Isabelle and Alexander

In sickness.

This is not your usual historical. Its more of a first person, POV of Isabelle as she marries and then learns to cope with a husband who suffers from a debilitating injury. This is entirely from the viewpoint of Isabelle and I found myself really needing Alexander's POV.

What stood out though, was the focus on dealing with injury, both his and hers as well as a minor character's developmental disabilities. What was well captured was the lack of knowledge and understanding and expectations of dealing with permanent disabilities. Also, I liked that the books primary characters were of the business class, not aristocracy or nobility.

This story was so intriguing on so many levels! First you have an arranged marriage, which always fascinates me. Getting to see a couple either make it together and fall in love when their beginning is rocky and unbalanced makes for a great read. I love seeing the characters learn about each other and discover how they are well matched. Second, you have an accident that leaves a character hurt. I liked seeing this aspect explored and seeing how the character's love for each other bloomed under difficult circumstances. Isabelle is the daughter from a well to do family, whose parents arrange a marriage for her to a mill owner to benefit the family and their business. Alexander is a well to do mill owner, who could really have his pick of a wife but enters into an arranged marriage with Isabelle. Together, they find their stride after a horrible accident.

Wow! I am blown away by this book. I love everything about this book it is my new favorite! historical fiction at its best with characters & a story line that every reader will love.

A compelling book exploring dealing with issues and events that were not chosen.
A wonderful book exploring the impact of events beyond a person’s control, both pleasant and unpleasant. And how each individual’s actions can affect everyone else as well as the situation. Isabelle’s marriage to Alexander has been arranged by her father to further his company. Alexander is handsome but has hardly spoken to Isabelle at the time of the wedding. As they approach their marriage as strangers, they struggle to not only work out the changes brought by the wedding but the struggle to get to know and become comfortable with each other. Just as progress is starting to be made a horrible accident occurs that changes most aspects of their future together. Adding unforeseen problems and challenges they will need to face. Problems that could pull them together or break them and their marriage. I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

You know I am shocked I liked this one so much. It is not my normal read. I do love arranged marriage stories but this was not at all what I expected. It is the time of England's industrial age, Think North and South because I did:} He reminded me of Thorton:} This is Isabelle's story and you get it all in her POV. There is a lot of iner-thought and dialogue but for whatever reason I really enjoyed going to this journey of love and loss with her:}

What begins as an arranged marriage in 1850's England, Isabelle and Alexander takes you on an emotional rollercoaster ride through learning to live life away from home and dealing with a horrific injury. Isabelle led a happy childhood with her closest friend and cousin, and her parents arrange for her to marry a mill owner to unite families in business. As she learns to adjust to being a wife and away from home, she experiences loneliness like never before. But just when she thinks her marriage is about to take a turn for the better, Alexander is involved in an accident that leaves him paralyzed.

Great descriptions of city life (other than London) and the workings of a cotton mill, Rebecca Anderson enthralls the reader and keeps the pages turning to find out how the couple discover that marriage is more than just a business partnership; it's a lifetime of learning to love one another during the hard times and the easy times. I highly recommend this novel!

Thank you NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the opportunity to read this novel before publication and to give feedback.

"Isabelle and Alexander" is not your usual Victorian romance: it's not about falling in love instantly, it's not about a whirlwind courtship and endless happiness, it's not about London and the ballrooms...but it's all about learning the trust and appreciate the other, to be true to own's vow "in sickness and in health", to navigate a world one knows very little about.

Isabelle and Alexander's marriage of convenience doesn't begin so successfully: both are rather shy and do not know how to communicate. It is only after Alexander's paralysis, ensuing his fall from his horse, that Isabelle and her husband start to talk to and understand each other.

I really enjoyed the topic of disability/different ability, both physical, with Alexander's paralysis, and mental, with the family friends' daughter Glory who seemed to have Down Syndrome (even though the diagnosis might not have existed at the time, and I am only moderately familiar with this diagnosis - although I found the depiction of it quite realistic). Disability obviously existed at that time, although many people were sent to asylums because they were misunderstood by society, so I found it great that the author includes this topic, not only as a pretext for a romance but also to teach us about disability and treatment of disable people in the early Victorian era. I especially appreciated that Glory was depicted as a person with talent, likes and dislikes, emotions, feelings, and not just as a person with a different ability.

I also enjoyed learning more about what a fabric factory was like: its structure, its internal operation, its workers, and found it very interested the way the factory was bound into the storyline.

Regarding the romance, I would have enjoyed more talk, banter or confessions between Isabelle and Alexander to create a real chemistry between them, which I found a bit lacking, but the rest of the story apart from the romance was great, so I still give it 5 stars !

4.5 stars
This was so cute! I read the description and I knew that I wanted to read it. Isabelle and Alexander was just as good as I had hoped. Isabelle and Alexander is written by Rebecca Anderson and is published by Shadow Mountain Publishing. I read Isabelle and Alexander in one day, staying up way later then I should have.
Isabelle and Alexander are married through an arranged marriage. Isabelle never expected to marry for love, but she is happy with the man her father has chosen for her. However, marriage isn’t what she expected it to be. Life in Northern England is not what she expected and her husband spends much of his time working at his textile mills. Seeing that Isabelle is unhappy, Alexander suggests a trip to his country estate. At the estate, Isabelle finds herself growing closer to her husband, but while riding horses together, Alexander is thrown from his and becomes paralyzed. Isabelle is now given the task of caring for her husband, but is this Isabelle’s opportunity to forge a connection and create a deep and romantic love where nothing else could?
I found Isabelle so strong and amazing. She was thrust into a situation that no one would ever want to be in. Although she and Alexander didn’t have a love match at the beginning, she still cared for help and wanted to be the best wife she could. She had to learn what it meant to be Alexander’s wife and the best way to help him as he was recovering. As she spent more time with him, she grew to love his mill just as he did. She learned that her husband was an honorable hard working man
Alexander was a bit of a piece of work. He did have a horrible accident, but I felt as if he could have been kinder to Isabelle. I would have loved to read from his perspective. However, I did like him and I felt as if he just didn’t quite know how to express his feelings. He did care for Isabelle; he just didn’t know how to tell her. Alexander had to figure out what it meant to love his wife, and how to live with the ramifications of his accident.
This was a wonderful book that followed the love story of a couple as they figured out how to live after a horrible accident. I was intrigued from the beginning and the characters were quite fun. I really liked Mrs. Burns and Doctor Kelley, but Doctor Fredericks and Nurse Margaret got on my nerves. I would definitely recommend this book! Isabelle and Alexander is a clean Regency romance

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

Isabelle and Alexander by Rebecca Anderson is a wonderful, heartwarming, and amazing historical fiction novel that truly shines a light on the miracles of the human spirit, love, loyalty, forgiveness, and goodness.

To set the time period: This takes place in England around 1850.

I love everything about this novel. We first see the union of two only children joined in matrimony mostly for financial purposes and common sense matching then by mutual affection and love. Isabelle and Alexander are thrust into a life together as almost total strangers. Isabelle leaves everyone and everything she knows and holds dear to move into Alexander’s home in Manchester. Here, she finds it is difficult to spend tjme and even speak with him due to his determination and need to run his business and the walls that he has placed in front of him due to his fear of inadequacy that by Isabelle coming from a family of slightly “higher means”. Both seem to be unable to connect and find one another on their own separate islands.

A riding accident that paralyzes Alexander while they are riding on his country estate literally just as Isabelle is finally cracking the tough outer shell of her husband completely sends their lives into an entirely new realm. I will leave all of the further details for the reader as I do not want to ruin the beautiful surprises placed within their stories as they weave together a way back from the physical and emotional damage that has taken place.

The dichotomy of the simplicity yet complexity of the emotions and path taken by Isabelle to help Alexander recover, overcome their obstacles, and find one another is just stunning.
The journeys they both take separately and together to get to the heartwarming, beautiful, and perfect ending kept me enthralled. I loved the plot, pacing, the complexity of the main characters, the changes and maturity that these events bring forth, and the full character cast is nothing short of perfect.

It was fascinating to also see how society (social and medical) reacted to its members that had mental and physical concerns. Not only did I love Isabelle and Alexander together, but I loved the full household staff and also The Kenworthys, Dr Kelly, and the workers at the mill added just the right amount of emotion and connection that I needed at all the right times.

The best part: the ending!

Truly an amazing read that is memorable, sweet, romantic, and a ray of sunshine that I so needed at this time.

Wonderful book. 5/5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR, Instagram, and Bookbub accounts immediately (as of 11/5/20 no BB listing has been created) and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 5/4/21.

Elizabeth Rackham and Alexander Osgood become a married couple as a result of an arranged marriage. She is an only child from the beautiful Lake District. She always knew that any marriage would be one to further her father's business interests. He, a wealthy textile mill owner from Manchester, a dirty industrial city. In a visit to their country home Alexander is thrown from a horse.

This is a beautiful story of Elizabeth and Alexander working to put their lives back together after a tragedy. It is a story of growth as Elizabeth comes into her own as a wife, as she navigates the role of care giver and also decides upon the care given to her husband, and as she helps him come back to manage his textile mill. I loved this line of Alexander's, "You have offered your strength when I had none."

I loved the addition of the Kenworthy family, especially Glory and the love their family had for her, when at the time, many families would have had her institutionalized. It was so nice that Elizabeth could find friends in the Kenworthy's when she was new to the city, and on such unfamiliar territory.

Isabelle and Alexander is an historical novel with real depth that leads to a satisfying and sweet ending. I read a lot of historical novels that center on ballrooms and courting, and it was a real pleasure to read this novel of Isabelle and Alexander, and how they grew together after such a tragedy.

Spoiler Alert: I really cheered when Nurse Margaret was dismissed!

I loved that this book was different and showed how marriages around this time were not love matches. Isabelle is a woman who is so relatable and it is fun to see her grow and develop. The writing was well done so we really understood what she was thinking and feeling. At times I found the story was a little slow and I was hoping for a little more of an ending then we were given. #netgalley #isabelleandalexander

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely devoured this book! It was SO good. It was very character driven instead of plot driven, which was a refreshing change of pace from the books I normally find myself reading. I really felt like I got to see both Isabelle and Alexander grow, both as a couple and as individuals. Because of Alexander's injury, I also felt like it was a fresh perspective on the whole arranged marriage romance trope. It showed a softer, more domestic side that you don't often see.

Overall, a fantastic read! While it was definitely a romance, the romance wasn't overbearing. I felt like historical fiction readers in general would enjoy it.

There's a lot of catnip for me here in another lovely Shadow Mountain publication.

I loved the slow burn romance, the typical Victorian first person narrative and the deep research into the textile industries of the Industrial Age.

if reading this makes you think all North and South, you won't be far off. It definitely has the cadence: a withdrawn hero, angst and the clash of Northern England and its dreary industry and commerce with the heroine's sun-lit past.

This was my first read by this author and I quite enjoyed it. There were times when the romance seemed a little detached but I definitely want to see where she takes us next.


(Shared on Twitter and Insta)

I wish there was a way to give this book two separate reviews. One would be for the overall story and the other would be for the romance.

Advertised as a Proper Romance this book fell a little flat for me in the romance department. Alec didn't even have a personality until halfway through the book. So if you are looking for a romance that makes you swoon and feel the happy flutters of love this isn't the book for you.

As far as the overall story goes it was well written and interesting. It's always nice to read something that is a new idea instead of the SOT (same old thing) as my husband's family calls it. It's impossible for me to imagine what it would be like to be paralyzed or a caretaker for someone who is paralyzed but surely there must be a lot of compassion and empathy and trust. All great building blocks for love.

It felt a little reminiscent of North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell with the cotton mills and taking place in 1850 instead of the early 1800's Regency period. I liked that.

Glory might have been my favorite character. How lucky she was to have parents who wanted to care for her themselves rather than put her in an institution like most people did back in those days.

Certainly this story had a lot of good points and people who like squeaky clean romances will likely love it. I personally need more connection and romance between the H&h. Still well written for an author I've never heard of before.

Thank you NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I have newly delved into the historical fiction genre and found this title unique and refreshing. Unlike most romances I've read this one doesn't have a meet cute and neither of them are lusting our hating each other at first sight. This starts as I imagine many arranged marriages do in this era, one of either business or lineal advantage.

Within the first several chapters Isabelle life is derailed with a cold and lonely marriage and a tragic accident rendering Alexander paralyzed. Through this story we watch the characters struggle with each of their emotional battles and develop true love towards one another.

I throughroughly enjoyed this book and finished in one sitting at 3am.


#IsabelleandAlexander #NetGalley

"Isabelle and Alexander" is an unusual marriage of convenience story. Gentle, gritty, somber or joyful by turns, this emotional and heartfelt tale explores the weighty subjects of a serious paralyzing accident and mental disability. Taking place in 1850, it also has the distinction of focusing on Victorian Manchester, with its burgeoning textile industry, rather than the social whirl of London, with its requisite superficial nobility and silly debutantes.

Complete strangers, Isabelle Rackham of England's Lake District, and Alexander Osgood, a benevolent Manchester mill owner, marry at the beginning of the story. Alexander's paralyzing accident tests the characters of both.

This is a beautifully written novel. The portrayal of Alexander's struggle with his incapacitating condition is raw and vivid. This hit me on a personal level; although my situation is different, I've been in a wheelchair for years. While he is understandably depressed and aggravated, devoted Isabelle never lets him give up. The result is a deep, enduring love between these two very deserving people.

Secondary characters are also well-developed. The sweet, mentally challenged Glory Kenworthy is a delight. The actions of her parents, who reject the current practice of institutionalizing the disabled, do them great credit. Isabelle's cousin Edwin is a charming and loyal friend. Anderson's imagery is evocative, from the details of mill operations to Alec's painful treatments, much of it due to an insensitive, unfeeling nurse, whose rough ministrations have been ordered by an unsympathetic doctor.

Rebecca Anderson is a new author for me, although this is the nom de plume of Becca Wilhite. As I love clean, well-written historical romance, I look forward to reading more from Anderson.

Thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for an ARC of this wonderful novel.

Initially my sympathies were fully with Isabelle. Trapped in a loveless marriage in order to improve her parents business situation, she is completely unprepared for the cold way her husband treats her.
As time goes on however, it becomes apparent that Alexander might be as misunderstood as Mr. Darcy initially was, and it is easier to see him as a sympathetic character also.

Dr Kelley is wonderfully written and a stark contrast to the other medical professionals we meet in the story.

It's both fascinating and heartrending to meet Glory, and know the typical fate of children like her in the era this book is set in. Alexander's attitude towards her, and towards his own struggles is fairly typical for the time. It would be interesting to know his thoughts as Isabelle shows him that there is another perspective.

Well worth the read.

I'm a historian by profession, so historical fiction, especially fiction that really digs into questions of gender and class, is my jam. There was so much to like about this book:

We got a really good look at what marriages of convenience really meant, on the ground, for women in the mid-19th C. Isabelle was young, naive, a little shallow, which was exactly what her class expected of women. She married well, in terms of financial security, which is all she could really hope for. That her husband was handsome and seemed kind was a bonus, and she thought love (not passion, necessarily, but fondness and friendship) would grow. Isabelle (the story is 1st person) didn't expect much in terms of intellectual fulfillment (though she certainly expected an easy life). She also didn't expect much to be asked of her, and she believed she was prepared for marriage. And then Alexander was paralyzed after a riding accident.

Isabelle was tested in ways she didn't expect... and she didn't always rise to the challenge. But she and Alexander were able to move beyond their easy, surface life and grapple with pain, illness, uncleanliness, and their own emotional limits. Alexander became a much more interesting person--not because he'd changed, but because Isabelle had to deal with him on a more visceral level.

For the most part, I enjoyed and appreciated Isabelle's story. The book was well-researched and offered a relatively authentic look at disability in the 19th C. Fortunately, I'd read reviews like this one before reading. If I'd been expecting a swoony romance (with or without steamy scenes, and this one definitely has ZERO steam) or a story of love, I'd have hated the book. But the cover really tells us what it is--a decorous couple holding each other at arm's length until their marriage of convenience becomes a true partnership.

Such a heartfelt, moving story about a couple who are just getting to know each other in the early days of their marriage when they face significant challenges. This book started off slowly for me but the end more than made up for it. Finding purpose, learning to be a spouse and caretaker, and respecting the independence of a physically disabled adult were themes that were handled in this book with grace and vulnerability. This tackles the physical and mental impact that disability has on the entire household, not just the disabled person. This is the first regency era story I have ever read that includes a character with paralysis and mentions the use of a wheelchair. For a long time throughout the reading of this book I wasn't sure what I wanted to rate this book, but the last few chapters, particularly the growth of the two main characters, the development of the romance and the conclusion of the story bumped this up to 4 1/2 stars. Definitely recommend if you're looking for great clean historical romance and/or fiction with characters who have disabilities. There is also a side character featured throughout this story who is disabled. So appreciative of that representation of disability in literature! Thanks to negalley for an advanced copy of this book!

Beautifully written. This novel lets you feel and grow with the main character, Isabelle, and be a witness as she tries even though the world is stacked against her. I love how Alexander also grows in this book. So enjoyable and well written. Such a diamond in the rough, full of circumstances that are not normally mentioned in others making it more real.

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. There opinions are my own.

I knew from the moment I read the synopsis of Isabelle and Alexander that I would love it.

This book is a delight. So many women found themselves in arranged marriages in past times. I truly loved this authors take on an arranged marriage. It isn’t the typical marriage, they spend most of their days apart, hardly speaking, essentially strangers in the same home.

Isabelle makes efforts to draw Alexander out in conversation, and Alexander tries to lift her spirits with trips to the country. My take on that? Conversation is what brings Isabelle joy, the country is what brings Alexander joy. They are trying to make each other happy the only way they know how. It is quiet and subtle but they are both making an effort.

And then Alexander has an accident. Leaving him wholly reliant on others care. Upending the quiet and slow relationship they were building.

In difficult times, when we are in pain, we are grouchy and needy and a pain to be around. And the people that stand by us and love and care for us despite our behaviour are to be cherished. That is a love that should never be let go of. The strength and depth of a relationship that endures the worst of trials can come out on the other side being all the more strong.

Isabelle and Alexander, is a truly beautiful story about a very real hardship. Two near strangers with big hearts and strong wills to be happy against all odds.

Just like many others, I have endured plenty of loss and heartache in life. And while I love reading a light and fluffy book now and then, I also love stories like this one. It is real; life is full of good and bad. But books like this serve as a reminder that despite the bad there is joy and happiness to be had.

There are not enough words to say how much I enjoyed this book. I would strongly recommend you give it a read. It has everything, humor and romance and heartache and joy. Be prepared to read it from cover to cover in one sitting.

Thank you NetGalley, Shadow Mountain and Rebecca Anderson for this free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Content: Clean.
Some kissing. No language. A few injuries occur throughout the story. Nothing is graphic.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It transported me back to a time where propriety governed often at the expense of spontaneity. A charming love story beautifully written and a joy to read.

This story introduces us to newlyweds, Isabelle and Alexander on the day of their wedding after having limited time together. This marriage starts as a business arrangement and little is expected of the couple. Set during the mid 1800’s, we see the dirty, grimy side of Manchester, England with its coal powered cotton mill industry. For most of the novel, Isabelle works to win over her handsome husband who is somewhat cantankerous. They appear to have little in common. But on a weekend trip to their country home, the two seem to be turning a positive corner as Alexander takes Isabelle on a tour of their estate on horseback. Sadly, there is a tragic accident that forces the couple to bond, talk, and learn more about each other. With sadness comes hope. This book is billed as a romance novel and it does have that. But, I also think it was part historical fiction and I enjoyed learning about this period of time in England. Well done, I look forward to more novels by Rebecca Anderson. 3.5 solid stars rounded up to 4.

