The Love Note

With a perfect pairing of romance and mystery, The Love Note begins with intrigue and ends with a long and satisfying verbal embrace – words that console, encourage and give insight into the truth that everyone needs love, and when given, can transform the soul. Words have meaning, and words can heal – but they can also hurt. We once again are asked to ponder the question: how will our words affect those we love? In another artful historical romance with spiritual themes woven through, Joanna Politano once again brings to the reading world a novel well-worth the investment!

# The Love Note# by Joanna Politano is a Christian romance, mystery fiction book. This book takes place in the Victorian era in 1865 in Crestwicke Manor. The book is written with Willa as the narrator and from her perspective. Willa strongly desires to be a doctor. She has been years helping her Dad in his medical practice. She has mercy and compassion for the sick. She is a kind person. The book is written with beautiful prose . It is well written. The reader gets an idea of what life was like during the Victorian era. Thank you to the publisher, author and netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book. The opinions are my own. I look forward to sharing my review on Bookbub, Barnes and Noble, Amazon, my blog, with church staff and CBD.com

“I cannot decide if marriage would be a waste of the only life I have . . . or if avoiding it would be.” –-A scientist’s observations on love

This is a story filled with beautiful words….the words written in a note by a mysterious person and the words chosen by the author to share this lovely, eloquent tale. From the very beginning I was drawn into this story of twenty-four year old Willa Duvall, her overwhelming desire to be a doctor, and her mission to find the writer of a love note that she found unopened in an old desk. When she accidentally loses it after taking a nursing job at Crestwicke Manor, it is passed to several of the residents and each one, thinking that this love note was meant for them, finds their life changed for the better. Isn’t this true of all words? They can affect us positively but words can also have negative effects!

Author Joanna Davidson Politano has filled The Love Note with amazing characters, a beautiful Victorian setting, and events that often occurred in English society in the mid-1800s. A young woman couldn’t have both a career and marriage and Willa believed that being a doctor was more important until….the words in the note prompt her to wonder what true love would be like. As the mystery continues and she is given valuable advice from some of the older residents, she realizes that she may be denying herself great happiness. More importantly, she finds herself understanding that romantic love is beautiful but God’s love is eternal!

If you enjoy historical fiction and Christian romance, this is a book you will want to read. If you appreciate well-written words and a powerful faith message, this is a book that you MUST read!

This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group/Revell. These are my own thoughts.

“The Love Note” by Joanna Davidson Politano is one part historical fiction, one part romance, one part women’s empowerment, one part Christian fiction, and one part pure literary magic. The book tells the story of Willa, an 1800s nurse who yearns to be a doctor rather than follow the path society (and her father) expects of her….namely, to get married and be a full-time wife.

In the course of trying to steer clear of marriage, Willa makes a deal with her father and finds an old love letter. This propels her on a course of self-discovery and strengthened faith.

The novels truly shines in several areas:

1. Character development: While we learn the most about Willa, several other major characters are portrayed in great detail, which makes them feel like real people you (as the reader) could meet and interact with. I loved how their hidden motivations for their actions were slowly revealed as more information is gradually uncovered about each person’s past and experiences.

2. The love note plot: The note Willa found early on plays a major role in the story. I loved seeing how different people came across it, believed it had been written for them, and reacted to the words. I also appreciated the way Willa’s search for the (long ago) intended recipient is seamlessly woven into the current events in her life. The author skillfully manages to tell several people’s stories at once without ever overwhelming the reader. I enjoyed learning about all of them, and some will stay with me long after I’ve finished reading.

3. The wonderful little quotes at the start of each chapter: Although it’s never stated explicitly, I believe these are Willa’s own musings. All were entertaining, and some were downright profound.

4. The unexpected surprises: Certain things happened throughout the story that I wasn’t expecting. I liked how these small (and not so small) events peppered the narrative, giving me some enjoyable surprises.

5. The faith element: Willa, as well as other important characters, is a Christian. I liked how her faith guided her actions, and how she actively sought out God when circumstances grew difficult. Her story provides wonderful inspiration and support for Christians who are struggling, and a nice faith boost to those who aren’t.

All in all, this is a truly special book. Five out of five perfect razor-thin slices of mild cheddar!

