Alice McNeil resolved at a young age to travel through life unencumbered by love or marriage, free to make her own decisions. A seasoned telegrapher, she’s recently acquired a coveted position at an important trading firm, but when the company’s ambitious junior director returns to London, things begin to change in ways Alice could never have imagined.
For Douglas Shaw, years of hard work and … work and ingenuity enabled him to escape a life of grinding poverty. He’s also determined to marry into high society–a step that will ensure he never returns to the conditions of his past.
He and Alice form a friendly relationship based on mutual respect, but anything deeper is not in their plans. However, when Alice accidentally raises the ire of a jealous and vindictive coworker who’s intent on ruining her life, Alice and Douglas are forced to confront what is truly important in their lives. Will their growing bond give them the courage to risk finding a better way?
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Line by Line by Jennifer Delamere was exactly the story I needed. I enjoyed this book SO much that I hated putting it down the few times I had to. The storyline is highly engaging and captivating. The characters are unique and endearing, and I found them to be well-crafted and highly relatable. The romance that blooms between Alice and Douglas is wonderful and hilarious and realistic. This story includes wonderful discussions on very timely themes, but what I really appreciated the most in this book is the wit. It’s subtle, but it’s there and it made me laugh out loud. Several times I read whole passages to my husband because the sense of humor needed to be shared. Truly, Line by Line is a really great read. If Line by Line is an indication of what is to come in the Love Along the Wires series then we, readers, are in for a real treat!
Motivation — why do we do the things that we do? What drives us? These are questions that Douglas Shaw will be forced to answer in Line by Line. Shaw is one seriously motivated man. He has a plan and he will do whatever it takes to fulfill his dreams. Douglas comes from a VERY poor background and he wants nothing to do with the life he left behind. It’s taken a decade, but he is finally beginning to see some wealthy fruit from all his dogged determination and hard work. The problem with Douglas’s plan, though, is that it’s HIS plan. His myopic obsession with leaving his past behind and joining the ranks of millionaires in high society has made him unable to see the real paths and gifts God has in store for him. It actually takes one very unique and special telegrapher and one American billionaire to help Douglas reevaluate his motivations and help him get back on track — God’s track. I really love Douglas’s character and found his motivation issue to be very relatable. I, personally, have never had dreams of becoming a billionaire, but I have struggled with the why questions that Douglas wrestles within Line by Line. There have been moments in my life where I realized that I had fallen from God’s path for me and was doing things that only benefited myself. Like Douglas, it took the advice and constructive criticism of some very wise people in my life to help me see how self-focused I was and how badly I needed to get back onto the path God had for me. I love it when I can relate so well to a character!
Line by Line by Jennifer Delamere is a must-read story that I highly recommend. It is a well-researched, very well-written historical romance that swept me off my feet and left me wanting more. If you are looking for a sweet historical romance to escape into today, Line by Line is the book for you!
I received a copy of this novel in eBook form from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Jennifer Delamere has started a new series with Line By Line. It is set in Victorian England in the offices of Henly and Company. The story follows Alice McNeil. She is a modern Miss trying to prove that women can do a good job in the workplace. Alice can support herself; she has no need to pursue a marriage match. Until she meets fellow telegrapher and her supervisor, Douglas Shaw.
This was an interesting mix of history and budding romance. Ms. Delamere is very adept at incorporating facts and tidbits into her stories. She conveys her character’s feelings in a relatable way. One tool she uses is a volume called The Spinsters Guide to Love and Romance, based on a real book of the era. This little tome could get Alice into all kinds of trouble. It was fascinating to see how Alice used the advice contained in it.
A character who makes an appearance is Andrew Carnegie. Ms. Delamere used his own words to show his faith and the reason for his philanthropy. Mr. Carnegie counsels Douglas to put his priorities in the right order. There are lessons for us all. Another character I enjoyed was Miss Templeton, a former teacher who Alice visits to get some perspective.
I look forward to reading the rest of this series to see what other trouble the little advice book can stir up.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
Line by Line had been on my want to read list for some time so when I found out I had been accepted to the launch team for the second book in the series, I knew I had to read this one first. And I’m so glad I did. I just wish I hadn’t waited so long! I enjoyed it so much! I loved the setting and the characters. I found myself laughing out loud more than once while reading. The story flew by so fast I read it in one sitting. I read it through Kindle Unlimited but immediately purchased a paperback for my keeper shelves.