Isabelle and Alexander by Rebecca Anderson takes a marriage of convenience for an intriguing turn when young groom and successful mill owner Alexander Osgood is seriously injured in a fall from his horse shortly after his marriage. His new bride, Isabelle, is lonely and unsure of herself in her new home in the industrial town of Manchester, but suddenly finds herself responsible not only for the care of her new husband, but also with responsibility to oversee the mill. Isabelle finds encouragement in a new friendship with the wife and daughter of the mill manager, and begins a journey of growth in her marriage and as a young woman finding her place in the world.

Perfect for fans of Elizabeth Gaskell’s NORTH AND SOUTH.

Isabelle is an authentic Victorian heroine who does what she’s expected to do. When her parents arrange her a marriage, she happily complies. She tries to make the best of her new home in Manchester, but something happens that isn’t expected. Her husband, Alexander, has a riding accident and loses his mobility. Together they must navigate his changing health, their marriage, and his mills.

I loved Glory, a girl with special needs, but the biggest heart. I liked that Alexander’s accident, nor partial recovery, aren’t skimmed over. He doesn’t magically get better, but love shows them both that it has a power all of its own.

A sweet, slow-burning romance in one of my favorite tropes (arranged marriage).

Isabelle knows it is her duty as her parent's only child to marry to advance her family's standing. Alexander Osgood is a successful businessman, and it only makes sense to combine their coal mining with their textile mills.
Isabelle is frustrated to realize that marriage to Alexander is not what she thought it would be. They barely talk, and they know little of one another. Isabelle's only solace is in the friendship she discovers in Alexander's manager's wife and daughter.
Alexander surprises Isabelle by inviting her to his country estate, while they are enjoying a horseback ride Alexander is thrown and badly injured. Isabelle stays with him and vows to help him heal. Their struggles only continue as Alexander deals with depression and idleness and Isabelle works through her loneliness and feelings of inadequacy.
They learn to work together and trust one another and create a happy marriage out of their arranged marriage. This is a heartwarming story of trust, love, family, and looking past the physical appearance.

I have a lot of thoughts about this book but am having a hard time wrestling them down and lining the up into anything coherent. Did I like the book? Yes. And more so, I have a feeling the story will stick with me and I’ll be thinking about it even after I’ve read dozens more books since. I really appreciated the uniqueness of the story and having a hero who suffered an accident and became paralyzed and then the further struggle of practical strangers trying to find footing among such uneveb ground to find their way to love. The plot is slower than I usually prefer and yet I found myself saying “one more chapter.” And while the romance is sweet and slow, it is also a little thin. My romance-loving heart could have done with a bit more in that department. While I thought the hero a great character, I’m not collective him as a book boyfriend mainly because we didn’t get to connect with him enough as readers (in my opinion). So. I liked the book. It’s going to stick with me. But....I’m not sure what exactly the but is, I just know there is a but....

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is not your average arranged marriage book. It delves into hard subjects, especially for the time period. I loved watching the relationship between Isabelle and Alexander ebb and flow and finally grow as they came to understand and help each other. The mill works and the medical history of the time period was fascinating to me. I would highly recommend this book. It is a romance with depth.

Sweet historical novel about a marriage of convenience. When Isabelle’s father suggests a marriage between her and mill owner Alexander Osgood, she is willing to make the commitment for the betterment of her family’s and Alec’s businesses. Alec, however, seems to feel he has married out of his league. He keeps his emotions to himself, making Isabelle feel their marriage will never be loving. A riding accident could cement her feelings. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to be an early reader in exchange for my review.

This is my first Rebecca Anderson book, and I must say, it is absolutely stunning. Rebecca's style of writing is smooth and lyrical, making it so easy to fall into the plot and never want to come out.

Isabelle Rackham is engaged to a man she hardly knows. It is a business arrangement between Alexander Osgood and her father that benefits both men. Alexander gets a worthy woman to squire around and Isabelle's father gets a needed business contact. All is well and good, although the new Osgoods relationship is rather distant. When Alexander takes Isabelle for a horseback ride, bliss turns to tragedy when Alexander's horse throws him and he lands against a boulder, setting in motion a series of events where Isabelle commits herself to Alexander's care and Alexander rebuffs her efforts, at first.

The characters who populate this book are mostly likable people. There is a Nurse Ratchet (apologies to Ken Kesey) type woman in the book as well as the most unfeeling doctor in the world. But the rest of the characters are quite likable, even a girl who by modern diagnoses would be considered either developmentally delayed or autistic. Rebecca has built a gentle characterization of her so that she is a truly empathetic individual deserving of the respect of the other main characters in the book.

This is a five star book with two thumbs up and a love that grows like the melody of a beautiful song.

Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I really liked that this was not your normal regency romance. I liked Isabelle. She was so patient with what was thrown at her and she always tried to do her best. Alexander was a bit of a mystery to me. I wish the letters he wrote to Isabelle were in the story because you never got his point of view and he said very little. I loved all the other characters in this story. It is a very uplifting tale.

I’m pleasantly surprised at the direction this novel took. I have to confess, the begging was vanilla, kind of boring. It was slow-moving, and had lots of waiting by characters and just mentions of things that happened.

But as the story progressed, and I saw the interactions between Isabelle and Alexander, I began to appreciate their characters and how they handled their circumstances.

I’m not a fan of marriage of convenience tropes, or stories that begin with the couple getting married (or mentioned getting married). And add to the fact that the beginning of this novel was boring, I struggled getting into the story. But as I read, I saw how it was necessary for them to be married for certain plot points to happen, which wouldn’t happen if she wasn’t married to him.

I particularly loved seeing how Anderson she’s light on disabilities. The struggles and frustration it brings, but also the strength and hope people have when they believe they can overcome any hardship.

I loved the descriptions of Alexander. His features and disposition reminded me of Mr. Darcy. Isabelle was a very kind, gracious person. I really enjoyed seeing her friendship with Grace, a young woman who has a disorder of her own to deal with.

In the end, this was a pretty enjoyable novel. I recommend it to lovers of regency romance and those wishing for more disability rep in books.

Thank you so much to Shadow Mountain and NetGalley for an e-arc to read and review!

Despite the fact that this is about a marriage, I would say it's a Historical novel, rather than Historical Romance. I think if you are looking for the typical regency romance, you will be disappointed; this is not a light and fluffy story and there is not much typical romance.

That said, the book was excellent. It is told from entirely one perspective (hurrah!) which makes Isabelle's confusion, frustration, and insecurity a lot more relatable. There is a lot that is presented from a historical point of view (marital roles, communication, medical treatments, social dictates, mental illness, etc.) which was so interesting. It's a bit slow at times, but that is to be expected given the circumstances. Every success is hard won, but there is personal change as well as relationship growth that give this story a lot of depth.

Would definitely recommend.

I love the Proper Romance Series by Shadow Mountain Publishing, and this book does not disappoint. It is a beautifully written story about love and overcoming tragedy. This book shows that love can overcome any obstacle. I could not put this book down. The saddest part was when it was over.

I’m a sucker for Shadow Mountain’s Proper Romance line, so I jumped at the chance to read this newest addition, I’ve read several books by the author before (but not under this pen name). This genre is new for her (as far as I know), and I thought she did a nice job.

This was a “stay up way too late reading” kind of book for me. I felt so bad for Isabelle, but admired her determination to make the best of a situation that had many challenges. I liked Alexander too, but it did take awhile to get to that point with him being so closed off at the beginning,

I can see myself reading this again and look forward to more in this genre by the author.

I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters, setting, and plot were all very well developed. Anderson’s description of the time and place of this novel was authentic and spot on and the story kept me engaged and interested through the end. I will definitely be reading more from this author.

This is the first novel I have read from this author and did not know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised. This is not the usual time period story, it is a story of growth during extreme trial. The characters learn so much about themselves and each other as this novel plays out. It also illustrates how little young women understood about marriage in the 1800s, perhaps even today. I will look forward to reading more from this author.

I immediately loved this novel because it reminds me so much of North and South, which I LOVE. It is set in 1850 amid the textile industry. Isabelle and Alexander enter an arranged marriage. Isabelle is so sweet and hopeful for her marriage but Alexander is so cold to her. It was pretty sad seeing her continuously try and get shut down. Alexander decides to take her to his country estate where he suffers a horrible accident. The story takes a turn here, where Alexander finally tries to get to know Isabelle and their relationship gets a chance to grow. I really loved this story, it shows tremendous growth in both characters!

First and foremost, I want to thank Netgalley, the publishers at Shadow Mountain, and author Rebecca Anderson for allowing me to read an advanced copy of the Book Isabelle and Alexander. This story takes place during London's Victorian era. Isabelle is to marry Alexander in an arranged marriage to help further along both Alexander's business and Isabelle's father's business. As it was with arranged marriages at the time, Alexander and Isabelle had barely spoken a word to each other before they were wed, so they knew very little of each other. Once they returned to Manchester, England, after the wedding, Isabelle soon realized how alone she was. She knew no one in Manchester and her husband was working throughout the day and frequently at night. Alexander wasn't overly warm and compassionate with Isabelle, so getting to know each other took a lot of time. After a rough trip to Alexander's cottage in the country, things slowly seemed to be thawing between the two. They returned to the cottage and the two seemed to be getting along, then tragedy strikes. Now both Alexander and Isabelle must reimagine their life together in a way that they never thought possible. Alexander's attitude is at times lovely and he shows Isabelle that he is becoming accustomed to being married, but at other time, he is extremely distant and doesn't show Isabelle any emotion, other than anger. Isabelle, herself, needs to figure out her spot in Alexander's life and has a lot of trouble finding ways to make herself feel accomplished, especially when she is berated by others in Alexander's life. Her saving graces are their friends the Kenworthy family, their staff, especially Mae and Mrs. Burns, and Dr. Kelly, the doctor that they attribute to saving Alexander's life. The breaking point for the two newlyweds is when tragedy strikes again, only this time Isabelle's life is in endangered. After that, both Isabelle and Alexander realize how good they are together and how to live life as a married couple.

This story was a lovely periodic love story. I loved the friendships that Isabelle had Mrs. Burns and Mrs. Kenworthy. Both women never seemed to lack any confidence in Isabelle and Alexander's marriage or their love for each other. Glory and Isabelle's friendship was such a lovely part of the story. Isabelle's patience with Glory was refreshing, especially in a time when most would have just left Glory alone. Mrs. Kenworthy's love and patience for Glory knew no end. I had a bit of a love/hate relationship with Alexander. I understood that he felt like he was beneath Isabelle, so that attributed to his feelings of aloofness, but at other times, I just wished that he would show her some love and compassion. Isabelle's strength, at a time when women's strength was generally not one that was taken seriously, was at times heroic. I appreciated when she finally spoke up for herself and for Alexander. If you are a fan of period pieces like this, you will definitely enjoy this story. Thank you again to Netgalley, Shadow Mountain, and Rebecca Anderson for letting me read this early copy.

This book takes place after Isabelle and Alexander are married. It was an arranged marriage, and Alexander is not emotionally or physically connected to Isabelle now that they are married. His devotion is to his mill. Isabelle desires their connection to grow, but Alexander remains aloof; he seems to be extremely shy and unsure how how to interact with Isabelle. During a trip to their country home (an attempt on Alexander's part to deepen their relationship), Alexander falls from his horse and is paralyzed from the neck down. The rest of the book details Alexander's healing and the growth of their marriage through the challenges.

I liked that this book was different than most other books in this "Proper Romance" genre. It was real with the challenges and "good and bad" days one has when going through a trying time. What I felt it was missing was character development on Alexander's side. Everything was from Isabelle's perspective, so it was often hard to understand Alexander's feeling or motivations. I wish the author would have hashed out more of his feelings or thoughts as the book developed. I also wish the author would have shown us <spoiler> the contents of the letters he's written/dictated to Isabelle. Or at least the first one. I was really confused on why Alexander was SO withdrawn and unwilling to have conversations or physical interaction with Isabelle in the beginning. I want to know more of his personality and motivations for his actions in the beginning. </spoiler>

Overall, I enjoyed this read. I loved that it depicted several people with disabilities and made them focal points in the novel. I think Isabelle had a lot of growth as a character, and while I wanted more from Alexander's character, I'd still recommend it to friends who like this genre of book.

This a proper romance from Shadow Mountain Press.  Proper romance means that there are no sex scenes.  No hot and bothered kissing scenes.  It’s all about relationship building.

Isabelle was fully aware of the arranged marriage thing before she entered into the agreement.  What she expected was not what she thought she’d get.  Her marriage was a fairly distant one.  I’m not sure what drove Alexander to such lengths to not take the offered friendship and support of his new wife.  I guess that’s the answer maybe found in the history of the time.

Just because this is a proper romance doesn’t mean that there is no emotion.  There’s plenty of emotion and growth.  A woman learning to navigate in a world that she is not used to, with a whole army of people she doesn’t know.  At that time, there wasn’t much respect for women and their thoughts.  I could understand Isabelle’s reaction when Alexander started to warm up.  It was nice but when tragedy struck, it struck hard.

I got to hand it to Isabelle.  She was far stronger than she gave herself credit for - fighting for her husband and trying to build an impossible relationship.

I give this book a solid 4 stars.

Arranged marriage books are not my typical go-to when I’m looking for a fun read, but I really enjoyed this one! I love that even though both characters were forced to get to know each other in less-than-ideal circumstances, they made the most of their situation and ultimately became closer because of their hardships. I read a lot of historical fiction romances, and I liked that this one had a plot different from so many others. Also, beautiful cover! This is my first read from Rebecca Anderson, and I’m excited to try out her other books.

I would like to first thank Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book and give an honest review. I was intrigued by the cover and the subject and decided to take a leap. The first two chapters went slowly. Isabelle is subject to an arranged marriage to a handsome man named Alexander who owns a cotton/clothes mill. Alexander is handsome but standoffish. Isabelle also is moved away from her family, especially from her cousin who she was raised with. Alexander takes Isabelle off to the country house and a bad accident happens. The local doctor was Alexander's family doctor who fills Isabelle in with Alexander's history. Isabelle decides that she was going to fight hard to save her husband and her marriage. Isabelle starts wearing him down and its truly a love story.

Isabelle and Alexander is the first novel by Rebecca Anderson, a nom de plume for Becca Wilhite. I received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book - previous reviews said that it had a very North and South feel, which I agree with. However, many of the books written around the industrial revolution focus on the upper class in London - I'm thinking Secrets of a Summer Night by Lisa Kleypas where the heroine was of the Ton and married "below" her by marrying an industrialist. It was very refreshing to read about a lateral marriage (two upper middle class characters), and a romance that didn't start off right away. Many times, these marriage of convenience/arranged marriage tropes have insta-love connections, but this one was realistic, with the heroine Isabelle reacting appropriately to living with her parents to living with a man she had barely met who barely gave her time of day.

I liked the community of support that Isabelle had around her. It was both very realistic and also very heartwarming. I was a little bit confused about how this arrangement between them came about - little bits were revealed throughout the story but perhaps it could have been expanded a bit more. I wish we had more from Alec's perspective as he was a black box for most of the novel. I also wanted to know more about Isabelle as a person - what were her hobbies besides talking to her cousin and playing piano? Where did her inner reserve of strength come from & why did she have no hesitation when it came to taking care of Alec?

Overall though, this book was a sweet gentle slow burn romance. It has a unique plot, discusses how disability was managed - both cognitive and physical - back in that era, and feels extremely realistic in its depiction of an arranged marriage between two upper-middle-class characters. I wish there was more to read or even a sequel :)

****SPOILERS*****

It was such a lovely book, with accurate historical medical details re: paralysis. I wasn't sure what was going on in Alec's head, and had to rely on Isabelle's interpretation of his moods, but she was a bit of an unreliable narrator in that regard as she had no idea what his baseline was. It would have been useful to have the letters that he gave her on Christmas actually written out so that we could tell how he felt. He showed it off and on - the pianoforte, the pears - but I was wondering about his thoughts and emotionally where he was at. I also found the epilogue to have jumped quite a bit in narration - he could barely embrace her, and then next thing we know, she was pregnant a few months later? Some more build up from his perspective and more consistent romance would have helped set that up a bit better. For these reasons, I deducted a star.

**ARC kindly provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**


Where to begin with this?! I adored this book! I thought it handled both the topic of traumatic injury and special needs in such a real and positive way, which i greatly appreciated ❤ i loved the characters, thoroughly enjoyed watching them grow as people and in their relationship. The ending was just perfect ❤😍 i cannot wait to buy this when it releases!

Rebecca Anderson's newest novel is a pure romance called Isabelle and Alexander. I enjoyed this novel even though there were a couple of things that would have made it better. The setting was well described and I enjoyed most of the characters. The whole story was told from Isabelle's point of view, which could and likely did read Alexander wrong sometimes. Granted Alexander wasn't known for sharing his feelings until the end of the story. There were a few places that could have used a little more fleshing out but overall was a delightful story with a happy ending which most of us that read these type of stories appreciate. I will definitely read another book by this author.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion.

This was a mixed bag for me. The historical details were interesting and well done – the city of Manchester, the work in the mills, the treatment Alexander received.

The romance was underwhelming. It might have worked better if we switched viewpoints back and forth. Alexander was just a blank slate –everything we learned about him was Isabelle’s impressions. And then they went from living in the same home and feeling their way to boom! In love! The slow burn was too slow and then I never really felt the burn. The author did not convince me of any chemistry or that these two would live happily ever after.

Also big <spoiler>he is still paralyzed from the waist down at the end but she is pregnant. Every romance <i>does not</i> have to include a baby, and in this case it definitely didn’t work for me. Hardly any kissing or touching then sex and a baby!</spoiler>

It wasn’t a terrible book, but it wasn’t great. I am willing to give the author another try though.

I read an advance reader copy from Netgalley.

This was a very sweet little romance. It is extremely quiet, not a lot happens, but that suits me just fine. If you aren't a fan of character (vs. plot) driven books then this is not the book for you.

In a strange way this reminds me of one of my all-time favorite books: Rebecca, by Daphne du Maurier. In both books a newly-married woman tries to figure out her place in her new household, and the feelings of her husband are mostly a mystery to both her and the reader. This is definitely a much happier book than Rebecca, though!

I was very interested to see disability rep (and ASD rep) in a historical romance like this. It's certainly my first experience with it, but it was a welcome one.

The only thing that disappointed me was the final line of the epilogue, which I won't divulge because of spoilers. I felt it was unnecessary and very out of place considering the entire tone of the book. It almost felt like it was included out of obligation -- out of what the author thought the audience wanted.

This was this author's first published book? WOW, what an excellent debut! Really, I liked the premise of the story at first, then worried after starting it if they were going to make any progress. Unfortunately, but actually fortunately the accident was the very unusual catalyst for drawing them to true companionship. As they began to understand one another and make sacrifices for each other, they recognized how their weaknesses and responses weren't helpful and gradually learned how to change - and that's the making of a worthwhile book in my eyes. They had to discover and accept a new normal for themselves, and in the process find it was MUCH preferable to the old normal because of who they had become. This was a sweet story that tells the truth about marriage. Nice job, Rebecca Anderson! I received a prerelease version from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

#IsabelleandAlexander #NetGalley

I think while this dealt with difficult situations, arranged marriage and life altering injury, it was written thoughfully. There was a good mix or realism and hope. I was able to see the growth in the h & H. I enjoy stories where we're shown and not told. I think this story fits the bill. I was given an ARC of this book. I'm so glad I did. At this time I see my self shifting for just fun, funny, light hearted reads. This book allowed me read outside my self inposed box so to speak & be happy I did. As well as learn of a new to me author. Overall, I thought the story sweet and heartwarming. I enjoyed the way the author weaved a bit of real history into the story. I very much appreciate when a hsitorial is kept in it's time period. In addition to keeping the romance clean.

I dont want to give spoilers away...I recieced and ARC from #netgalkey

This was a great historical romnance....the story line was engaging and I found myself rooting for Isabelle to find her voice. 1850 London. The story had a quick pace and the ending was left me wanting to know what will happen to the main characters down the road. That means I was really invested in the story. This isn't my typical genre to read but I look forward to more from this writer.

