If you are a fan of "The Little Shop Around the Corner" or "You've Got Mail" you will love this new novel from Rachel Fordham! It's a little bit of You've got Mail meets Romeo and Juliet! Two feuding families with secrets. The daugher of one unknowingly being a decade long penpal to the son of the other family through the Letter Tree in the Buffalo Zoo. But what happens when one of them discovers? Will they continue to write--even when forbidden to have anything to do with the other family?

Some of this book was predictable if you know the basic plot of the stories I've mentioned above, but it doesn't take away from the enjoyment of the novel. The story goes back and forth between Laura and Isaac, but you never lose track of who is talking.

This is a good book that was enjoyable and I wanted to read it all the way through! It wasn't AMAZING, but it was a solid book I'd recommend!

4 STars

*I was given a free ARC of this novel by the publisher. I was not obligated to write a postive review. All opinions are my own.

Laura Bradshaw and Isaac Campbell had been freinds as kids but 7 years prior the friendshp between the two families split after Laura's mother died. The Bradshow and the Campbell familes have shoe factories and are competitors of each other. There is haterd between the two families. Laura is sort of a recluse since her mother died. Her only joy is her rowdy bird and her books. She has developed an unknown friendship with a mysterious stranger she exchanges letters with via a hollow in a tree located in the zoo. The ones exchanging letters are Laura Bradshow and Isaac Campbell but neither party knows who the other is until one day Isaac happens to find out. How can he continue a friendship with an ememy of his father? This is a story of star-crossed lovers. Can they overcome the haterd between the two families? This book got its inspiration from Romeo and Juliet and the modern tale You've Got Mail but this story has a happier ending.. What I liked about this book is that the two main characters were able to overcome the haterd that was between the two families.

I received this book compliments of netgalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

LOVED, LOVED!!!

Oh my, this book was adorable and witty and oh, so very romantic! This is a mix of Romeo and Juliet and You've Got Mail set in 1924 New York.

As heir to a large company, Isaac Campbell could have any woman he wants but he can think only of the women he has been exchanging letters with for the last several years. He doesn't know her name or what she looks like but decides he must act on his feelings when she writes that she is beginning to court a man her father wants her to marry.

Laura has wished to meet the man behind the letters for years but she has to be practical. He is a dream, and marrying her father's business associate will make her father happy and allow her to leave her gilded cage.

When Isaac realizes his pen pal is none other than Laura, the childhood friend he was forbidden from seeing after their fathers entered into a bitter feud, he must find a way for them to be together before it is too late.

What to Love:

1920s setting
You've Got Mail
Family feud
Dual POV
The letters
The zoo animals
Niagara Falls
The dung heap
Isaac's romantic gestures
Endearing side characters
The suspenseful moments
All the sweet kisses!

The characters were delightful and the setting was perfect. How romantic is it to leave letters for your sweetheart penpal in a tree at the zoo?

This story is sweet romance at its best! It's a stars-in-your-eyes romance, the kind that metaphorically sweeps you off your feet and gives you heart flutters and so many happy sighs.

This may be my new favorite book from this author. I absolutely adored this one and it has definitely earned a spot on my favorites shelf! Highly recommend for anyone who loves historical romance.

I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.

Buffalo, New York 1924

Lovely! A 1920s blend of the movie "You've Got Mail" and tale of Romeo and Juliet.

The owners of two shoe manufacturers fall from best friends to enemies leaving their two children Isaac and Laura casualties of the feud.

Laura Bradshaw and Isaac Campbell go their own ways as there is no other option. As young adults neither has found their true love and delight in exchanging letters at "The Letter Tree" with a mysterious and beloved stranger.

This novel has a villain, romance, historical details and a bit of mystery too. Enjoyable! This might be my new favorite (previously Yours Truly, Thomas).

A beautifully poignant romance encapsulated in an original plot that delivered palpable chemistry, family drama, and a beautiful redemptive journey. The author skillfully captures the essence of the time period, immersing readers in the rich tapestry of Buffalo's society. The backdrop of the Bradshaw and Campbell shoe empires adds depth and intrigue to the story, setting the stage for the complex dynamics that unfold. The feuding families represent the barriers and prejudices that Laura and Isaac must overcome to pursue their desires and find true happiness. I was captivated by this emotional story.

I received a free advance review copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to post a favorable review. The opinions stated here are my own.

This story was amazing. It was the first I had read by Rachel Fordham, but it will not be my last! A "modern day" Romeo & Juliet (except set in the 1920s) but doesn't end in death. The letters the passed back and forth were sensational & I loved the conflict in the story. Not your typical romance conflict. This is a MUST read.
Thanks netgalley for a free ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.

