I liked this story overall. The backdrop of the late Victorian/early Georgian telegraphy (forerunner of telephones or the internet) network was an interesting choice and worked quite well. In fact, I think this might have been better than the first novel in the author's first trilogy which come out a couple of years ago.

The story and some of the characters were quite normal for this genre but not uninteresting. The heroine's assortment of cats was an amusing touch.

There were a few Americanisms in the characters speech and mannerisms, but that's to be expected and I'm usually pleasantly surprised when there aren't.

Recommended.

Thanks to the publisher Bethany House for allowing me to read a copy of this title. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

I started this book too many times to count, but couldn’t get past the technological stuff about the Telegraph system. I’ve read a lot of books recently about the telegraph that were maybe better written or quicker to get into. I really wanted to love this book. Maybe I’ll return to it eventually, but for now I’m giving three stars. My reason. It’s well written, but just not keeping my interest and I’ve had it for months so I can’t really pinpoint why. I’ll come back and update the review once I fully finish.

I loved this entertaining book from Jennifer Delamere. .I enjoyed learning more about the importance of the telegraph in conducting business during this period of history, and just how crucial Alice’s work was as a telegrapher.  I admired Alice for her great work ethic and determination to advance in her career.  She had some important decisions to make, and it would have been easy for her to make choices based on her immediate needs rather than searching her heart and trusting God to open the best doors for her life.  I enjoyed the sweet romance that grew between Alice and Douglas and thought they made a terrific couple. They discovered that the reasons for marrying for love far outweighs marrying for convenience or advancement.

The appearance in this book by Andrew Carnegie comes at the perfect time in this story. His role in history as a philanthropist has been well documented, and his influence has Douglas taking a different view of life.  I enjoyed seeing the characters grow and change throughout this story, and look forward to reading the next book in the series.

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

Jennifer Delamere's books have been a delight in the past and this is no exception!

Alice is a telegrapher, determined to live a single life. She makes her life as a telegrapher in a world where men are prized and women are seen as inferior in business. An angry male coworker makes Alice's job harder, even going so far (view spoiler)

Douglas is a business man, vice president of the company, who wants to rise above his humble roots. Defending Alice might ruin his prospects.

I enjoyed it so much. Alice and Douglas were really fleshed out as characters, with vices and values. They were likable, with tics and flaws, ambitions and motivations outside of just driving the romance. The romance wasn't overpowering the plot, but wasn't pushed off to the side and brought into the end to tie up loose ends; it was balanced and well paced.

4.7 Stars - Would reread

Line by Line is the beginning of Jennifer Delamere's series Love Along the Wires. I loved this book and is now my new favorite by this author. I can not wait to read the next installment of the series.

I've read and enjoyed Jennifer Delamere in the past. So I knew that there was a high probability that I would also enjoy Line by Line, yet something about the description kept me from racing to pick this one up once it was in my possession. I think it has more to do with the time period of women entering the workforce perhaps. I can't really nail it down. I do remember that Douglas would have to rescue Alice's reputation from the book description. However, I wrongly assumed this would mean they'd been seen or found in a compromising position and would have to marry...not that Douglas would have to rescue her work reputation.

The first chapter starts off with discussion about Alice's desire to remain unmarried and work a career. This is unconventional for the time period, and I always struggle with female characters that are staunchly against marriage. This is because I can't relate. One of my deepest desires from an early age was to find love and get married. I've also had the other dream of being a stay at home mom, which I now am. So while I know and understand that many women (today and in the past) haven't shared my dreams, but rather, want quite the opposite, I always find these characters a little more difficult to read.

I was also under the impression for some reason that this book would have a slow start. I'm not exactly sure what gave me that idea except for me reading the first page and not immediately being hooked. But come on! Sometimes you've got to give a little bit more than that. And in this case, I did have to read several pages to feel well and truly invested. But not terribly many.

Now that I've discussed what was hindering me from diving into this book, I'd like to take a look at the pieces I enjoyed. I can't say that I enjoy the same topics that Alice does when it comes to reading, hobbies, etc. But I can appreciate someone who is constantly in search of bettering their minds, exploring new ideas, and seeking to understand the world around them. I appreciated that she and Douglas shared so many topics of common interests.

I was also worried when the "spinster book" came upon the scene. I wasn't sure which direction that would go or how much of the book would be wrapped up in the messages from the book. I ended up enjoying this piece of the story and how it played into Alice finding herself in some comical situations. Yet it wasn't really used in the main romance storyline. I give props to Jennifer Delamere for how she worked this into the plot in a way that I could appreciate rather than roll my eyes at.