This was a clean, lovely story of an arranged marriage between Isabelle Rackham and Alexander Osgood. The plot was simple but, once I started reading this book, I could not set it aside.
Their marriage started out as a business venture with nothing more than mutual respect for each other. The couple's growing feelings are shattered by a life-altering event that tests their commitment to one another.
I liked the fact that both Alexander and Isabelle were members of the working class, not nobility, and that the setting was Victorian-era Manchester instead of London. The author's writing is superb; I could find nothing to complain about and plenty to praise in this novel. Ms. Anderson is a new author to me, and I hope to ready many more of her novels in the future.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Isabelle and Alexander was so different from the usual historical romances I have read. And it is not your run-of-the-mill arranged marriage story either. Alexander and Isabelle were just trying to get to know each other when his accident happened. To me, this story is not about Alexander, this story is Isabelle's. It is her journey, her path, and what she chose in the face of complete adversity. The emotional upheaval she goes through proves her fortitude, strength, and character. Where Alexander and Isabelle began and where they end up is beautiful and poignant. A difficult and magnificent story, Isabelle and Alexander is full of defining moments you do not want to miss. I received a copy of this book for free, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have always wanted to read more historical fiction books, and I feel this is a very nice introduction to the genre.

This book was so simple and sweet to read. It follows Isabelle, a young woman in 1850, marrying a man she only knows the name of, and finding a way for them to truly love one another; even if the marriage was for business reasons only (typical of that time).

Isabelle finds herself working through situations she would never have expected in a marriage, and you feel your heart yearning for her and her husband throughout a difficult journey.

I really enjoyed the introductions of the different characters, and how Isabelle reacted and expressed her emotions to each. I only wish there were some chapters in Alexander's point of view, as I would have loved to know what his emotions were at different points in the story. The final few chapters and epilogue were beautiful, and it would have been great to read it in his view also.

Thank you for allowing me to read this beautifully written book, the writing was so simple yet so effective. The storyline was easy enough to follow; though often at times I wanted to jump in and get Isabelle and Alexander to talk to each other and open up - so the final few chapters were such a relief! Isabelle's optimism throughout the difficult situations was also very inspiring. I couldn't be happier that this was my first Netgalley review.

I blame Bridgerton for making me want to read historical romances.
I thought this was wonderfully written!
It’s a slow burn romance, but the build up was nice. I would’ve liked it to have a bit of a quicker pace however. There was a lot of lagging.
It portrayed Alexander’s plight with grace. It felt very raw.
There was a lot of inner monologuing with Isabelle. Too much I felt. She was not my favorite character, so hearing everything through her perspective was not my favorite. I tend to think books with multiple perspectives are more interesting and bring more to the story, so I wish we would’ve heard from someone else as well.
Cute slow burn romance!

Oh boy, this book took me for a ride! I loved it so much! The interaction between the two main characters drove me mad and I loved it! So much change and humility! It was amazing! This one is a bit heavier than I am used to with Proper Romance, but it didn't bother me one bit! Ms Anderson is very eloquent in her writing and I thoroughly enjoyed the story!

Official rating: 4/5 stars

Admittedly, I'm a huge sucker for slow burn, arranged marriage trope, but this- this was an unexpected gem in my Netgalley reading pile.

Isabelle Rackham knows when she marries Mr. Osgood that she's not making a love match, and she's okay with that. She does it for the sake of her family and ultimately, it also helps that Mr. Osgood appears fairly pleasant and not half-bad to look at. However, the marriage is not at all what she expected, Mr. Osgood is at times cool and distant, and tragedy strikes just as they both begin to open up to one another.

The second half of the novel is dedicated to showing Isabelle's journey and development as she grows to learn to look after and love someone with a disability. Her dedication, spirit and kindness were an inspiration to behold and found myself adoring her for her single-minded drive to learn and support her husband. That to me is the real love story in 'better or for worse, in sickness and in health' and I am all for it.

Some might feel the romance a little lacking, but I thought it representative for the time period and I felt the final conclusion all the better and more fulfilling for it.

This historical romance focuses around an arranged marriage with sweet Isabelle and the appearing cold Alexander. He comes off as indifferent towards her and when their romance very slowly shows some promise there is an accident that immediately puts a halt on things. Isabelle takes her marital duties in its strongest sense and stands by and supports her husband even if he is unaccepting points. The author does not show Alexander’s POV, but through his actions and words the reader can tell his devotion and love for his wife.

I have yet to be introduced to this authors work before and am excited to see more by her. She gives the reader a full story with plenty of twists and turns to keep one engaged. It’s a historical piece with a romance that fits any era.

This is a lovely gentle book. I did find it quite slow to start with but I really fell in love with all the characters and hope there is a 2nd one to find out how their stories continued.

The historical detail about millls at that time was written well and reminded me of North and South.

The central love story took a long time to build through the book but it felt so real. Two people hampered by their place in society and I loved the box of letters that Alexander wrote to Isabelle. Writing how he felt when he couldn’t speak those words was a lovely touch.

The supporting characters add a real depth to the story and showed both Isabelle and Alexander the different types of love that are out there from. Love of a spouse, love of a child, love of an employer.

I am sure for some it to will be too gentle but for me at this extraordinary time in the world to escape to a gentle love story was just what I needed.

Isabelle and Alexander is the story of a couple whose lives drastically change then suddenly change again. First, the couple struggles to acclimate to married life after an arranged marriage which is then made all the harder when Alexander suffers a horrific injury. All told from Isabelle’s point of view, you watch as she tries to find her role: where she belongs, and where she is wanted. Alexander is a stranger; already seemingly cold and reserved, his accident seems to make him withdraw just as the couple was warming to each other.

The author writes in a way that seems to make the pages turn themselves. The story was seamless and I found it easy to pick up and put down in my busy life. I find myself recommending books for people who need such reads, and rarely am I able to recommend a book that falls under the historical fiction category for these people. I am glad to have finally found one! I also love how romantic the book is with minimal physical affection. Isabelle and Alexander express their care by noting details about each other and intentionally arranging small or large pleasures for each other. I read in another review that the reader wished to have been able to see things from Alexander’s point of view, but I disagree. Having all of the story told from Isabelle’s point of view strongly relayed exactly how much of a stranger her new husband was to her, and how drastically her life had changed. Discovering with Isabelle the way Alexander’s mind works and how he must see things is part of what captivated me and kept me in the story. One thing I felt the book lacked was physical description of characters and surroundings. It may sound trivial wanting to know what Glory was wearing or how big Mr. Connor’s nose was, but I feel it would have helped me feel more submerged in Isabelle’s world, not just her mind. As I write that I feel the need to say I felt very much so submerged in Isabelle’s stream of consciousness. It is one of the reasons the story flowed so nicely.

All in all, I would recommend our library purchase this book as I already have several patrons in mind who I believe would enjoy this story. Thank you for sharing it with me.

How do I love this? Let me count the ways.

I haven't ever read a book quite like this. There was absolutely struggle, but there was redemption and love. There was friction between our couple from the beginning as they didn't meet before their wedding day. Then there was an accident and things changed even more.

Isabelle's experience was that of loneliness and I wouldn't be surprised if Alexander felt that too. The story was strictly from her perspective.

It was interesting in a historical to look at things like disability (in more than one character) and accessibility. I may have been more sensitive to this as I work with people with disabilities as a part of my career.

I loved every word on every page and found this to be a surprise for me as well as a balm to my soul.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley and this is my honest review.

The best stories strike the balance between a satisfying end and still leaving the reader wanting more. Isabelle and Alexander did just that for me. I felt emotionally invested in their story, rooting for them alongside the other characters. The story moves along at a good pace, but never feels rushed. We linger in all the right moments. I really enjoyed reading this book and can see it being one I revisit. I also hope their story continues because I didn't want it to end. Even the side characters, such as Mrs. Burns, Dr. Kelley, and the Kenworthys are so well developed that I want to spend more time with them. This was the perfect feel-good story to read curled up with a cup of tea.
Thank you to Netgalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

I love for the main story of a romance to be two people getting to know, then understand and, finally, love each other. Other things do happen - Isabelle and Alexander face some major tragedies. But this is the story of their path to falling in love. And their path is very different than any I’ve read before!

Isabelle and Alexander's marriage is arranged to strengthen their families standings and businesses, both hope that eventually their union will lead to friendship and love, but on a trip to the country Alexander is injured and all their progress is halted with new challenges around every corner.

This book was excellent! A fresh storyline, interesting setting and characters you enjoy more and more each page. I'm excited for more books from Rebecca Anderson.

What an unusual situation for a romance! Isabelle and Alexander marry as strangers, and two months later, Alexander becomes paralyzed by a riding accident. the novel is seen through the actions and thoughts of Isabelle as she learns to care for her husband and handle the situation. She matures over the months of taking care of her husband. Alexander changes, as well, as he works to overcome his disabilities. It was good to see a woman with 'special needs' included in the story. This is a novel I will never forget. Thank you, Netgalley, for giving me this opportunity to read and review this novel.

This was a beautifully written story that kept my interest from start to finish. Fans of Elizabeth Gaskell's classic "North and South" will find plenty to enjoy here, with the reserved cotton mill owner Alexander and his bride by arranged marriage Isabelle.

The book begins with their wedding and Isabelle's move to her husband's home in Manchester. The two seem to have no pathway into each other's minds or hearts. They live amicably but mostly silently, just down the street from Alexander's mill, which demands most of his time and attention. Isabelle hopes that things will improve when they visit Alexander's childhood home in the country, but on their second visit, tragedy strikes in the form of a horse riding accident that leaves Alexander completely immobile.

This would be a blow to any couple, but it especially tests Isabelle and Alexander, who have not even begun to really know each other. The months that follow will push their relationship forward in ways they could not have imagined.

The author did an exceptional job crafting her scenes, allowing me to easily visualize and stay with Isabelle and Alexander every step of the way. She also created some really lovely side characters who support and encourage the two of them, such as the housekeeper and the doctor. I look forward to checking out other books by Rebecca Anderson!

***I received a free copy of this ebook from the ou lisher via NetGalley. All opinions and words here are my own, as always.***

This was an atypical but engrossing historical romance that kept me reading late into the night. The various characters’ stories were skillfully interwoven, adding layers of depth to the romance beyond answering “will they fall in love?” It was a story of why and how love, respect, and growth struggled but grew between both Isabelle and Alexander. As soon as I finished I wanted to return to the beginning and read it again.

Delightful, captivating, and filled with beautiful depth and charm. Isabelle plans on being an excellent wife. So the man she is to marry is a little distant and chilly, but he's devastatingly handsome and surely an excellent wife can thaw that chilliness. When Alexander is involved in a crippling riding accident, Isabelle is given a chance to prove her value Except he becomes more difficult and distant than he had been before. This book navigates the tricky waters of human value and love with expertise. I stayed up to finish because putting the book down without knowing how it ended would have been criminal. If this author isn't on your to be read list, you are missing something incredible. Five stars!

I love that this book follows the up and downs and insecurities of new marriage, exacerbated by the accident. This is very much the way my marriage started. The real life feelings followed by the happily ever after gives us all hope to keep plugging away. Thank you for a beautiful story.

Isabelle and Alexander by Rebecca Anderson. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2021.

This historical romance set in 1850s Victorian England is unusual because it tells the story of a of an arranged marriage within the middle-class. Isabelle’s father has a coal business that he oversees at a distance while Alexander, the educated son of a blacksmith owns a cotton mill that he purchased himself and operates hands-on. Alexander is incredibly handsome while Isabelle sees her own looks as average, or perhaps just slightly above. Their marriage will improve Alexander’s social standing and give Isabelle the security she expects of marriage.

Excellent writing and likeable characters make Isabelle and Alexander an engaging read, particularly for those who read historical romances for the story and the history. The pace is moderate, not too slow with enough detail to support the story without distracting. Everyday mid-Victorian middle-class life, both inside their homes and inside the mill, is seen from Isabelle’s perspective; her character develops as she engages with her mother and cousin, with Alexander’s employees and health care providers. Alexander’s character develops from Isabelle’s experience with him and what his employees and his long-standing family doctor tell her about him. There are no balls or other lavish large social events, no evil characters working against them, no explicit sex, no overt social climbing or poor relatives, no kidnappings, or dress fittings or any other plot elements typical of historical romances.

This lovely story is one of the best historical romances I have read, and certainly the best of this period. I can’t comment on historical accuracy simply because I don’t know about it, so my deficit is the reason for the 4/5 star rating, not a flaw in the book. I would give it 4 ½ stars if I could.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of Isabelle and Alexander free via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. #IsabelleandAlexander #NetGalley

To be honest, I would give this book 3.5 stars (which to me, means "I liked the book, but don't know if I'd necessarily re-read it). The plot seemed a bit repetitive at points, and to be honest I got bored with the story in the middle of the reading. BUT, I did love the cover, I came to really enjoy protagonists, and I thought their love story, especially the ending and loving each other despite hard odds, was really sweet. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to read this book!

Isabelle & Alexander is the story of a couple finding love in difficult circumstances, including an arranged marriage. The story tackles many somber topics not usually fleshed out in a regency romance. While I appreciated the effort to take the story in a unique direction, I struggled to invest in the characters and plot. I felt that the story started off slow and I did not feel much chemistry between the two love interests until about halfway into the story. I also found myself wishing for more dialogue between characters and less introspective descriptions. One thing I did enjoy about this story was the relationship between Glory and Isabelle. I found it to be very heartwarming. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The marriage of Isabelle and Alexander is a business proposition that is good for Isabelle’ father and Alexander, but will it benefit Isabelle in the long run?

A couple of months into their marriage, Alexander is thrown from his horse and is left without feeling in his extremities. Isabelle wants to take care of Alexander but she doesn’t know-how, and I think she is slightly scared of her husband who hasn’t shown her tenderness, love, or anything that one would associate with being married. She knew going into this marriage that it was not a love match, but Isabelle hopes that maybe one day it could evolve into one.

I liked Isabelle and Alexander but I didn’t love it. I was expecting a lot more out of it than I received, and this could’ve been just my perceptions (of what I wanted) on my part. The title and book cover is what initially drew me to want to read this book. Isabelle as a character I felt did grow more into who she meant to be, she didn’t remain mousy as she could’ve easily had. Alexander also showed promise. I just wanted it to shine more, and there was something lacking that I haven’t quite put my finger on yet.

My gratitude to Shadow Mountain and Netgalley. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

A coming of age and love story in one. Isabelle is married to Alexander more as a business transaction and in the time period the couple is lucky to find love in the transaction. Isabelle a young lady from wealth and privilege means is now the lady of basically a bachelor pad. Alexander is a man who has built himself up from humble beginnings. The love story is a dance really as they start to learn and appreciate each other and then makes its stamp when tragedy hits. As they learn about each other and learn to be there for each other as well as the respect of how they have gotten to the place that have brought them together this love is unrealized as the strength of each individual is called into play. I enjoyed the book it was a bit slow in parts but the overall lessons of love and finding yourself as well as the importance of marriage is what carried me through the book.



Thank you to the author Rebecca Anderson, Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review the book.

This is a story about a young girl named Isabelle who was set to marry Alexander, the owner of Osgood Mills, a business parter of her father’s.

It’s a different kind of love story in that it comes after the vows have been said. It really focuses on the “in sickness and in health” as Alexander suffers an injury during an accident that left him paralyzed.
This story isn’t just rainbows and sunshine, which is what I liked about It. It deals with things that can happen to anyone, deals with debilitating injuries, and the loneliness those closest to loved ones experience. Especially when Alexander just wanted to be left alone or he seemed to push them away.

Thank you to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the opportunity to read this love story.

I fell in love with this book, and I fell HARD! Such a tender story - much more than a romance, it is the journey of two young people discovering who they (and each other) truly are. Isabelle and Alexander are wed in a Victorian arranged marriage. He is a business acquaintance of her father's, and handsome to boot. Isabelle has always known this choice would be made for her, and her only regret is losing the camaraderie of her cousin, Edwin. But soon the polite distance of their cool arrangement is upset by a terrible horse-riding accident that leaves Alexander paralyzed. Suddenly Isabelle's disappointment over unmet emotional expectations changes to worry over simple physical expectation: Will Alexander ever walk again? Sit up? Hold a pen? His frustrations with his condition spill over onto his sheltered wife, and suddenly they both find themselves digging deep for the strength to bear with their new situation. I often found myself thinking how difficult it would be to find myself married to an invalid, even with years of happy memories to support us through the struggle. How could I cope with a relative stranger?! Happily, supporting characters such as Dr. Kelley and housekeeper Mrs. Burns are full of wisdom and love and acceptance. I knew with their encouragement the wounded newlyweds would find a way to choose love.

This book is so beautifully written. WIth only sparse descriptions of Victorian life, it richly delves into Isabelle's heart as she realizes the superficiality of her life before Alec. Without the distraction of sexual love, her commitment to serve her husband grows into a love that surpasses (but doesn't exclude) romantic love. They both learn the lessons of sacrifice and balance that took some of us decades to realize. The story wraps up with a short but satisfying epilogue. I would only change the word 'months' to 'years' to make it more believable.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and was not obligated to post a review.

The message of hope and becoming a family unit through difficulties resonated through this story.  The dedication Isabelle had to Alexander and to making their marriage successful was inspiring.  Her growth in confidence and self-assurance was also neat to watch through the book, as was Alec's learning to rely on others, especially his wife.  I enjoyed this sweet romance!

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

Isabelle and Alexander by Rebecca Anderson is a romance set during the Victorian era in the mill town of Manchester. In addition to being a well-crafted romance, the book provides an education on the workings of textile mills, one of which is owned by Alexander Osgood. In addition, the workings of an arranged marriage slowly unfold as Isabelle and Alexander get to know each other, he being slightly lower in society's rankings than she is. An interesting and timely subplot deals with a family whose patriarch works at the mill in an administrative position, and whose daughter is emotionally disabled, a topic definitely not usually covered in books of this period. And finally, when Alexander has a bad accident being flung from a horse, we follow his recovery and learn that no few medical practitioners want to send him off to an asylum to heal. The process of Isabelle and Alexander falling in love is carefully and well-presented, and this book is a quick but intriguing read.

“We are all constantly learning, if we’re doing it correctly.” -- Mrs. Kenworthy to Isabelle.

This story begins just before Isabelle’s move from her comfortable country home to a sooty manufacturing town via a marriage of convenience during the Victorian Era. Alexander sustains a serious injury near the beginning of the book that exacerbates the uncertainty of their roles and relationship. In addition, the book delves into other difficulties of the era: special needs children, factory working conditions, and societal norms.

Isabelle is a fantastic character. Life has given her an unfair share of hardships. She has to constantly learn and adjust. She does so with courage and grace throughout the book. I loved the friendship she had with the Kenworthy’s, the servants at her home, the doctor, and her husband’s business partners. Her approach to life is selfless to the core. She is almost too good to be true. My heart ached for her many times through the book as she struggled to adjust to a string of trials and new situations. No matter how difficult, she never gave up. Sometimes it was an inner strength, and sometimes it was encouragement from friends, like Mrs. Kenworthy (the mother of a special needs girl that chose to not institutionalize her child).

I would have liked it if Alexander’s good qualities had been divulged earlier in the book. He was a bit of an enjoyable mystery at first, but then later he was just confusing, proud and rude. Then finally, much later in the book his kindness and thoughtfulness are revealed.

This book is more historical women’s fiction, than it is romance. It does have a love story, but the real story was about Isabelle finding her place in a world that was so foreign to what she had been raised to expect.

This tale will immerse you in Victorian England, with a special focus on the industrial town of Manchester. It will take your heart through almost every emotion, primarily the more difficult ones. It does so beautifully and was thought provoking to consider the seemingly insurmountable challenges. I don’t want to give any spoilers, but I found the ending very satisfying. It was a realistic and unique happily ever after.

