When Willa finds a love note in a desk, she sets out to find it's intended recipient.  It gets mislaid along the way and others find it and interpret it differently.  It's a great story that shows the power of words to change a life whether for good or bad. I enjoyed the references to Longfellow and his work.  

Willa and Gabe are wonderful characters.  Gabe's unassuming, protective love and friendship is a thing of beauty. Willa describes him, "There was always something of God in Gabe's words, it seemed--eternal truth leaked out when he opened his mouth" (location 873). 
 Willa is passionate about becoming a doctor and has a way of bringing hope and life to others.  Things change when she's around. 

There was so much brokenness in this family. Yet the thread of hope and love pervades.  It's a beautiful story that makes you want to go say the things you should have said.   I'd highly recommend it. 

Thank you to Revell for providing me with a free e-copy of this book.  All opinions are my own.

Joanna Davidson Politano has written another excellent Christian Fiction novel. It has a good story line, likable characters, and a mystery that makes the reader feel that they must finish the book to find out the ending. 

I loved the character of Willa. She is smart, capable, and loyal to those she loves. She is desperate to break into a man's only world and become a doctor. Thwarted at every turn in her plans, she takes a position as a nurse. And that's where the story really begins.

I enjoyed reading The Love Note and I think you will too!

“Matched souls always find their way back to one another, for they seek refuge in the same place.”

An emotional story about the turmoil created when a long lost love note is returned to its original location! An interesting tale is woven around the premise of the mysterious love note and the path it takes from its beginning until the final discovery of the author and the intended recipient. The story centers on a young woman, Willa Duvall, who is extremely interested in becoming a doctor in a time when women were not doctors and her ties to the Gresham family. Willa finds herself with one last chance to prove herself at the dark, moody Crestwicke Manor with its ruined towers and rugged coastline. 

Filled with some unusual twists as the plot follows the mysterious note, the story will leave the reader guessing as to who actually wrote the love note. The characters are varied; some I liked very much and others I disliked everything about them when I initially met them. Understanding evolved as the story unfolded.  I loved the voice in which the story was told, and the atmospheric setting of the dark manor definitely adds to the overall intrigue of the book. Readers of historical fiction and historical mysteries will appreciate this book! 

This ARC copy was received from Revell and Netgalley.com. The above thoughts and opinions are wholly my own. 

#TheLoveNote #NetGalley

The Love Note by Joanna Davidson Politano is an exquisite tale that speaks to anyone who has longed for love. 

It all begins with an unopened letter found in the corner of a desk by our main character Willa Duvall. Willa wants to be a doctor and has turned down at least four marriage proposals pursuing her goal. The odds are not in her favour considering she lives in the year 1859. Determined to find the note's owner and knowing that the desk came from Crestwicke Manor, Willa takes a job there as a nurse to one Golda Gresham. Her purpose is twofold - prove to her father she could pursue a career in medicine by effectively treating and healing Golda Gresham and find the writer of the love note to let them know how much they were loved. Unfortunately, her plans go awry when she loses the note.


As the note circulates throughout Crestwicke Manor, we are introduced to more characters. Each one is somehow touched by the letter's words, believing it was written for them or about someone else. Chaos quite naturally ensues. But not in a humorous way as you'd expect in a book of this nature. Each person that encounters the note and its exquisite words begins to change for the better. As Willa sees the changes around her, she loathes telling those touched by it that the note is not meant for them.

Words are powerful in this book, and the words of love uttered toward the end seem more directed at the reader than at Willa. I'm willing to bet that was the intent, which makes this love note that changed the lives of the characters in this book, something that could ultimately change the life of the reader.

I highly recommend it!

I received this book courtesy of Baker Publishing Group/Revell through NetGalley.

The Love Note is a bit of an odd book, but in a good way. I did not know what to expect, really, when I picked this up, except that I had enjoyed one of Politano’s prior books, and the blurb sounded intriguing. So I was excited to have this book take me for a ride.

I love that the focus is so much on the note and finding out both about the writer and its intended recipient. While the story focuses largely on Willa’s perspective and her journey to love, it also dips into others’ heads and you see the impact the letter has on them. POV switching can be jarring, especially if not done with great care, so I like that Politano did take the time to flesh out all her characters and make it so the story flowed well in spite of these shifts. While I did still find it a bit odd at times, I wasn’t ever lost. 

And I really liked Willa and Gabe‘s own journey toward finding happiness with one another. Both are very compelling characters. I liked Willa’s ambition for a career over marriage, and Gabe has a sort of quiet, understated affection that I really appreciate, given the tendency toward big, bold, and brooding. 

This was a delightfully original sweet historical romance, and one I think will delight many fans of the genre.

💌☆WOW☆💌

Set in England 1859

¤ Gabe is quiet and strong in character; especially likable. 

