A widow at just 30 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 overseer 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.

A pleasant enough read, but not really to my tastes. I was disappointed that there was very minimal faith-based plot, and in fact, the author waited until almost the end of the book to introduce it at all. Considering this is a Bethany House book, I was disappointed.

Thank you to @netgalley for a copy of this book in return for my honest review.

When I saw the title, I immediately assumed the book was going to be about the early days of the telephone. I was wrong. It wasn't so much about telegraphy as it was about having the characters' eyes opened to what was true and what was fantasy. The telegraph played such a minor role in the book that it could have been left out without much difficulty. BUT, Jennifer Delamere has woven a compelling novel that begs the reader to keep turning the pages regardless of the reader's schedule, deadlines, or bedtimes.

Rose Finlay is a widowed young woman working for the postal service in Piccadilly Square in London. She is the assistant manager of the office and works diligently at her post. She takes care of her underlings, works efficiently, and cares for her customers. When she overhears a conversation between a young miss and a known rake of the town, she can't help but get involved. The girl, Sophie, is too young to understand what men like Sandy Deveaux are truly after. Rose doesn't want to see Sophie hurt or her reputation damaged because of her association with Sandy, but doesn't quite know what to do about it.

Sophie's mother, Pearl, is oblivious to what Sophie is doing and because of her sister-in-law's approval of Sophie's actions. Marjorie, Pearl's sister-in-law, thinks that Sophie would make a fine match with Sandy and doesn't discourage the relationship. When John, Pearl's brother, finds out what Sophie is doing he enlists Rose's help in showing Sophie what Sandy's true motives are.

What gives this plot some humor is that Marjorie wants to marry John, Pearl is in favor of it, and John wants to see where his relationship with Rose will go. Pearl and Marjorie disapprove of Rose, when, in fact, Rose isn't out to secure a husband. When the blinders fall off all of their eyes, they see who Rose is, what her true motives are, and how truly well suited for John she is.

This isn't an over-the-top rollicking read, the humor is subtle, which makes it all the more interesting. When Rose is demoted and moved to a less desirable position because of a false accusation, the reader is able to empathize with Rose and understand her disappointment. She got moved from a pleasant work environment to one that would qualify as toxic by today's standards. Rose's motives and actions prove her character even when others cannot see it. Those who can see it love her all the more because of it. Those who can't will not accept her, no matter what.

This is a five star book, with two thumbs up, and a current bun with tea.

Bethany House Publishing provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Holding the Line is the third book in the Love Along the Wires series. While it can absolutely stand alone, you will get to know all the characters better if you start at the beginning of the series.

Of the three books, this one was my favorite. Perhaps it was the opening lines that I could relate to so well.

“There wasn’t too much in life that seriously chafed Rose Finlay, unless it was someone trying to overlay their brand of happiness onto hers.”

Rose’s story is one of overcoming. While the books in this series are all about love and romance, Rose’s story is just as much about living with loss without letting it steal your compassion or your joy. In book one, Alice’s story is about love and independence. In book two, Emma’s story is about love and romantic perceptions. And in this third novel, Rose walks through a journey of translating pain into becoming a blessing and finding that maybe there is still joy to be found on the other side of injustice and betrayal.

This series is easy reading, with a dash of challenge and a lot of happily ever after.

I received a free digital copy of this novel and in exchange am offering my honest opinion.

This book is a most welcome return to the ‘Love Among The Wires’ series, following the story of the third of the friends we have already been introduced to in ‘Line by Line’ & ‘Crossed Lines’. It is not just a clone of the earlier books, though, as we move on to new occupations, neighbourhoods, & characters. Interesting to learn more of the limitations placed by ‘society’ on females, - differing between ‘classes’ - also the double standards (for males, ‘upper class’...) It would certainly work as a standalone, but if this is the first of the series for you I think you will want to read the previous two as well. I have thoroughly enjoyed this book, & did not want to come to the end : definitely recommended!

When I saw the authors name I mixed it up with another one (Jennifer Deibel) and thought I had already started this series. I was wrong but I sure enjoyed Holding the Line and plan to go back and read the first two books of this series! I liked the fact that Rose was a widow and a little older. I enjoyed her romance with John and how they worked together to keep his niece Sophie safe. We get to see bits of Rose's friends, Alice and Emma, who were in the previous books, but having said that I do believe this is perfect as a stand-alone as well.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publishes 6 December 2022

Jennifer Delamere’s books are just perfect for readers of historical romance! I’ve enjoyed her Love Along the Wires series, and I highly recommend it. I’m excited for more from Delamere.

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

I enjoyed the first two books from Jennifer Delamere's Love Along the Wires series and was excited to have the opportunity to read the third installment, Holding the Line. I was far from disappointed. I found it to be my favorite of the series. Readers and fans of clean historical romance will most definitely want to snatch this one up. I loved it. Five stars.

Well written and clean, but not uplifting.
The book jacket gives a fair amount of detail, so I won't go into all that, but the author waits until nearly the end of the book to include any faith, and it is minimal at best. Coming from Bethany House Publishers, this was very discouraging. Since it is a mostly dramatic tale, filled with a rogue and badgering old women, it really wasn't my taste.
I received an eVersion from the publisher in exchange for my honest thoughts. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.

The Heroine

Mrs. Rose Finlay has worked hard over the past seven years to forget her deceased husband, find work she enjoys, and live a self-sufficient life. But London in the 1880s didn’t make this easy for any woman. As she rises through the ranks at the Piccadilly post office, Rose hopes to become the manager one day. If nothing goes wrong (and so much has gone wrong in her life), she hopes for a more secure future.

