Review: The Letter Tree by Rachel Fordham

Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Thomas Nelson 
Released: Oct. 31, 2023
352 pages

About the Book:

Mere words can’t end their families’ feud, but the Campbell heir and the Bradshaw heiress plan to write a future together. Buffalo, NY, 1924 Laura Bradshaw adores stories with happily ever afters. But since her mother died seven years ago, the Bradshaw Shoe Company heiress has been as good as locked away in a tower. Her overbearing father cares little for her dreams, throwing himself instead into his tireless takedown of his competitor, the Campbell Shoe Company. However, Laura has been gifted with a a mysterious friend with whom she’s been exchanging letters. As heir to the Campbell Shoe Company, Isaac Campbell is a sought-after bachelor who has never felt an inkling of desire for the women who constantly bat their eyes at him. His thoughts are consumed by an oak tree in the Buffalo Zoo—or rather, the mystery woman he exchanges letters with courtesy of the tree. She’s been one of Isaac’s only joys in a life consumed by his father’s tireless hatred of Bradshaw. A hatred that, Isaac is coming to realize, may affect him more personally than he ever imagined. When Laura’s father orchestrates a match between her and an important business owner, she resolves to pursue her only chance at freedom. But Isaac believes their story isn’t bound for a tragic ending. He’s certain there’s more to the Bradshaw-Campbell feud than meets the eye. And he won’t stop digging until he uncovers the truth that might bridge the divide between him and the woman whose words have captured his heart.

My Rating & Thoughts:    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is the first book I've ever read by Rachel Fordham and it won't be the last. Her writing captured me and I felt transported to this time period and setting. I absolutely love when exchanging letters is part of a story. I love how letters give you insight into what a person is thinking and feeling at certain point in time. Isaac and Laura have been exchanging letters for the last seven years never knowing the identity of the other person. Their fathers were once business partners until a feud happened and any contact between the families was banned by both sides. Isaac and Laura have no idea what happened and only know they aren't allowed to be in contact with the other. When it is revealed that the other is their mysterious pen pal their treasured friendship is in jeopardy. What do they do? I adored these two characters and did not like how their families were treated them and pushed into various situations without a thought for their feelings. I was so glad that Laura had the housekeeper Mrs. Gaskin as not only someone to confide in but someone who loved her like a mother. I loved the mystery of trying to figure out what happened to cause the rift but also watching the love develop and was cheering for them to figure out a way to overcome the obstacles before them.

(I received an ARC of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley; opinions expressed 

in this review are my honest opinion and completely my own.)