has worked her way up to being manager at a post office. All was going well until she observed young Sophie being charmed by a debonair cad who was the son of an Earl. Her concern connected her to the girl's uncle and guardian. Rose has excellent qualities - honest, intelligent, proud, independent to name a few. Working people who are successful, touching on the social life of the Ton and all that life entails. And the social moralities. The story unfolds with people who you have to admire and feel invested in. I found it very hard to put down and hated to see it end.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#HoldingtheLine #NetGalley #JenniferDelamere #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianHistoricalFiction

“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” Jeremiah 33:27

This verse is mentioned in the book, and fits perfectly with the story.

I absolutely LOVED this book!

This is another new author for me, and she has an exquisite writing style that made this book so easy and fun to read that I nearly inhaled it!

The no-nonsense main character and British postal worker Rose Finlay was funny and loveable from the first page. I liked how she dearly loved books (like myself) and how selflessly she cared for others around her.

I can't wait to go back and read the first and second books in this "Love On The Lines" series that I actually wasn't even aware of!

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone as it is squeaky clean, funny, and had important life lessons woven in the story.

I received this as a complimentary e-book from Bethany House Publishers and the author through Netgalley. A positive review was not required of me, and the thoughts above are my own.

Third book in a series. I recommend reading the other two first for more information about reoccurring characters. However that being said, I really enjoyed this book. Rose and John are both great characters. Rose is a widow. John takes care of his sister(who is a widow) and her family and also his sister-in-law’s family(because she is also a widow) His niece gets involved with a man who has a bit of reputation for being a ladies man. Rose sees them together at a Tea shop and eavesdrops over concern for the young lady. John also finds out about his niece through a note. Eventually Rose and John end up in the same place doing the same thing keeping an eye on the couple. John notices Rose and they team up and work together. I love the working together as a team to keep John’s niece safe element. I Like their common interest in Dickens which they bond over. Overall great story and definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author and netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Rose Finlay is a young widow and her experience with marriage has convinced her that an independent life is the best course for her future. When she sees a young lady being led astray by a rogue, she feels compelled to intervene, which introduces her to the girl’s uncle, John Milburn. Will she remain focused on her independence, or will her heart betray her?

Having not read the books that came before this one, I was delighted at how well this one stood alone. It does reference previous plot points, but it doesn’t leave the reader confused and doesn’t overshadow this book’s plot. So anyone who is just jumping in needn’t fear being confused about how the books are connected.

I especially appreciated the historical details of the story. How things worked in a telegraph office, and the role women played in were spot on. While I understood Rose’s misgivings about men after her experience, it felt a little too much of “you’re not like other men”, which I’m always leery of.

Overall, it is a sweet, easy-to-read romance in Victorian London. Readers of historical romance will love this one.

This book was enjoyable! I loved how perfect John and Rose are! Rose is jaded due to her abusive marriage, and John steps up to head his family. This really shows how perfect John was for Rose. This was such a sweet romance and although it's the last book in a trilogy, can be read stand alone.

Confession time: I liked this series a lot more than Mrs Delamere’s first series. I don’t know what it is that made me like it more, perhaps it was the non-traditional approach: emphasizing the fact that love is not all sunshine and roses. People hurt and get hurt, and that impacts relationships in the future. The woman (and men) in the series have very realistic concerns about getting married which aren’t normally reflected in this genre.

With this last instalment, I also liked the fact the protagonist was similar in age to me. Older protagonists tend to get discounted and side-lined, and I don’t think that should be the case. Rose had much more experience and was more sensible and level-headed than many of the other heroines in the series. We need more like her.
Rose’s concerns about her charge are legitimate, but the theme is realistic as well.
All too often we’re concerned about people’s reactions and what they do as a result of our advice, but at the end of the day we can’t *force* people to do the right thing or take the wise course of action and we’re not responsible if they don’t.

I got a bit lost towards the end of the novel, so I might give it a re-read (hopefully the publisher will put the eBook on sale soon), but it was well worth the read. I would recommend starting this series at the beginning though and not diving straight in with this one, as there’s some important context missed otherwise.

