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.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I started listening to the audio, but then since I was graciously given an e-arc from the publisher and NetGalley, I physically read it. I completely agree with the description that it is a great mash up of Romeo and Juliet and You've Got Mail in set in the 1920's. There were even times in my head that I would hear Meg Ryan's voice as the letters were being read.

What I liked most was the character of Isaac, he was a true gentlemen even through the circumstances that he were presented to him. I liked how much he truly cared for Laura. The other character I enjoyed was Mrs. Guskin, Laura's housekeeper/confidant. I enjoyed their friendship and how much Laura confided in her. Seeing Laura's character growth change throughout the story from being not so strong and brave to being a woman not afraid to stand up and make her own decisions was inspiring to me. I enjoyed cheering her on as she made her way through several trying situations.

I liked the overall redemption and theme of forgiveness that found it's way woven throughout the story. This was the first book I've read by Mrs. Fordham, but I plan to read others by her soon.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the e-arc of the book. All opinions are my own.

This is the first book I've ever read by Rachel Fordham and it won't be the last. Her writing captured me and I felt transported to this time period and setting. I absolutely love when exchanging letters is part of a story. I love how letters give you insight into what a person is thinking and feeling at certain point in time. Isaac and Laura have been exchanging letters for the last seven years never knowing the identity of the other person. Their fathers were once business partners until a feud happened and any contact between the families was banned by both sides. Isaac and Laura have no idea what happened and only know they aren't allowed to be in contact with the other. When it is revealed that the other is their mysterious pen pal their treasured friendship is in jeopardy. What do they do? I adored these two characters and did not like how their families were treated them and pushed into various situations without a thought for their feelings. I was so glad that Laura had the housekeeper Mrs. Gaskin as not only someone to confide in but someone who loved her like a mother. I loved the mystery of trying to figure out what happened to cause the rift but also watching the love develop and was cheering for them to figure out a way to overcome the obstacles before them.

#BookReview: THE LETTER TREE by Rachel Fordham

Why did it take me so long to pick up this book? It was absolutely captivating, a page-turner that I couldn't put down. It had everything I could ask for in a book: compelling family drama, a touch of sweet romance, and an intriguing mystery woven with suspense.

I was astonished to learn that Isaac and Laura had exchanged letters for seven years through the "Maple Tree." Their sweet correspondence, spanning years without ever knowing each other's names, solidified a deep friendship built on shared experiences. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, captivated by the engaging characters of Isaac and Laura. Their likability and shared goal of ending the feud made them easy to root for. It was such a heartfelt story, and the way they joined forces to achieve this was particularly satisfying.

Rating: 5 stars
Pub date: 31 Oct 2023 (out now)

Thank you Thomas Nelson--FICTION and #netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

This story was all the nostalgic, old-timey vibes I hoped it would be. Something about the theme of letter writing when in a book just is a yes for me.
I loved the characters and their journeys.
I loved the atmosphere and setting. Such a cool read. I can’t wait to see what this author writes next!

Once in a while I pick up a book that is in a genre outside of what I typically enjoy. Something drives me to try it anyway. I’m this case that something was the word “letter” in the title as I really enjoy all epistolary books. Unfortunately in this case the genre was too much for me.

Set in Buffalo, New York in the 1920s, The Letter Tree by Rachel Fordham is a lovely, easy-to-read historical romance. With vibes of Romeo and Juliet and You’ve Got Mail, this story features Laura Bradshaw and Isaac Campbell, the offspring of two feuding previous business partners. Although Laura and Isaac were friends as children, when their fathers separated the company into two competing shoe manufacturers, the children were forbidden to associate with each other.

A frequent visitor to the Buffalo Zoo, Laura hides some poetry in a tree where Isaac finds it and writes back anonymously. For years they communicate back and forth with the Letter Tree as their unofficial post office.

The setting is unique, the characters are well-drawn and engaging, and the tale has enough twists, turns, and intrigue to make the somewhat predictable plot interesting and entertaining. I’ve enjoyed this talented author’s other books and am happy to add this one to my shelf. 4.5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Romeo and Juliet meets You Got Mail with a modern day twist. Enjoyable characters and interesting, although somewhat predictable, storyline.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

This was a really sweet read! Very reminiscent of "You've Got Mail" (which the author also notes in an endnote, hehe), which I totally loved; "YGM" is one of my fave movies!

I was entirely curious to see how it would all pan out, and was quite satisfied with how Fordham addressed it. The main characters are interesting and played off each other well. Definitely recommended!

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

The story is set with a feud between two families who used to be in business together as shoemakers. It is set in Buffalo, New York in 1924. The 20-something daughter Laura Bradshaw has been taught to avoid the dreadful Campbell family. One good friends, the two fathers are sworn enemies. Both fathers want their individual businesses to survive into the next generation, but they are not willing to work together.
Living an isolated life, Laura finds a years-long pen pal in a person trading letters with her in a tree at the Buffalo zoo. In a quest for friends, she dates a promising, young business partner for her father. However, he seems more interested in the alliance than the girl.
It is an endearing story, even if you can guess the outcome. The twists and turns in this coming-of-age story make it engaging to read.

Historical romance at it's best! It is difficult at times to remember that not that long ago, parents had great control over their adult children's lives and who they married. It's mind boggling to me that matches were made for business purposes with no consideration of the parties being thrown together. And the woman was to put up with whatever her husband did in or out of their marriage.

Laura and Isaac gave up a friendship and assumed animosity as their fathers commanded. But their hearts had other ideas. This story is about doing the right thing.. seeking the Lord and following His lead.