I’ll be honest. I almost didn’t request this title. The vintage cover drew me in, though, and a fleeting glimpse at the synopsis made it sound promising, so even though I’m not much of a romance reader, I decided to give it a chance. Oh my word. I am fairly certain that this is going to be my favorite new release of 2020, and most likely the best fictional romance (historical or otherwise) that I’ve read to date. Very rarely, if ever, do I use the word “swoon-worthy,” but I have to say, this book fits that description perfectly, while also being tempestuous and haunting.

“The Love Note” is the first of Joanna Politano’s novels that I’ve read, despite her previous works being on my to-read list, and I now find myself wondering why I waited so long! From the first chapter, I was engaged in the story, and unlike so many others, this is one that does not lag at any point. Politano seamlessly blends an assortment of genres that keeps readers on their toes: romance, mystery, history, spirituality. As the final third of the story unfolds, the twists are so beautifully executed for maximum impact, right through the final chapter. Willa Duvall herself proclaims early on: “I had been right all along—the letter I’d found in that desk was a piece of something much larger, a story more epic than mere romance.” Nothing is clear-cut until the ending, and I love that! What’s more, Politano meaningfully brings all of the storylines together into one glorious whole.

With echoes of “Jane Eyre” and “Wuthering Heights,” “The Love Note” reads like a classic. Politano’s writing style reflects that of the nineteenth century but is free of antiquated words or phrases, thereby making this an easy-to-read book. That is not to say, however, that no hard issues arise within the story. On the contrary, for all of the romance, there is also a fair share of tragedy, as Willa notes immediately: “but I couldn’t shake the tenor of underlying romance lurking in the shadows of this house. It was there, pulsing and sweeping through like a ghost, even if everyone attempted to stifle and deny it.” Through characters such as Celeste, Willa, and Aunt Maisie (a personal favorite), the importance of using one’s voice for encouraging others and the significance of women’s rights is subtly explored. Pithy epigraphs called “A scientist’s observations on love” open each chapter, and a shifting narrative voice allows for the exploration of multiple points of view. The majority of the narrative is comprised of Willa’s story as told by the character herself in the first person, and occasionally another character with whom her story intersects provides a third-person account of something happening to them. Even as readers privileged with this omniscience, though, the surprises are astounding.

As with any Christian-based novel, the best attribute is transformation, and “The Love Note” achieves this remarkably well. Remarkably because the characters change their hearts and attitudes in spite of their fear and in spite of the leap of faith needed to do so. Willa realizes this in her own quest, remarking, “What makes the past so intriguing, anyway? Perhaps because understanding those stories that so enchant us, those ghostly echoes of long-ago mistakes and passions, means untangling the present and changing the future.” May we glean wisdom from the past as we all strive toward the bright future that awaits us as believers in Christ.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Wow! What a wonderful book definitely one of those that I could not put down. There was so much going on in this book and I definitely don’t want to give too much away. There are so many things going on in this book and it all starts with the Love Note that Willa finds in her desk and boy does that Love Note take us on a journey.

Willa is a strong-willed young lady. She knows what she wants and doesn’t want to back down from the goals she has set for herself. She wants to become a doctor just like her father. She wants to marry, one day, but she doesn’t want to succumb to what society wants her to be. She wants to prove herself especially to her dad, in hopes to find the love that she seeks from him. She is a hurt soul.

After finding the love note she is determined not only to return it to the original author but find out this love that transcribed through this letter. She returns to Crestwicke where she becomes Mrs. Gresham’s nurse and that is where the “love note” truly becomes the focus of the story. You meet so many characters in the house that are affected by the note in different and unique ways. It truly represents something different to everyone the note encounters.

I thoroughly enjoyed Willa’s love story and I don’t want to give it away but I am so happy she ended up with who I was rooting for the whole time! I was a little worried for a few seconds but in the end it all worked out perfectly! Willa definitely goes through a journey and I really enjoyed how the author takes you in this journey and makes you feel all the emotions these characters are feeling. She is very descriptive and you can almost picture being there with them.

Overall this book was perfection to me and I highly recommend it. It has intrigue, mystery and romance. A well rounded historical fiction book.

I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion

Thank you in advance to the publisher; Revell (a division of Baker Books); for providing a complimentary review copy through their Revell Reads Blogger Program. A positive review was not required in any way, nor was it requested. All words are my own.