This is a sweet marriage-of-convenience story with a Victorian backdrop. The setting (the north of England during the Industrial Revolution) and the relationship (gracious girl from the south meets taciturn cotton mill owner from the north) are strongly reminiscent of Elizabeth Gaskell’s “North and South”, which set my expectations so high that this book couldn’t possibly fulfill them. I’m fascinated by how the Industrial Revolution changed Absolutely Everything, by the way the old money (landed gentry) treated the new money (cotton mill owners) and by the way the new money treated their workers; by labor unions and strikes and the desperate plight of the impoverished people when they go on strike and lose their meager earnings in exchange for a possibly brighter future. I’m fascinated by seeing this dynamic from the perspective of a girl from the south of England and then seeing it all again from the viewpoint of a cotton mill owner in the north of England and I’m absolutely enchanted when I see the two of them fall in love. All this complexity and depth is so beautifully drawn in Gaskell’s “North and South” but I found none of it in this novel and I was so disappointed.

What I enjoyed immensely about this novel was the dialogue. The dialogue was GREAT! It stayed true to the Victorian era and to the personalities of the characters and really pulled me into the story. I also thought the book stayed true to its time throughout and I didn’t spot any anachronisms, so that was beautifully done as well.

“Show, don’t tell” is the motto of many writers and I would have enjoyed the novel much more if there had been more showing and less telling. I grew weary of constantly being told that “Isabelle felt sad” or “she was surprised” or “she felt grateful” and I got tired of the many paragraphs which explained things that I already knew and found myself skimming the text for the next line of fabulous dialogue.

Recommended for readers who enjoy historical romance with a Victorian setting.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for a digital advance review copy. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

This was such a fun book to read and I really enjoyed this book. It has a different twist than your normal regency romance. The struggle Isabelle and Alexander had from the beginning of their marriage was heart Wrenching. I love Isabelle’s persistence and strength in order to help her husband. What a great read.

Alexander Osgood owns a textile mill in Manchester. He has arranged a marriage with Isabelle Rackham. The first time she actually sees him is when he comes to Cumbria for their wedding. He spends most of his time in meetings with her father and she just spends meals with him. Alexander has a cold demeanor and he does not really talk to her. She had no wedding trip something was wrong at the mill and he had to go. He was always busy. He was polite and cold. There was nothing to talk about at dinner, so they didn't. It was lonely and very unsatisfying. Until he is injured. He becomes paralyzed and she does her best for him.
The characters are amazing, even the secondary ones are as well. Mrs. Burns, Glory, and Doctor Kelley are such comforting and caring people. I very much enjoyed this story. It was entertaining, in places warm, had always looked out for their welfare. They went through so much as newlyweds.
An uncaring Doctor and unsympathetic nurse. She has hit a stone wall. Eventually, it starts to change. I was lucky and even found a new author that I enjoy very much and look forward to her next book.
I received this Arc from Net Galley and voluntarily left a review.

This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers.

What begins as an arranged marriage in

In 1850's England, Elizabeth Rackham and Alexander Osgood become are married
An arranged marriage is norm, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that one cannot fall in love with ones own spouse.
This was such a heartfelt and compelling book. A lovely storyline that pulls you in. Rebecca Anderson’s writing is polished and effortless. Drawing the reader in the lives of these two characters as the start a life out together and the tragic events that take place.

Isabelle has to leave the comforts of her home and family, as she takes up residence in husbands home in Manchester. The two are strangers to one another so they have a rocky start. Lack of real communication as they try to blend their lives.
Isabel reaches out to her distant husband trying to form a relationship with him.
All the while Alexander feels unworthy as a proper husband because the two come from a slightly different class of society.
In a series of events that have long reaching devastation. When a riding accident happens that paralyzes Alexander.
This is a story about the meaning of a marriage and what it takes to see it through. Full of real life issues and well developed characters. The author prose is seamless and the narration is engaging. The added bonuses of some great noted
side-characters makes for a memorable page turner.

Once again Shadow Mountain Publisher has proven to be one of my all time favorites in Proper Romances and Clean Reads.

#IsabelleandAlexander #properromance #historicalromance #cleanreads

I literally devoured the whole book. From social standards and arranged marriage to falling in love. This book was beautiful, I have immensely enjoyed reading it. Two different people of two not so different worlds trying to learn and understand each other. To earn and deserve each other´s love. In this story, the wedding vows "in sickness and in health" due to an accident apply to 100%. This book with all its wonderful characters takes you on a journey you have never been before, one with lots of questions, ups, and downs, suffering but also hope for the better. 

If you are a fan of historical fiction you would adore this one.

I would also like to thank NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the opportunity of an early review.

I adored this book! The characters were so wonderful and well written. The story was engaging and hooked my interest right from the beginning.

There is a lot to like in this historical romance, foremost being the unique take on a marriage of convenience story. Isabelle, after recently being wed to Manchester cotton mill owner Alexander, is still trying to find her place and her confidence as a wife, when her husband is gravely injured in a riding accident. Now she must strive to care for and understand a paralyzed man she barely knows, and who is now coping with all the emotions that come with his disability.

The author does an excellent job with scene building, well-written dialogue, and interesting side characters.

However, my personal preference would have been to spend less time having Isabelle’s uncertainties and internal reactions being repeatedly described, and more time detailing her deepening relationship with Alexander. I never could quite get a handle on his personality, especially regarding his behavior to Isabelle prior to the accident.

Despite the aspects that didn’t appeal to me, this was still a nice read and I would consider reading more by the author.

4 stars

A tender, clean romance between a couple who gradually transition from the awkwardness of an arranged marriage to finding peace & love in each other. A main focus of the story is one MC’s paralysis & recovery, & how it affects & complicates the relationship.

[What I liked:]

•The historical setting is well done, especially the descriptions of what it was like to be inside a cotton mill. There was nothing about health concerns or workers’ rights, & the workers were all portrayed to absolutely adore the mill owner (because he was handsome 🙈) which I find unrealistic, but I did sincerely appreciate the attention to historical detail.

•Isabelle, Alexander, Mrs. Burns, the Kenworthys, and Dr. Kelley were all wonderful characters I grew to like & care for. The character development arcs have depth & are paced well.

•Isabelle & Alexander’s relationship was touching. The communication difficulties & learning to adjust to one another were the opposite of insta-love, and I enjoyed the slow & tender progression.

•I’m not an expert so I may be missing issues, but I think Alexander’s disability was portrayed respectfully. He wasn’t shown as weak or without agency. This is also not an “inspiration p*rn” story, but rather focuses on I & A’s budding relationship.


[What I didn’t like as much:]

•Dr. Fredericks & the nurse are kinda one dimensional villains, without much explanation for why they acted so harshly.

•Very minor quibble, but the description of making a quilt wasn’t very accurate in terminology or process. Embroidery was called “decoration”, quilting was called “stitching”, the quilt itself was called a “blanket, etc. (I only care so much because I’m a quilter.)

CW: portrayals of ableism, descriptions of physical injuries

[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]

A Victorian Era arranged marriage romance, Isabelle and Alexander is a sweet, slow paced story. The two have an arranged marriage but are living almost separate lives until an accident occurs, driving them together while Alexander recovers. Isabelle has a quiet & capable demeanor while Alexander is a hard working businessman who is very aloof towards her at first. They have many obstacles to overcome as a couple and as Alexander attempts to heal and regain his movement. They are a sweet couple who grow together and Alexander ends up having a sweet side to him.
The story had a lot of interesting tidbits about mills and how they are laid out and work. I would have liked to have some of the chapters from Alexanders perspective, see what was going on in his head.

Isabelle and Alexander started me off thinking that Isabelle and her cousin would end up falling in love because of the closeness of their relationship but it couldn't be more different. As Isabelle and Alexander are married after barely making an acquaintance with each other, their romance has a slow start until a tragedy befalls Alexander. Life as Isabelle knew it was gone- not just the silly, light-hearted life from girlhood but the lonely life she had lead since their marriage. Her character develop is deep and moving as she grows into a woman with depth, willing to do whatever it takes to help her husband-physically and emotionally/spiritually. I relate well to her hardships and growth. Isabelle inspires me to do as she did and take charge of her situation. Nothing would get in her way and she was able to find her happily ever after- nothing, even a disgruntled husband would get in her way.

While Isabelle goes through a great deal of growth, she always showed a great deal of kindness. Those she worked with, the neighbor with mental disabilities that lived next door, and her disgruntled husband who was coming back from a life-altering injury. Her character never changed, just deepened. While Rebecca Anderson's contemporary romances are some of my favorites- I enjoyed this heavier story.

Thank you Shadow Mountain Publishing for the ARC read!

Such a moving story of finding love after a tragedy. Isabelle and Alexander find themselves in a marriage of convenience. Both struggle to adapt to their new situation. After Alexander suffers a tragic accident, their relationship becomes even more strained as it was before. This story navigates the hardships Isabelle And Alexander face as they attempt to adjust to their new life and his road to recovery.

This was a wonderful story. The author chose a great theme to write. I personally like stories about injuries and recovery especially in this era. Recovery from such an accident takes time and growth for the person and their family. I like how she showcased the other characters that were effected by his accident and how everyone was adjusting to the changes.

Though the plot and storyline were on target, I feel the writing could have improved a bit. I think this story would have been better with an "Alexander" and "Isabelle" perspective. This way you could get both sides of their feelings. I found there was a lot of repetitive lines as well. Isabelle would feel sad often and Alexander would have good and bad days. Though that would be the case in the accident, I found it hard to follow as a reader when her same feelings kept repeating. Also, both characters seem to have strong personalities and frustrations throughout, I would have loved to see more banter......

Emotional, moving story. I found myself emotionally attached to Alexander's recovery- hoping for improvements each chapter!

Alexander and Isabelle have an arranged marriage which are not very common at this time. A few months after they are wed, Alexander is in an accident and this story is about how they deal with this huge obstacle in their lives and relationship.

This book is not a typical read for me and it was a little slow to start but eventually it was so adorable. It was a slooooow burn romance that ends so well. I felt like I was wrapped up in a fuzzy blanket when I finished it. The character growth in it is a dream for me. I especially loved the housekeeper, Mrs Burns and Doctor Kelley. They were a light in the novel. I enjoyed how sweet Isabelle is and how we got to know and understand Alexander.
.
It is released May 4th and is part of the Proper Romance series from Shadow Mountain. And I think it's a pretty great addition. Thank you to @netgalley for an ARC copy.
.

An sweet arranged marriage trope, where the wife has to care for the husband after a fall.
This is perfect for fans of North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell.

This one is a “proper” romance so there is no sex, but the chemistry between the characters is so sweet. It’s all from Isabelle’s perspective, I would have like to get a glimpse of Alexander’s perspective but I did enjoy Isabelle.

Thanks to Shadow Mountain Publishing and Netgalley for providing me with an eARC, all opinions expressed are my own.

This is a lovely story about a newlywed couple in an arranged marriage learning to communicate and to love and trust each other. This is complicated by an unfortunate accident that leaves one of them in need of long-term medical care. I love how realistically this is portrayed. These situations really bring out both the worst and best in a person, and you get to see these characters different struggles and tenacity through their distinctive personalities. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this novel and think it is a wonderful, engaging addition to the Proper Romance line.

I could not put this book down! Thank you Shadow Mountain Publishing for this advanced readers copy.

At the beginning I thought that because this was an arranged “love-less” marriage (I’m guessing late 1800’s to early 1900’s) to Alexander Osgood, Isabella would get together with her Cousin Edwin, as she always spoke so fondly about him.

I could feel her sadness and frustration with Alexander. When an unfortunate accident happens, she wishes for them to come closer but the struggles of healing and his grumpiness seem to make it harder.

As the months pass, she gets glimpses of a wonderful husband that start to outweigh the angry one. Another accident finally brings them together and the ending is perfect.

All thoughts are my own in this review.

Reviewed for www.compassbookratings.com

Author Rebecca Anderson pens a heartfelt story about finding love against all odds in Isabelle and Alexander. This Victorian romance begins with an unusual premise: Alexander and Isabelle have wed in an arranged marriage but aren't yet on a first-name basis. Told entirely from Isabelle's point of view, this well-paced story conveys the many emotions of a woman trying to make a marriage work. Anderson captures the couple at their lowest in her realistic portrayal of Alexander's accident and treatment, but the novel is not all doom and gloom. Isabelle and Alexander's secondary characters --Doctor Kelley, Glory and her parents, the house staff -- help bring sunshine and cheer. The incorporation of the textile mill and its workers brought a depth to Alexander's character and helped make him a more likeable guy! Fans of the Proper Romance series will not want to miss this book.

Review of an Advance Electronic Copy

For full content analysis, go to www.compassbookratings.com

A unique, fulfilling story from Rebecca Anderson! Isabelle and Alexander is not your typical romance, but it is still enjoyable and enlightening. I do think the story would have benefitted from the inclusion of Alexander’s point of view. Anderson is talented, and I’m excited to see what she does next. 3/5 stars

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

This story takes place in the cotton mills during the Victorian Age. Isabelle comes from a wealthy family and is married to Alexander, a self made man. Early on in the story, Alexander becomes paralyzed. I enjoyed seeing how Isabelle stays devoted to her husband during his injury.
The beginning was a little slow moving. It wasn’t until Isabelle started getting a personality of her own that the story picked up. I like how Isabelle stayed true to herself, while loving Alec.
My favorite character was Glory. It seemed like she was on the spectrum. Her parents were devoted to her and truly helped her to be the best person she could be.
If you like historical fiction and romance, this book is for you!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Shadow Mountain through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I was a little unsure how I would like this book, but I am so grateful to have read it. It was a beautiful story of love and sacrifice amidst tragedy. I had yet to read a book dealing with paralysis in this time era so it was nice to read about, especially since I have a brother who has been wheelchair bound his whole life. It was an interesting perspective. I also adored seeing how those grow in love as they serve others who cannot serve themselves.

Isabelle and Alexander start their relationship as a business deal between Alexander and her father. She has certain hopes and expectations as to what marriage will be like, but when they get to Manchester to start their lives together, those expectations are dashed. She finds herself lonely as Alexander works so much, and they barely speak to one another, even when they are with one another. Alexander takes Isabelle to their country home and as things seem to start heading in the right direction with them, Alexander is in a terrible accident.

As the book goes on you follow Isabelle as she becomes more than just a wife in name, but a caretaker too. Alexander and Isabelle have to work together as they take on new roles and their hopes and dreams change as it becomes apparent that he will be paralyzed and chair bound.

As I started the book I found myself annoyed that it was only written from Isabelle's perspective. I wanted to get into Alexander's head so bad. But that ended up being a bit positive as I kept reading. I felt like I grew with her as she grew into her roles and got to find herself a little more every day.

Overall, a wonderful read. Thank you for the book NetGalley.

This was a well written and beautiful story. I loved the atmospheric descriptions and felt transported to 1850 England.
Many thanks to Shadow Mountain Publishing and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

A Marriage of Convenience, a change in circumstances, and the blossoming of true love.

Isabelle and Alexander is a story about facing adversity with good grace and making the best out of what life has handled.

Isabelle was young and very sheltered. She was matched with Alexander by her father without being consulted or having ever met him.

When they finally met, Alexander turned out to be handsome but distant and cold. I felt for Isabelle in that impossible situation, and it hurt me to think how many real women have experienced that same helplessness.

Their relationship was detached and restrained. Two strangers married for life with no actual knowledge of one another.

And things got worse; Alexander suffered an accident that made him dependent and vulnerable.

Isabelle was so strong and loyal despite her youth and consequent lack of life experience. She was relentless in seeing the positive in everything and in trying to make things better.

I liked that Alexander was a mill owner respected by his employees. He had, in this sense, a John Thornton (North and South) vibe. I just wished he was a little more like John in his dealings with Isabelle. Alexander had a sense of inferiority that kept his walls high and his heart guarded.

My favorite side character was Glory, a lovely painter who struggled a bit and, at that time in history, was considered simple-minded and, therefore, worthless. Glory's talent and friendship played an essential role in the story.

It was great to see that the caregivers' struggles and perspectives were also portraited. Very often, stories forget about these heroes that do so much for those they love. Both Isabelle and Glory's mom were great examples of selflessness and unconditional love.

Isabelle and Alexander is an emotional story about disability, perseverance, and love; a very inspiring read.

Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

*This review will be posted on https://lureviewsbooks.com on 05/03/2021 as part of the book's blog tour*

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I loved this book start to finish. The Victorian Age setting intrigued me from the start. I haven't read many modern novels set in this time period and loved this one. It reminded me of everything I love about North and South. I loved all the details about Manchester and the industrial age. I was fascinated by the details of Osgood Mill and the process for creating their cloth from the machines, the floors, the workers, the potential for fire, and the shipping. And the twist that happens early in the novel is unlike any I have read in an historical romance.

Isabelle is a fantastic protagonist. In true Victorian form, we get the story exclusively from her perspective and I admired her growing strength and confidence. Anderson does a great job balancing Isabelle's growing role in her household with her personal dreams. She isn't a completely modern woman that doesn't quite fit in with her time period but rather a lovely celebration of the changing roles for women at this time. I loved following her journey and her strength in helping and healing with Alexander.

Alexander is a classic brooding character--reminiscent of Thornton and Mr Rochester. He is successful and hard working. He has built his successful mill business himself and gained the trust and love of his employees. His accident is tragic and difficult for him and all who know him. I was fascinated by the details of his recovery form the muscle exercises to the wheelchair and slow return of motion. I have never read a novel with historical accounts of that type of injury and recovery. It was so interesting to read about that intricate process in this novel. I would have loved some chapters from Alexander's point of view to understand his thought process and his slow burning love for Isabelle.

Their love story is slow burning and beautiful. They begin as an arranged marriage and then Alexander's accident happens so quickly, I wasn't sure how they could really fall in love. But it was possible and beautiful. It happened in small moments of Isabelle serving Alexander. In stories shared with each other. In understanding the mill and the livelihood they both needed. In being alone and being patient together. My favorite moment is when Alexander comes rushing to Isabelle's aid and she can't believe he has dropped everything for her. Then he nurses her as she did for him. Their love is not perfect but a process of service, honesty and patience. I loved the unique frame for their love story and the beautiful ending they deserve.

The other characters are also beautifully developed from Mr Connor and Mr Kenworthy at the mill. To Mrs Kenworthy and Glory and their friendship with Isabelle. I loved Mrs Burns and Yeardley for their loyalty and gentle encouragement to our protagonists. Cousin Edwin and Isabelle's changing relationship with her childhood best friend as they marry. They kind country doctor that is Alec's dear friend and becomes Isabelle's confidant and support. Even the rude doctor and truly horrible nurse who want to heal Alexander in different ways. Each help create a more full backdrop for the story.

A truly delightful novel that I read in about 24 hours. I loved the characters, the setting, historical details, and the slow and satisfying love story.

This book had a lot of really interesting elements. As much as I love a good Regency story, I'm loving the trend of publishing more books set during the Victorian era. I found the details of Isabelle's life as a business owner's wife, as well as the details of Alexander's business really interesting. I thought it was awesome that the book had featured two characters with disabilities--Alexander with his physical paralysis and secondary character Glory with her developmental disability. Getting glimpses of the struggles and the recommended treatments for both as well as their limitations and what they could do was really engaging. (Side note: before knowing what the book was about, I really liked the cover; however, now, while I still think it's a beautiful cover, I wish it actually showed Alexander in his wheelchair. A visual depiction like that would have been really powerful.)
Isabelle's character really resonated with me; her emotions fluctuated in a way that seemed very real as she struggled with her new situation and not knowing how to connect with Alexander. I appreciated her resilience and determination as she struggled to figure out how to interact with Alexander and his medical staff, and it was gratifying to see her find her voice. Alexander's character, with his moodiness and frustrations, was also very believable but not as enjoyable. Not having any of the book written from his point of view made it harder to truly see the good aspects, and it was pretty late in the book that we finally got a look at his heart. I wish there had been more of that, both when it did finally come as well as earlier in the book.
The tone is understandably somber and the romance is hard-f0ught rather than fluffy and fun, but the book is well-written and engaging.
4 stars.
I read an ARc provided by the publisher via #Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

** spoiler alert ** I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

I’m not sure what I was expecting when I started this book. It had been on my eARC list for a long time so I honestly forgot what it was about. Which is okay with me. I, most of the time, prefer to go in blind when starting a new book.

