Holding the Line (Love along the Wires)
In 1881 London, widowed Rose Finlay is assistant manager at a London post office. John Milburn is a single businessman enmeshed in a world of family problems. He has reluctantly taken over his deceased brother’s business, his widowed sister-in-law indulges in unwanted flirtation, his widowed sister’s health is failing, and his niece, Sophie, is about to make the mistake of her life. A chance encounter puts John and Rose on the same path to protect the naïve Sophie from her romantic fantasies.
This novel becomes two stories: that of John and Rose’s gradual affection for each other, and an exposé of the ton, with Sophie front and centre. It’s also a cautionary tale about rakes! Delamere writes with confidence, her characters come alive on the page, settings are detailed, and the reader is bustled about the London ballrooms amidst the inevitable bowing and scraping. Even without a complex plot, the author does a masterful job at creating an immersive read. I’m not a usual fan of inspirational romance, but I thoroughly enjoyed this one and I’d recommend Delamere to readers who love the genre. And bravo for British tea shops!
