Rachel Fordham gets me every single time! Even when I think the setting or timeline isn’t really going to be my thing, she draws me in like few authors can and I’m hooked and satisfied by the end. In fact, I’ve never read just one of her books and always end up getting more! The Letter Tree was absolutely no exception and may be my favorite of hers so far!

This book was a true delight! The novel explores the depths and complexities of family bonds and broken relationships. I loved the reader’s perspective of knowing some of the bigger picture that the two main characters, Laura and Isaac, don’t yet know. This created suspense and anticipation as I continued to read.

It was also intriguing to wonder along with Laura and Isaac about the initial rift between the Bradshaw and the Campbells. What could possibly have torn these two families asunder? Speculation abounds, but in the end Laura and Isaac discover the reason their families split while experiencing some adventure and suspense along the way. The book wraps up with a most satisfying conclusion.

Fun fact- I also learned something I’ve never heard before- sitting on top of flagpoles was a thing in the 1920s and people tried to break records for sitting atop a flagpole the longest. Who knew?!

Many thanks to Uplit Reads, Rachel Fordham, and Thomas Nelson for the gifted copy of the book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Only two stars. The story was just too predictable and lovey dovey for me. I appreciate the opportunity to read this prior to publication. Thank you Net Galley!

This was a humorous story set in the 1920s. I loved the glimpse into the culture of the time, including the daredevil stunts that drew crowds and the prohibition climate. The mystery elements were handled well and the characters quickly became beloved. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

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

I’m always inclined toward a sweet letter-writing romance; so let’s say I was predisposed to enjoy this happily-ever-after story! Take a storyline reminiscent of You’ve Got Mail, throw in a little mystery, some questionable characters, and a feud and you’ve got yourself this flapper-era historical fiction.
The pace felt a bit slow at points and I didn’t connect super strongly with the characters, but overall it’s an easy going plot and enjoyable read!

😇 Christian publisher; sparse faith content; occasional references to God or “higher power”
💋: a few sweet kisses
🤐: no language

I received a complimentary ebook in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

This is a beautiful story with hints of You've Got Mail and Romeo and Juliet. Forbidden love, friends to enemies go lovers, family feuds - so many great elements in this story. So beautifully written. This is one I will read again and again!

I thoroughly enjoyed this fresh take on love and feuding families! The Letter Tree is a captivating and page-turning story that I could not put down. Set in the 1920's in Buffalo, NY. Two families (the Bradshaws and the Campbells) once close experience the loss of friendship, shared business, and now hatred rules the day. The children Isaac Campbell and Laura Bradshaw grew up together and are forced into the family feud.

After Laura Bradshaw witnesses her mother's death at age 14, her world falls apart. She escapes to the zoo and park across the street as often as she can. Thank goodness for her sweet old housekeeper Mrs. Guskin, more like an advocate and grandmother to her. Mrs. Guskin encourages her to get out daily, and has a signal in the window if her restrictive father returns home early.

"For seven years, this tree had been her mailbox-the gateway connecting two worlds." The "Wishing Girl" and her "pinecone-throwing friend" have namelessly corresponded via the maple tree and this correspondence has been a lifeline for each of them.

I absolutely enjoyed every page of this compelling story. I highly recommend The Letter Tree for lovers of addicting historical fiction with a thread of mystery.

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

Oh I truly loved this story! I loved the descriptions of New York, the clearly laid - out character ARCs from the very beginning. I love a good historical fiction novel based on actual places! Such a well thought out book.

Thanks to NetGalley for this Advanced reader copy! All opinions are my own!

The Letter Tree is a captivating and beautifully crafted historical novel set in the intriguing backdrop of 1924 Buffalo, New York. With undertones of the timeless Romeo and Juliet story, this book takes readers on a journey through the lives of two star-crossed lovers from rival shoe-making dynasties, Laura Bradshaw and Isaac Campbell.

Laura Bradshaw, an heiress to the Bradshaw Shoe Company, who, after her mother's untimely death seven years ago, finds solace and connection in a secret pen pal relationship. This clandestine exchange of letters takes place under the cover of the ancient oak tree at the Buffalo Zoo. Isaac Campbell, the heir to the rival Campbell shoe company, also seeks refuge in these letters, which provide a glimmer of happiness in his otherwise challenging life. The readers get to know their hopes, fears, and the longing for a connection that transcends their family's bitter rivalry.