Line by Line is the first book in the Love Along the Wires series by Jennifer Delamere.
Alice McNeil doesn’t want to be tied down by love and marriage. She has a great job working at a trading firm as a telegrapher. Douglas Shaw is the junior director at the trading firm and has returned to London. His plan is to find a wealthy woman to marry to procure a spot in London’s society. That plan is interrupted when he meets Alice. The two try to keep their feelings professional but it becomes harder to do so over time.
This was the first book by Jennifer Delamere that I’ve read. The cover drew me in, and I’ve always enjoyed a book on telegraphy. It’s a skill I find fascinating and wish I could do, listening to those dots and dashes and creating words from them. I enjoyed this book and will read the second in the series.
Alice McNeil takes a telegrapher job at an important trading firm, coming by her skills at the knee of her father who was also a telegrapher. She has already made the decision to not marry and garnered scorn from her family for this decision. Her new job is just what she desired, but she and the junior director, Douglas Shaw, find a mutual interest in each other. Toss in a snarly and nosy male co-worker at the telegraph desk and it makes life especially miserable for her.
I enjoyed this historic step back into time to the pre-telephone era. I appreciated Alice who is kind and hard working. She is seemingly misunderstood by her friends and family by society’s expectation of marriage for every young woman. It was easy to see that Douglas Shaw is also a hard working young man who comes from some extremely humble beginnings. I wasn’t quite buying his goal in life which is to marry into high society. There is a delightful cameo by Andrew Carnegie that helps him to see a lot of things in a bit of a different light. This is the first book in the Love Along the Lines series and I will definitely be looking for the next book in the series.
I received a copy of this book in a blog giveaway and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Line by Line
Love Along the Lines #1
By Jennifer Delamere
Alice McNeil is finally within grasping distance of the life she has dreamed about for years. A life that will allow her independence and not dependent upon any man to secure her future. Working as a telegrapher has allowed her to excel, putting her mind to work, and secure a position with Henley and Company.
Douglas Shaw has risen about the poverty of his childhood and he is determined to continue his upward climb, even in the face of his parent’s disapproval. After a trip abroad he is more than impressed with the skills of Henley’s newest telegrapher. And when Miss McNeil refuses to be bullied by the company’s other telegrapher Archie Clapper, he senses a kindred spirit of sorts in her.
As time passes, Alice and Douglas have an enjoyable friendship, one that is based on their work and mutual interests, both have an interest in the changing world of science and technology. When an incident occurs that threatens the future that they have been striving for they are forced to reexamine their lives.
I liked the interactions between the various characters. But I think some of the best scenes were between Douglas and Andrew Carnegie. The wisdom that Carnegie shared is something every reader should take to heart. What is truly important in your life? Money? Fame? Family?
This is the first book I have read by Jennifer Delamere and have to say I was pleased with her work. The characters came to life and were more than just words on a page. One was involved in their lives and cared about their hopes and fears. This is the first book in the Love Along the Wires series and one that I can see myself reading as they become available. It is also interesting to delve into communication that isn’t instantaneous – something that seems almost unfathomable in the world we find ourselves living in today. Telegraphs, Morse code, coded messages all an unknown yet at the time of this book the newest thing.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.
This is a series that I want to continue reading. Of course, I’ll have to wait for the next book for a while…
Alice McNeil is a forward-thinking young woman. She is positive that the way she wants to live her life is as an independent spinster. She has goals in her career as a telegrapher. She is quick and smart. The future is waiting for her until she meets Douglas Shaw.
Douglas has decided that the way to get ahead in life is to marry money. He began his career as a telegrapher and now is the right-hand man to the owner of the company. Now, he has set his sights on woman of society! Too bad that she’s not everything he thought she would be and not as intelligent as Alice.
This book is well-paced and a fantastic read. I loved the relationships built between the characters. There is chemistry, both the good and the kind that rubs you raw. That is evident between Alice and her co-telegrapher, Clapper. He is the kind of man that doesn’t like to be proven wrong or have another employee excel at their position. Alice quickly makes him an enemy and the story gets very interesting from that point.