And then she overhears a conversation between a young woman and a man she suspects of being more lothario than earnest lover. The young woman piques her interest because she reminds Rose of her younger self. Back when Rose thought she had fallen in love and married a smooth-talking man.

Her desire to save a young woman from a similar scenario launches Rose into an uncomfortable situation full of gossipy, high-society matrons, dithering debutants, jealous widows, and untrustworthy men. She also forages an unlikely friendship with a man who seems honorable and dependable. But can she ever really trust a man again?

The Hero

John Milburn has spent the past five years growing his deceased brother’s business, acting as guardian to his five nieces and nephews, and helping his sister and sister-in-law navigate their widowhood.

He doesn’t have time in his life for a wife and family of his own. And then, he sees a beautiful woman sitting alone in a tea shop and finds himself powerfully attracted to her. She even likes to read.

When he sees her again at the park, this time seeming to stalk his niece, Sophie, he introduces himself. He discovers she, too, has concerns about the man with Sophie. John and Rose band together to prevent Sophie from making a disastrous breach of etiquette at the start of her come out. The more time he spends with Rose, the more he admires her intelligence, calmness, and integrity.

Why I Loved this Book

I love how Delamere’s characters reflect the burgeoning middle class in England. Some want to climb socially, while others want to live with economic security. Readers will relate to the relationship woes Rose and John have with their extended family. Both must learn how to stand up for themselves and make choices based on their needs rather than on the perceived needs of others.

Spunky Rose and gentlemanly John prove love can happen anytime and when it’s least expected. And a solid base of friendship makes it even sweeter. Readers can enjoy Holding the Line as a standalone novel or read the companion books Line by Line and Crossed Lines.

Holding the Line by Jennifer Delamere was a delight to read. This is the third book in the Love Along The Wires series, and I feel it could be read as a stand alone. The heroine, Rose Finlay has been a mystery to me and we finally get to read about her and her backstory. The hero, is a man of godly character and takes great care of his widowed sister and sister in law and enlists the help of Rose to keep his niece from being ruined by a rake of an aristocrat. This was a fun read and I loved seeing the romance unfold between Rose and John. It was oh so sweet and that first kiss was precious and swoon worthy. I have enjoyed all three books in the series, but this one is my favorite.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
4.5 stars

Holding the Line
By Jennifer Delamere
Pub Date: December 6, 2022
Bethany House
# 3 in series: Love along the Wires
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book! The patrons at our library adore books written by the author and by this publisher. So I am always thrilled when I can get an ARC and read it! The author is a history fan, travel lover, and outdoor enthusiast, Jennifer Delamere writes tales of the past...and of new beginnings. Her debut novel An Heiress at Heart was an RWA RITA® award finalist, and her follow-up, A Lady Most Lovely, earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly and the Maggie Award for Excellence from Georgia Romance Writers.
This book does not disappoint! I have enjoyed all three books in the Love Along the Wires series by Jennifer Delamere and have found the telegraphy process fascinating. This story features Rose Finlay, a young widow and friend to Alice and Emma, the heroines of the first two books. Rose seemed a very reserved person in the other books and almost carried an air of mystery about her and I knew I couldn’t wait to read her story.
5 stars

HOLDING THE LINE is the third novel in the Love Along the Lines series by JENNIFER DELAMERE, but it can easily stand alone.
The story takes place in London in 1881 where widowed Rose Finlay works as assistant manager of the Picadilly post office. One afternnn after work, when she is having tea at the ABC tearoom next door, she comes across a secret meeting between the beautiful but naive Sophie Cochrane and a well known ladies’ man, Sanderson Deveaux. She is determined to save Sophie from a disastrous relationship and she and John Milburn, Sophie’s uncle, do their best to keep the young girl safe. Rose agrees to chaperone Sophie to a ball as she knows the dangers of getting involved with a two-timing schemer, as her late husband Peter turned out to be. Rose suffers the bad mannered rudeness of the upper class and the humiliation of becoming a target of the gossips….
The characters are delightful and the plot is fast paced. There is also a good Christian message running through the story.
Holding the Line is a most enjoyable historical romance novel and one I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys this genre.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany Huse Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Loved this book!

I have enjoyed all three books in the Love Along the Wires series by Jennifer Delamere and have found the telegraphy process fascinating. This story features Rose Finlay, a young widow and friend to Alice and Emma, the heroines of the first two books. Rose seemed a very reserved person in the other books and almost carried an air of mystery about her and I knew I couldn’t wait to read her story. The opening scene grabbed my attention right away as Rose observed a scene unfolding that reminded her of her younger self and the mistakes she wished she hadn’t made. This opening scene provided the impetus for her meeting the hero, John Wilburn, and his family. This book captivated me in the best possible way as I found myself rooting for Rose to overcome the past regrets that were holding her back from living life to the fullest. John was such a wonderful book hero—steadfast, caring, kind, and devoted as he juggled many pressing issues at the same time and I read eagerly to see how his relationship with Rose would play out. I love reading from this time period and the historical details included by the author. It was so nice to catch up with Alice and Douglas and Emma and Mitchell from the first two books. I couldn’t wait to read this book and, at the same time, was sorry to see it end. Holding the Line was such a compelling story of overcoming hardships and learning to live (and love) again. Loved it!

I received an advanced reader copy from the author and publisher via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions expressed here are my own.