The Letter Tree by Rachel Fordham was the first book that I had the pleasure of reading by this author. It pulled me in from the onset and held my attention until the very end. I found that The Letter Tree was well written, paced just right and had several strong and well developed characters. It took place in Buffalo, N.Y. during the 1920’s. I enjoy reading books that were written during that time period and The Letter Tree was no exception. The author, Rachel Fordham, relied on her positive experiences she had when she first read Romeo and Juliet and watched You’ve Got Mail to create The Letter Tree. Those influences truly worked in every way and made The Letter Tree a delight to read. I listened to the audiobook that was very well narrated by Kira Fixx.

The Bradshaw family and the Campbell family both resided in Buffalo, N.Y. Both families shared a special friendship and relationship with each other’s family. The fathers jointly owned a thriving shoe business together. Laura Bradshaw, the only daughter, enjoyed Isaac Campbell’s company and friendship as well, even though he was a little older than Laura. All of this was well and good until something happened between the two families that led them to immediately terminate their friendship and business. As close as they had once been they now considered each other enemies. The families avoided each other entirely. No one ever revealed why the rift occurred but they avoided each other entirely now. Thus, Laura’s and Isaac’s friendship ended as well.

All this drama occurred right around the time Laura lost her mother. Laura’s mother had died when she was hit by a car while she was crossing the street. Laura had accompanied her mother on an outing to the Post Office. Laura was waiting for her mother across the street from the Post Office. From her vantage point, Laura witnessed the tragic death of her mother. From that point on, her father became quite distant, strict, demanding and very overprotective of Laura. She felt the effects of her mother’s death on many different levels.

Laura grew up to become a very lonely and sheltered child. Her only companion and confidant was the housekeeper that her father employed. Laura possessed one very special thing, though, that was hers alone. It was something she came to look forward to. It was her guarded secret. There was an old yet familiar maple tree on the grounds of the Buffalo Zoo. The tree was quite close to the home she lived in with her father. Right after her mother’s death, Laura began leaving letters in the hallow of the tree. She soon discovered that someone had discovered her letter and replied to her. Over the course of seven years, Laura and her secret pen pal friend wrote to each other and shared their dreams, fears and secrets with each other. Laura never learned the identify of the recipient of her letters but over time the person became her confidant and best friend.


Laura was more determined than ever to escape her father’s house but she wasn’t sure how she was going to accomplish that. Then a handsome stranger appeared and seemed to take a romantic interest in Laura. His name was Abel and he was not only handsome but rich. Abel was interested in developing a business relationship with her father so Laura’s father encouraged her to pursue a courtship with Abel. Laura knew that a marriage proposal was her best way to escape the confines of her father’s home. Could Laura find happiness with Abel. Was she willing to leave her special tree and the person who she had written her most precious thoughts to behind?

Like Laura, Isaac Campbell was an only child. As he grew older, his father had him join him in his shoe business but Isaac’s father would not give Isaac the respect and responsibilities he so desperately wanted. Isaac’s father was also overprotective of him. Isaac soon became quite frustrated with his father’s treatment of him. His mother encouraged Isaac to choose a bride but Isaac was uninterested in anyone his mother chose for him. Like Laura, Isaac had also lost someone very close to him. His uncle was killed in the war and Isaac missed him very much. Even though Isaac and Laura were forbidden to communicate or see each other, their circumstances were very similar over the years. Could the families forgive one another? Would Isaac and Laura renew their friendship?

I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook of The Letter Tree by Rachel Fordham. It was such a feel good story. There was romance, two separate mysteries, strong characters and a well plotted feel good storyline. I really enjoyed the part the tree played in this book. It was very heartwarming to know that Laura had a special friend that she could share her thoughts with. I also enjoyed the relationship Laura had with the animals and nature. Laura and Isaac were by far my favorite characters but I also appreciated the housekeeper and the special bond she formed with Laura over the years after her mother died. Overall, I really enjoyed The Letter Tree by Rachel Fordham and highly recommend it.


Thank you to Harper Collins Christian Publishing/ Thomas Nelson Fiction for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of The Letter Tree by Rachel Fordham through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book is like a Romeo and Juliet story mixed with You've Got Mail in the 1920s!

I very much enjoyed the characters as well as the figuring out the reason for the feud!

A great story! Loved the zoo elements and Niagara Falls and all the things!