I enjoyed reading this book. I’m just sorry that I have to wait for the next one to come out.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Alice was a true modern woman who thought she could have it all by working at a special career and being fully independent. All was gong well until she happened on the “spinster book” and began to implement some of the suggestions therein. Alas, the best laid plans can backfire. Douglas, too, had a glimpse of the book and began to doubt his goal of marrying well and furthering his career. The two collided, so to speak and as the story unfolded, this reader began to look at all the players and see just how amusing human nature can be when tampered with in the name of
success.
I enjoyed this book and learned a bit about the early days of the telegraph industry in the bargain. It seemed to make the world smaller when deals could be struck by the mere stroke of a telegraph key. Good characters made this book fun to read and although I did shake my head a time or two at the foibles of Alice and Douglas, I can say without spoiling the ending that people often struggle when pursuing the wrong goals. It is when one leaps out in faith that pieces fall into perspective. I recommend this book for those who are looking for lighthearted reading!
4.5 stars
” . . he was pretty sure she wasn’t the sort of woman who would stab a man with a joiner’s chisel.”
Alice McNeil was a self-made woman, way ahead of her time one might say, with no inclination to add a husband into her carefully constructed lifestyle; going to work, coming home, visiting with friends, enjoying all the perks that a large city like London had to offer. It was that one random stroll to the bookstore one evening that tripped her up; after eavesdropping on a conversation between three bachelors, she made a totally out of character purchase; “The Spinster’s Guide to Love and Romance” changed everything.
Douglas Shaw is a rising star at Henley and Company, taking advantage of every opportunity to better himself so that he might secure a future far beyond his humble beginnings. Arriving back in England after an extended trip to America, he becomes acquainted with the exceptionally skilled Miss McNeil, one of the company’s telegraphers. Her quick wit and attention to detail serves her well in the workplace and makes her an interesting conversationalist when their paths happen to cross outside of their work environment. But she’s not the daughter of a prominent London banker, so those out-of-the-office conversations need to remain few and far between. . . . or not.
This book has so much to offer. The author navigates beautifully through the time period by writing in pertinent details while including a wonderful cameo appearance by none other than Andrew Carnegie. Cleverly coupling self evident hilarity with heart tugging interludes, she ultimately leads Alice and Douglas down a life path that neither of them expected . . . line by line by line.
I don’t recall a book with a telegraphist as the main character and this story reminded of the importance of the telegraph in the nineteenth century. Alice McNeil is an accomplished telegraphist because of her desire to be more than just a wife and mother and she has been rewarded with a rewarding job in a prestigious trading firm in London. But is it possible that her close working relationship with fellow employee Douglas Shaw may interfere with her previous plans? Will Alice decide that devoting her life to a career isn’t all that she thought it would be? Is it possible that Douglas will change his mind about finding a wealthy, affluent wife?
Line by Line has history, romance, and some great supporting characters. I was especially intrigued by Andrew Carnegie’s appearance and appreciated that Delamere includes some of Carnegie’s actual words as he urges Douglas not to put too much stock into wealth and prestige and to recognize the perils of idolizing money. I also enjoyed the conversations between Alice and Miss Templeton, the owner of Miss Templeton’s School for Young Ladies. She had seen great potential in Alice and she continues to encourage her. “Don’t waste a minute of your life when you could be doing something productive.” Certainly words to live by but it is an eighteen word telegraph from Douglas that forever changes Alice’s life. Eighteen words but “a ten-page letter couldn’t have said more.”
I love it when a book entertains and teaches at the same time and this is what author Jennifer Delamere has accomplished in Line by Line. It is a well-written, well-researched story and I recommend it to all who enjoy historical Christian romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author but there was no obligation to write a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
There is just something about Jennifer Delamere’s writing that really takes me away. I can always envision what she’s writing, almost like seeing a movie. This historical fiction book is about Alice, who back in 1881 sets her sights on a career in telegraphy instead of landing a husband. She feels her life is full enough with her job, friends and other hobbies. She loves her life just the way it is and can’t imagine ever needing to change it.