The historical setting of 1924 Buffalo, New York, immerses the reader in the era's distinctive atmosphere, fashion, and societal norms. The descriptions of the city's events, the Zoo animals and Niagara Falls contribute to the book's charm.

The concept of forbidden love echoes the timeless tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, The stakes are high making the reader genuinely invested in the outcome of this ill-fated romance. Laura and Isaac's connection, built on letters and secret rendezvous, is a beautifully portrayed symbol of the enduring power of love in the face of adversity.

The book excels in creating a sense of anticipation and tension, leaving the reader eager to discover whether Laura and Isaac can escape the curse of their feuding families. The narrative effectively explores themes of family, societal expectations, and personal choices.

The Letter Tree is a beautifully written, historically immersive novel with engaging characters. Readers who enjoy historical romance, captivating period details, and stories of love overcoming adversity will undoubtedly find this book a delightful and emotionally resonant read.

Thank you Netgalley and Thomas Nelson fiction for access to this arc.


Having enjoyed another book by this author, I looked forward to this one, especially due to the mid 1920s time frame. Unfortunately, so far I've found the pace to be painfully slow and the feel is more YA than adult. I think it's supposed to be trying to put the reader in the mind frame of reading a fairy tale but that's not working to hold my attention which I find to be wandering after forcing myself to pick it back up and read a page or two. Perhaps I'll be more in the mood at another time but for now I'm putting it down unfinished.

I became completely drawn into this story and the heartache and sorrows and hope and desires that was woven throughout the story. The longing for friendship and being accepted and loved pulled at my heart. The beautiful friendship of the two people writing letters left at the Letter Tree was so incredibly touching. I have enjoyed all of this author's books, but this one was truly incredible! Loved it so much and the rich history throughout the book!

Laura Bradshaw and Isaac Campbell are forbidden from seeing each other. Once upon a time they were best friends but a family feud stands in their way of being friends. Isaac finds a new friend in a pen pal and comes to discover that there's more to the story behind the family feud than meets the eye. I loved watching him dig and try to discover what truly happened. All of the twists and turns that happen along the way were so intriguing and kept me engrossed in the story!

Beautifully written! I loved how it all played out and merged together! A must read for Rachel Fordham fans! If you love historical fiction, family drama, a little mystery and suspense and sweet love stories, pick up this book or audiobook!

Content: Clean. Some moments of mild peril. Some sweet kisses.

I received a copy from the publisher, Thomas Nelson, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

4.5 stars
I love the idea of two people writing each other for years and becoming best friends without ever having met or knowing the other's identity. Of course in the fashion of You've Got Mail they fall for their sworn enemy. And as in Romeo and Juliet, the families are feuding and it appears the feud could keep them apart. But this story has a better ending. The story also has a little intrigue going on allowing Laura and Isaac to work together to figure out two mysteries.

I felt like this book was really slow getting going. I was having a hard time staying interested and then suddenly I was VERY interested. I don't even know what point of the book it was but somehow it all picked up for me. I forced myself to go to bed at 2:00am because I really wanted to stay up reading. And yes, after finishing it today I find myself very tired while writing this review. But it was worth it.

I liked both Laura and Isaac except that both of them were spinning their wheels in life, though not entirely their fault. Both of them were being treated like children and both of them accepted it with little fight. I was glad to watch their growth arc through the story. In truth my favorite character was Mrs. Guskin. She was amazingly supportive and encouraging to Laura and even helping her circumvent the father's unreasonable demands. She was marvelous.

Overall I enjoyed the story despite the beginning being too slow for me. The romance was sweet.

Sex: no
Language: no
Violence: a little
*I received a complimentary ARC through NetGalley and voluntarily chose to review it.

A sweet story with some inspiration from historical events which the author explains at the end (I like that). The writing was not bad but I found myself thinking this was more a YA title. I have to admit it was the audio version that kept me going as I found myself losing interest while reading the text copy.

The narrator had a pleasant voice that was easy to listen to, though occasionally the dialogue voice continued when it should have stopped (a pet peeve of mine.)

All in all, a 3 star from me for both versions.

The plot was a bit slow in the beginning but once it picked it, I was completely intrigued into the story.

To start off, I love reading books set in different time eras. Whether it’s in the past or future, so I was completely interested in this book when I came across it. The concept of sending secret letters by a tree was honestly unique and adorable.