¤ Willa is finding her way, determined to better herself and become a doctor in an age where it's practically unheard of.

This book is fantastic. I believe it's my 1st time reading this author & I could not be more pleased.  I read it straight through in 1 day and I highly recommend it.

I had suspicions about who wrote the mysterious love note, but I was wrong which is a nice surprise. I enjoyed getting to know these characters on a deep level and the author does a wonderful job painting a picture both with rich detail and similes told in first person. Faith is warm and enriching to the story as well. 

¤ "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"

¤ "Sovereignty— The sovereignty of God is a thing of utter beauty. But like any good piece of art, to fully appreciate its magnitude, one must step back and drink it in as a whole, seeing how the brushstrokes of little everyday occurrences all combine to create a larger picture. Blessed are those who have the opportunity to do so this side of heaven." - from the delightful and wise Aunt Maisie. 

¤ In reference to Aunt Maisie, "She reminded me of an aged fairy that flitted about, never truly having to land her feet in the real world. Not anymore, at least. That was the beauty of age, it seemed, if there was any."

¤ "My words . . . they’re still wrong, Aunt Maisie.”“Because they’re yours.”She hobbled close and rested a crooked hand on my arm. “Make your heart a deep well of the Almighty by saturating yourself in his presence, and your words will come out drenched in him no matter what you say. I can promise you, no matter how many brilliant things you have to say, he has better ones.” I really liked that. Good advice for us all. 

TEA QUOTE: “You’ll find your patient takes tea at half past three, two sugars and the red-and-gold filigree cup. She loves red, by the way, and if you don’t care for the color, you’d best develop a speedy appreciation for it."

HIGHLY RECOMMEND
I was gifted an eVersion of the book by NetGalley & the publisher. All opinions are my own without compensation or expectation.

(5 🌟) HIGHLY RECOMMEND
© 10/20/2020 

If not already done, reviews will be posted closer to the release date to my blog, AMZN, B&N, BAM, CBD, Goodreads, Google Play Books, KOBO, & Pinterest.

This story is captivating! Ms. Politano has written a very unusual love story. While Willa is pursuing her dream of a medical career, which was unknown in the mid 1800's, she finds herself on another journey of self-discovery, one that involves the discovery of a real, lasting authentic love. A letter and its message of love takes her to Crestwicke Manor where she finds the letter inadvertently touches the residents in varied ways, exposing vulnerabilities and broken relationships. 

Ms. Politano skillfully weaves several subplots within a masterpiece of friendship, family and love. Her unique voice and beautiful prose quietly present a story that provokes deep thought, leaving the reader to ponder the legacy our spoken and written words leave behind.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher through Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you to Revell and Net Galley for the chance to read and review this book.
I liked this story, but did not love it. It is a Victorian Mystery set in 1865. Willa Duvall, who has her heart set on being a doctor instead of getting married, finds an unopened love letter in the crack of an old writing desk. She gets a job as a nurse at Crestwicke Manor to try to find out who wrote the mysterious letter. Along the way, things go wrong and the secondary characters become involved in finding the owner of the letter. At times, this story dragged a little for me. I found it hard to connect to the characters, especially Willa-she seemed a little stuck on herself and seemed to have trouble finding love when it was right in her face. Recommend if you like Gothic Mysteries..

I really enjoyed reading The Love Note by Joanna Davidson Politano!  
There are tips/quotes at the top of each chapter by "a scientist's observation on love."  They made me giggle and also take a moment to think about it!  
Willa just wants to be understood and valued for being her.  This includes her scientific knowledge, love for learning and desire to help people.  She finds a mysterious note in her desk and goes on a life changing mission to find the people involved in the letter.  I love her spunk and determination throughout the whole book!  The anticipation and excitement as she is headed off on her journey is so cute.  The author always does a great job of making things mysterious without being creepy.  Building suspense and getting you on board with wanting to know the answers right along with the characters is the author's specialty!  
Each person's reaction to the letter is intriguing and how they get a hold of it is different.  Who knew one letter could make such a mess!  Aunt Maise  makes me laugh... I just love funny older people that have quick wit in books!
Overall The Love Note is such a great book!  I love all of Joanna Davidson Politano's books and this is no exception!  Mysterious and adorable story!