THE LETTER TREE by RACHEL FORDHAM is a beautifully written book in which the stories of Rapunzel, Romeo and Juliet and the movie “You’ve Got Mail” blend together in a delightful romance that takes place in Buffalo in 1917, with unforgettable characters, both human and animal, and a well worked out plot. I love the sensitive way in which the author describes the characters’ feelings.
Laura Bradshaw would rather spend her time with her pet macaw, Tybalt, her books, and mucking out Big Frank the elephant’s enclosure at the zoo, than being a society girl. However, her father, whose entire focus since his wife died seems to be in making Bradshaw Shoes more successful than Campbell Shoes, insists on her impressing Abel Fredricks, who is offering him a good investment opportunity. Laura feels that marrying Abel could help her escape her father’s rigid rules and the house that has become her prison. However he does not know her like her “pinecone-throwing friend” does…..
Isaac Campbell has been forbidden to so much as speak to a Bradshaw because of the feud between the two families .His mother arranges a dinner party to which she invites all the eligible young ladies she can find, but he has no interest in any of them, preferring to dream of the “wishing girl” with whom he has been exhanging letters for seven years at the letter tree at the zoo. ……
There is mystery and betrayal, hatred and misunderstanding. Will there ever be forgiveness and reconciliation?
I am not going to tell you any more for fear of spoiling things for you.
I cannot recommend this lovely novel highly enough. It is one that I will read more than once.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are completely my own,

A family feud that keeps two friends apart. A tree that holds letters that are exchanged over the years. A family secret. A father selling his daughter off to the highest bidder for a business deal. This book had it all! I loved the setting in the 1920s. Its such an interesting time in history. Laura Bradshaw and Isaac Campbell were so sweet and I enjoyed watching their growth as people and in their romance. The details about the zoo and the pole sitting and the people that went over Niagara Falls in barrels were so interesting. I haven't read any books by Rachel Fordham before this one and I will definitely be reading more. The writing was captivating and flowed so well. Definitely check this one out!

Oh, but I loved this book! It's not my favorite time period. I'm not much of a flapper fan, but this book drew me in and I just wanted to step into the pages and tell the characters what to do. I mean they're great but I wanted them to figure out the truth and miss out on all the bad things.

This book read super quickly for me. I loved the character relationships and the dynamics of them.

Laura and Isaac used to be friends. They thought they'd be more someday. And I have to believe that their parents thought so too. But then something happens. And they don't know what. But it breaks their families up. Not only just their friendships but their shoe business. Now two partners are two rivals.

Laura is lonely. Her mother died being struck by an automobile and she saw the whole thing. Her father is not exactly loving and attentive to her. Thankfully she has a good housekeeper who is also a friend. And she has her letter tree.

What is a letter tree you might ask. It's a tree in the park (well now the zoo) that Laura stuck some poetry one day so her father wouldn't catch her with it. And a boy happened to find it when he climbed the tree to get away from a man he threw pinecones at. Neither knows the other's name.

But what happens when they find out who the other is? Can they move forward and have a relationship? Or will their friendship be gone forever?

And what about the man Laura's father wants her to court and marry? Should she marry him just so she can get out of the house?

Things just aren't adding up. Add in a letter from someone who might have information about the feud and it is a wonderful fast-paced mystery of sorts with some bits of suspense thrown in as well. Oh, and you can't forget the romance!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

This modern day Romeo and Juliet story by Rachel Fordham has held me captive and unable
To put it down.. Once I started this story it was all I could think about and needed to know how it ended. It is filled with intrigue and mystery but also a beautiful love story in the midst of tragedy. This is a story of love and forgiveness told like only this author has a way of doing. I will be thinking about this story for a while

I am so thankful to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this title. All opinions are my own.

The Letter Tree was such a wonderful read! The concept of the letter tree itself felt fresh and was a unique way to build a bond between two people whose families were enemies. I loved the layers of mystery in the story- why was Laura's mom going to the war office? What was going on with Isaac's uncle? I wish there was a little more to the big reveal, but overall I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Beautifully written and wonderfully engaging, I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves a good love story and historical setting. Will definitely be checking out other books by this author!

I received a free copy o this book in exchange for my honest opinion and feedback.

This is, essentially, a forbidden love story (think Romeo and Juliet), with two families feuding fiercely while young love is blossoming in secret. It’s a sweet story with a strong reminder of the price of anger, and the power and redemption in love, forgiveness and reconciliation - a message many of us need.

Letters are often such personal pieces of writing; they can be sweet, romantic, soothing, raging, sorrowful - they’re a powerful tool for connecting. The author uses letters in this book, in a way that helps you feel the characters more intimately, and allows you to see the sweetness of falling in love with someone’s words before even knowing them in the flesh. This is my first book by Fordham, but it seems from other reviewers this is a style she uses often, and it certainly makes for a unique way to connect characters to the audience.

