“The air of Crestwicke had felt even thicker lately with the longing for authentic love, the silent pain of disappointment in dashed hopes. I’d come to uncover a single broken love story and encountered a house full of brokenness and unsettled hearts longing for a safe place to land.”

The Love Note is a difficult book to review because I neither loved it, nor disliked it. It had an interesting premise; a young woman who longs for a career in medicine, but whose father is determined to see married off instead. A compromise with her father, and the revelation of unsigned love letter hidden within a desk give her the opportunity to find out if she is to pursue a medical career or the love of a gentleman. 

The story itself was also quite intriuguing. (I especially enjoyed how the letter was, ‘unleashed’ on Crestwicke Manor and found it’s way into various hands, some of which were quite mistaken as to whom the letter was intended!) However, the narrative of this book was a bit like listening to a vocalist who has a lovely voice, but not enough training to sustain an even pitch. There were so many good lines written, but also so many that fell short. I found the beginning especially to be a bit confusing. I felt that the author could have done a better job of introducing each of the characters. I will say, though, that she did do a good job of giving life and personality to each of the characters throughout the narrative. I also would have liked more information when the desk first came into the story about where it had come from, and why it was in their possession. This was revealed not long after, but it did make things a bit confusing while entering into the story. 

I think many people would enjoy this story, as it was a pleasure to read for the most part. I am not sure that I would recommend it, though, just based on the fact that I believe it could have been a much better story with more editing and some rewriting.

*Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced digital copy of this book! A positive review was not required, and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

What a wonderfully beautiful book! 

I wanted to sigh with delight the entire way through it. So lovely. I really enjoyed the main character, Willa. She had faults, made mistakes, was too hasty with her words at times, but was also intelligent, independent, and real. It was nice to see an actual human portrayed in a Christian book. Many are too perfect all the time. 

This book was reminiscent of a Jane Austen novel, but better. It was so well done. I loved all the side characters, and the color they brought to the story. 

Who would've thought one letter could cause so much drama for so many people!

I am finding it hard to express what I enjoyed about this book, because it is one of the best books I have read in a very long time. I usually have critiques to share, because there are things that don't make sense, or are overdone, but this book was so perfect. I was so touched by parts of the book that I cried a few times. I loved the relationship between Willa and Gabe, and their love for the Lord. It was just so natural and sweet. 

I would absolutely read another book by this author, and would love if it she continued this series by focusing on the others who lived at Crestwicke. I would love to see how all their stories play out- especially Celeste's. So many characters to love and remember- so much good advice lovingly given. Wonderful story, masterfully written. I couldn't put it down. 

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Mystery, romance, suspense, incredible characters, author Politano has done it again. Moving at a good pace, Politano crafts a story with a wonderful storyline that is true to the time it was set in. Her research of history is second to none.

Written with incredible depth I really enjoyed the letter as a main feature in The Love Note. If you’re looking for something different in historical fiction then I highly recommend you give this one a try.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

The Love Note
by Joanna Davidson Politano
Back of the Book: “Focused on a career in medicine and not on romance, Willa Duvall is thrown slightly off course during the summer of 1865 when she discovers a never-opened love letter in a crack of her old writing desk. Compelled to find the passionate soul who penned it and the person who never received it, she takes a job as a nurse at the seaside estate of Crestwicke Manor.
Everyone at Crestwicke has feelings--mostly negative ones--about the man who wrote the letter, but he seems to have disappeared. With plenty of enticing clues but few answers, Willa's search becomes even more complicated when she misplaces the letter and it passes from person to person in the house, each finding a thrilling or disheartening message in its words. 
Laced with mysteries large and small, this romantic Victorian-era tale of love lost, love deferred, and love found is sure to delight.”
Impressions: All romantics stop what you are doing and read this book. It will make you fall in love all over again.
Liked: This was such a wonderful novel. It was so well written. The intrigue and mystery of a simple letter was captivating. I pondered on my own love story throughout this book and fell a little more in love with my husband throughout. 
Learned: There was much wisdom in this book. You’ll have to read it to find it all.
Disliked: Nothing really. I would like to know what happened with a few of the other characters.
Quotes: “I had a healthy obsession with love stories…” – As to I…
“It seems you have quite a path carved out for yourself. Have you asked God what He thinks of it all?” 
“You needn’t be afraid of your words, Miss Duvall. Only careful. They’re as easy to gather as rocks, and just as easy to throw about, but don’t underestimate them. I’ve never happened upon a neutral word.”
“Let God be God, Willa. He knows a fair bit more that you, believe it or not.”
“People marry based on the scientific assumption that two halves make a whole, but that’s false. Only God makes something whole.”
“He’s a God of order and sense. He doesn’t ask us to do things for pomp and show. He’s wise to the ways of the world he created, and his instructions are meant to help us navigate it, even if we don’t understand them.”
“Do away with petty criticisms and subtle correction and leave the fixing of your spouse to God. It frees you up to simply love and enjoy them. Which will prove a greater influence in the end.”
I received a copy of this via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.