This was the first novel I’d read by the author and I was really drawn to the premise – “Willa Duvall is thrown slightly off course during the summer of 1865 when she discovers a never-opened love letter in a crack of her old writing desk. Compelled to find the passionate soul who penned it and the person who never received it”. That drew me right away, and I had to read it. I was drawn to that “suspense” aspect of the novel.

As anyone who knows me can tell you – historical fiction really isn’t my genre. It is one I’ve come to enjoy and appreciate. There are several authors I’ve read that really get me interested in it.

The cover was one of those “girl with no face” or at best “back to the camera” type of covers that makes me wonder a bit. Some readers have stated this is a bit annoying. That didn’t bother me; after all, you don’t judge a book by the cover.

And, the fact this is apparently a standalone read works better in its favor than if it was part of a series.

It is told in first person through Willa as well as Essie. It then goes into third person with Golda, Gabe, Cara (Burke’s wife), Burke, and Dr. Tillman. Thus there are at least seven POVs told. And, that was a bit much for me to take in. It probably would’ve worked better to divide the parts up or to reduce the POVs.

First of all – this is published by a Christian/faith themed publishers. This is important to note as some people have expressed issues with the biblical references, references and mentions of God, as well as prayer and scripture. It is a clean read with no references to sex and definitely no foul language.

Set in England towards the end of the U.S Civil War, young Willa is determined to go into medicine. This love note she finds leads her to Crestwicke where she becomes the “nurse” to aging Golda Gresham. Willa has reasons to succeed on both angles.

But, that is not all that Willa finds. She also finds her friend and Golda’s son “Gabe” there. But, there is also something – Burke wanting to put his mother in an “institution”.

This is where the story diverged from what I thought it was going to be and what it ended up being.

For me, I found it dealt more with Willa and her desire to practice medicine rather than the love note touching everyone. There are quite a few medical terms along with other references.

Soon after arriving, Willa loses the note. Essie, the maid, finds it. She thinks it is left for her and wants to know who wrote it. It then ends up in Clara’s hands, and Burke thinks it is for her. No wonder she would want it to be. Readers might be taken aback by his verbal abuse towards his wife.

While Willa is administering and nursing Golda, who isn’t the easiest patient; Willa is trying to solve the mystery of the writer’s identity.

Burke is also on a mission to see that Golda is put in an institution, though the “why” is not even revealed and that part of the story is abandoned. It is clear something is going on at Crestwicke. It is also clear that something is going on between Golda and her children. Willa picks up on the fact that Golda doesn’t seem to like her daughter Celeste.

Willa is also reunited with her childhood friend and Golda’s son, Gabe. It is almost apparent that the two have feelings for each other. Yet, something and someone is standing in their way – Golda. Though her reasons are NEVER made clear in the book.

There is also Golda’s sister, Maisie, who knows far more than she is telling. And, it is through her that Willa soon discovers the story behind the letter.

But, Willa also learns about love, even from poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, someone that Golda admires and who Willa connects with. It is Longfellow who sees a connection between Willa and Gabe. He offers Willa advice in not wasting moments.

Still, Willa is focused on her career and gets a boost when a school says it will consider her, though in reality, I think the reader sees what will be long before the story got there.

Eventually, Willa finds the author – or so she thinks – but it is not what she was expecting and finally the real “Rose” is revealed. I saw that plotline coming as it was just a bit too direct for me. Willa is questioning God as to why he brought her where he did and what her purpose is.

It is within the last 80 pages that the novel really gets to the heart of the mystery. And, it is here that the greatest character development takes place. The character that it is – surprising. And, through Willa, it leads to a reconciliation between characters. The Greshams’ life is exposed – Golda and Peter’s tale is told in a heart-breaking manner. Golda sees that her life has made her bitter and that has made her ugly.

She then resolves to use the time she has left to make amends. And, the reader sees the parallels in Golda’s life as well as Willa’s life.

Willa is eventually offered a great future in the medical field and Gabe is offered a chance to work elsewhere.

The readers learn, in the closing chapter the heirloom that Golda took, which she bequeaths to Willa upon her (Golda’s) passing.

The ending is predictable, but sweet. And, it closes out a rather interesting love story/suspense.