Well, don’t we all feel that way? I know there’s plenty of times in my life where I am comfortable with the way things are and something comes along to upset the apple cart, so to speak. Anyway, Alice is enjoying her work except for dealing with the other telegrapher, Mr. Clapper, who has a very self inflated ego. Otherwise, she feels fulfilled. But, enter the enchanting Mr. Douglas Shaw and things are brighter around the office. But, Alice is determined to stay focused on her work. She doesn’t have time for silly affairs of the heart!
However, one night in her favorite bookstore, Alice sees a book about living life as a spinster and how to change all that. She buys it on a lark thinking it will bring a good laugh but will it offer some practical advice, too? What follows is Alice’s story and how she balances work, avoiding Mr. Clapper’s attitude, her social life (what little there is) and her resolve against any feelings she may have for Mr. Shaw. Can Alice really have it all?
I am no a big romance person, but Ms. Delamere always makes her stories with a lot more depth than just a romance in my opinion. Also, she always delivers on one of my favorite things and that is showcasing a piece of history that always either teaches me something I don’t know, or makes me look online for more information. I was glad to see that this is the first in a series. I always enjoy her books and I look forward to the rest of the series
Line By Line was truly a charming story. This is my first book by this author but it will not be my last. The book caught me early on and I loved every moment of it. The meet cute between Alice and Douglas was one of the best I have read. Alice’s reactions during that scene were absolutely hysterical. Their developing relationship was entertaining and their friends helped to round out the story very well. The story didn’t lag and kept me invested and the ending was perfect. I really really enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading Jennifer’s earlier books as well as reading the upcoming books in this series. Jennifer Delamere has a new fan in me!
I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my honest opinion.
Set in London in 1880, Jennifer Delamare’s newest book, Line by Line, is a fascinating look at telegraphers and the role they played in the evolution of world-wide communications. I enjoy reading historical fiction, because I learn much while I’m reading an entertaining story. The main characters in this story both had experience in telegraphy, so this played a major part in the tale. Alice McNeil is independent, ambitious, and perfectly content in her spinsterhood and her job as a telegrapher. Douglas Shaw, the junior director of the company, is also ambitious and determined to overcome his childhood poverty and rise in society. The two hit it off, but their different aims in life collide a bit and cause some difficulties for them.
With an intriguing glimpse at this slice of history, a bit of intrigue and suspense, and a big dash of romance, Delamare is off to a great start with this first book in her Love Along the Lines series. There’s even some inspiration and character growth thrown in for good measure. I’m looking forward to the other books in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Line by Line by Jennifer Delamere is a delight for any Victorian-loving heart!
Loved, loved, loved the setting in Line by Line! I have always loved stories set in the Victorian Era, but I especially loved the way the author swept me into the world of the middle to upper working class of this time period in England. It was fun to read a story that didn’t center around the aristocracy! I also loved the fun way the author sprinkled in real people, books, and such into Alice and Douglas’ story!
I thoroughly enjoyed Alice’s character! I love strong heroines, but I also loved the way the author dismantled the narrative that often surrounds working women. Alice viewed her life as a single woman as not only superior in some ways to the lives of married women but also closed her heart to the potential joys of starting a family. In Alice’s mind, it was one or the other, but who says God can’t have both in store for a woman’s future? I loved the way Alice had to debunk this narrative in her life!
After coming from a life of poverty, Douglas was determined never to return to a life even remotely resembling that. In his quest to better himself, Douglas started down a crass and unfeeling road of losing his soul to the love of money. The author drew the firm line in the sand that the love of money is the root of all evil and showed how someone who values honor and integrity can still find themselves on this slippery slope. I greatly appreciated how the author handled this in Douglas’ spiritual journey!
Four Stars ~ Line by Line by Jennifer Delamere is a sweet Victorian romance! Line by Line is the first book in the author’s new Love Along the Wires Series. I’m looking forward to reading future books in the series!
Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.
It sounds like telegraph notices were some of the best communication of the time when it was used. I didn’t know much about being a telegrapher, but I thoroughly enjoyed learning about it and reading Jennifer Delamere’s new release, Line by Line.
Alice McNeil is a topnotch telegrapher who works at a well-regarded company. Douglas Shaw also works at the company as an ambitious junior director. It doesn’t take long for the two of them to become friends although it appears that they have vastly different goals for their lives. Then something happens to shake them both up to see what really matters.