I always look forward to a Joanna Davidson Politano novel. She never disappoints! She always checks all the boxes with the gothic atmosphere at a mysterious manor, the mysterious but gentle hero, the plucky heroine. This captivating novel is more that just the story of a love letter that was never received. This novel is a love letter to love itself. Willa takes on the task of taking a love letter and returning it to its rightful owner. As the love letter accidentally moves around the manor and the inhabitants read it, each person has a different reaction to its beautiful contents. The story itself is a wild ride with characters so real and interesting. But the themes of human love and God's eternal love will touch your heart and bring tears to your eyes. 5 stars!
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I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and all opinions are my own.

One of the things I've come to love about Joanna Politano's books is that there are always unexpected layers to the story.  This one was quite simply exquisite.  One lost love note had the ability to transform more than just the recipient's life and proved the power of our words.  And the ending?  Well, let's just say it's not what you'll expect but I think you'll find, like me, that you loved it anyway.

A brilliant gently flowing work of fiction imbued with timeless truth. I laughed, I cried, and I stopped to pray. The ultimate successful result of a magnificent story. Joanna Davidson Politano writes a thoughtful and multi-layered tale about our desire to be known and loved in The Love Note. This letter meant for one person falls into the hands of many who wonder if it is for them. Each one, tenderly or angrily tucking the words of love into their hearts. What a creative and beautiful storyline.

There are so many quotes I highlighted, but here are just a few:
"My ultimate diagnosis was swift and complete: an overabundance of time and wealth complicated by an utter lack of skill and vainglorious delusions."
"What would you have me write, Lord? Do what you will with this letter, with this position at Crestwicke. With her life and mine." (Such a beautiful reminder to walk with God every day.)
" Wounds are only useful for reminding us when to duck next time."
"That plucky little nurse was right-there were second chances to be had....Time was short, and she had some living to do yet."

I highly recommend The Love Note by Joanna Davidson Politano. Thank you to the author and publisher for an early copy. All opinions are my own.

I felt like this book was very different from Joanna’s previous ones I have read. It was still good, just not what I expected based on her other books. It seemed more romance driven then mystery driven even though there is definitely a mystery in there that is driving the plot.

The letter getting passed around almost became comical.

The Gresham’s are an interesting family to say the least. And I so wanted to Willa to open her heart to Gabe but then a twist happens and I begin to question who will she end up with?

I adored Golda. She was grumpy, yet loveable. You knew deep down she really did love her family.

Overall, an enjoyable read.


A copy of this book was given to me through the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Portrait of Love, by Roseanna M. White, brings The Codebreakers series to a conclusion.  Lily Blackwell, daughter of Captain Blackwell, has been secretly working with her father at England's Intelligence Division.  Zivon Marin, a Russian cryptographer who fled the horrors in his homeland, has also joined the team.  As you move forward on the pages of Portrait of Love, you will see all of the former characters of The CodeBreakers series work together in the infamous Room 40 to bring an end to the war!

As Lily works hard using her skills with photography, her feelings toward her new co-worker seem to move her in a direction she never expected.  You see Zivon trying to adjust to this new land, as he also must deal with great losses he has left behind in Russia.  When you witness Lily also experience an unexpected loss, you see Lily and Zivon drawn together in their mutual pain!

This tale becomes full of action, on the final pages, as you attempt to put all the pieces of this story together!

A blessing. That is what The Love Note by Joanna Davidson Politano is, a blessing. It is a story of true love, most especially about the truest, the love of and for God. It is also about the power of words, their power to wound and destroy, and their power to heal and restore. It is a story of surrendering one's dreams to God, exchanging good for best. My heart will choose to dwell in this book a while longer even though I've read the last word; my soul clings to the wisdom within its covers. 

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

What a phenomenal book this is! I love novels that take place in musty, Victorian mansions—bursting with secrets, unrequited and recently discovered love, and a vast array of intriguing characters. The plot is as twisty as the winding staircase at Crestwicke Manor, as a love note written for one person ends up in the hands of each occupant...causing confusion, thrills, hope, and even discouragement to some. And that's the amazing power of words—we must be careful how we use them!

Joanna Davidson Politano is an exquisite wordsmith, whose lovely poetic prose has the capability to evoke powerful emotions in the reader. Especially mine!

"To fall in love with God is the greatest romance; to seek Him the greatest adventure; to find Him, the greatest human achievement." Saint Augustine of Hippo (Quote taken from 'The Love Note')

*I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.*

I really struggled with this one. I just did not find it to be an engaging read at all. With my historical romances, I need them to be either meticulous and genuine or the absolute cheesiest. Like, a fondu pot of cheese - cheesy. Unfortunately, The Love Note fit neither of these styles. The story premise itself is really interesting, and I'd loved to have read it if it had fallen just a little more towards a discernable style. As is, I think this book would be an enjoyable hour movie - funny with a bit of heartfelt introspection on the side. As a book, though, it's a miss for me.

An enchanting Victorian era tale, with a Gothic mystery feel and a unique plot. Good intentions go awry when a young woman takes a nursing assignment with the motive of solving a mystery surrounding a forgotten love letter.

"I'd come to uncover a single broken love story and encountered a house full of brokenness and unsettled hearts longing for a safe place to land."

