“Sometimes folks don’t want to let go of their hate, even if they know they’re being watched. They hold it tight, like they would any other vice.”—Rachel Fordham, The Letter Tree.

3.5 stars

The Letter Tree by Rachel Fordham blends a dash of Romeo and Juliet with a pinch of You’ve Got Mail. In the 1920s, the Campbell and Bradshaw shoe companies are bitter rivals after their founding fathers fall out. Heirs to the companies, Laura Bradshaw and Isaac Campbell are raised to despise with each other.
The novel unfolds as Laura Bradshaw finds refuge in the letters hidden within the letter tree after losing her mother. Her correspondence with an anonymous writer becomes her lifeline, contrasting with her stifling relationship with her father. On the other side, Isaac Campbell, unaware of Laura’s identity, forms a deep connection with her through their written exchanges.
Several years pass with the letter correspondence being Laura’s only source of comfort, so she dates her father’s young business acquaintance even if he cannot compare to her anonymous correspondent. When Isaac Campbell learns his letter friend will court another, he begs her to break her rule of namelessness and meet him. Her words have endeared her to him. He’s ready to fall at her knees and beg her to choose him. The two eventually meet, and their secret identities are revealed.

While the forbidden romance trope has been overdone, Fordham infuses the story with mystery and depth, exploring themes of love, forgiveness, and the weight of family legacies. Despite the overly used premise, the novel's endearing characters and heartfelt storytelling make it a delightful read. Though the pacing lags, the historical detail and exploration of Buffalo's setting enriches the narrative. While the audiobook narration may not suit everyone, fans of clean, Christian historical fiction will find The Letter Tree to be a refreshing escape into a bygone era.
Overall, while the premise may feel a tad corny, it is a lovely read, sweet and mysterious. The novel’s redeeming qualities shine through in its endearing characters and heartfelt storytelling.

** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.

Rachel Fordham’s novel, The Letter Tree, was an enchanting blend of historical fiction, romance, and a touch of mystery, reminiscent of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, albeit with a much happier ending.

“I wonder whether you and I ever cross paths when we stroll through the park…. Have our eyes met, and we didn’t know it?” ~ Rachel Fordham

The characters in this novel were showstoppers! Despite her hardships and isolation, Laura radiated kindness, forgiveness, and unwavering hope. Her dreams for a better life and true love were so pure, making me enjoy her character arc all the more. Simultaneously, Isaac’s quest for a life with purpose and his unwavering integrity made him a standout lead. His respectful demeanor, accountability for his actions, and genuine kindness made him someone to admire.

The Letter Tree weaved a delightful tapestry of friendship, loyalty, and love. I especially loved reading Laura and Isaac’s letters. Unlike Romeo and Juliet, they faced their forbidden relationship with resilience, grace, and determination to reconcile their families rather than running off in disgrace.

Of course, I must give a shout-out to Charlie, Isaac’s best friend, and the one responsible for most of my laughs. He brought humor into the serious themes of this novel and made me appreciate what true friendship looks like. Charlie was devoted to Isaac, but made sure he wasn’t masked in the shadows of the upper class.

The Letter Tree was my first, but not last, novel by Rachel Fordham. I found her writing engaging and evocative, drawing me into every detail. I appreciated how she handled the story and didn’t allow her characters to succumb to bitterness after they were mistreated. The narrator also did a great job of bringing everything to life, putting a voice to the words so I could immerse myself in the book while going about my daily chores.

Overall, The Letter Tree is a captivating and heartwarming read that will leave an impression on readers. If you’re looking for a comforting yet engaging literary escape, The Letter Tree is the book for you.

A sweet romance wrapped in a mystery set in an enthralling period in history; what's not to love? I loved the epistolary elements of this story, and found the romance sweet and heartwarming. There's enough suspense to balance out the story while not overpowering the true plot, the love story. Fans of inspirational romance will delight in this story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

This beautifully written historic romance was set during prohibition in buffalo new York where two rival families have competing companies and can’t stand one another that is until their children become secret pen pals when they leave anonymous letters in a tree at the zoo. They became friends then developed feeling for one another but then they realize who each other are.

I really liked this book the setting was picturesque and made me want to go to the zoo. The characters were both really well developed and entertaining. This is a closed door romance I don’t mind but some may. There were two mysteries in this book and I really enjoyed those as well. This is my first book by this author but hope to pick up more on the future. I would like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for a chance to read this book for an honest review.

Set in New York in the 1920s, The Letter Tree is a captivating read featuring a heartwarming forbidden romance and a mysterious family feud. The story drew me in immediately with the tragic prologue and kept me turning pages expectantly. I love the charming epistolary element of the story. Driving the story are endearing characters, main and secondary, who kept me vested in the outcome. The seamlessly infused historical events aptly and interestingly reflect the spirit of the Roaring Twenties Era. I thoroughly enjoyed this lovely historical romance and highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This really was a blend of “Romeo & Juliet” and “The Shop Around the Corner”/“You’’ve Got Mail” set during the 1920s. All of these things make for a delectable tale! I really appreciated the sweetness of this story - it’s refreshing to encounter something both well-written and wholesome!

Many thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing the eARC so I could give my honest review.

This book will give you Romeo and Juliet vibes all the way through. Two families, the Bradshaws and Campbells, own shoe companies are best friends. Something goes wrong, horribly wrong, and they go from being best friends to complete rivaling families as well as companies. The Letter Tree follows the lives of Laura Bradshaw and Isaac Campbell, who at one time were the best of friends but their families rivals have driven stakes in their relationship. As time goes along Laura and Isaac decide that the feud has gone on way too long and they try to figure out what caused the feud. They have held their lives together by having penpals that they write their letters to, and leave in an big hollow tree in the zoo. As they discover that they don't want the feud to last any longer, there meetings become more than forced hatred. I loved the way the friendship grew. First book by Rachel Fordham, great experience.