The setting of the zoo is lovely and the secret notes are so fun!

You will not regret reading this one at all!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123266540-the-letter-tree

I've always been rather partial to Rachel Fordham's The Hope of Azure Springs and thought that nothing she ever wrote could possibly surpass that debut novel of hers. However, The Letter Tree has accomplished just that!

As with any Fordham novel, there are elements of sweet romance and strong family ties. The Letter Tree is quite different than her other novels, though. It definitely has a touch of Romeo & Juliet storyline but with the addition of a 20th century New York backdrop.

This is such a beautiful story of friendship and love rediscovered but, more than that, it's an adventurous tale of true forgiveness.

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

Rating: 5/5

Read it for the:
- hidden identity trope
- forbidden love/Feuding families
-1920s New York City setting (prohibition era)
- Mystery elements
- exchange of letters

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 :
Romance: Clean (kissing only)
Trigger warning: death of a parent

𝐌𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
Set in a lush backdrop of 1920 Buffalo, New York, The Letter Tree tells the story of a tragic feud between families, and a sweet love story that was born despite all odds.

I loved the reading experience of the letter tree. Laura was a kind, but spirited young woman, trapped by the grief of her widowed father. I enjoyed watching her grow into her own as the story progressed, and loved her sweet character. Isaac on the hand out was more outspoken at first, but was of like minded kindness. Their unexpected friendship through anonymous letters added depth to each character, and strengthened their romance. Sweet but not without its moments of angst and impossibility due to their circumstances, Isaac and Laura were meant for each other and defied all to be together.

What shined throughout the entire story were the well researched historical facts the author sprinkled into the story. With vivid descriptions, I could picture the roaring 20’s in full color on the pages. I found the mentions of the Buffalo Zoo and its animals interesting and unique. The dual mysteries of finding the root cause of the family feud and questionable business dealings added to the excitement of the read. A good emotional conflict was found in the strained relationship between Laura and her father, and Isaac and his parents. All of these factors added to the overall plot to make for a page turner.

A intriguing read with a romance between star-crossed lovers, The letter Tree may be my favorite book by Rachel Fordham yet.

Yes! What a perfect blend of Romeo and Juliet and You've Got Mail. I loved the setting especially, since I used to intern at the Buffalo Zoo. The romance was very sweet and I especially love the letters that the characters corresponded with through the tree. There is also definitely some fun aspects of a mystery going on as well. I love Rachel Fordham's books and can't wait to pick up the next one. FYI I hardly ever preorder books, but I'm so glad I did with this one.

My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: Romance, Historical Romance
Spice Level: Low (kissing book)

Set in the 1920s, one of my favorite book eras, this story caught me immediately. The feud between the companies and the fall out felt genuine. I liked the love interest and was vested in both Laura and Isaac.

The way this novel unfolded was beautiful. I loved the progression of the letters exchanged within the tree to the secret of the writers to the speaking to one another.

It's the perfect pace to enjoy everything going on in the 20s while keeping the main story and mystery moving along. I didn't know how Abel would play out in this story, and I loved how he brought in a different part of the era.

This book gets all the stars! It's one I would read again for the pure joy of it.

I highly recommend it.

Happy reading!

Rachel Fordham is one of my favorite authors so I was so excited to read her new release! This book is described as Romeo and Juliet meets You’ve Got Mail which I thought was really fun! I love books that have anything to do with characters that correspond via letters so I loved that part of the story!💗

The Letter Tree was a sweet, romantic story about two childhood friends who grow up to be enemies simply because their families are in a serious feud. But when the Buffalo Zoo and years worth of letters bring them together after years separated, they wonder if they were ever meant to be enemies at all.

I enjoyed the fun plot of this story as well as the sweet, clean romance. The 1920s setting was also fun as it’s not a time period I read very often! I enjoyed the themes present in this story as well.

Overall, The Letter Tree was a really sweet, enjoyable story! I always enjoy Rachel Fordham’s books and I am so excited for her future releases. If you enjoy stories like You’ve Got Mail and stories set during the 1920s, I think you’ll really enjoy this one!

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

I’ve come to expect really good stories from this writer, often written from a different perspective to the norm. In this case, it made a refreshing change to have characters prepared to leave their rarified upbringings for a lower level of society, rather than aspiring to join the upper echelons. Wealth does not always bring happiness, satisfaction, or indeed freedom - & in this book that applied not just to females! While it makes me thankful I was not living a century or more ago, it should also give me pause to remember there are many females still today living under the control of their fathers/husbands/other power-hungry males eg the Taliban. (Of course the next step is to consider : what can I do about it? Maybe not much as just one person, but if many of us all do our bit – in the words of the song “From little things, big things grow”) Well...I have meandered rather in this review, but perhaps that is what a good book does : plants seeds for us to mull on, then hopefully water so they grow, accomplishing their purpose. Back to the book itself : I enjoyed it, although it was not always convincing, yet it was still a good read with likeable main characters. The best novels not only entertain, they also inform & even challenge...

This was a charged historical fiction with propulsive writing and very good character development. The scenery was so good.

A fantastic tale of secret friends, blooming romance, and the possibility of fairy tales come to life in the most unexpected ways. Rachel Fordham brings the past to vivid life with her attention to detail and ability to bring a picture to life with words. The research paints a fun backdrop for a story that flows seamlessly from beginning to end. The characters are wonderful, flawed enough to make them feel real. I kept hoping to meet them at the nearest tree! While this was my first Rachel Fordham book it definitely won't be the last. The way she breathes life into past eras and characters, you are sure to be entertained well after the last page is flipped. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.