I really enjoyed this story. I loved how the story showed how misunderstandings and hate can cause divisions but when were are willing to find the truth and let go of the hate we can find peace. I loved how Laura and Isaac were able to find the truth and help their families start to heal. I also love their romance and how they fell in love through the letters that they wrote over the years to their secret friend. I really liked the characters and seeing their vulnerability and honesty. I thought this was a very well written 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.

A wonderful Romeo and Juliet with a dash of You’ve Got Mail retelling.
I will basically read anything Rachel Fordham writes and this one is no exception.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I loved the characters, something I think Fordham always does well.
And the romance was so sweet.
Highly recommend if you are looking for a good clean historical romance.

This was a new author for me and I really enjoyed her book! I was given the chance for this through Uplit Reads:) I really liked the letters, the rivals to lovers, and everything in between. It was such a sweet, adorable read! The character were amazing too! I highly recommend reading this one.

Took me a while to get in to this book. The story is quite slooowwwwww. It felt like the whole story happened in the first 20% of the book and then just stalled. The beginning was the portion that was a “Romeo and Juliet” meets “You’ve Got Mail” and was intriguing, but then it just dragged on for me until about 60% when the Able mystery started up. It felt like it could end and then I just kept going, I think it could have been about have its length and been a solid book. Alas, overall it was nice story. I think of lot of readers would enjoy the book, but it was a little bland for me.

“Sometimes folks don’t want to let go of their hate, even if they know they’re being watched. They hold it tight, like they would any other vice.”—Rachel Fordham, The Letter Tree.

3.5 stars

The Letter Tree by Rachel Fordham blends a dash of Romeo and Juliet with a pinch of You’ve Got Mail. In the 1920s, the Campbell and Bradshaw shoe companies are bitter rivals after their founding fathers fall out. Heirs to the companies, Laura Bradshaw and Isaac Campbell are raised to despise with each other.
The novel unfolds as Laura Bradshaw finds refuge in the letters hidden within the letter tree after losing her mother. Her correspondence with an anonymous writer becomes her lifeline, contrasting with her stifling relationship with her father. On the other side, Isaac Campbell, unaware of Laura’s identity, forms a deep connection with her through their written exchanges.
Several years pass with the letter correspondence being Laura’s only source of comfort, so she dates her father’s young business acquaintance even if he cannot compare to her anonymous correspondent. When Isaac Campbell learns his letter friend will court another, he begs her to break her rule of namelessness and meet him. Her words have endeared her to him. He’s ready to fall at her knees and beg her to choose him. The two eventually meet, and their secret identities are revealed.

While the forbidden romance trope has been overdone, Fordham infuses the story with mystery and depth, exploring themes of love, forgiveness, and the weight of family legacies. Despite the overly used premise, the novel's endearing characters and heartfelt storytelling make it a delightful read. Though the pacing lags, the historical detail and exploration of Buffalo's setting enriches the narrative. While the audiobook narration may not suit everyone, fans of clean, Christian historical fiction will find The Letter Tree to be a refreshing escape into a bygone era.
Overall, while the premise may feel a tad corny, it is a lovely read, sweet and mysterious. The novel’s redeeming qualities shine through in its endearing characters and heartfelt storytelling.

** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.

Rachel Fordham’s novel, The Letter Tree, was an enchanting blend of historical fiction, romance, and a touch of mystery, reminiscent of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, albeit with a much happier ending.

“I wonder whether you and I ever cross paths when we stroll through the park…. Have our eyes met, and we didn’t know it?” ~ Rachel Fordham

The characters in this novel were showstoppers! Despite her hardships and isolation, Laura radiated kindness, forgiveness, and unwavering hope. Her dreams for a better life and true love were so pure, making me enjoy her character arc all the more. Simultaneously, Isaac’s quest for a life with purpose and his unwavering integrity made him a standout lead. His respectful demeanor, accountability for his actions, and genuine kindness made him someone to admire.

The Letter Tree weaved a delightful tapestry of friendship, loyalty, and love. I especially loved reading Laura and Isaac’s letters. Unlike Romeo and Juliet, they faced their forbidden relationship with resilience, grace, and determination to reconcile their families rather than running off in disgrace.

Of course, I must give a shout-out to Charlie, Isaac’s best friend, and the one responsible for most of my laughs. He brought humor into the serious themes of this novel and made me appreciate what true friendship looks like. Charlie was devoted to Isaac, but made sure he wasn’t masked in the shadows of the upper class.

The Letter Tree was my first, but not last, novel by Rachel Fordham. I found her writing engaging and evocative, drawing me into every detail. I appreciated how she handled the story and didn’t allow her characters to succumb to bitterness after they were mistreated. The narrator also did a great job of bringing everything to life, putting a voice to the words so I could immerse myself in the book while going about my daily chores.