The Letter Tree is the story of Laura Bradshaw who lives in Buffalo, New York in 1924. Laura is a young woman who loves books and animals - and she has a secret correspondence. She writes letters and leaves them in a hollow maple tree at the Buffalo Zoo. A young man writes her back and there is a friendship and a romantic spark, although they have never met. What Laura and her suitor, Isaac Campbell, do not know is that they belong to two feuding families who own large shoe companies. Will they find a way to bridge this gap?

I wanted to read this novel because I love historic fiction, enjoy epistolary novels, and found the idea of the correspondence in the tree at the zoo so charming.

This is a lovely novel that allows readers to make a trip to the Buffalo zoo of the 1920's and the nearby area, including a trip to Niagara Falls. The historical details are well done.

Laura is a very sympathetic protagonist and a gentle soul. Isaac also is a kind hearted, creative person. They are well suited for each other, and I enjoyed reading their story.

I recommend The Letter Tree for fans of historic fiction. especially 1920's settings.

I loved this gentle, historical read! I have read each of Rachel Fordham's stories, and they are well written and full of historical details, making one feel like they are in the series. I highly recommend picking this book up!

This was such a cute premise. Set in 1924, The Campbells and Bradshaws in Buffalo, NY have become enemies in the corporate world of shoe manufacturing. A fallout happened years before, and the children who used to be friends have been banned from speaking to each other. Laura Bradshaw is just a pawn in her father’s fight to stay on top. Isaac Campbell doesn’t care about the company or the rivalry the way his father wants him to. When Laura bares her heart out in a letter that she leaves in a tree, Isaac happens to find it and he unknowingly becomes penpals with someone he is supposed to have no contact with.

It does have a little bit of a Romeo and Juliet feel, but not as tragic. I thought the letters were a cute way to tell the story. Laura’s naiveté sometimes bugged me, but it probably wasn’t beyond possibility considering the time this is set in.

Clean, sweet, and would recommend.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Rachel Fordham's The Letter Tree takes us to the roaring 20s, and is reminiscent of a modern-day Romeo and Juliet, but fear not—the tale leads to a happily ever after. The dual POV and charming letter exchanges add a sprinkle of You've Got Mail charm. Rachel delivers a sweeping story that’s Enemies to Lovers but not really because they are friends to more who are just caught between their family’s anger! I just loved how this story unfolded!

Laura Bradshaw, yearns for her fairy tale escape from the clutches of her overbearing father, who has consumed himself in business and desire to crush his rival in business, Campbell Shoe Company. Isaac Campbell is the town's most sought-after bachelor, but he’s enchanted by his mysterious Wishing Girl pen pal.

Their journey gracefully goes between serene moments and heart-racing revelations, holding readers spellbound till the very last page.

One of my favorite quotes:

“God gave you good desires. Aim for them.”
“You’ve got to know what it is you want- not just what you don’t want.

What I loved:
🌳 The Letter hiding place
🌳 Forbidden Love
🌳 Family reconciliation
🌳 The romantic gestures
🌳 Tybolt the 🦜
🌳 Wonderful side characters
🌳 The mystery

If you are looking for a good book to cozy up with this winter, then I recommend picking this one!
Thank you @tnzfiction for the e-arc to read. All thoughts are my own.

The Letter Tree by Rachel Fordham is a beautifully written historical romance. This book in set in Buffalo, New York beginning in 1917 and through the roaring 1920s -where alcohol and prohibition existed,

A blend of stories similar to Romeo and Juliet, You’ve Got Mail, Rapunzel and Cinderella, It's the story of the love affair that grew between childhood friends Laura Bradshaw and Isaac Campbell, and their feuding families. Their Father's were previous business partners in Bradshaw and Campbell Shoe Factory.

Although Laura and Isaac were childhood friends, when their fathers separated the company into two competing shoe manufacturers, the children were forbidden to associate with each other.

This feud did not stop them from remaining friends. Laura's love of animals and a frequent visitor to the Buffalo Zoo, Laura hides some poetry in a tree at the Zoo. It becomes known as "The Letter Tree" and the unofficial Post Office for both Laura - later known as (The Wishing Girl) and Issac (The Pinecone Throwing Boy) who finds the poetry and begins writing back anonymously.

Seven years go by, the pair have continued being pen pals through their letter writing and communication. Not knowing who they are communicating with as they never met. Even though they both wish to find out who they each are. Eventually they work it out and the twist and turns in the plot of the story begins.

Laura has now grown up and meets Abel Fredricks, a business investor and scammer. Attaching himself to wealthy business owner's daughters pretending to wine and dine them into false relationships to gain a buck or two. Convincing the wealthy parents to invest in fake deeds to land holdings with oil underground and steal all of their family fortunes and riches.

Issac discovers the true colors in Abel as he hires a private investigator to discover not only Abel true intentions but also uncovers another family secret. One that could save his family and the feud between him and Laura.

Will he save and rescue Laura from embarrassment and destruction?

Will the family feud be restored to the memories of their childhood.

Is there a happy ever after. Let's just say all romances can prove to be fruitful if the right person is chosen.

Will that be the case for Laura and Issac - Childhood friends to lovers.

I really enjoyed this book and am happy to add it to collection of treasured novels. I rate this book 5 stars.

Thank you netgalley for this copy and this is my honest review.

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.