I rather enjoyed this story. I really felt for the main character, Isabelle, and her struggle to adapting to a new life. One with a man that appears to not want anything to do with her. Every once in a while, you get a glimpse of hope and that kept me reading. I sometimes wanted to shake Alexander by the shoulders and tell him to stop being a stubborn donkey. He is so fixated on assuming that he is beneath her and that she’s not happy. If he would have just opened his eyes, he would have seen that she was trying so hard to please him. In the end, I much enjoyed watching the arc of their relationship. And I really liked how Isabelle discovers that there are not only good days in a relationship. There is give and take, good and bad, but those good days are what makes the struggle worth it.

On a side note, I loved the character Glory! I hope to see more characters like herself in books.

This is the engaging story of Isabelle who enters into an arranged marriage with Alexander to help his and her father's business. Alexander works very hard and keeps mostly to himself. It's hard for Isabelle to include herself into his life. Then, circumstances change.

This story intrigues me because of the setting and the way this relationship matures over time. I learned new things about cotton mills and I liked seeing how the workers interacted with the owners/ managers in a positive way. I love the idea that as one learns to serve another love and affection grows. I love the patience displayed by many of the characters in this book. I would have liked to have seen some things from Alexander's point of view earlier in the story. I also felt the pacing was a little slow. Overall though, I was drawn into the lives of Isabelle and Alexander and was cheering them on as I read.

Surprisingly good book. This is the story of Isabelle and Alexander's marriage. It was an arranged marriage of sorts. This book was told from Isabelle's point of view (wished we could have had his side too). Marriage has turned out nothing like she thought and she struggles with confidence in how to handle things. When they are at their country home Alexander gets thrown from his horse and is paralyzed. Through this struggle they learn about each other and to love each other.

This is not your typical love story. But that is what makes it so tender. This journey takes you through the depths of despair and into the light and joy that comes with love. Alec and Isabelle slowly but surely find love with each other. I think I would enjoy this even more a second time through knowing how it all works out in the end.

This is a Proper Romance set in England in 1850, but it is much deeper than the typical Victorian romance of flirtation in ballrooms and women competing to win over a husband. Instead, it addresses physical and mental disabilities accurately and sensitively, but not in a heavy or depressing way.

Isabelle/Belle Rackham is part of an arranged marriage, to someone she has seen but doesn’t really know, in order to help her family’s business. The main characteristic she knows about her husband Alexander/Alec Osgood is that he is physically attractive, but she only knows this from a distance. He doesn’t act like he wants to have much of a relationship with her - they rarely speak to each other and do nothing at all physically, leaving Isabelle feeling lonely. They live in the same house but in separate rooms and as relative strangers.

Their relationship is very frustrating. Instead of saying what they mean, they make a comment and hope the other will read between the lines and take the hint. Not surprisingly, it doesn’t work very well. They frequently misread and misunderstand things the other person says and does. They have two houses, one in the city near the factory where they spend most of their time, and a small one in the country where they are more relaxed and do better at getting to know each other. I was interested to see if and how their relationship changes as time passes.

To reduce her loneliness, Isabelle writes letters to her lighthearted and chatty cousin Edwin. She also finds friends in the Kenworthy family. Lester, the business manager for Alexander at Osgood Mills, and his wife Polly are welcoming and cheerful. Their daughter Glory is my favorite character in this book. She has something similar to Down Syndrome, loves to paint, and receives piano lessons from Isabelle every week. She is generous, kind, and not afraid to say what she thinks.

In 1850, people with a disability were considered of little value to society. Institutions or asylums were the preferred residences for people with various physical or mental disabilities. Families had to fight against these beliefs to care for and keep their loved ones home. I’m grateful attitudes toward people with disabilities have changed for the better.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4. Thanks to Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.

Isabelle and Alexander piqued my interest due to the setting largely in Victorian-era Manchester, with the blurb evoking slight North and South vibes. And it definitely delivered on that count, with descriptions of the advancements of industry and the class warfare in that arena playing roles in the story and in the character motivations.

Isabelle was easy to resonate with, especially as she finds herself in an awkward arranged marriage with someone who remains distant from her. I rooted for her to find her footing in her new situation and navigate her relationship with Alexander.

I had a lot of mixed feelings about Alexander initially, and I struggled to see what made him tick. But I think not getting an insight into his POV allows for the reader to go on an authentic journey with Isabelle as she gets to know her husband better. It feels reminiscent of classic romances (Lizzie and Darcy?) where you discover the hero’s true motivations along with the heroine. While it may not be that fulfilling for everyone, I appreciated that artistic choice.

I enjoyed this book, and while it is a bit of a slow-burn, it does ultimately deliver. If you love a sweet historical romance and don’t mind one that is more heroine-centric, I think you’ll enjoy this one.

A beautiful story of unconditional love. When I think of Victorian Romance, I think of two young people either being forced into a marriage of convenience or falling in love. Usually the story is of that journey to marriage. Isabelle and Alexander were a marriage of convenience. Agreed upon by Alexander and Isabelle’s father, Isabelle had high hopes that it could turn into a loving marriage. Not to be the case, Isabelle was excited when Alexander family asked her to go with him to their country estate. As they were out for a country side ride, the unthinkable happened.. This is where the story varies from the run-of-the-mill (pun intended!) story.. A story of caring, compassion, determination and love evolves., and the journey they take you on is heartbreaking and heartwarming. You will hurt when they hurt and rejoice at their accomplishments.

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

Most of the romance books I read follow the journey of two people getting to know each other, falling in love and then getting married. This book does it all backwards. It starts out with Isabelle and Alexander's arranged marriage, then leads us through the development of their relationship.

I'm going to be honest, Isabelle seems to be made of much stronger stuff than I am. Many of the things she went dealt would cause me to shut down, walk away or just give up. (I mean, if I actually was in that situation, I hope I would be as strong as she was. But my initial reaction would be to do all of the above listed things.) I really appreciated her perseverance in fighting for their relationship.

I was caught up in this story right away and had a hard time putting it down. Definitely a winner.

Isabelle knew she was not marrying for love, but she hoped it would grow. But what chance is there for that when Alexander spends most of his time working in his mill and rarely says more than a few words to her? A visit together to his beloved country home raises her hopes, until he is thrown from his horse and badly injured. Can this enforced time away from his work allow them to grow together in a way that health never could, or is love forever out of reach?

This was a new author for me, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I was pleased to find the story clean and well written, with interesting characters and an unusual storyline. Unfortunately, I was disappointed to find that it was told entirely from Isabelle's point of view, so that a lot of the time the reader knows little or nothing of what is going on with Alexander, particularly since there isn't a lot of communication between the two much of the time - and I really wanted to know how he was feeling about the marriage, his injury etc. All in all, while I hope to read more by the author in future, I'm not sure whether I'd read this book again because it felt very one-sided, even though I enjoyed the story itself. 3.5 stars.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

I think when we vow “in sickness and in health” we imagine a couple of weeks with a bad flu or maybe a broken arm; we imagine taking a short time off work to tend to our spouse, administering ibuprofen, cooking chicken noodle soup and nursing them back to health with the expectation that our lives will return to normal soon.

For some, that vow becomes a life long journey.

Isabelle has just married Alexander. Though the union is arranged by their parents, he is handsome and successful, humble and kind and Isabelle looks forward to falling in love with this man and building a family with him. Shortly after their wedding Alexander has a tragic accident and is paralyzed. Isabelle’s vow to honor her husband in sickness and in health is then tested in every way.

This book is such a beautiful and raw portrayal of what it’s like to live out that vow. Isabelle’s joy and despair as she witnesses her husband’s healing and setbacks is real. I feel like the author may have personal experience with this to an extent because she perfectly captured the loneliness and constant insecurity of being married to someone who suffers with a long term illness. Alexander, in his own depression and forced dependence, often pushes his loving wife away and she is left feeling unwanted and not good enough.

Both Isabelle and Alexander have to dig deep to find the strength to overcome their brokenness, both physical and emotional.

This may be the best Proper Romance book I’ve read so far, simply for it’s approach to the subject matter and how real the characters and their struggles are.

This book releases May 4, 2021 and I highly recommend! Thank you to @netgalley and @shadowmountainpub for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

4.5/5 ⭐️ - I really liked it!

3.5 STARS
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
This is hard to rate because I really liked the story, but there were a few things that just didn’t work for me.

Overall I truly did love the story. This wasn’t your typical Victorian/Regency romance where they meet and eventually fall in love. Instead, you start off the novel with Isabelle and Alexander getting married as part of an arranged marriage.

I really liked the obstacles and struggles that our MC’s face and overcome throughout the book. These difficulties are the times I saw the most growth and strength in the characters. I also really liked the premise of the arranged marriage and then having love grow between the two MC’s. I was looking forward to a slow-burn with a twist.

Unfortunately the characters and their love story were hard for me to get into. Isabelle was not as bold of a character as I typically like in my heroines. She cowered at almost every turn, or rejection. The only time we finally see her standing up for herself and we see her independence is at the very end of the book.

I think multiple POV/alternating chapters really would have done a favor for this book. Because we don’t see his POV, Alexander fell super flat for me. There were times when I liked and understood him and his motives and other times that I did not.

The romance almost felt non-existent until the very end. I am usually a fan of slow-burn, but this was just a bit too slow with no burn.

That being said, I absolutely LOVED the snippets we got to see of our side characters. Dr. Kelley was fabulous. A kind and gentle giant that reminded me a lot of my grandfather. We also have Mr. and Mrs. Kenworthy and their daughter Glory who is special needs. I loved their little side narrative, and as a mother to a special needs child I loved the representation being in a Victorian era novel. It’s something you typically do not see.

Overall, I thought that the story was a good light read, and if you are looking to read something quick and not wanting a deeply moving character-driven story than this is a great choice.

Heiress Isabelle is joined in an arranged marriage with handsome businessman Alexander in 1850s Manchester. Surprised by his aloof manner as the marriage progresses, Isabelle nevertheless tries to be a pleasing wife. Then, a back injury threatens Alexander's life and independence. Can she nurse him back to health and help keep his business going?

Overall, I liked this book. It started out a bit slow, but the pace picked up as the novel progressed. It's a quiet, domestic story that mainly focuses on Isabelle's internal development as she struggles with a marriage that's nothing like what she expected.

This is a chaste romance, which is a little unexpected given that the characters marry at the beginning of the book. There's simply no indication of a physical relationship between them even before his accident. After the accident, she doesn't have any thoughts about how his injury means she might end up childless. It's as if marital intimacy doesn't exist in this universe.

The writing style is more literary than commercial, and the emotion understated. Despite that, it was a quick read for me.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

The two leads have soooo much to overcome to reach their HEA, I wasn’t entirely sure they’d make it. But the journey from start to finish was definitely worth it, and Isabelle’s courage and determination is really something to admire. Another beautiful Proper Romance.

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

Isabelle and Alexander is an immersive and atmospheric story with a bit of a North and South (by Elizabeth Gaskell) vibe due to its industrial setting amidst the Victorian-era cotton mills in Manchester. It also has a similar feel to Sarah M. Eden's Ashes on the Moor, another Proper Romance published by Shadow Mountain. As I often find with Proper Romance books, the romance in this book is quite understated in comparison to the historical elements and the quietly desperate reality of the situation the protagonists find themselves in. The moving prose beautifully conveys the palpable tension, uncertainty, and yearning in this marriage of convenience story, and then chaos greatly complicates matters with misunderstandings and miscommunication. Isabelle and Alexander is a poignant yet relatable and realistic portrayal of a young couple learning to love and trust each other as they struggle to build a life together.

Isabelle Rackham knows she will not marry for love. Though arranged marriages have fallen out of fashion, hers has been settled for some time to combine the upper-middle-class wealth of her father's coal mines with Alexander Osgood's prospering Northern country textile mills. Though not a man prone to romantic gestures, Alexander is well-known as an eligible bachelor. His good looks have turned more than one head, so Isabelle is content to think of herself as Alexander's wife.
However, her marriage is not what she expected. Lancashire is nothing like her home in the Lake District. Their few conversations are brief, polite, and lacking any emotion, leaving Isabelle lonely and desperately homesick. Alexander suggests a trip to his country estate. Isabelle hopes this will be an opportunity to get to know her new husband without the distractions of his business. But the change of scenery doesn't bring them any closer. While riding together on horses, Alexander is thrown from his and becomes paralysed.
A new author to me & I thoroughly enjoyed it, a well written book with strong characters & a good pace. I really liked both Alexander & Isabelle, I also enjoyed the setting a change to get out of London & visit the industrial North. There were strong likeable secondary characters. I loved how their relationship changed & developed especially after Alexander’s accident. I look forward to reading more from the author
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Isabelle and Alexander is a historical romance that is sure to sweep you off your feet and take you away to another time. A well-written story with intriguing characters that are sure to stay with you long after reading.

A very different kind of historical romance to be sure. It had a north and south feel because of their social/financial status. It started with an arranged marriage with all the hopes and disappointments that one finds in a new marriage.
The plot involves a series of misfortunes and setbacks. As the story progresses the h and H find their voices and are forced to grow. I had hoped for a little more romance but having said that, I loved both the main characters. They were sweet and well suited to each other. If you love a clean, historical romance then I’m sure you’ll love this.
Thanks to Shadow Mountain via Netgalley. I’ve voluntarily given my review.

Isabelle and Alexander is a love story of endurance. An arranged marriage between two people who knew little of each other. Despite tragic circumstances they never give up but fight even harder to find enduring love.

This storyline is unique from others I've read. It was interesting to have such a seriously life changing accident be the catalyst for their romance. The romance is definitely a slow burn. Really nothing moves fast in this book. The pacing is pretty slow moving.

I found myself frustrated to not get any of Alec's perspective in the story. I didn't know if he just didn't care, didn't really like her, resented her, was just too selfish to see her needs, was just too dense, was really an awful person, too shy to have a discussion, or what. What was his problem? And the only real excuse we get later on for his behavior didn't really resonate for me. I couldn't read any of his personality from her perspective. And maybe that is the point. She doesn't understand either.

As far as Isabelle goes, I really wanted her to be a consistently, stronger female. She had her moments but she really did make herself invisible so much of the time. She was very kind toward Glory and that showed her true colors.

I did enjoy the story overall. The later part of the book housed a sweet romance that shows the potential for having a wonderful happily ever after whether he walks again or not. They do need to hire another person in a leadership position at the mill though. The mill and the busy working town reminded me much of North and South. I could envision the "snow" falling as the workers worked so hard. I liked that Isabelle gained an understanding and appreciation of the workers and the lives they led.

No sex, language or violence
*I received a complimentary ARC through NetGalley and voluntarily chose to review it.

Let's see...what do I want to say about Isabelle and Alexander ? I read this book in about 24 hours. I didn't want to put it down. And thankfully I didn't have to put it down often since I had a chunk of time to read.

Isabelle and Alexander get married as typical couples often did in that time....as a business arrangement. He would provide for her and she would be socially acceptable for him. However, the two struggle to find themselves in their marriage in the beginning. Isabelle often feels alone and neglected. Alexander apparently has a hard time opening up to new people. The two finally seem to be making some incremental progress when Alexander has a horse accident that causes a spinal injury.

Alexander and Isabelle both go through the typical emotions you might expect of someone who has suffered a traumatic injury and someone else who has become a caregiver. Alexander is struggling with his new reality. He feels weak and humiliated. He's unable to move about in his mill like he once did. He feels like he's a burden. And he knows his new wife didn't exactly sign up for this kind of life. Isabelle just wants to help. She wants to ease Alexander's burdens however she can. She rejoices in even the smallest amount of sensation and movement that returns to him even if he can't always appreciate those small victories. She struggles though because she's in a new place with very few friends. Her husband is distant. I give her major props for working so incredibly hard. She wasn't just working to help Alexander recover, she was also working and fighting for their marriage--unable to be satisfied with the impersonal relationship they began with.

Favorite quote:
-"I simply wish so regularly, so constantly that I could do anything correctly. I thank you for thinking I am doing well."

Isabelle and Alexander isn't your typical historical romance. There wasn't some swooping, swooning relationship. This was a story about hard work and a slow build. And even when we did arrive at the conclusion, I was still left wanting more. I wanted to know a bit more about Alexander's letters. I wanted to see the progression of their relationship. I was happy with where things ended while still wanting more. I guess that's not a terrible place to be. Isabelle and Alexander get 3.5 Stars. Have you read Isabelle and Alexander? What did you think? Let me know!

Yes - read it!

This was a lovely little story. If you have ever had a "lovely" afternoon tea (nothing fancy, nothing complex, nothing immense) just the right flavors, right variety and right amount; you can appreciate the term lovely and certainly this story.

I got it read in one night, granted that was 7-10pm so not a late night or all night read.

You were invested in the story from the start because you like the characters. And the story just kept moving right along.

The publishers summary told you what was going to happen but it didn't leave you a weeping mess.

I received an ARC from Netgalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing to prepare for my honest review.

Isabelle and Alexander is, hands down, the best romance I have ever read. Rebecca Anderson tells a flawless tale of what it means to love someone. The tenderness is what affected me the most. This novel got into my soul and hasn’t let go yet.

Isabelle lived all her life loved and cherished by her family. She knew no other way. But, when she marries Alexander, she finds herself in a foreign situation. Alexander is cold and indifferent to his wife. Of course, Isabelle doesn’t understand why. But, what she doesn’t understand is that Alexander feels beneath her and not worthy of her.

From that, you may have the assumption that this novel is much like any other romance. But, there is so much more to the story. Plagued by trauma, the path to everlasting love isn't easy. What makes this book remarkable is the dedication, respect, and caring shown by Isabelle. Even at Alexander’s worst, she commits herself to learn to be the best wife she can be.

There are points in the novel that had me yelling at Isabelle for not standing up for herself. She wrestles with a yearning to be assertive, but she doesn’t want to upset Alexander. So, she sits on her hands and is meek. But, when she gets the chance to voice her opinion openly, she is a force.

Watching Isabelle and Alexander’s relationship grow was such a pleasure to be a part of. There need be no sweeping declarations between these two. When it finally comes, the feelings are raw and laid bare for everyone to see. I’ve not cried so many happy tears in a long time.

It is with great joy that I award Isabelle and Alexander a full 5 out of 5 stars. If you are a fan of romance, historical or otherwise, you should read this book. I hope it moves you, as I have been. The book hangover will last a good long time.

Happy release day! The Proper Romance series has done it again with a feel good, heart warming book, Isabelle and Alexander by @beccawilhite.
.
I adored this story! I felt I had stepped inside a version of North and South, but with a twist and so much more! The arranged marriage between Isabelle and Alexander was slow going but that made their relationship feel authentic and real. I would love to see this as a movie, it would be fantastic! I always know a book is good when I start telling my husband parts....and this book was just that! He heard all about it! I highly recommend it!
.
Like I mentioned...it was just released today, so make sure you look it up, it would make a fantastic Mother’s Day gift if your mom loves reading 😉

This book was really an emotional one for me. It is told from the point of view of Isabelle, and you are able to feel connected to her right away. However, it was Alexander that really drew me in.

Alexander and Isabelle have just had an arranged marriage and barely know each other when Alexander suffers from a tragic accident. Isabelle is trying to find where she fits in with this new situation, and we see her many struggles. Alexander is very quiet and can come off as moody and cold. It was finding out who the real Alexander was that I really loved.

I also loved how raw and realistic this book was. Everything wasn’t daisies and sunshine. Bad things happened and people’s lives changed because of it. However, there were also tender moments that helped bring them together as a couple and everything they went through made them stronger.

I look forward to reading more from Rebecca Anderson.

This isn't your typical romance. Generally, the romances I read showcase the story of how a couple falls in love and gets married, but Isabelle and Alexander were married early in the story without knowing much about each other at all, since it was almost more of a business move than anything. Don't discount that. Although slow, yet steady, this story gives a big nod to the textile movement of the Victorian era and delivered a very slow burn type of love.