As I've already mentioned, I was expecting Douglas and Alice to be forced into some kind of premature marriage relationship due to the mention of her reputation needing to be rescued. So when there was one scene in particular, I began to wonder if that would be the catalyst. Yet it turned out not to be. That scene did in fact spur me into a reading frenzy to see where the story would go from there. At first I was disappointed to find things weren't as I assumed they would be because I find myself typically enjoying arranged or forced marriage books often. However, I was happy that Jennifer Delamere went into a different direction than I was thinking. And it makes much more sense that Alice's career reputation would need salvaging more than her personal one as it seems her career reputation was probably of a higher value to her.

Favorite quote:
-Alice could not fathom why someone would deliberately try to poison their workplace environment.

Me either Alice! Me either! Yet it happens all the time. Some people are just well and truly miserable. And we all know that misery loves company.

Line by Line was so much more enjoyable than I was expecting it to be for some reason. I have no real idea why I kept putting this book off or why I was convinced it would be a struggle for me to read. Alice and Douglas were both easy to root for through each stage of this book. I look forward to continuing this series. Line by Line gets 4 Stars. Have you read Line by Line? What did you think? Let me know!

This is a series that I want to continue reading. Of course, I'll have to wait for the next book for a while...

Alice McNeil is a forward-thinking young woman. She is positive that the way she wants to live her life is as an independent spinster. She has goals in her career as a telegrapher. She is quick and smart. The future is waiting for her until she meets Douglas Shaw.

Douglas has decided that the way to get ahead in life is to marry money. He began his career as a telegrapher and now is the right-hand man to the owner of the company. Now, he has set his sights on woman of society! Too bad that she's not everything he thought she would be and not as intelligent as Alice.

This book is well-paced and a fantastic read. I loved the relationships built between the characters. There is chemistry, both the good and the kind that rubs you raw. That is evident between Alice and her co-telegrapher, Clapper. He is the kind of man that doesn't like to be proven wrong or have another employee excel at their position. Alice quickly makes him an enemy and the story gets very interesting from that point.

I enjoyed reading this book. I'm just sorry that I have to wait for the next one to come out.

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Such a fun novel! I literally lol with all the mayhems surrounding a  spinsters guidebook, read by a woman trying to survive in her telegraph career in a man's world. This historical romance is one of the best comical, light-hearted, novels I've read this year. I can't wait for the rest of the series!

I love it when historical fiction gives me a glimpse into an area of history I had previously thought much about. Jennifer Delamere does that with  Line by Line. In the late 1800’s the business world was a man’s world although there were many women who served as telegraph operators – an important service to the business community. Delamere educates her readers about the Telegraph throughout the story in an interesting way. She also shares about what was necessary in many cases to climb the social ladder in England at the time. While Alice is a very likeable character there are also characters for the reader to be upset with – but that makes it a great story as every story needs a villain. The ending of the story was what I hoped for. 

As always, I appreciated the historical notes from the author at the end. Knowing the historical information the book is based upon makes me appreciate the story even more. 

Line by Line is part of Jennifer Delamere’s series Love Along the Wires. I look forward to reading more in this series. 

While this is a book written for the adult audience, I would not hesitate to add Line by Line to a k-12 Christian school library. It is appropriate for middle school and up. 

I received a complimentary copy of Line by Line. This is my honest review.

Another great book by Jennifer Delamere!  I so enjoyed reading this story this month.  It was engaging, and it was set in England, which is always a good thing!  The characters were interesting and relatable--in fact, there were moments in the text that seemed to mirror events in my own life.

Alice McNeil is the main protagonist in this story, and this novel explains her plight to succeed in a male-oriented business.  She loves telegraphy, and she is good at it, but unlike other women, Alice wants to be independent and support herself.  Most ladies of this time period want to marry and have their husband support their livelihood--but not Alice.  It is her one goal in life--never to marry.  She prefers to spend her days free from such troubles, yet she never thinks of the future.  But what will happen if her plans go wrong?  Will she be able to easily move forward in the life she planned for herself, or will unforeseen difficulties cost her more than she thought possible?

Douglas Shaw desires nothing more than to rise higher and higher in his field of expertise--telegraphy and communication.  He thinks of nothing else.  Coming from meager beginnings, he hopes to never live in such a situation again, yet there are so many obstacles in his way.  It seems he must constantly overcome some hurdle in order to achieve his goal.  His best plans are challenged by others, and he begins to wonder if he will be able to go as far as he would like--such as, how can he deny the feelings of his heart?  Especially when he knows it might cost him everything.  What other choice does he have but to climb the business ladder though?  