I enjoyed reading Willa's story in The Love Note. She's a woman on a mission that goes a bit sideways, which makes for a wonderful story. The characters at Crestwicke won my heart, even the ones who were a bit difficult. I loved the twists and turns the note caused and the story of why the note was written. The setting adds to the story, especially the place where Willa goes to think and pray. Joanna Davidson Politano has written a beautiful story to be savored. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Love Note by Joanna Davidson Politano is Christian Historical Mystery Fiction set in the Victorian Era. What a delightful book with mysteries, romance, medical and most importantly of all the Christian message throughout. The characters by their thoughts and actions show complete dependence on God. If we could all live our lives in this manner how different this world would be. I believe this is one of Joanna Davidson Politano‘s finest novels.
I received a complimentary copy of this book.  Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.  I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 5 Stars

A pretty Victorian story with a slowly unfolding romance and gothic overtones. I love how the letter is accidentally passed from person to person, and each finds something in it that they didn’t know they needed. I appreciated the different points of view, even if they were only given a section or two, like the maid or Dr. Tillman. All in all, this was a joy to read.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The extraordinarily beautiful cover drew me to this book. I am not usually a fan of historical novels but this one kept beckoning to me. 
This was not the book I imagined with a lady receiving a love note and then searching for its writer. It goes entirely down a different road, or I should say many roads. 
In the first third or so of the book, I had trouble keeping all the characters straight, remembering who was who. But after a while I was totally drawn in trying to solve the mystery and untangle all the stories and secrets involved. 
The story was told from many points of view but it all flowed well and made the story deeper and richer. Each character’s story then became a piece of the puzzle.
This book was beautifully written. Willa is led on a journey of discovery with lessons in love, life and matched souls. It is a spiritual journey of learning how God created us with a deep desire for love. It is an epic love story, rich in self discovery and realization of God’s never ending love.
I loved that what I thought was the ending wasn’t really the ending. The story continued until it was satisfied wonderfully.
I loved the quotes at the beginning of each chapter but this one at the end is wonderful!
“To fall in love with God is the greatest romance; to seek him the greatest human achievement.” Saint Augustine of Hippo

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read it. The opinions are entirely my own.

1865. Willa Duvall knows what society expects of her — marriage and family. Neither fit her plan. She has always wanted to pursue a career in medicine just like her father. When Willa discovers a sealed letter hidden within her writing desk, she follows it to Crestwicke Manor where she takes the position as nurse to the aging matriarch.

Her search for the writer and the tale surrounding the long-ago penned words becomes tangled after she loses the letter. As the note makes its way among the residents of the manor, each believing it intended for them, it will bring to the surface buried fears and dreams.

Joanna Davidson Politano’s The Love Note is a story of loss, hope, and the power of words. The concept of the novel appealed to me immediately. I have been on a Regency and Victorian kick lately, so the Victorian-era setting presented another pull. While I enjoyed the story, it lacked something.

Throughout the first eighty percent of the book, I struggled with the heroine. Everyone seemed enamored with her, but I failed to see why. She had good moments, but every time I found myself thawing toward her, she would do something that quickly undid it. Willa repeatedly insisted she had no room for romance and rejected men’s advances, but the instant they showed interest in someone else she became jealous or upset.

I loved Gabe. His constancy and quiet manners won my heart early on. Willa’s persistent push and pull of him did nothing to endear her to me. Politano created a brilliant secondary cast who, for me, carried the bulk of the story.

Then during the last twenty percent of the book, the element that seemed to have been missing suddenly appeared, and I became enraptured. I can’t put my finger on exactly what brought the change, but I absolutely loved the writing, the characters, and everything about them. I can only describe it as having two vastly different experiences with the same story — one that left me wanting and another that delivered exactly what my top reads are made of. I only wish the change hadn’t come so late in the novel. However, it did ensure that I will check out other books by Politano because if they are at all like the final chapters of The Love Note, then she is definitely an author to follow.

For every reader, there are things that draw or repel them in reading a book. My feelings on this book don't so much reflect a lack of skill or problem in Politano's writing, as much as they reflect preferences in approaching a book. Also--I've read all three of Politano's other books and LOVED them. She is an incredibly gifted writer! 

While I found the idea--and execution--of the love note passing from member to member throughout the household and how each one interpreted it...the plot lacked a certain flair--FOR ME. Also, Gabe's character was a total miss for me. I don't mind characters who are quieter and don't talk a lot, but...I felt like Gabe just kept staring at Willa and saying nothing. Like all the time! It was so frustrating, because, despite his quietness, I feel like there were so many intimate moments (I don't necessarily mean physical intimacy as much as emotional) that were passed by. And, because of this, even when the romance was blossoming between them, it felt more like a platonic type of friendship. It simply wasn't enough to get me really invested in the idea of Gabe and Willa. As a reader, I don't get a thrill out of watching/reading about two people coexisting and letting all manner of moments pass them by--until way close to the ending. Just because they get together for the last 1% of the book doesn't mean I felt satisfied by their non-relationship and perpetually letting moments pass them by in the other 99% of the book. Nooo way. 

Also, certain bits where characters referenced different spiritual things just didn't feel natural to the moment or the characters, which was strange coming from Politano, because in her previous three books, I don't remember there being any spiritual/preaching moments that didn't fit. I don't remember that happening, but most of the time God was referenced in The Love Note, it didn't feel like it fit at all. To me.