Marriage is hard and I couldn't believe what this couple had to endure while navigating a backwards courtship of sorts. In spite of hoping for a bit more romance from a Proper Romance book, this sweet story is one that left me closing the book with a feel-good feeling.

While the characters are individually interesting, side character Glory stole the show for me. I did enjoy these characters, but wanted a little more connection with the mysterious enigma of a man. Told in first person, the reader is intimately shown Isabelle's thoughts and feelings and it would have been a richer experience getting inside of Alexander's head as well.

All in all, this is a story to cherish and ponder.

Content: very mild romance; mild moments of injury/peril

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*

An engaging romance that had me hoping that the main characters would work out their differences, and continuing to read to find out if/how they would.

When I first asked to read this book I had no idea what I was getting into. I was thinking sweet historical romance set in England. Well first off I have to say WOW! Within the first three chapters I was in love with Isabelle and heartbroken for her life that has been given over to an arranged marriage to benefit her father's business and her future husband. Within a few more chapters, which I could not stop reading, I found myself cheering for the budding love between Isabelle and Alexander. This is one of the better romances I have read in quite a while. Not only does the author bring you along for the ride as these two fall in love in spite of an arranged marriage, but you learn about their resiliency in trying times and times of hardship. I absolutely could not put this book down until the very end because I needed to know how the author would bring these two together. It did not disappoint. I highly recommend taking a chance on this book.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.

I absolutely loved the moody North and South vibe in this book! Isabelle struggles with the realities of her new circumstances, especially the landscape and the loneliness. I liked seeing the character growth in her as she handles obstacle after obstacle, and I wished to be able to know the thoughts of Alexander as he faces his own unexpected trials. I found it beautiful the way they were able to finally connect as they traveled their new road together. Their roles of caretaker and "invalid" made their relationship more difficult, but also gave them the opportunity to breach their defenses and come to really know each other and deepen their love. I liked the friends Isabelle made along the way and felt that they rounded out the story and added even more depth. Although I didn't feel the emotional connection to the characters like I had hoped, I enjoyed the story and the details.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

This is a book for fans of: the Victorian era, North & South, or Arranged marriage trope.
I went into this book expecting a lot more romance than there happened to be. That being said I did enjoy this story. Isabelle and Alexander were dealt a heavy hand early on into their marriage. Rebecca did a beautiful job of describing all the emotional up and downs of their journey after Alexander’s accident. The one thing I wish we would have had was a dual perspective and we could have seen Alexander’s side of the story. Wonderful and emotional story!
Thanks to Netgalley and Shadow Mountain for sending me a copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

'London, 1850

Isabelle Rackham knows she will not marry for love. Though arranged marriages have fallen out of fashion, hers has been settled for some time to combine the upper-middle-class wealth of her father’s coal mines with Alexander Osgood’s prospering Northern country textile mills. Though not a man prone to romantic gestures, Alexander is well-known as an eligible bachelor. His good looks have turned more than one head, so Isabelle is content to think of herself as Alexander’s wife.

However, her marriage is not what she expected. Northern England is nothing like her home farther west in the lake country. Cold, dreary, and dark, the soot from the textile mills creates a gray hue that seems to cling to everything in the city of Manchester. Alexander is distant and aloof, preferring to spend his time at the mill rather than with her at home. Their few conversations are brief, polite, and lacking any emotion, leaving Isabelle lonely and desperately homesick.

Sensing his wife’s unhappiness, Alexander suggests a trip to his country estate. Isabelle hopes this will be an opportunity to get to know her new husband without the distractions of his business. But the change of scenery doesn’t bring them any closer. While riding together on horses, Alexander is thrown from his and becomes paralyzed. Tragedy or destiny? The help and care that Alexander now needs is Isabelle’s opportunity to forge a connection and create a deep and romantic love where nothing else could.'
______________________________

Isabelle and Alexander is a clean historical romance by Rebecca Anderson.

Brought together by an arranged marriage, Isabelle and Alexander find themselves with a bit of a "North and South"-esque tension between them. Alexander is a reserved and disinclined to make grand gestures. He is feeling a bit insecure in the marriage because he thinks that Isabelle is a touch above his station and feels the need to work as hard as possible at his business to make himself worthy of her. Isabelle is not opposed to the match, he is very handsome and charming, but once  removed to an unfamiliar area and spending her days mostly alone as her husband works she doesn't see any of that charm directed toward her and is feeling lonely and ignored in her marriage.

Their marriage is making tentative steps forward though, beginning to get to know one another more and spending some time together. Unfortunately they aren't able to explore this much before Alexander is involved in a riding accident. A very independent man, upon waking Alexander is horrified to learn that he is now reliant on the care and assistance if his wife and others.

There are natural growing pains as the characters learn new routines and norms and as Alexander copes with the changes to his life and the hardwork of relearning things. Some days are very hard, between pain and a fluctuating mood and mental state. The book covers some tough topics, including asylums, but it doesn't shy away and handles the representation very well.

There were refreshing differences in this book from many other historical romances. For one, it was nice to read a story that takes place in an English city that is not London. Secondly I enjoyed that our characters were not members of the ton. But more than anything it was especially nice to read a book with a main character that is not able-bodied, representation that is very rare in this genre. Further there is a seondary character with special needs that seems to fit the profile of moderate ASD. Both of these representations are handled beautifully by the author.

I really liked this book, I thought it was sweet and I was invested in both main characters. But at the same time I can't give it five stars because the resolution felt a bit rushed to me. Everything prior to that felt paced so naturally with the slow build of trust that when the conflict was finally resolved between them, I guess I expected that there would be a bit more story after that, but it very quickly turned to the epilogue. This could just be me though, I may just not have been ready for the book to end, but I would have liked to see a bit more of them united as a team now that everything was out in the open. I definitely enjoyed it and would recommend Isabelle and Alexander to others. It's been my of my favorite reads of the year so far.

_____

I would like to thank Shadow Mountain Publishing and Rebecca Anderson for sharing an eARC of Isabelle and Alexander with me. This is my honest review.

Isabelle and Alexander
Rebecca Anderson


Anderson’s debut historical romance comes with a great deal of challenges that would put any modern couple on thin ice and some very important societal injustices that she handles with spunk and compassion.

Isabelle Rackham was raised to be a good daughter and didn’t even blink when her parents proposed an arranged marriage to Alexander Osgood, a handsome Manchester textile mill owner that would benefit her father’s coal mine operations. So while silently hoping the marriage could become a love match, Isabelle does her duty and becomes Mrs. Alexander Osgood. Then very early in their marriage during a trip to Alexander’s country estate disaster strikes and Isabelle and Alexander’s lives are turned upside down when Alexander is paralyzed in a tragic accident leaving Isabelle feeling ill prepared for how to help Alexander and Alexander ill prepared on how to survive his new reality and putting how to be a newly married couple in limbo.

Readers meet the happy couple on their wedding day and only enjoy Isabelle’s POV via a flowing period perfect narrative. They will occasionally want to beat Alexander over the head even knowing he’s Victorian and English and they will enjoy many exceptional characters all throughout this phenomenal story. Take Glory a very talented special needs young woman who her parents decide to keep at home and not institutionalize and the remarkable Osgood textile mill employees and household staff and the author even throws in a nurse Ratchet to be terrorized by. Then there are the two absolutely unforgettable stars who will both grow in character and personal strength because and in-spite of the many obstacles thrown at them, Alexander from aloof to damaged both psychically and emotionally and Isabelle from a naïve society daughter to a capable and courageous woman and wife.
Fans of historical fiction, of proper romance and arranged marriage novels will love this book and look forward to Rebecca Anderson’s next endeavor.

Isabelle Rackham is a new bride in Manchester England in 1850. She barely knows her new husband, but knows he is a handsome successful mill owner. Marriage does not go as Isabelle has expected. She knows they didn’t marry for love, but she had hoped they would be able to form a relationship. That seems unlikely as Alexander spends all of his time at the mill and barely talks when he is at home. Alexander makes an effort to spend more time with his wife by bringing her to his beloved country estate. While there, an unfortunate accident occurs that changes their entire world. Will they be able to recover and have a more loving union?

Isabelle and Alexander is a heartwarming love story. It’s about two people learning to understand one another and open themselves up for love. Isabelle and Alexander both work towards understanding more about each other. It’s a slow burn novel that starts from the two of them as silent strangers to learning to love. I greatly enjoyed this novel.

I was also fascinated as the novel is set during Victorian times and deals with disability. This is not something I have read about much. I do know that during this time, it was common to send away family members who did have a disability. Besides weathering Alexander’s disability, Isabelle befriends the Kenworthy family who have a very special daughter, Glory. Although she goes through manic phases, the family cares for her at home and she is a very special young woman. I love how Alexander dismisses her at first, but then over time, realizes he has underestimated Glory.

I also loved learning about mills in this novel. Isabelle opens herself up to learning about Alexander’s business and getting to know how it works and the people who work there. I thought it was fascinating.

I enjoyed Isabelle’s development as a character. She gathered strength throughout the novel and the courage to speak out for what she believed in. I love that she was open to learning new things and to go beyond the training as a lady that her mother provided.

Favorite Quotes:

“You are a great deal more than well enough. You have offered your strength when I had none, your patience as I pushed you away again and again.”

“No decision you make affects you alone; therefore, you cannot decide crucial things in isolation. All choices made about our family should be made by us together.”

Overall, Isabelle and Alexander is an inspirational Victorian nontraditional romance. I read this one quickly and enjoyed every minute of it!

Book Source: Review Copy from Shadow Mountain Publishing as part of the Blog Tour put together by Laurel Ann Nattress from Austenprose. Thank-you

So, I have some mixed feelings about this book. It's told in first person, entirely from Isabelle's perspective. This allowed a very extensive knowledge of Isabelle's thoughts and feelings, making her personal journey of growth obvious and gratifying. Sometimes I got a little impatient with her internal musings and found myself skimming. I liked Isabelle but I didn't love her. I did love how she stood up for Alexander and wanted the very best for him regardless of how she was treated.

I liked Alexander but I didn't love him. It was really hard to build a connection with Alexander given his personality and Isabelle's single viewpoint. Especially when she didn't understand him for most of the book. I didn't have a real emotional connection to either of them.

The textile mill was a great part of the book and I enjoyed learning about that through Isabelle's eyes. I liked this story, it was interesting and I liked the secondary cast of characters too. It was good, just not my favorite. Oh, and I think the cover is lovely.

3/5 stars

Content: mild peril

- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Isabelle and Alexander is the standalone by Rebecca Anderson, published by Shadow Mountain Publishing. We follow Isabelle Rackham as she marries wealthy industrial cotton mill owner Alexander Osgood and moves to Manchester. The marriage is arranged and Isabelle struggles to get close to her new husband who hardly takes time to talk to her and spends most of his days in his textile mill.

To remedy Isabelle’s loneliness, Alexander takes her to his country estate where he suffers a devastating equestrian accident leaving him unable to walk. This challenging path in their relationship lets the newlyweds find new ways to build their relationship and Isabelle is adamant she will be in charge of her husbands’ care despite not being a trained nurse. The couple forges ways to build their relationship through this challenging situation and Isabelle finds new strength and courage, which in turn helps Alexander hope for his recovery.
Main character Isabelle Rackham comes from a privileged background in the Lake District, but seems to be practical, industrious and extremely patient. She seems kind and compassionate, and finds a way to bypass seemingly impossible situations. This makes her my favorite of this story.

Supporting character is Alexander Osgood starts out as a secretly frightened man who has married above his station. He seems glum, uninviting and disinterested, but his character develops a lot as the story progresses.
I felt the plot was well researched and stood out. I don’t think I have read a historical romance fiction story describing conditions inside a Manchester factory of 1800s and dealing with accident recovery issues quite like this. Consequences of the riding accident made and great drama effect which became a core part of the story.

The surprising and enjoyable part about mentally disabled Glory Kenworthy was my favorite of the story while the attitude of Dr Fredericks and his nurse annoyed me a lot. His character played kind of a villainous part of sorts. Writing about rehabilitation after spinal injury in 1800s must have taken a lot of research. As a nurse I found it fascinating (and scary) how this might have worked. I enjoyed how Isabelle and Alexander’s characters developed through the story, both separately and together. It felt easy to relate to their hardships in this challenging situation and particularly easy to understand Alexander’s reactions. It was a great twist to read about a couple who were wealthy, but still had to work for their privileged lifestyle. Characters in others historical romances I have read seemingly had no concerns about money at all.

This great story from the new to me author #Rebecca Anderson makes me look forward to seeing what she comes up with next. Readers of historical romance will enjoy this story. Similar authors to explore might be Abigail Wilson or J'nell Ciesielski.
Thank you to #Shadow Mountain Publishing and #NetGalley for this opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.

Conclusion: Isabelle and Alexander is the enjoyably entertaining historical romance about the wealthy newlyweds in an arranged marriage who find a different way to closeness as a tragic equestrian accident demand new strength and courage to recover and have a future together.

Isabelle and Alexander was such a lovely story! It had some real North and South vibes to it which I loved as I'm a big fan of both the book and mini series. I felt the story started off really well and had me hooked from the first chapter. It did start to lose me in the second half as it got a little slow and repetitive but it pulled me back in and had a beautiful ending. I liked that this was such a realistic take on a marriage-of-convenience storyline, which gave it a nice real feel. It was definitely THE slowest slow-burn romance ever which made me so impatient at times but it was ultimately satisfying by the end.

I loved this story! What seems to start as a typical Victorian tale takes an unexpected turn that left me engrossed and fully engaged. While the story is told from Isabelle’s POV, if you have worked with spinal cord injury patients before, there are some great insights to be inferred. I loved seeing their relationship grow because of the situation they were placed in and how they each matured. There was no pretense to be had, just two people before one another, bound together by their vows and commitment to be there. I enjoyed the slow unfolding of their love story and the perseverance and dedication shown by Isabelle. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.

Manchester - 1855

Isabelle Rackham and Alexander Osgood have entered into an arranged marriage. Alexander owns a textile mill which will bring Isabelle and her family up in the world. Even though Alexander is not a warm and outgoing man, Isabelle’s mother has instructed her on how to be a good wife.

Isabelle’s days are spent waiting for Alexander to return from the mill. Their evenings consist of sharing dinner together with little or no conversation and they sleep in separate bedrooms. Isabelle is bored and lonely. So when Mr. Kenworthy, business manager at Osgood Mills stops in and introduces himself, Isabelle is intrigued by his suggestion that she take tea with his wife and their daughter, Glory. Glory is a mentally disadvantaged young person but is a talented artist and is delighted when Isabelle offers to teach her to play the piano.

Alexander has a home in the country called Wellsgate where he keeps horses and it is a place where he is happiest. On their second trip there, Alexander invites Isabelle to join him in riding horses. This lovely time turns bad when his horse is spooked by something and he is thrown off. He is unconscious for several days and his doctor who has known him all of his life is there to treat him. When he finally awakes, it is determined that he will be paralyzed in his legs but may have movement in other parts of his body. Isabelle is beside herself with worry and is also hurt because Alexander has never shown her affection. What will she do?

Isabelle went into marriage hoping and expecting to have a loving husband. Instead she got a cold man who barely spoke to her and generally ignored her. As Alexander submits to an extremely vigorous and painful rehabilitation process doled out by an arrogant doctor and his equally arrogant nurse, Isabelle is at a loss of how to ease his pain. She is always concerned about Alexander who appears to look at her like something unpleasant. While it’s terrible that Alexander is left with such a abominable physical life, I felt sorry for Isabelle who kept trying to help him. Was it because she loved him or was it the proper thing for a wife to do? The saving grace of this story is Glory. While her temperamental episodes were scary, her general personality made her charming. Sadly, I found this to be a rather depressing story.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

In the first discussion question at the end of this book, the question begins with this statement: “Isabelle and Alexander is not a typical romance.” I wholeheartedly agree. Isabelle and Alexander is unlike any Romance novel I have ever read. This is a story of true love — of real and substantial love — and it is a novel I will never forget. I am blown away by the experience I just had with this story. It isn’t a case of, “I had all the feels,” but rather it is a case of, “I don’t even know how to describe the depth of all the feels I had!” I don’t know if that makes any sense, but truly this is a story that has made a lasting impression upon me.

I feel this story will resonate the most with someone who has experienced trauma early on in his or her marriage or other significant relationship. Isabelle and Alexander join in an arranged marriage and things are prickly from the very start. Then a very BAD accident happens and their already tumultuous marriage is literally tested beyond anything either one could ever imagine. Yes, this is certainly not your typical lovey-dovey romance. This story is hard and painful and frustrating and devastating, but it’s also filled with fight, courage, hope, awakening, and love. There is no flirty, witty dialogue. There are no sweet, longing looks across the ballroom dance floor. But there is choosing to love every minute, every day. There is choosing to respect rather than react every minute, every day. There is learning to put self aside and being present for a partner every minute, every day. And wouldn’t you know it, out of this hard work blossoms real, true, deep love. A fantastic TRUTH to share with readers! Reading Isabelle and Alexander is hard, not because it is slow-paced or boring, but rather because it confronts the reader with a mirror and in this mirror, the reader cannot get away from evaluating his or her marriage (or a relationship in general if the reader isn’t married). It makes one stop and consider, “Am I in my relationship for me, for what I can get? Or am I a partner in my relationship working to better the relationship for the both of us?” I admit this story had me seriously self-evaluating, which, to me, is a testament to truly outstanding literature.

Isabelle and Alexander is a powerful story about finding one’s self and discovering true, lasting love. This novel is a stellar example of masterful storytelling. I highly, highly recommend Isabelle and Alexander. This is a story you, dear reader, will NOT want to miss.

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishers, via NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Isabelle and Alexander was such a tender story. I've always found arranged marriages from this time period fascinating, and wondered how a relationship develops between the couple over time. In this case, Isabelle and Alexander are forced to endure many trials to build a beautiful bond.

Although Alexander seems distant at the beginning, over time he opens up to Isabelle when he suffers a tragic accident. He must rely on her and others for his needs. Told from Isabelle's perspective, we see that what starts as a friendly relationship grows into something much more romantic, based on a strong friendship and mutual respect. I loved the organic way their relationship was built. It would take time and trust to open up to someone you barely know. As Isabelle and Alexander learn more about each other, their attraction grows. While not packed with action, this book is perfect for readers wanting a relationship based story. If you love diving deep into what becomes a beautiful marriage, this book is it.

Lovely historical fiction novel from the Victorian era.

Isabelle is to wed Alexander - a business arrangement that she hopes might turn to love. But her new husband is aloof and soon has an accident which brings him down into a depression. He's confined to a wheelchair and can no longer oversee his mill.

It was interesting to see what would happen during this time to the type of injury he has. Most cases the injured would be sent to an asylum to give them sound the clock care. But Isabelle wants to prove herself capable of helping. There is a doctor and nurse employed but they seem very -professional only and don't seem to have much care for their patient.

I liked that Isabelle wanted to take an interest in the mill and her husband's work. I really liked the way that Isabelle warmed to her neighbor, Glory. Glory has some mental limitations and I'm so glad her parents wanted her to be with them instead of sending her to an asylum as they normally would in these days.

You have to wait until the end of the book to get Alexander to warm to his new wife. I can see him being depressed over what happened but I felt she waited so long for him to acknowledge that he could love her and that she obviously cared for him.

First Initial Thoughts

We start the story with Isabelle marrying Alexander. She feels quite lucky to be marrying the most eligible bachelor in the city. She doesn’t know much about Alexander as it’s an arranged marriage. She is hopeful that their relationship will blossom once life settles. However, as soon as they arrive home Alexander is quiet, reserved, and they barely interact. And it also read like that they slept in separate rooms. I am not sure if that was common during that time but I did find that odd. Isabelle is getting annoyed with Alexander not wanting to talk to her beyond the basic greetings.