Delamere's books are such a delight to read, and this one is no exception.  Her story-telling draws you into the world of these time eras as you get to know those who live there.  It is truly a sad moment when you turn the page and find the last paragraph.  I look forward to more of her stories in the future.  I recommend checking out this book as well as her other novels.  Happy reading friends!


This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the author for my copy.

Line by Line by Jennifer Delamere is the first book in Love along the Wires series. Alice McNeil overhears two bachelors perusing the spinster's guide to romance in a bookstore and makes an impulse purchase to buy the book after the gentlemen leave.  One of the gentlemen, Douglas Shaw, returns to purchase the book and learns Alice has bought it. The lives intersect when Douglas arrives at Henley and Company where Alice is the lone female telegraph operator.  Sparks fly and Delamere adds in business scandal to fuel the romance. Great quick romantic read!

I really enjoyed Line by Line, the first book in Jennifer Delamere's new series, Love Along the Wires. If the rest of the series is as fun as this first book was, then I can't wait for the rest of the series! It had so many fun aspects to it-humorous incidents, romance, historical information about telegraphs, and just a little bit of drama. I think my favorite parts take place in a bookshop. The characters are really fun to get to know, and I hope to see them again in the later books of the series. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to those who enjoy historical romances. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Alice was a true modern woman who thought she could have it all by working at a special career and being fully independent.  All was gong well until she happened on the "spinster book" and began to implement some of the suggestions therein.  Alas, the best laid plans can backfire.  Douglas, too, had a glimpse of the book and began to doubt his goal of marrying well and furthering his career.  The two collided, so to speak and as the story unfolded, this reader began to look at all the players and see just how amusing human nature can be when tampered with in the name of

success.  

I enjoyed this book and learned a bit about the early days of the telegraph industry in the bargain.  It seemed to make the world smaller when deals could be struck by the mere stroke of a telegraph key.  Good characters made this book fun to read and although I did shake my head a time or two at the foibles of Alice and Douglas, I can say without spoiling the ending that people often struggle when pursuing the wrong goals.  It is when one leaps out in faith that pieces fall into perspective.   I recommend this book for those who are looking for lighthearted reading!

I really wish I liked this book more. I enjoyed the historical aspects of it and learning more about the telegraph system but the story seemed to pat rather than imaginative. I know there are only so many plot lines to use but I know its possible to write on a topic in a fresh way and really engage readers. This one could have been better if the characters appealed to me but they just didn't. They were a bit flat and lacked originality. I've enjoyed Ms. Delamere's books before but this just wasn't one of those I cared for. Hopefully the next one will be more engaging!

Line by Line is an enjoyable Victorian romance. Though it did take me a bit to get into the novel (probably 50 pages or so), I soon began really enjoying my reading. I especially appreciated the dash of humor brought by both the banter and the frequent references to The Spinster's Guide to Love and Romance (a guide book that should make reappearances in future novels!).

I enjoyed the romance (especially Alice and Douglas's first kiss!), but I think what I liked the most was just viewing Alice's daily life. I also loved her spunk and that she could go toe-to-toe with any man. And I appreciated how both Alice and Douglas grew throughout the novel—they were not static characters.

Those who enjoy historical romance featuring strong women will find much to like in this novel!

The inspiration for this story was from a book titled “The Victorian Internet.” The author says, “It was fascinating to read about ways the telegraph’s impact on the world in the nineteenth century was similar to the internet in the twenty-first. “The world got smaller, news traveled faster, and businesses were completely altered. As with the internet, there were even scams and long-distance romances!”

I found it interesting that the author has Andrew Carnegie make a appearance in this novel sharing an actual trip across England and giving advice to Douglas about money that comes directly from Carnegie’s own writings.

I enjoyed the antidotes taken from a book The Spinster’s Guide to Love and Romance. This book causes many uncomfortable situations for the main character Alice as she tries to apply the suggestions from the book. I enjoyed how the author shows how some of the work situations in the book still exist today. I found it interesting to read about the “inevitable conflicts with coworkers, and the vital importance of business machines, Victorian offices don’t seem so different from many today.”

Alice is an independent, hardworking, strong women with a good work ethic. She is willing to do the tasks no one wants to do to gain a higher position.  Alice tests Douglas and his motivation for doing what he is doing to climb the business ladder. I giggled and liked how Alice used suggestions from the Spinster book to help her get along with male co-workers in her office. It was fun to read.

Douglas Shaw is an ambitious businessman and social climber. He has worked hard to get the position he has. He is surprised by the many ideas Alice has about business and how it could grow at Henley and company.