Thanks to Bethany House for approving my request for an ARC of this title via Netgalley. This did not influence my review and all opinions expressed are my own.

1881 England. Some want to climb socially, while others want to live with economic security. A beautiful story of overcoming one's past and finding the ability to trust once again

Rose is a widow, an independent woman, with strong values, and wary of men in general. when she overhears a conversation between a young woman and a man she suspects, is a smooth-talker, and an aristocratic rake. She tries to help the young woman. John doesn’t have time in his life for a wife and family, He is already taking care of his widowed sister and sister-in-law's families and is also concerned about the man with his niece Sophie. John and Rose band together to prevent Sophie from making an unsuitable match. The more time he spends with Rose, the more he admires her intelligence, calmness, and love for reading. I loved the reference to Dickens and the beginning era of the telephone.

My favorite part was the building of the romance, slow-burn, from friendship to love was very endearing and sweet. with plenty of conflicts and family dynamics. That kept me reading and wondering how'd it resolve.

A Well written-paced-pleasant story, with entertaining characters. that demonstrate the value of people and second chances.

While it can be read as a stand-alone I suggest you won’t want to miss the previous books and get to know recurring characters.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Jennifer Delamere concludes her Love Along the Wires series with a widow, a businessman, and a young debutante who is headed for trouble in Holding the Line.

Rose, a widow who had a less-than-ideal marriage, is perfectly content working at the post office and spending time with her friends. But when she overhears a conversation between a young lady and a man she knows is not so reputable, she’s uncertain how to proceed. Then she meets the young lady’s uncle and is given the opportunity to chaperone the girl.

Delamere gives readers a slow-burn romance where the main characters become friends and love gently blooms between them before they even realize what is happening. This was my favorite book in the series and a wonderful note to end on.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own.

Rose had a job she loved. She needed no man to make her happy. She was done with men. They can't be trusted. Then she met John.

Was Rose "Holding the Line" to protect her heart? Did John let family obligations get in his way of happiness?



A sweet story of how your past can possibly prevent true happiness in the future. I am amazed that I was not like Rose. Divorced and hurt that my ex could treat me in such a cold manner. I was disappointed and questioned if I could meet someone that was worthy of my trust. I was guarded but not to the extent where I would shut out any future suitor. Thank goodness! I married the love of my life 7 years later.

This is the final book in Jennifer Delamere's "Love Along the Wires" trilogy which follows the fortunes of three young women who work as telegraphers in 1880s London. It features Rose Finlay, who has sworn off men and love after a disastrous marriage which left her widowed. She is inadvertently drawn into the life of a young girl she fears is about to become the prey of an aristocratic rogue. When the girl's uncle likewise attempts to prevent the disaster, a romance slowly blossoms, much against their initial inclinations.

Overall, it's a charming story, and I have to love a couple that are drawn together by their shared appreciation of books. It's not the deepest story I've ever read, and I rather expected the villain to start twirling his moustache a la Snidely Whiplash, but I highly recommend it for enjoyable light fare.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Holding the Line
by Jennifer Delamere
Publisher: Bethany House Publishing
Series: Love Along the Wires Book 3
Rated: 4
Obtain: Borrow
Back of the Book: “Can she find the strength to heal the wounds of her past--and open her heart again?
A widow at just thirty years of age, Rose Finlay is determined to put all ideas of marriage and family behind her and pursue an independent life. But when she notices a young woman about to be led astray by a roguish aristocrat, bitter memories from her past arise, and she feels compelled to intervene. The unintended consequences of her efforts will ultimately force Rose to reexamine her life in a new light.
As the guardian of his two widowed sisters' financial and domestic affairs, John Milburn carries heavy responsibilities for a single man. But he's faced with his biggest challenge when his headstrong niece falls prey to the attentions of a powerful man who could ruin both her and her family.
When Rose and John join forces to protect his niece, they put everything they hold dear--including their growing attraction--in jeopardy.”

Impressions: I quickly got caught up in Rose and John’s plights. Although they each were struggling with their own predicaments, they warmed to each other and teaming together found love. Did Rose need to inject herself into John’s life though? I think not but I appreciated the story developed because of it. The characters played their roles well; this turned out to be a fun and engaging book.

