The Letter Tree by Rachel Fordham: Book Review

 *Book received for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

Romeo and Juliet meets You’ve Got Mail in 1920s New York when hidden letters change everything for two lost souls and the community around them.

Seven years ago, a letter left inside a tree brought Laura Bradshaw an anonymous friend who helped her navigate the tragic loss of her mother and gave her something to look forward to despite the overbearing hand of her father. Life would be far bleaker, if not for her beloved Letter Tree, her dear friend, and her secret trips to the Buffalo Zoo. But even these rays of light are threatened when her father decides to play matchmaker in order to further his business goals.

When Isaac Campbell learns that his letter friend is destined to court another, he balks at the suggestion and begs her to break her rule of namelessness and meet him. Her words have endeared her to him, he’s ready to fall at her knees and beg her to choose him—that is until he sees her face. The stranger he’s become so attached to is not a stranger . . . but the only daughter of his family’s sworn enemy.

Can the grown children of feuding parents bridge the chasm between them? Or is the divide too deep—and too wide?

Rachel Fordham is the author of Where the Road Bends, A Lady in Attendance, A Life Once Dreamed, The Hope of Azure Springs, and Yours Truly, Thomas. Fans expect stories with heart and she delivers, diving deep into the human experience and tugging at reader emotions. She loves connecting with people, traveling to new places, and daydreaming about future projects that will have sigh-worthy endings and memorable characters. She is a busy mom, raising both biological and foster children (a cause she feels passionate about). She lives with her husband and children on an island in the state of Washington. Learn more at rachelfordham.com; Instagram: @rachel_fordham; Facebook: @rachelfordhamfans.

While I've always enjoyed historical romance in the past, lately I have found that it has been more difficult to find historical reads that grab my attention... but right from the start, this one grabbed me and held me throughout. It definitely had a great Romeo and Juliet feel to it (with a much happier ending). 

Isaac and Laura were friends as children, until there was a falling out between their parents for reasons unknown to them. The feud that followed ran deep. The one person that Laura found to turn to was her unknown letter writing friend with whom she would swap letters with via a tree. Of course, it turns out that that letter friend of hers is the son of the enemy. This story was told so well, I loved the letters and the feud, but there was also a bit of mystery that kept me intrigued too. It truly was such a well-balanced story and one that I absolutely adored! 

If you're looking for a wonderful historical romance, this is one absolutely not to be missed!