This book gave off star-crossed lovers and forbidden romance due to Laura and Isaac’s family having ill history. It was amazing how they started off as friends, we’re forced apart, just to rekindle through letters. To me, it showed that they are simply meant to be together no matter at what cost.

I loved watching each character grow individually, except her dad I don’t care for him lol. The only thing I would have loved to see more of was romance between the 2 main characters, Not just by the letters but mainly when they rekindled, but that’s just a personal opinion. It sometimes came off as YA, which isn’t a bad thing, I’m just typically a NA reader.

Nevertheless, I think the plot was amazing, the characters were amazing. The story flowed very well.

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

I adored this book with it’s Romeo and Juliet meets You’ve Got Mail vibes.

After the death of her mother, Laura writes a poem expressing her feelings and places it in the nook of a tree. However, when she goes back a few days later to retrieve the paper, she finds a reply letter instead. Laura and her mysterious pen pal keep exchanging letters for the next seven years forming a close friendship. But there’s one rule: they must not share their names.

This is a story of a secret friendship turned into forbidden love. I loved the 1920s New York setting and all the descriptions of the decade including fringe dresses, prohibition and the Brooklyn Zoo. This is a slower paced story but it flowed effortlessly. The letter writing was my favorite part of this story! I love the concept of two people falling in love over letters. With so many obstacles in their way, I loved how both main characters came together to solve the mystery over their feuding families.

This was such a tender and sweet story and one that I definitely recommend.
I also enjoyed the audiobook. The narrator did an excellent job portraying both main characters.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for both eARC and ALC. All opinions are my own.

The Letter Tree is a very well written historical romance. Great plot and character dynamics. If you enjoy historical fiction I recommend this book. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.

The Letter Tree, by Rachel Fordham, is a wonderful story of two childhood friends who are not allowed to see each other anymore. After the death of her mother, Laura is not allowed to go out, but she secretly finds to go to the zoo and leaves a anonymous letter in a tree. A young man, Isaac, finds it and writes back. For many years they are secret pen pals and don’t know each other.

This is a well written, easy to imagine story with strong characters. I could imagine the letters in the tree, the secrets between Laura and her companion, and even the smells of cleaning in the zoo. I just loved the way her companion looked out for her and kept her secrets. I enjoyed how both Laura and Isaac feel about the ongoing feud of their fathers. I appreciate the strength Laura and Isaac have and how Isaac makes the decision to follow his heart for his future.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

This was a very sweet & wholesome book! I liked the setting and time period of this book. Very timeless storyline (a la romeo and juliet), whilst being original and unique.

This was the perfect stroll through 1920s history, with characters and situations I will long remember. Isaac and Laura are star crossed due to a feud between their families, so must find their friendships elsewhere. But a tree in the zoo (which I LOVED reading about) served as the perfect place to stash her hopes and fears…until it began a years long correspondence with a unknown person. The mystery about the true reason for the split between the two families, the advent and intention of Abel, the travels they take…all served as the best backdrop for Laura and Isaac’s true love story to begin. The cast of supporting characters helped move the story forward and seasoned it to perfection. I was privileged enough to receive an advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and listened to the stunning audiobook as well, and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

Set it 1920s Buffalo, New York, Isaac and Laura used to be childhood friends but were forced to separate for the last decade due to a bitter family feud. They both begin writing an anonymous pen-pal via a hollow part of a tree at the zoo, only to discover later who their respective letter recipients are. They wade through many emotions after discovering who they have each been writing, and work to resolve several mysteries that surround their parents' feud.

This sweet romantic story approached difficult family relationships with grace. Both Isaac and Laura experienced character growth, and several interesting historical events from the era were incorporated such as Ponzi -type schemes, prohibition, and stunts such as pole sitting and Niagara Falls barrel jumping. I enjoyed the inclusion of details about the fashions women worn during that time period.

This story followed the plot of "You've Got Mail" and "Romeo and Juliet." It had a satisfying ending and was easy to read.

I took off one star because there were parts that felt a bit immature or cheesy, as if written with a YA audience in mind, or lacking depth in words chosen.

No heavy spiritual for faith content. Just a few mentions of praying and thanking God.

No sex or violence. Just sweet kisses. Some peril at times.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for this ARC. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.