Politano’s writing is vivid, descriptive, and captivating. It draws the reader in. There is a beautiful part of Willa’s father’s letter that talks about love and how beautiful it is to belong to someone else and that her work cannot hold her like a husband can. This part is quite poignant.

Overall, sadly, I felt a complete disconnection with the characters despite how well written and complex they seemed. The only one that kept my attention was Gabe. I tried to enjoy the book as I was reading it, but found that I was reading it to get it done. I honestly had a love/hate affair with this book. It was a tedious read and I was hoping that each day perhaps I would look at it differently.

There was a slightly funny moment regarding a red teacup that got broke. And, Maisie had more hidden for those just in cases.

Another problem exists that in the beginning, the story is set in 1865, yet three (3) years later it is 1862. Does this begin in 1865 and end in 1868, or does it begin in 1862 and end in 1865?

Also, the term and issue with using “labels” to sort people and things (in this cases, horses), is a relatively new idea. I’ve only heard the “labels don’t fit people” speech within the last five (5) years.

Fans of the author and/or genre might enjoy this read. I am reluctantly sad to state I found it a bit tedious. I would like to think it was because I had too much going on, then again, I have read other books during this month.

This was a very low “four-star” read for me (around 41 points on a 1-50 scale). I really wanted to like it far more than I did.

Oh my God! The slow build, the suspense, the characters, the plot twists and turns were just exhilarating.
When I saw this book I knew it was not something I should miss. I knew I had to read it and it was exciting and captivating.
I loved the characters, not all though. They were relatable in a sense and enjoyable to read about. Flawed but unique in their own way.
I was drawn to Willa from the first pages of the book.
This book is about a love note found by Willa and she took it upon herself to find the origin of the note. That’s how this story moves to Crestwicke that was loveless but was hit by the share force of love so beautiful and enduring.

The author wove a rich and captivating tale not to be missed!

I received a copy of this book from Revell and this is my honest opinion.

The Love Note by Joanna Davidson Politano is an excellent historical fiction that kept me interested throughout.

Setting: 1860s Victorian England
Characters: Main Character: Miss Willa Duvail- wonderfully depicted young woman that seems to be at a crossroads in life.

Intricate Plot: She wants to pursue medicine, like her father, at a time where women were not encouraged to do so. He wants her to set aside her “silly dreams” and settle into an appropriate marriage. Willa feels that there is not room for both in her life. Work or love, not both. They are at an impasse when an agreement is made for her to travel to Chestwicke Manor to participate in a challenging nursing position and if things do not settle, she is to marry someone of his liking. It is not of coincidence that Willa has found a mysterious love letter from a desk that has come from this exact manor. She goes onward in hopes of finding the true recipient of the letter within the manor. It gets misplaced and we as readers get to travel with it amongst person to person, relationship to relationship and see how its presence brings forth many misunderstandings, reflections, hopes, dreams, losses, and thoughts within each person that crosses its path. Through it all, we find the answers we are seeking, as does Willa as she finds the love that she had and wanted all along, as well as her purpose in life that she was looking to unearth throughout this journey.

I enjoyed the twists, turns, surprises, and complexities created by the author to end up with this multiple-layered romantic and mysterious plot that kept me engaged throughout. Being able to peak inside the minds of so many gave me visions of so many lives. The intimacy that was created with each character is truly unforgettable. All the characters were imperfect, complex, flawed, yet fascinating and more alike then one initially thinks. All are deep down hoping for the same thing, they may go about it in different ways, but nevertheless the same.

I enjoyed the plot, pacing, reveals, and ending. I also enjoyed the wonderful quotes that were tastefully added at the beginning of the chapters. Perfect!

5/5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Revell 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, Bookbub, Instagram, Amazon, and B&N accounts immediately. Publication Day: 10/20/20.

With two of her books under my belt, Joanna Politano is quickly becoming a favorite author. Her stories have that 19th century gothic, Jane Eyre feel to them.

The Love Note is told in Willa’s first person and other characters’ third person POVs. The writing is first class, the characters both mysterious and tragic, and the setting has just the right amount of atmosphere to give it that dreary English countryside, somewhat eerie feel.

However, it’s a lovely, sentimental tale with an ending that totally blew me away with its twist and sweetness. If I could manage it, I’d give this book eight stars. Since I can’t, I’ll give it a full five.