Quotes: “’I love her dearly, as you know. I love you all, but sometimes love requires telling the truth, even if it’s uncomfortable to hear.’”

“... ‘haven’t you heard that the fastest ways to spreading information are telegraph and tell-a-woman?’”

“‘You know, sometimes I think we are more blind to our finer qualities than our faults.’”

“’My hope is that by surrounding myself with the work of geniuses, some of it might rub off on me.’”

I received an ARC of this book via the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here. For more book reviews go to: https://thebluestockingbooknook.wordpress.com

I have really enjoyed this series. I have loved watching the three friends fall in love. I loved how in this book Rose and John had a common goal of protecting his niece from making some bad decisions and they grew closer through it. I loved how John helped Rose to open up her heart to the possibility of love even after she was betrayed by her first husband. I liked what a strong and independent woman Rose was and how John loved her for just being who she is. I enjoyed this story and would recommend it.

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.

Another great book in the Love along the wires series. I've read every book in this series and each one is excellent! I love Rose, her character is warm and loving but she keeps her heart well guarded. This story keeps you on the edge of your seat, a budding friendship takes on many hardships to prevent a young girl from ruin. My emotions were all over the place as I rapidly read through the pages. I loved the reference to Dickens and the beginning era of the telephone. The romance was slow and building which was so endearing. The ending was beautifully written and leaves you with a warm fuzzy feeling for this wonderfully written book.
Was give a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

A delightful finish to a wonderful series! “Holding the Line” is the third and final book in the Love Along the Wires series. Rose Finlay appears in the other novels, but finally comes to the forefront in this one. Rose, a widow and post office employee, is content with the way that her life is going. She is independent, may soon become manager of the post office where she works, and is fine with not being married to any man. But is she really content with all these things? After an encountering a young woman having a tete a tete with the roguish Sandy Deveaux, about to make the same mistakes Rose did at that age, Rose is determined to step in a prevent Sophie from destroying her life. But what can she do? She doesn't even know Sophie, nor is no longer in the same upper echelons of society that Sophie and her family are. But she must try and stop her. John Milburn has spent the last several years taking care of his sister, sister-in-law, nieces, and nephews. He is also trying to help his sister maintain the level of respectability and financial security that she is used to by working extremely hard to enlarge the family’s businesses and fortunes. When he finds out that his niece, Sophie, could become entangled in an embarrassing situation, he is determined to find out Sandy’s true motives towards his niece. In order to do this, he must engage the help of the mysterious, and reluctant Rose. It does not help their cause that Sophie’s mother sees nothing wrong with Sandy’s pursuing Sophie and all but ignores anything concerning their relationship. What are Sandy’s true intentions toward Sophie? Will Rose and John be able to stop her before irreversible damage is done? Rose is hesitant to continue helping John. After helping him on more than one occasion, she is determined to stop seeing him. He is raising feelings in her that she is not prepared to sort through. Can Rose put the past behind her so that she can move ahead into the future, beside John? Will their budding relationship be able to survive false accusations, gossip, and jealousy? Jennifer Delamere has authored another enchanting novel, full of humor, love, and faith. I always look forward to reading her novels. They are books filled with historical detail, characters that have depth, and sweet romance. I thank NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for the ARC of this book. All opinions within this review are my own.

A well-written story with solid characters! The third book in the series brings a satisfying conclusion. It was easy to read as a stand alone, but includes characters from previous books with a little backstory.
Rose Finlay is the perfect example of a self-made, independent career woman, yet she has a soft spot for vulnerable young women that gets her involved in a sticky situation outside her normal circle of friends. I love how her conscience over rides her fears, and drives her actions to help prevent someone else's suffering. She and John have an awkward beginning that is interesting to see develop into mutual respect and friendship, unusual for men and women of that time probably. I like how the author shows the societal prejudices and class struggles through the characters' interactions and viewpoints. Working class women seemed to be looked down on despite their contributions, even in the 1880's.
The story picks up the pace towards the end with more action and emotional tension. A few mentions of faith and prayers, but otherwise light in that area.
Recommend for older teens and up who enjoy historical fiction with some romance. 4.5 stars