A heart warming and sweet historical romance. I am a sucker for books with letters. Our MCs leave letters for one another inside a tree. They are from feuding families.. think Montague & Capulet vibes. The fathers had a falling out years ago and refuse to let their children have anything to do with one another.
Laura and Isaac help one another crack the mystery of what started the feud and along the way teach each other how to be brave enough to forge their own path.
It was a fast read and I enjoyed every minute of it.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for sending me a copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

A wonderful historical fiction that involves two warring families and forbidden friendship/romance. The characters, Isaac and Laura, really make this story come to life. The writing of letters over so many years, the coming together and the tragedies of the past all make this a great read.

It is an easy to read historical fiction and the writing is well done and the characters well thought-out and well rounded. it wasn't boring but kept my interest as there were so many things that happened in the lives of these two people.

A gorgeous, heart-felt and heart-warming read.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

The Letter Tree was a sweet, fast read about the [now grown up] children of feuding families. Laura and Isaac, falling in love through letters left for each other in a tree for years. When they reveal themselves to each other, they decide to investigate why their families are feuding and put an end to the years of animosity. Along the way, they discover a con man's plot to steal money through a fraudulent investment scheme. There are some interesting details of the time period here - prohibition, changes in women's roles, daredevil and endurance spectacles like pole sitting. Those little details definitely added to the atmosphere of this book.

Buffalo, New York is almost a secondary character in this book with the city zoo and gardens playing an important part in the development of Laura and Isaac's relationship. Laura's love of animals was an especially charming element of the story.

I LOVED this story! I enjoyed that a portion of this story takes place at the Buffalo, NY Zoo. This story takes you on a delightful trip to 1920s Buffalo NY where so much is happening after the Great War. A story of love and hate; you can't help but root for the heroine!

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

Rachel Fordham has a way of writing such sweet heartfelt stories. The Letter Tree is one such story.

Reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet, two feuding families have separated Laura Bradshaw and Isaac Campbell. Friends since childhood, their lives take a turn when their fathers split the business they were once partners with. Laura's mother died in an accident seven years prior and Isaac's uncle died in the Great War. But what happened for their families to become such sworn enemies?

Laura leaves a poem in the hollow of her favorite tree. When she returns a few days later to retrieve the poem she finds a letter which starts years of correspondence with an unknown writer. When the identity of the writer is discovered, it poses a new dilemma.

I found this story to be deep with emotion, as you find Laura and Isaac sharing their deepest thoughts with each other, not knowing it is their mortal enemy. How to resolve the distance between families as the mystery unfolds.

Good clean historical romance.

I received a complimentary an e-copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I love the idea that this book starts with a "stolen" letter and a secret pen pal. The main characters come from feuding families and are supposed to hate each other, but it's never that simple! I loved that most of the book took place at the Buffalo Zoo. The time period was fascinating, with prohibition and women's rights, This book is about following your dreams, with a little bit of mystery, romance, redemption, animals, and family ties!

Thank you to Netgalley, Rachel Fordham, and Thomas Nelson Publishing for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest opinions!

A significant family feud provides the backdrop to this wonderfully entertaining novel. Just when you think there is no solution, you're reminded that love conquers all.

The idea of corresponding with a secret penpal is a delightful conceit that keeps us turning the pages. I was pulling for Laura and Isaac to find a way to mend the dispute between their families.

The author does a wonderful job of transporting the reader to the 1920s, and I appreciated how the research never got in the way of the story.

The settings are great, and now I really want to go to Niagara Falls!

The side character of Mrs. Guskin is a delight as well.

Loved the epilogue -- a heartwarming conclusion to an immersive and entertaining read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance e-galley; all opinions are completely my own.

The Letter Tree by Rachel Fordham begins at a tree in the Brooklyn Zoo. At first, the story seems a little intriguing with the concept of a blind person that Laura Bradshaw crafts letters to and sticks into the trunk of a tree. I love the idea of Laura missing her mother and clinging to her books, which remind her of her mother. My father taught me my love of reading, and he passed away eight years ago. There are some books that I look at, and they remind me of him. Laura was a nicely developed character with hurts and a deep longing for love, animals, and her happy-ever-after. Isaac, on the other hand, is a man who, at the beginning of the story, really did not have any goals and dreams. As the story progresses, he changes and matures. The plot flowed well. I enjoyed the twist to the Shakespeare Romeo and Juliet type story. Now don’t think this is a Romeo and Juliet story because it is not. Just some similar ideas in the plot. The writing is fantastic and kept my attention throughout the entire story. Overall, The Letter Tree by Rachel Fordham may start to read like a familiar story, but it moves delightfully through the imagination, capturing those moments of innocent love while trying to seek justice at the same time.

I received a complimentary copy of The Letter Tree by Rachel Fordham from Thomas Nelson Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.