The story itself is from Isabelle’s point of view so we never get a chance to see the relationship from Alexander’s point of view. Alexander suggests that they go to his country home for a short trip. There she is able to attract his attention and she suddenly hopes that maybe their relationship can deepen. On their second trip to the country, they go out horseback riding. While riding Alexander’s horse is spooked and he is thrown off his horse. After he wakes up the doctor finds out that he is paralyzed from the neck down.

Isabelle is suddenly thrown into the role of caretaker. Will she be able to commit to such a task? Will their relationship forever be just like “friends” or will they fall in love?

Setting

I always adore stories set in the English countryside and in England in general. It’s a beautiful country and Rebecca brought this out so well. She also had a knack for bringing the reader into the victorian time period, what it was like for women to live during that time, and the political vibe at that time. It was definitely not hard to visualize the story as I read!

Final Thoughts

What I found endearing was Isabelle’s commitment to the marriage. While during that time, women probably didn’t have the choice of leaving or going, there was a choice to send those that were paralyzed or disabled to hospitals. Isabelle wouldn’t have that. She wanted to take care of Alexander and make sure he didn’t have to be sent to somewhere deplorable. Isabelle barely knew him and was willing to do something that took a lot of courage and determination. That is something I think we all should aspire to. What would we do if our partner suddenly became paralyzed?

Speaking of hospitals, Isabelle became friends with Alexander’s employees’ family. The daughter is mentally ill. From the few interactions in the book, I could only guess that she may have had Autism or was developmentally behind. While the parents also could have sent their daughter to an asylum, they chose to keep her home and take care of her. This was admirable in this era. Many people would send the invalid and mentally ill to asylums without trying to help them first.

Isabelle and Alexander’s relationship was definitely a slow burn. At the beginning of the relationship especially the injury he was reserved and wouldn’t interact very much. He was very busy at the mill, as he claimed. I think this also highlighted the awkwardness of arranged marriages. Especially when one is probably introverted. While my husband and I connected right away and we can talk very easily, there are times that I just want to be alone and no talk at all. So I could see why Alexander was quiet in the evenings. We are just exhausted from being around people all day.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story and it reminded me how important commitment is in any relationship. I definitely recommend this book!

First sentence: Isabelle Rackham stood in the morning parlor staring into the mirror, grateful to be alone for a moment; that nobody was fidgeting with buttons, bows, fasteners, or pins. She took as deep a breath as her corseting allowed and ran her hands down the waist of her bridal gown, allowing herself a little shiver of delight.

Premise/plot: Isabelle and Alexander have an arranged marriage, a bit of marriage of convenience. The two certainly aren't madly in love with each other at the start. Living side by side as strangers, the two face quite a challenge when Alexander is thrown from a horse and suffers severe injuries. Will his injury (and his recovery) bring them closer together or drive them further apart?

This one is set in 1850 in northern England. The two mainly live in a manufacturing town (Manchester) and he is a mill owner. Her husband also owns a country estate.

My thoughts: Isabelle and Alexander isn't your typical romance novel. For better or worse. This one isn't all about the swoon-y falling-in-love moments that happen before saying I do and making vows before God. This one is about marriage and the testing of marriage. For better or worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and in health. They face challenges both together--as a couple--and as individuals.

I would say this one is more about the knitting together of two souls than focusing on the physical lusts. True it's a proper romance title so it wouldn't get too smutty anyway.

I believe this is my second title in my nearly thirty years of reading romance novels where one of the leads is in a wheel chair and is differently abled. (The other I read was an Amish romance.)

I also loved getting to know the Kenworthy family. I loved, loved, loved the character of Glory.

I have seen other reviewers comparing this one to North and South. I don't know that I'd stretch it that far. There are some surface similarities for sure: the manufacturing town setting, the owning of a mill, the awkwardness of a couple who barely know how to communicate with one another. But really the two are quite different.

This one doesn't really focus in on class differences nor does it focus in on unions, strikes, and disagreements between owners and workers. There's a tension in North and South that just isn't there in Isabelle and Alexander.

I would say upon further thought that this one is about Isabelle reorienting herself to her new circumstances. She's newly married, newly moved, adjusting to a new house that doesn't yet feel like a home. She doesn't have friends in the neighborhood--at least not at first. She is hoping that her husband will soon start to feel like a husband instead of a stranger.

This Is a book that stays with you as a thought provoker. I find myself thinking about it long after I’ve finished it. It was an emotional read in that I really felt the loneliness and isolation Isabelle experienced as a young bride. Although it seemed some of it was of her own making—couldn’t she have made an effort to socialize with other wives of her ‘station’ in her new city—it was easy to see how difficult it was for her to “settle in.” After her husband’s accident, as she took a greater role in his recovery and even her marriage, it was really heartwarming to see the growth she experienced. I would have liked to see his point of view through the letters he wrote to her, just to really understand his side a bit more, but it was an intensely moving story. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley. This is my freely given, honest review.

I don't think I've read too many books with the premise of one of the main characters being in an accident and needing to have rehabilitation. I was really excited to dive into this one when I saw that it was about to be released.

My heart felt for Isabelle as her dreams of marriage turn out a little different than she thought would come. Meeting Alexander and he approaching her father for her hand in marriage without much conversation or anything to build their relationship upon left her hoping they'd get to know each other more later on. Yet she finds herself very lonely with an aloof and busy working husband.

We don't get to see anything into Alexander's thoughts as the story is written only in Isabelle's POV. It works but I'm a reader who loves to see what makes each character tick and Alexander is one such character whom I would have loved to see what was going on in his brooding mind. We do see some insights into him from his employees, his staff and the old family doctor who share with Isabelle some about him. But as a reader, we don't get much from him conversation wise. He speaks some off and on but not as much as I would have loved. I did like how the author showed that his broodiness wasn't necessarily him, he has a softer side. I loved when those little snippets shown thrown. Like when he first shows really acknowledges that Isabelle interests him after they are married. The little things he does for her. I won't go into more details because the author does explain some about this, through his servants voices rather than his own, but there is somewhat of an explanation.

I enjoyed watching Isabelle's character develop. She is of course a young lady with really no expectations on her except to look pretty, be a good hostess, play a certain part, get married and keep her husband's house. Leaving her home and her cousin Edwin, who is her one true friend and confidant, is hard and she has to deal with a lot of loneliness. But I loved watching her keep trying and venturing outside of her comfort zone to find joy. I liked watching her develop friendships, even if they weren't the most conventional friendships. It showed her goodness and sweetness. I liked her determination to make her marriage work and be more than just ok. I liked watching her find ways to connect with Alexander and show that she cared and wanted him to care for her as well.

Overall I enjoyed this sweet story. There are some conflicts and frustrations throughout the book for these characters but I thought they navigated them with dignity and determination. The secondary characters added a nice dimension to the story, I enjoyed them all.

Content: Clean. A character has an equestrian accident and ends up paralyzed, and must go through some pretty rigorous therapy.

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

Happy Reading!!!

Isabelle and Alexander is a gentle and poignant Victorian romance with protagonists facing a situation rarely explored in this genre: one of debilitating disability. While it compares in some ways to the classic North & South in setting and contrasts of the hero and heroine’s personality, its plot is distinct. I think it reads more like the latter half of a marriage of convenience trope when the couple is learning to exist together — in this case, each with little knowledge of the other’s quirks, expectations, and heart.

The story is told entirely from the Isabelle’s point of view. This allows it to be her story in many ways, as she grows more likable and empathetic to the reader along the way. Her change is most dynamic and obvious, and the themes of the story are shown to their best advantage through her eyes. As she comes to know the kindness of Alexander underneath his shuttered heart, her own heart learns to be grateful for simple things in life. These little moments she notices, and the growing tenderness between them, combine to show how love, happiness and a deeper joy cannot always depend on circumstances but can BE in spite of them.

There are many more aspects of this story I like. I appreciate the care with which Alexander’s struggle is portrayed. I think it is underrepresented in Victorian fiction. This unique challenge and the setting of Manchester and a cotton mill (again, think of Thornton’s mill in North & South!) provide a great backdrop to the love story. I especially loved the supporting cast of characters and their roles of encouragement, friendship, and foils to Isabelle and Alexander — Glory is my favorite! And, Anderson’s pen lends an array of realistic emotions to the story and couple, including anger, depression, longing, sacrificial love, joy, and the desire to have a fulfilling life purpose.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy. This is my honest review.

Isabelle Rackham will not allow herself to be disillusioned. She knows her marriage is not even close to a love match. However, she accepts it and facings an unemotional, business-minded husband every day. However, she longs for more - even if it is a glance, a touch.. But, it is not to be. Perhaps she will have a child and the void in her life can at least be filled in a bit.

Alexander knows that Isabelle is unhappy, but he is reticent, holding his thoughts and emotions close to the vest. However, he is a good man and does have an idea. He writes her a note and offers her to accompany him on a trip to his country estate. Has the window of opportunity opened for the pair of them?

Before much progress can be made, Alexander suffers a tragic accident that leaves him completely disabled. Isabelle is bound by duty, although certainly not by love, and she takes on the task of caring for Alexander while he begins the long road to recovery.

This is how things take a turn in this tragic story. Communication lines are open, and this starts to show a major difference between Isabelle and Alexander. As a reader, I could see how easily it was for her to love and how she did care for Alexander from the very beginning. I enjoyed watching Alexander thaw towards his wife, even though the tragedy of his injuries.

This touching story by Rebecca Anderson was evenly balanced with characters that warmed your heart and one or two that were really unlikable. This balance made an already good story even better. Although Ms. Anderson is new to me, she has definitely found a new fan, leaving me eager to see what else she has in store for her readers.

Many thanks to Shadow Mountain, NetGalley and Austenrose for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Oh this book is an absolute delight. Please read it immediately. Not a typical love story; it's about a love that grows deep and true over time. It's absolutely the opposite of instalove and the author did a stunning job unfolding their relationship. My heart ached for both of them. I wanted to yell and stomp my feet and order people around while I read it (ahem, mostly Nurse Margaret). The only thing that would make this book better is knowing Alec's point of view, especially at the beginning.

In summary (to borrow a quote from Veggie Tales): I laughed, I cried... it moved me Bob.

Isabelle and Alexander
By Rebecca Anderson

Isabelle and Alexander
By Rebecca Anderson

Isabelle and Alexander by Rebecca Anderson was quite the unique historical fiction read that had such a great concept and intriguing story line that I really enjoyed reading about. This was fantastic!

Isabelle Rackham's life had been planned long ago when her father decided to join upper middle class forces, and combine the wealth of their coal mines in the south, with Alexander Osgood's textile mills of the north. Through an arranged marriage, Isabelle's life in Manchester was certainly not what she had dreamed of. Alexander trying to make amends and forge a better relationship with his wife plans an escape to the country. As fate would have it, their lives takes a turn when Alexander fell of his horse and suffers a spinal cord injury leaving him disabled.

As I read the book, the story just kept getting better and better. I loved how much research went through in the medical world of the Victorian era and how injuries like this were handled then. It was amazing to read about it as a nurse myself. I followed closely what happened to our beloved Christopher Reeve, and to think with all the modern day advancement, there were still a lot to learn about spinal cord injuries.

I have not read anything like this in the historical fiction books, and this was a great change of pace and topic, where the love developed after the marriage and after such a tragic accident. The story arc was well written and beautifully told. I highly recommend this book.

Title: Isabelle and Alexander
Author: Rebecca Anderson
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4 out of 5

Isabelle Rackham knows she will not marry for love. Though arranged marriages have fallen out of fashion, hers has been settled for some time. Alexander Osgood is handsome, well-known, and wealthy, but he is distant and aloof, spending much of his time at his textile mill.

Moreover, Northern England is nothing like Isabelle's home in the Lake Country, and her marriage is far from the fairy tale she expected. Conversations with Alexander are awkward, when they happen at all, and Isabelle struggles with loneliness.

Sensing his wife's unhappiness, Alexander brings Isabelle to his country estate. During their time together, the couple begins to build a friendship, opening up to each other about the details of their lives. But when a tragic accident leaves Alexander unable to walk, their fledgling relationship is tested.

Isabelle is determined to see to her husband's recovery, and in caring for him, she discovers within herself an untapped well of strength and courage. In learning to rely on each other, the couple has an opportunity to forge a love connection that they both have longed for but never dreamed could be.

This was a sweet read with the feel of a Jane Austen novel. Isabelle’s life and upbringing have been very limiting, so after her marriage, when she starts experiencing more of life and the world, she changes and steps into her own self. She learns who she is, what she wants, and how to stand up for it. Both Isabelle and Alexander are people who must learn how to be open with others and how to communicate, and I really enjoyed this read.

Rebecca Anderson is a high school English teacher. Isabelle and Alexander is her new novel.

(Galley courtesy of Shadow Mountain Publishing in exchange for an honest review.)

I really enjoyed Rebecca Anderson’s writing style. The story dealt with a lot, but still had a sweetness about it.

The author portrayed the awkwardness of an arranged marriage really quite well. The story was emotionally compelling as far as Isabelle was concerned, but I felt lost a time or two not having Alexander’s perspective as well.

I often found myself wondering what Alexander was thinking and feeling. The nature of the story was such his thoughts and inward emotions would have drawn me into his character as well, deepening the story.

In spite of yearning for a little more of him, I did enjoy the story. The author handled the deeper topics with grace, showing the character’s growing compassion and love in a beautiful way

This is a sweet romance, but not your typical romance. There were a lot of obstacles facing this couple and overall the tone was more somber than cheerful. However, there were plenty of happy sweet moments so it wasn't depressing. This book was all told from Isabelle's POV which made it hard for me to connect with Andrew. I wanted so bad to hear his thoughts. I really wish his letters had been shared just to get a little glimpse into his thoughts. Isabelle was a strong woman. I know if I was in the same situation I would have withdrawn. I was so impressed that she refused to give up on her marriage. She definitely had her moments when she struggled, but she was incredibly brave and strong too. I also enjoyed most of the secondary characters, particularly Glory, Mrs. Kentworthy and Dr. Kelly, as well as the servants.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley, but this is my honest review.

In Isabelle and Alexander by Rebecca Anderson, a marriage of convenience is tested to its already shaky limits after a tragic accident leaves Isabelle’s new husband, Alexander, paralyzed and depressed. There are many different dimensions to this story, several of which are elements I don’t see often in historical fiction. These same aspects to the plot kept me intrigued & turning the pages when I craved more sparks between the characters.

Anderson does a stellar job of instilling a sense of time and place with her readers. From the bustling (and bumpy) streets of 1850 Manchester to the idyllic countryside to the deafening roar of the mill – and a downstairs parlor-turned-sickroom fraught with tension – readers will experience the story right along with Isabelle. I loved the circle of fabulous supporting characters that surround her to provide her with emotional support and friendship, especially when she’s most lacking both in her fledgling marriage. Mrs. Burns, Doctor Kelley, Mae, Yeardley, Mrs. Kenworthy and dear Glory – all of them added tenderness and affection to the story and to Isabelle’s life.

Because the story is told from Isabelle’s perspective, I had a more difficult time connecting with Alexander, especially when he stayed so closed off from her too. I couldn’t get into his head to figure out what he was thinking, but I didn’t necessarily need to read his perspective in order to do that. I liked seeing the story through Isabelle’s eyes; I just needed for her to connect faster with Alexander so I could, too. However, I also understand why the romance was more of a slow burn than instant chemistry. It worked with the plot; I just wanted some more chemistry, even if it needed to stay repressed for a while. The last quarter of the book, though, made my romance-loving heart flutter.

Bottom Line: Isabelle and Alexander by Rebecca Anderson is a gentle Victorian romance with lots of intriguing layers to unpack. Readers will be drawn into Isabelle’s world and invested in her character growth, cheering at her triumphs and grieving with her in the struggles. I enjoyed gaining insight into milling & medical practices of that era, and I very much appreciated the honest and affirming portrayal of a supporting character with a mental disability. Life is not all sunshine and roses, and certainly neither is marriage, but Alexander and Isabelle have more potholes than most on their way to happily ever after. Watching their characters grow individually and together throughout this novel was the highlight for me. Fans of Elizabeth Gaskell and Lawana Blackwell will enjoy Isabelle and Alexander as well.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)

Isabelle Rackham marries mill owner Alexander Osgood knowing it is a marriage of convenience. His good looks set women's hearts fluttering and Isabelle marvels at her good fortune. But his manner is cold and distant. Only his rare smile hints at the possible warmth within. Their married life does not progress as Isabelle envisaged it would. While he spends most of his time at the mill, she lives a solitary existence in a house that she considers his not theirs, in a dirty and grimy northern mill town so unlike the lake country where she was raised, with few friends to call or call on. Assured by his household staff and the two men that help run his mill that Alexander is a kind and well-respected employer, Isabelle believes the fault of their strained relationship must lie with her. She attempts to draw Alexander out in various ways, but all fail, making her even more unhappy.

When Isabelle agrees to visit Alexander's country estate with him, she is cheered by the change in him. Without the daily pressures of running a mill, he is more relaxed and approachable. She hopes that this will help them get to know each other better. Unfortunately, Isabelle's hopes are dashed when Alexander suffers a horse riding accident which leaves him paralysed. Once over the shock and panic, Isabelle is determined to nurse Alexander back to health, but acknowledges Alexander's right to determine his own medical treatment. Although some of his decisions cause her much anguish and frustration, she battles on courageously against her own perceived inadequacies, Alexander's taciturn nature and a very uncertain future.

Isabelle and Alexander is a romance about two strangers adjusting to an arranged marriage, with the added difficulty of dealing with a disability. While there is no doubt that they both want the marriage to succeed, their personalities are very different. Isabelle is the more outgoing of the two; her warmth and enthusiasm for life are apparent. Alexander's true character is hidden behind a facade of reserve and is gradually drawn out as the story unfolds. He seems to be in awe of Isabelle, but aware of her unhappiness. I loved how he gleaned information from Isabelle's deliberately silly conversations to surprise her with little acts of kindness.

The treatment that Alexander endured, prescribed by the spinal injury specialist, Dr. Fredericks, and so rigorously administered by the nurse, seemed horrendous. I could understand Isabelle's reaction to this and also the threat of Alexander being confined to an asylum to endure more of the same, but in a less conducive environment.

On a lighter note, as Isabelle, I found the workings of the mill fascinating. The processes, the atmosphere and the noise were so well described that I shared Isabelle's relief at the relative peace and quiet of the weaving room.

I enjoyed Isabelle and Alexander. Reading it was a lovely way to spend a cold and wintry afternoon. I'm sure other readers of historical romance will enjoy it too.

I have really enjoyed the ‘proper romance’ books from Shadow Mountain publishing over the years and their covers are so great. Every time I see one of them I know that I am instantly going to enjoy the book. Some more than others of course, but generally their proper romances are all great reads and for me, they read very quick.

When this one came up for review, I knew it was an easy yes. It sounded so great, an arranged marriage and two characters that ultimately fall in love against all odds. I had read a couple of other reviews before picking this one up and saw that many reviewers noted it was a slow burn romance and I love slow burn romances. So needless to say I was eager to check this one out.

If historical romance is your jam, then you should definitely check out Shadow Mountain publisher because they have a number of titles to choose from and many of them are off the beaten path and charming. I adore their titles. While I didn’t love this one as much as I had anticipated, it was still a good read and I am glad that I picked it up!

Summary
Manchester, 1850

Isabelle Rackham knows she will not marry for love. Though arranged marriages have fallen out of fashion, hers has been settled for some time. Alexander Osgood is handsome, well-known, and wealthy, but he is distant and aloof, spending much of his time at his textile mill.

Moreover, Northern England is nothing like Isabelle’s home in the Lake Country, and her marriage is far from the fairy tale she expected. Conversations with Alexander are awkward, when they happen at all, and Isabelle struggles with loneliness.

Sensing his wife’s unhappiness, Alexander brings Isabelle to his country estate. During their time together, the couple begins to build a friendship, opening up to each other about the details of their lives. But when a tragic accident leaves Alexander unable to walk, their fledgling relationship is tested.