I truly enjoyed this first book in the Love Along the Wires series. Line by Line was interesting in that I truly enjoyed reading about the way business was conducted at that time as well as how the people of that era utilized the technology of the day. I found all of the backstory to be quite interesting in the way Delamere wrote the book. I also enjoyed watching the relationship between Douglas and Alice unfold. At the same time, I found it interesting that a book on love and romance would create so many interesting situations. I smiled and giggled a little at some of the barbs and situations within this book. I also liked how Douglas grew spiritually. I wish we could have seen a little more of that in Alice but the little we know leads me to believe that it was also important to her. I found Alice’s friend Lucy a little irritating at times. However, I enjoyed her interactions with her friends and family throughout the book. All in all, Line by Line was an enjoyable read for me.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions within this review are my own.
Although I was a bit slow getting into this story, it developed into quite the interesting read. It is a tale of ambition to the exclusion of everything else – that is until circumstances intervened to reveal that there might just be more to life than ambition and monetary gain. The plot of Line by Line also contains jealousy, deception, revenge, unobtrusive faith, and of course romance.
Both Alice and Douglas are bright and ambitious characters who excel at their jobs and dream of independence and of proving themselves to their peers and families. I loved seeing all their plans becoming upended and how they both learned that some things are more important than their dreams for the future.
I enjoyed learning more about the history of telegraphy and its importance to business before telephones became common. It was fun to watch the relationship develop between Alice and Douglas. A touch of mystery kept things interesting and some bits of humor kept it entertaining. I particularly liked seeing a certain character get what he had coming. Line by Line is definitely a book readers will want to add to their list.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required.All views expressed are my own.
Line by Line written by Jennifer Delamere is a wonderful inspirational historical romance definitely worth reading if you love stories steeped in history, romance and drama. History buffs will love all of the detailed information about the telegraph.
Line by Line is the first book in Jennifer Delamere’s Love Along the Wires series and I will be looking forward to reading more books in this series in the future.
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
Beware of the Consequences!
What happens when a confirmed career woman, trying to make her way in the male dominated work world, turns to a spinster book about romance to get tips for getting along with men? In 1880’s London, Alice gets more than she bargained for, along with unexpected results, when she tries it on two difficult men in her life. The first, the lazy sourpuss she has to work beside daily, and secondly, the cranky brother of her best friend.
Not only does Alice’s life become more complicated, she finds herself falsely accused, and in danger of losing her livelihood. She also feels betrayed and disillusioned by Douglas, a rising star in her office.
He is a go getter from humble beginnings, who seemed to be an honorable man, whom Alice admired. But it appears he may be in cahoots with those causing trouble for her, as well as, a fortune hunter only interested in a marriage that will boost his career.
Join Alice as she tries to find a way out of hot water, while she has a life altering change of mind about the course of her life. Be sure to note the fun way the characters learn to dance! This 5-star book is written from a Christian viewpoint, and will be enjoyed by fans of historical fiction with a dash of humor and romance.
Bethany House Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, Line by Line, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner.
This was an interesting book based on telegraphers, which in itself, has prompted me to learn more about the trade. Primarily how it lasted and how popular it was for women.
The story is about Alice, who is telegrapher and Douglas who is an up and coming business man. He has a quest to climb the social ranks, but rather trips up along the way when he meets Alice. In the meantime, Alice has bought a book on spinsters and starts following along with some of the tips on how to interact with me. Needless to say, she comes across with some interesting experiences from this book.
The story was paced about right, although I did have a little more trouble following along compared to other books by this author. However, there was enough drama and was able to end to the book on a happy note.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Bethany House via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.
What a wonderful book! I didn’t want to put it down, but I also didn’t want it to end.
I thought the relationship between Alice and Douglas was realistic. I especially liked that Douglas was drawn to Alice’s intellect and personality before her looks. I liked that they both believed the best in situations which exhibited confidence in both of them. I liked that they both faced realistic obstacles and problems. I thought the “spinster book” was a great idea to build this story around!
I loved Alice! She was such an independent and spunky heroine. I also liked her friendships. I liked that she wasn’t stubborn and could consider other points of view.
I am very much looking forward to the second book in the series!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.