Overall, The Letter Tree is a captivating and heartwarming read that will leave an impression on readers. If you’re looking for a comforting yet engaging literary escape, The Letter Tree is the book for you.

A sweet romance wrapped in a mystery set in an enthralling period in history; what's not to love? I loved the epistolary elements of this story, and found the romance sweet and heartwarming. There's enough suspense to balance out the story while not overpowering the true plot, the love story. Fans of inspirational romance will delight in this story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

This beautifully written historic romance was set during prohibition in buffalo new York where two rival families have competing companies and can’t stand one another that is until their children become secret pen pals when they leave anonymous letters in a tree at the zoo. They became friends then developed feeling for one another but then they realize who each other are.

I really liked this book the setting was picturesque and made me want to go to the zoo. The characters were both really well developed and entertaining. This is a closed door romance I don’t mind but some may. There were two mysteries in this book and I really enjoyed those as well. This is my first book by this author but hope to pick up more on the future. I would like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for a chance to read this book for an honest review.

Set in New York in the 1920s, The Letter Tree is a captivating read featuring a heartwarming forbidden romance and a mysterious family feud. The story drew me in immediately with the tragic prologue and kept me turning pages expectantly. I love the charming epistolary element of the story. Driving the story are endearing characters, main and secondary, who kept me vested in the outcome. The seamlessly infused historical events aptly and interestingly reflect the spirit of the Roaring Twenties Era. I thoroughly enjoyed this lovely historical romance and highly recommend it.
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.

This really was a blend of “Romeo & Juliet” and “The Shop Around the Corner”/“You’’ve Got Mail” set during the 1920s. All of these things make for a delectable tale! I really appreciated the sweetness of this story - it’s refreshing to encounter something both well-written and wholesome!

Many thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing the eARC so I could give my honest review.

This book will give you Romeo and Juliet vibes all the way through. Two families, the Bradshaws and Campbells, own shoe companies are best friends. Something goes wrong, horribly wrong, and they go from being best friends to complete rivaling families as well as companies. The Letter Tree follows the lives of Laura Bradshaw and Isaac Campbell, who at one time were the best of friends but their families rivals have driven stakes in their relationship. As time goes along Laura and Isaac decide that the feud has gone on way too long and they try to figure out what caused the feud. They have held their lives together by having penpals that they write their letters to, and leave in an big hollow tree in the zoo. As they discover that they don't want the feud to last any longer, there meetings become more than forced hatred. I loved the way the friendship grew. First book by Rachel Fordham, great experience.

The Letter Tree is the story of Laura Bradshaw who lives in Buffalo, New York in 1924. Laura is a young woman who loves books and animals - and she has a secret correspondence. She writes letters and leaves them in a hollow maple tree at the Buffalo Zoo. A young man writes her back and there is a friendship and a romantic spark, although they have never met. What Laura and her suitor, Isaac Campbell, do not know is that they belong to two feuding families who own large shoe companies. Will they find a way to bridge this gap?

I wanted to read this novel because I love historic fiction, enjoy epistolary novels, and found the idea of the correspondence in the tree at the zoo so charming.

This is a lovely novel that allows readers to make a trip to the Buffalo zoo of the 1920's and the nearby area, including a trip to Niagara Falls. The historical details are well done.

Laura is a very sympathetic protagonist and a gentle soul. Isaac also is a kind hearted, creative person. They are well suited for each other, and I enjoyed reading their story.

I recommend The Letter Tree for fans of historic fiction. especially 1920's settings.

I loved this gentle, historical read! I have read each of Rachel Fordham's stories, and they are well written and full of historical details, making one feel like they are in the series. I highly recommend picking this book up!

This was such a cute premise. Set in 1924, The Campbells and Bradshaws in Buffalo, NY have become enemies in the corporate world of shoe manufacturing. A fallout happened years before, and the children who used to be friends have been banned from speaking to each other. Laura Bradshaw is just a pawn in her father’s fight to stay on top. Isaac Campbell doesn’t care about the company or the rivalry the way his father wants him to. When Laura bares her heart out in a letter that she leaves in a tree, Isaac happens to find it and he unknowingly becomes penpals with someone he is supposed to have no contact with.

It does have a little bit of a Romeo and Juliet feel, but not as tragic. I thought the letters were a cute way to tell the story. Laura’s naiveté sometimes bugged me, but it probably wasn’t beyond possibility considering the time this is set in.