*I was given a copy of The Love Note via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

This is the first book I have read from this author and I'm excited to have found another great author in this genre. The words flowed beautifully throughout this well written and unique tale. The story was at times poignant, but it had bursts of inspirational prose and a happy ending. For me it was like a gift wrapped in multiple layers of wrapping paper, with each layer revealing something beautiful. Some quotes which stirred me:
“There’s less to crowd him out.”
“Or he’s giving you a choice. And a choice is nothing but an invitation to have a talk with him.”
“…that depth of longing was simply too much to be filled by any human.” 
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

Joanna Davidson Politano just penned a bold and thoughtful story. Bold because it is unconventional. In the best of senses, you will discover.. From the love story to the POV.  Thoughtful because she speaks truth to all our hearts. She pens fears, hopes, and dreams revealing not only who the characters are but, I have a hunch, a big part of the writer too. I must admit, the hopes, dreams, and fear portrayed in this book aligned with my heart too. This is not surprising though it is humbly in a sense. To have your armor reaped from you to expose your most vulnerable self is not comfortable.

If you think I am speaking in riddles, that is because there are too many layers to this book. Finishing such a reading leaves lacking on how to put together a comprehensive review. "The Love Note" is sweet and unexpected, from the twist and turns but also the laughter that sneaks up on you.

Joanna Davidson Politano is extremely gifted at crafting novels that immerse readers in it’s pages, until the world just melts away. The Love Note is a unique historical romance with many layers to it’s story. Even as the chapters kept unfolding I was still being surprised by the many twists and unexpected revelations of this romance.  One of the strengths of Politano’s writing is that she really knows how to weave threads of mystery or intrigue into her plots, drawing in the reader.  The plot is this particular novel was a bit busy and loaded with a host of characters that made it a bit harder to get a feel for where the plot was headed.  The heroine, Willa, was a bit hard for me to like. She had some character flaws that, for me, were hard to look past, and she came of a bit selfish in situations.  I felt like her position of nurse was a bit more like a companion. It just didn’t make sense to me that she would be employed for the minimal amount of medical attention she provided her patient. I was really missing the romance aspect of this book. I wanted more.  The problems and misunderstandings around each love story far outweighed the romance and it was hard to root for these characters after the majority of the book seemed to only point out their flaws.  
The ending of this book was odd. I had a hard time with how things played out. I just didn’t understand the decisions that were made and I honestly didn’t know how to feel at the conclusion.  I almost felt like love was being awarded a second place ribbon.

Joanna is a master wordsmith, weaving a brilliant story through a love letter that changes everything and everyone who reads it. I am still choked up by the beauty of this impressive story, I’m surprised at how the love note has affected my heart.

Here’s a peek at a few words from this precious, beautiful “Love Letter”, …”I’ve known you long enough to see it all. I’ve seen the strength and kindness you believe go unnoticed, watched when you thought no one was looking. I even know that secret you hoped to keep from everyone. Yes, I know all of it and I choose you…” signed Warmly by an affectionate admirer. 

An unopened sealed letter is found by Miss Willa Duvail in a desk that had been given to her from a family member at the Chestwicke Manor years ago. Willa is so moved by the letter, she makes a deal with her father to take the nursing position at the Manor in hopes to deliver this letter to its rightful owner. A beautiful letter like this had to be read by its intended recipient. Willa does not believe in a love match for herself but believed in love for others. Her dream was to be a doctor and save people’s lives. Marriage did not fit in to her life’s mission.

I adored Miss Willa Duvail and her passion for medicine and her determination to compete in a male dominated field to pursue her dream. She had been studying with her father for years. She wanted to put into practice all her fathers and her had dreamed of. But as she got older her father’s main ambition for her was to marry, for her to be taken care of. That is where Willa parted ways with her father’s plans. She didn’t need anyone to take care of her. She was the one taking care of others.

I adored the quotes that started each chapter that were observations from – A scientist’s observation on love, some of them made me laugh and others hit the mark in my soul. Here’s one that made me smile, “Perhaps I’d be more inclined to fall in love if it didn’t require a fall.”

I’m blown away at how the author took readers on a special journey searching with Willa to find the intended recipient of the letter. This is a book that would work well for a book club pick. The author includes nine questions for your discussion time. This is a MUST Read and it’s a keeper. You will find yourself wanting to read it again per chance you missed something the first time. I know I will be!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

This book had so many amazing elements to it. The writing was beautiful,  there was a slight mysterious quality to the secondary love story, and a great reminder of hope, redemption, and life changing love. 
After Willa stumbles upon an old love letter she commences trying to find the intended recipient so as to conclude a great love story. The letter gets misplaced though and unintended consequences occur; this reminded me slightly of A Midsummer Night's Dream as everyone who reads the letter makes an assumption about who it was from. Multiple POV's are used, but they never detract from Willa's story. 
Overall, another great story from this author and I look forward to the next!