This was an intriguing story, with unpredictable twists and turns. I enjoyed trying to figure out along with Willa who had written the note and where it was going to end up. Though her letter ends up in many different hands, causing a sort of tragedy of errors, her good intentions bring interesting results in her own life, as well as others. Her presence in the the dark Crestwicke Manor brings light to the dysfunctional family there--a different sort of healing than what she was anticipating.

Some of the characters were downright loveable--like quirky, wise old Aunt Maisie--and others seemed bitter, sad and lost. There were some beautiful, moving moments, like epiphanies, involving faith and surrender. The romantic thread is present, with a slowly building tension that culminates into a sighworthy scene. Truly worth the wait.
"Matched souls always find their way back to one another, for they seek refuge in the same place."

Recommend for readers who like historical mysteries with inspiration and a thread of romance.
4.5 stars

(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)

A stunningly woven tale of love, faith, and secrets from Joanna Politano!  The Love Note is a delightfully tangled web of intersecting stories that made me cry, laugh, gasp, and hope.

From the first pages, I was hooked.  Willa is such an interesting, thoughtful narrator, and her perspective is beautifully told.  Normally I tend to become exasperated by books with more than two points of view, but with Willa as the grounding narrator, I never felt as though I was being tossed around too much or with no purpose inside the minds of the other characters.  In fact, this story would not be as powerful without the occasional glimpses into the minds of the supporting characters.  Each character is uniquely affected by the love note, and seeing the havoc and joy it perpetuated in each person’s life was thrilling.

The Love Note is beautifully told.  It’s simply breathtaking.  Readers must not miss Politano’s latest masterpiece!  

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

What a great way to weave a single love note left long ago, tucked in an old desk, into an incredible story. Joanna Politano has woven together a delightful, though at times painful and thought-provoking story. This note that Willa found, she brings with her to Crestwicke estate to try to find the owner of the love note. It continues to get lost and fall into many hands in this great home and little by little begins to change the lives of all who read it. You have to read to the very end to find out who wrote the note. I highly recommend this read!!

A letter cloaked in mystery. A daring student of medicine. And a house full of hurting people in need of love.

This unusual story drew me in with all its mysterious facets. But my biggest question was always: Would the love note ever be delivered to the one for whom it was written?

In a style that reminded me a bit of George MacDonald's novels, The Love Note took some unexpected twists and didn't wrap up all the loose ends for every character. I wanted to re-read it immediately just to see if there were sub-plot hints I'd missed in my haste to find out what happened.

But The Love Note left me pondering the power of words. Truly, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue..." (Proverbs 18:21).

(Disclosure: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher. Opinions are my own.)

Lovely as expected.

The Love Note is set in 1859 England.  Willa is an independent young woman and aspires to be a doctor, very rare and difficult to obtain in this time.  Her father just wants to see her taken care of through marriage and is incredibly frustrated with Willa after she turns down her fourth marriage proposal.

Willa discovers a beautifully written love note and takes a position in the home referenced in it as a nurse for a cantankerous woman in the later years of life.  She hopes to find the intended recipient of the letter.  Through this letter, we find broken people and missed opportunities to share feelings.

I especially enjoyed the quotes leading into each chapter such as this one:
"The quickest way to repair a broken heart is to use it." - A scientist's observation on love

The only thing that struck me as disjointed was the beginning chapters show humor that wasn't present in the majority of the novel.  Overall, a wonderful novel about love.

The setting for this read is Victorian England, and we are given a smart, strong young woman, Willa Duvall, who dreams of becoming a doctor! Then we meet the Gresham's and end up at Crestwicke Manor, and we try to follow the trail of a lost, but found, love letter.
With a lot and I mean a lot of twists and turns to find whom wrote the letter and to whom it was written, we find out a lot about these characters and their love life.
It took me a bit to really get into this story, but I was glad I stayed, a lot of human nature and assumptions play out, and surprises to abound, maybe there is a lot of love just waiting to be gathered!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.

The Love Note was fantastic. It had several twists and turns that I didn't see coming. Things were definitely not as they seemed in several places. I loved that each character seemed to get a full storyline without being too much or too little. As a lover of great stories, I never want them to end as long as they are holding my interest so I wouldn't have minded more but each character got a satisfying ending.  
Willa has dreams of becoming a doctor and helping her father build up a facility that would help all people, not just the rich but her father wants her to get married instead. She has turned down several suitors before her exasperated father makes her sign a contract stating that if she doesn't succeed at 1 nursing assignment she would marry whoever he deemed worthy of her. Willa chooses a family that she has known since childhood based on a love letter she found in a desk that was given to her years before. What follows is her quest to heal hearts and bodies that live in the Crestline Manor. 

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book for my honest opinion.

I was surprised how much I really enjoyed The Love Note . I’m not normally a romance novel enthusiast, however despite its title, this book was about a lot more than romance and I highly recommend it.

Follow the mystery and intrigue of a letter lost and found and how the contents can apply to so many people giving very different responses and interpretations.

And discover, along with Willa, the source and value of love.

I received a free digital galley of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion. I would absolutely purchase this book for myself.