Clean, sweet, and would recommend.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Rachel Fordham's The Letter Tree takes us to the roaring 20s, and is reminiscent of a modern-day Romeo and Juliet, but fear not—the tale leads to a happily ever after. The dual POV and charming letter exchanges add a sprinkle of You've Got Mail charm. Rachel delivers a sweeping story that’s Enemies to Lovers but not really because they are friends to more who are just caught between their family’s anger! I just loved how this story unfolded!

Laura Bradshaw, yearns for her fairy tale escape from the clutches of her overbearing father, who has consumed himself in business and desire to crush his rival in business, Campbell Shoe Company. Isaac Campbell is the town's most sought-after bachelor, but he’s enchanted by his mysterious Wishing Girl pen pal.

Their journey gracefully goes between serene moments and heart-racing revelations, holding readers spellbound till the very last page.

One of my favorite quotes:

“God gave you good desires. Aim for them.”
“You’ve got to know what it is you want- not just what you don’t want.

What I loved:
🌳 The Letter hiding place
🌳 Forbidden Love
🌳 Family reconciliation
🌳 The romantic gestures
🌳 Tybolt the 🦜
🌳 Wonderful side characters
🌳 The mystery

If you are looking for a good book to cozy up with this winter, then I recommend picking this one!
Thank you @tnzfiction for the e-arc to read. All thoughts are my own.

The Letter Tree by Rachel Fordham is a beautifully written historical romance. This book in set in Buffalo, New York beginning in 1917 and through the roaring 1920s -where alcohol and prohibition existed,

A blend of stories similar to Romeo and Juliet, You’ve Got Mail, Rapunzel and Cinderella, It's the story of the love affair that grew between childhood friends Laura Bradshaw and Isaac Campbell, and their feuding families. Their Father's were previous business partners in Bradshaw and Campbell Shoe Factory.

Although Laura and Isaac were childhood friends, when their fathers separated the company into two competing shoe manufacturers, the children were forbidden to associate with each other.

This feud did not stop them from remaining friends. Laura's love of animals and a frequent visitor to the Buffalo Zoo, Laura hides some poetry in a tree at the Zoo. It becomes known as "The Letter Tree" and the unofficial Post Office for both Laura - later known as (The Wishing Girl) and Issac (The Pinecone Throwing Boy) who finds the poetry and begins writing back anonymously.

Seven years go by, the pair have continued being pen pals through their letter writing and communication. Not knowing who they are communicating with as they never met. Even though they both wish to find out who they each are. Eventually they work it out and the twist and turns in the plot of the story begins.

Laura has now grown up and meets Abel Fredricks, a business investor and scammer. Attaching himself to wealthy business owner's daughters pretending to wine and dine them into false relationships to gain a buck or two. Convincing the wealthy parents to invest in fake deeds to land holdings with oil underground and steal all of their family fortunes and riches.

Issac discovers the true colors in Abel as he hires a private investigator to discover not only Abel true intentions but also uncovers another family secret. One that could save his family and the feud between him and Laura.

Will he save and rescue Laura from embarrassment and destruction?

Will the family feud be restored to the memories of their childhood.

Is there a happy ever after. Let's just say all romances can prove to be fruitful if the right person is chosen.

Will that be the case for Laura and Issac - Childhood friends to lovers.

I really enjoyed this book and am happy to add it to collection of treasured novels. I rate this book 5 stars.

Thank you netgalley for this copy and this is my honest review.

I loved the idea of this story when I read the synopsis. It turned out to be a sweet romance with some historical backdrop. This will appeal to many readers but I found it to be rather slow moving and a bit saccharine.

Really enjoyed this story!

"As she neared the heart of the home, her favorite room, with its floor-to-ceiling bookcases and seemingly endless volumes, her worries dimmed. Her mother had been a great lover of books, bringing home new treasures nearly every time she went out. Stepping into the magical room was like stepping into her arms. In the library, when the sun filtered through the curtains and twirled across the floor..."

This book was a delightful look into the Roarin' Twenties with all of the charm and none of the cringey content that most 20's novels contain.

I really enjoyed the Beauty and the Beast vibes that this story had too, with a main character that's a lot like Belle with her insatiable craving for books in all styles and sizes.

The Letter Tree was a beautifully penned love story that left me wanting to read more stories just like it. It was the perfect heart-warming and sweet read that I didn't know I needed.

I recieved a complimentary e-book from Thomas Nelson publishers through Netgalley to review.
I was not required to write a positive review, and the thoughts above are my own.