Isabelle is determined to see to her husband’s recovery, and in caring for him, she discovers within herself an untapped well of strength and courage. In learning to rely on each other, the couple has an opportunity to forge a love connection that they both have longed for but never dreamed could be. (summary from Goodreads)

Review
I think the biggest issue I had with this one was Isabelle. I didn’t love her as a main character. I felt like she needed a little more ‘umph’ in the confidence department. I found her to be a little too timid/weak for the role of romantic heroine. I would have liked to have seen a little more fire from her as the story went on. She wasn’t awful but as a strong female reader, I wanted to see just a bit more to recommend her as the lead. I also found the detached POV a little difficult. I wanted to form a connection with the characters and I just didn’t get that with this POV.

Now readers of proper romances will know that the ‘romance’ parts her heavy on the clean side and more sweet than spicy, and this book did have a sweet romance but it took us a while to get there. It is a romance in reverse with the two characters already being married and then falling in love, and yes I knew it would be a slow burn, but I didn’t really feel a connection or even a real romantic element until over half way through. I think part of that was due to Alexander. I didn’t really start to like him until about half way through so I think that was part of the problem for me.

I know a lot of readers loved this one and it did have some great points. It felt different and I felt that it had a strong historical background. Many reviews have likened it to North and South with the textile parts and I agree. I liked the historical elements and thought it added authenticity to the story and it’s a favorite time period of mine so I enjoyed that. I also liked that the author took a bold new approach to romance in this one. I liked that Isabelle had to care for her paralyzed husband. It’s a troupe that isn’t all that common which made it feel fresh and new to me.

While I might not have loved this one, there were some great parts and I am not sorry I read it. It was an ok read that I finished up in a couple of days and enjoyed. If you like clean historical romances this one is for you!

Book Info and Rating
Format324 pages, Paperback

Published May 4, 2021 by Shadow Mountain

ISBN9781629728476 (ISBN10: 1629728470)

Free review copy provided by publisher, Shadow Mountain in partnership with Austen Prose blog tour, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and in no way influenced.

Rating: 3 stars

Genre: historical romance, historical fiction, romance

This was a slow build romance, but had a satisfying ending. Isabelle knew to expect an arranged marriage, but learning how to please her new husband is more difficult than she supposed. Alexander isn't sure he can keep his new wife in the style she lived in before. Then tragedy strikes and both must scrape together the courage to meet unexpected difficulties.

I liked Isabelle's character development, going from a whimsical girl to a brave-hearted housewife. Alec was harder to like, since his demeanor was cold and detached much of the book (a necessary trait for him, but hard to love). The secondary characters are all well-developed and help to move the story along. Overall, the book ended satisfactorily with a happily-ever-after feel.

Rated PG
--no language
--no sexual content (closed-door scenes)
--no gore
--no violence

I was provided this ebook through NetGalley for an honest review.

Isabelle knows she is destined for an arranged marriage. She just hopes she can one day love the man that will be chosen for her. When Alexander is chosen for her, she has high hopes. She soon comes to realize she has married a man that is emotionally and physically distant. He spends most of his time working at his textile mill, which she assumes is just an excuse to keep away from her.

After a terrible horse accident, Alexander is laid low for quite some time. Physical therapy is torturous to watch and Isabelle has to learn to fight for what she wants for her and Alexander. As she takes matters into her own hands, she learns what it means to truly love and serve another.

This was a sweet story of self-discovery and learning to be humble. I appreciated how clean it was and will let my teen read this one. I will say that at times it was a bit frustrating to read. Were they really that clueless to the feelings of each other? It's hard to judge the past with the mores of our time.

Thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Isabelle and Alexander are adjusting to each other in the awkwardness of an arranged marriage that isn't what either of them expected. Just when you think they might be starting to warm up a terrible tragedy occurs, leaving Alexander paralyzed. Alexander needs a supportive wife but he pushes Isabelle away. She has to grow in confidence and find her voice to be strong when he cannot.

It was a bit frustrating to watch them struggle with such poor communication through most of the story but I did appreciate the ending. I also liked how people with different abilities were valued in the book in spite of the challenges their caregivers faced. If you're looking for a slow-burn squeaky-clean romance, you'll love this book!

Isabelle and Alexander is a sweet story that deals with an arranged marriage with unexpected difficulties.

Isabelle is a woman of fortitude. Life has not turned out how she expected, in spite of disappointments, she rises and excels at the challenges placed in front of her. When the story begins she is looking forward to an arranged marriage to Alexander Osgood. He is new money and the owner of a clothing mill. He is not a man of many words and it leads to frustration on both of their parts.

Shortly after their marriage, Alexander is thrown from his horse and left with paralysis. This is not a good start to their marriage, particularly one where they are strangers. This was an interesting conflict that is not typically part of a romance book. I loved how Rebecca Anderson was able to write this realistically. She portrayed the frustrations of the characters. The story is written in the first person, but she described Alexander's reactions that indicated his feelings.

It is at this point that Isabelle really shined for me. Her determination to take care of her husband and help his recovery was admirable. She is compassionate, not just in her dealings with her husband but also with Glory, a disabled young woman that Isabelle takes under her wing. She is so patient and kind. It became understandable how Isabelle could transition into a caregiver.

I loved this journey. This wasn't just a book of romantic fiction to me. I was inspired by the characters. This is not your typical romance, this is something more.

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

A light, easy read full of the expected tropes in modern Regency, I nonetheless enjoyed this story very much.

The characters were a little one-dimensional and the narrative probably would've benefited from another character's POV, particularly Alexander's. Sure, it was predictable and a little cheesy, but I think that's to be expected in this genre.

I flew through Isabelle and Alexander in record time. While that may not speak to complexity or depth, it certainly speaks to enjoyability.

Arranged marriages is not my favorite trope, but this book was so good! It had some unexpected twists that I didn't see coming! The character arcs, you couldn't help but love the characters are cheer them on. This story has a lot of depth in it and is a clean regency romance.

I received an ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.

Isabelle Rackham has accepted that her upcoming marriage will be a business match. Arranged to merge her father’s upper-middle-class status with Alexander Osgood’s prospering textile mills, Isabelle knows her position well. Her soon-to-be husband might be a coveted bachelor, but for him acquiring a wife is not a matter of love.

Life in Northern England is nothing like in her childhood home in the lake country. Dank and dreary, the soot from the mills coats Isabelle’s new surroundings in a perpetual gray hue, one that seems to seep into every corner of her life. Her husband, though courteous, seems to prefer immersing himself into the mill than spending time with her at home.

When an unexpected trip to Alexander’s country estate culminates in a tragic accident that leaves him paralyzed, Isabelle is propelled in a direction she never imagined. She must decide whether she can embrace the life she didn’t sign up for and the husband who does not love her.

In Isabelle and Alexander, Rebecca Anderson delivers a sweet story of overcoming the odds that transports readers to Victorian England and the mill country. It evokes a North and South (Elizabeth Gaskell) feel that this Mr. Thornton fan loved. Though immediately intrigued by the premise, the novel started off slow, but I became more engrossed after the accident and its consequent upheaval to the newlyweds.

In a time and age when many give up on marriage rather than put in the hard work necessary, a romance built on values and perseverance is a breath of fresh air. However, most of the time, I felt like a spectator in the corner rather than someone immersed in the middle of the events, which made it disappointing. Told in first person from Isabelle’s point of view, a large part of the information came through introspection. I wanted to be shown things instead of told.

As a non-point-of-view character, Alexander’s words and actions are vital to revealing his inner feelings, struggles, and changes. While we clearly see this come through when pushing his wife away, his subsequent softening isn’t as visible. It made his switch and the ensuing romance at the end feel rushed and sudden.

I liked both Isabelle and Alexander, but the scenes between them never achieved their full potential — again, mostly because of too much telling and not enough showing. I did enjoy watching Isabelle grow into her role as wife and mistress of the house even as she discovered herself as a woman and human being.

A stronger sense of setting also would have helped place the reader deeper in the tale. As is, the descriptions in Isabelle and Alexander didn’t always carry across the page, painting a clear picture of the scene and era. I saw a lot of promise in the writing, the characters, and the setting. Had I been less interested, I might have not cared so much about the details. But the story did capture me, making me wish I could submerge myself in the events instead of just scratch the surface. Creating characters that readers connect with is half the battle, and Anderson definitely accomplished that. I would recommend this book to fans of Victorian novels and arranged marriages, and I will keep my eyes out for more titles by this author.

Isabelle and Alexander is a different type of romance. I really loved and enjoyed the story and I appreciated the representation of two characters with a disability. Their relationship was definitely a slow-burn, but I felt it represented an arranged marriage well, the real life of it. It's not always love at first sight. There are some very sweet moments between them and also some very hard and real moments as Alexander tries to figure out his new reality.
I loved when they would visit the mill. I could feel that Alexander felt more himself there. As with anyone adjusting to a disability, there were hard times. I enjoyed how Isabelle had a great support system. Mrs. Burns, Mr. and Mrs. Kenworthy, Glory (who I adored), Yeardley were perfect additions and wonderfully giving characters. Whenever Dr. Kelley was around, there was always a sense of comfort and love in the air.

This was a great book about finding what is really important in love and marriage. I loved how this story was written and how it took the characters time to figure out what true love really is. I also like how the trial they had to face that changed their plans was really what eventually brought them together. I liked seeing the characters grow and seeing them come to care for each other. I also liked learning about mills during the Victorian time period. Overall I thought this was a great story.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

Isabelle and Alexander by Rebecca Anderson

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
________________________________________________________________________________
Story Notes

Rebecca Anderson brings readers a different type of regency romance that begins with a rather cold arranged marriage and grows into a love story born from tragedy.

Arranged Marriages are a well-used trope that can be a way for an author to either blend in or stand out from others. Rebecca Anderson clearly stands out with her unique take on this trope that will have readers fully engaged and cheering for love to come through at last. Isabelle Rackham has resigned herself to marry as directed by her parents. They have sought out a man of not only means but with a reputation for being honest and kind. If only Alexander were a little more warm in his attention to her. Soon after the wedding Isabelle realizes if she is going to talk to her husband, she will have to make concerted efforts. She will also have to find her own way in the world of society now given that Alexander does not attend assemblies nor does he host gatherings. Friendship is found with the kind and welcoming Mrs. Kenworthy and her daughter - a young woman of some mental disability but with a joy for life that is contagious. A trip into the country to visit Alexander's estate brings a chance for Isabelle and Alexander to grow closer but when tragedy strikes, all focus turns to ensuring Alexander survives his injuries. Isabelle never dreamed that the phrase "in sickness and in health" would be presented to her so quickly in her marriage but she chooses to honor her promise and determines to ensure that Alexander receives the care he needs. They return to Manchester and begin a tortuous recovery that will challenge the mind, body and spirits of everyone in the Osgood household. With the help of the gracious and kindly staff supporting her, along with her friends, Isabelle finds the strength she needs to stand up for herself and her husband. It is strength that she will need when another tragedy strikes and the walls around hers and Alexander's hearts are crumbled forever. Can they find love in the midst of pain or will they let pride keep them from becoming the couple they long to be? Well, you'll have to come find out! I loved this reverse love story that tackled not only the battle of medical practices and care but also the stigmas attached to those who don't fit the world's idea of "normal". Nothing was off the table in the discussions and conversations and I really enjoyed the honest, if sometimes painful, things that were said. Isabelle is a fighter for those she loves but she never had a chance to see that until the situation with Alexander. She was hoping for a quiet marriage with perhaps a little affection one day but what she got was not that but so much better. Dr Kelly, Mrs. Burns, Glory and Mrs. Kenworthy become the friends and support that she needed and provided sounding boards for the toughest decisions. This was a marvelous story to read and one that more people should also read. I will certainly be recommending this book to others and truly hope that they will enjoy this gift of a story as much as I did.

I received this temporary complimentary E-book from Shadow Mountain Publishing via NetGalley in order to provide a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

Isabelle did not think she would marry for love. She married Alexander for an alliance between her father and him. They were married only a couple of months when out riding he was thrown from his horse and was paralyzed. Isabelle fought to keep him home with her and she would take care of him. He improved as time went by and the story tells us how they found love with the hardships they had to endure.

Although arranged marriages are no longer a thing, Isabelle and Alexander have been promised to each other. Once married they struggle to connect to build a relationship. Alexander plans a trip for them to his country home hoping to connect, when he is thrown from his horse and paralyzed. He must now depend on his wife and hopefully they are able to build a relationship they so struggled with.

Great story I really enjoyed it and it was easy to read. Its about a couple who go through a tough time early in their marriage and try to find love in what they have even though they didn't marry for love it was a marriage of convenience/business transaction for Alexander.

Isabelle Rackham is a genteel bred daughter of a mine owner and was always aware that her marriage would be part of business arrangement rather than a love match. Her intended, Alexander Osgood, is a young mill owner with great financial prospects that will benefit her family and more than capable to keep her in a lifestyle close to the one she’s accustomed to.
Once they marry things are not as she expects and, on top of not really knowing each other, Isabelle is met with an absent husband who barely talks to her which gives way to increasing frustration and loneliness on her part. When she finally figures a way to gain Alexander’s attention, tragedy will strike and their lives will be turned upside-down in the cruelest way.
This is another one of those hidden gems I found by way of its beautiful cover while looking for something out of my usual read and it didn’t disappoint. Isabelle and Alexander is not the run of the mill love story, but one in which a couple struggles to find their footing and come together after being married.
Set right after the industrial revolution, this arranged marriage will got through great trials and tribulations and it’s a testament of how seriously a couple will take their wedding vows whether or not they were in love.
At first I had a lot of issues with Alexander, but I learned to love him along with Isabelle. I’d have really liked to know more about his POV instead of learning about him from the secondary characters, but I could still see why he was so distant early in the marriage.
This story is very nicely written and, once again, I found myself a clean story filled with the unexpected. I devoured it in one sitting and it pulled at the strings of my heart while waiting to find out if they would find out if Alexander would come back from his injuries and they’d find their HEA.

4 stars

This was like a Victorian Me Before You. And I found it really sweet.

There were some pacing choices that had me struggling at times. Especially the beginning. It just seemed so slow. And then also with the development of the relationship, it often times felt like instead of taking baby steps forward, they'd take a baby step forward and then a giant step (or two or three) back. It got frustrating at times.

But overall, I liked the idea of a romance that starts with a wedding (arranged marriage) and then follows the couple as they learn about each other and learn to be together.

Isabelle and Alexander was a delightful read. I relished the time spent looking on as the couple navigated the many obstacles they faced, wondering if they had the fortitude and inner strength to overcome them. Alexander was a complicated character that required patience and understanding to break through the rough exterior that ultimately overshadowed his true self. I admired Isabelle. The challenges she faced required an immediate maturity, and she rose to the occasion.  In doing so she adopted a new perspective on life, as well as her relationships, including the one she shared with her cousin, Edwin.

And now a few words about some of the secondary characters…

The house staff, mill workers and friends that made appearances throughout the book contributed nicely to the development of the plot.  Collectively, they played a significant role in propelling the story forward, maintaining my interest. One of the characters, a young girl named Glory who had some challengers of her own, but was nevertheless a great asset in many ways, was unique, complex and very likable. I enjoyed the space she was given in the book. My favorite character’s were the family doctor, Dr. Kelley,  followed by the housekeeper, Mrs. Burns. Her gentle words of wisdom, along with Dr. Kelley’s, were like a healing balm to Isabelle.  Glory’s parents, the Kenworthy’s, are also noteworthy. Their obvious love for Glory and their warm regard for Alexander moved me.  Also, Yeardley, Mr. Osgood’s faithful butler, while mainly quiet and relegated to the background, was a loyal servant who was of great help on many occasions involving Mr. Osgood.  Mr. Connor, Alexander’s engineer, also deserves an honorable mention. His dedication to the Osgood Mill gave new meaning to the words Work Ethic. I have hurriedly dismissed from my mind the two villainous characters, Dr. Fredericks and Nurse Margaret.  I shudder thinking of them. Their gruff demeanors and heartless treatment of their patient left much to be desired. Even the Osgood Mill was like a character in my mind. The description of the various features and functions brought it to life. I could hear the noise and smell the pungent materials within its walls.  The efficient way it operated, and the genuine concern for its owner was heartwarming.

In conclusion, I loved Isabelle and Alexander, and I highly recommend it. I believe the ending certainly leaves the door open for a sequel, and if that is the case, I will look forward to reading it.  (I could imagine a storyline emerging from Edwin and his enigmatic bride, Charlotte.)

North and South fans will love this new historical romance by debut author Rebecca Anderson. Set in Victorian Manchester, Isabelle and Alexander marry without knowing much about each other, but Isabelle hopes that love will grow. So, she soon finds herself trying to find her place in Alexander’s world – despite his moodiness and stoicism.

Isabelle and Alexander is a slow-burn romance about two people getting to know each other while building real love. With the cotton mills, industrialization, and character growth, it’s hard not to see how this novel pays tribute to Elizabeth Gaskell.

However, it’s more of a sweet read, perfect if you’re looking for something enjoyable and satisfying to read.

Overall, this is a pure romance full of swoony moments, excellent characterization with a fantastic female character, and lovely writing. I look forward to reading more of Rebecca Anderson’s future novels.

Adaptation Recommendation: This needs to be a feature film period drama – perfect for streaming. The swooniness of the story will surely get the period drama audience watching.

Content Note: Completely wholesome.

Overall rating: 4.5
Romance rating: 5

Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South is one of my absolute favorite books. And, I don’t think I’m alone, when I say that this book was extremely comparable to that classic.

This is a story of an arranged marriage that doesn’t start out too promising. It’s not that the newlyweds are awful people–they just don’t interact much.

In an effort to make his new wife happy, Alexander takes a much needed trip to the country where his wife can ease her loneliness. After an accident, Isabel is tasked with taking care of her new husband.

To say that this couple has a rough go of it would be an understatement. But, some of the best relationships happen when they overcome trials and tribulations.

I really enjoyed the message of this story–that one should never give up and that even those who may have had a more privileged upbringing can be made of steel. Isabel definitely is one of those characters who rises above. She and Alexander both are.

This is a clean, lovely romance that leaves me feeling refreshed and happy.

Overall, I enjoyed Isabelle and Alexander. It's written solely from Isabelle's perspective, and I think a first-hand look at Alexander's perspective would've helped in getting me completely immersed in the story. Still, I really enjoyed watching Isabelle change throughout the novel as she got to know her neighbor Glory and learned to embrace her role as Alex's wife and all that it unexpectedly entailed.

I do wish that the romance aspect of the novel had been a little more prominent (this is a Proper Romance, after all) - the romance was very understated and didn't even factor much into the pages until the last 20 percent of the book. So if you're all about the romance, this probably isn't the book for you; however, if you enjoy well-written stories with a hint of romance, you'll find much to enjoy here.

I am a HUGE fan of the story and movie "North and South" and this story reminded me of that story, a little bit.

Isabelle was raised in the Lake District of England. Her father arranged a marriage for her with someone who would help further the family business. Her husband was to be Alexander Osgood from the city of Manchester. He is a very successful businessman who owned a cotton mill in Manchester and is a very handsome, eligible bachelor.

Isabelle knew her marriage was not a love match but she hoped, that with time, a love would be formed between them. From the beginning, there marriage was not what she expected and she felt ignored by her new husband. During a brief trip to the country and Alexander's country estate, he was injured in a riding accident and was paralyzed from the neck down.

Alexander (Alec) has a long recovery and there are many bumps in the road but there is finally a happy ending to celebrate.

I loved how the story developed the relationship between Alec and Isabelle and how they both came to see what was most important and how they depended on each other. I couldn't stand the doctor and nurse that attended Alec in Manchester. I thought their bedside manner was so awful. On the other hand, I loved Doctor Kelley and his investment in his patient's and their health and friendship.

The book is a clean, wholesome, romantic story that would have very realistic for the time period.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.