I look forward to reading other books in this series that will go on to explore business situations, how people embark on embracing these machines, how business standards came about and the fact that Alice’s friends will be using advice from the Spinster book in the next story. It’s a winning combination. This is the first book I’ve read by this author it won’t be the last. This book would work well for your next book club pick as there is so much to discuss.

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

Jennifer Delamere returns to London with a new series set in the late 19th century with a focus on telegraphy. Both Alice and Douglas come from humble backgrounds and aspire to succeed in life, but they have different ideas on how to accomplish it. For Alice, it means remaining single even though it appears that both friends and family are disappointed in her decision. Douglas, however, places an emphasis on making connections wherever possible even if it means marrying someone for money and not for love. Sparks fly when they meet and the rest, as it is said, is history!

Although the book is set around the sending of telegrams, the message Delamere sends is about the definition of success. Must you be wealthy to be successful in life? Can you be successful without the benefit of a formal education? Douglas was forced to leave school at the age of 12 but he’s in a higher position than Alice at their employer of Henley and Company, whereas she was able to stay in school for longer. Or has her career been hindered because she’s a woman? 

It might sound strange, but my favorite aspect of Line by Line was the appearance of industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Although I don’t know a whole lot about him – something I intend to rectify – I’ve always had an interest in him, probably because we both have connections to Scotland and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Delamere includes him in the narrative in a realistic way; he was in England in 1881 when the book is set. He’s the catalyst for Douglas’ change of attitude regarding wealth. There’s nothing wrong with wealth, per se. It’s what you do with the wealth you accumulate that matters. Douglas isn’t exactly happy with the notion of giving away one’s hard-earned money, reminding me of the New Testament story of the Jesus’ interaction with the wealthy young man. 

Overall, I found Line by Line an easy-going book to digest especially in comparison with some of the novels I’ve recently completed. I read most of it while on a camping trip. The other two books in the Love Along the Wires series will most likely feature Alice’s two friends who also work in telegraphy, and I’ll look forward to reading those as well.

Disclaimer: Although I received an electronic copy of this book from the publisher and author, the words and opinions below are my own.

The year is 1881 and Alice McNeil is ready to leave her position at London’s Central Telegraph Office in search of a position with private company. With seven years’ experience and dreams of living somewhere other than a boarding house, Alice expects that her skills plus her determination will land her a job with a promising future.

Alice gains a step forward in her career when she is hired by Henley and Company, an importer of wheat and cotton. There she soon meets Douglas Shaw, Mr. Henley’s second in command who travels the world gaining the contracts for their imports. Mr. Shaw sees the benefit of having Alice, who is an excellent telegraph operator, learn more about the business overall, and Alice begins to see new possibilities for her future. The problem is, even though sparks begin to fly, Alice is prepared to be a spinster because she thinks it will allow her freedom to live as she wants, and Douglas has his sights set on a young society lady, Miss Rolland, he has yet to meet. 

When Douglas and his friends find an etiquette book for ladies at a local bookstore, they read a few sections and laugh. Unbeknownst to Douglas, Alice is also in the bookstore and overhears their conversation. She isn’t out to catch a man, she just wants to read the book and laugh at its suggestions… or maybe find one or two to help her with a difficult co-worker, Archie Clapper. So she purchases The Spinster’s Guide to Love and Romance and takes it home.

A really enjoyable historical romance set in London. Alice is going to be a career woman. She has a job she loves. Douglas has risen above his impoverished childhood and is determined to secure his future. Then they work together and there is a synergy. It is not a straight road, but it is enjoyable. A compelling story that I enjoyed.

Miss Alice McNeil loves her job as a telegrapher and can’t wait to start working for a private firm. At almost 28, she has forged her own path through life and feels no need to marry a man. Alice supports herself through her skills and intelligence and sees no need to wed, unlike her siblings and friends. 

Despite growing up in poverty in Scotland, Douglas Shaw has worked his way up to a respected position as the second-in-command at a trading firm. His job takes him all over the world. Returning from a business trip, he meets the new telegrapher—a woman—and finds himself intrigued. But he can’t let his feelings get in the way of brokering an advantageous marriage that will advance his status in London’s society.

As they spend time together in the office, Alice and Douglas discover more about themselves and their ambitions than they ever thought possible. What they discover may bring their dreams crashing down—but maybe God lets dreams die for a greater purpose. 

Why You’ll Love this Book

Jennifer Delamere’s attention to detail of a working girl’s life in the 1880s in London brings the story to life. Delamere delves into the perceptions and decisions we hold onto that may no longer serve us as Alice visits her mentor and Douglas talks to the famous Andrew Carnegie.

If you enjoy a period love story with quirky characters (Alice teaches Douglas to dance using Morse code) and a good message that never feels preachy, this book is for you!