Holding the Line (Love Along the Wires, # 3)
By: Jennifer Delamere
Publication: December 1, 2022
384 pages
Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction
Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)
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Goodreads description--A widow at just 30 years of age, Rose Finlay is determined to put all ideas of marriage and family behind her and pursue an independent life. But when she notices a young woman about to be led astray by a roguish aristocrat, bitter memories from her past arise, and she feels compelled to intervene. The unintended consequences of her efforts will ultimately force Rose to reexamine her life in a new light.
As the overseer of his two widowed sisters' financial and domestic affairs, John Milburn carries heavy responsibilities for a single man. But he's faced with his biggest challenge when his headstrong niece falls prey to the attentions of a powerful man who could ruin both her and her family.
When Rose and John join forces to protect his niece, they put everything they hold dear--including their growing attraction--in jeopardy.
Rose has a jaded outlook on men, relationships, and romance. She's been married, and her husband horribly betrayed her. She's sworn off marriage and men. But she's also witnessed her two closest friends find love--love that seems genuine compared to what she experienced. Since she's widowed, Rose has more freedom to move about in society. She's worked her way up in the post office from the lowest level clerk to potentially becoming a new branch manager. She's proud of her accomplishments, especially because she didn't need a man's help to get where she is now. But she can't seem to help herself from wanting to help a girl she sees a little too much of younger, more naive self from making the same mistakes that she made--trusting the wrong man.
John had to step up to head of the family when his older brother died. Similarly, his brother-in-law has also passed away. So he's trying to manage his own affairs, his brother's business, his sister and her two daughters, as well as, his sister-in-law and her children. He's being pulled in all directions, but he handles it well. I respect the lengths to which John will go in order to protect and guide his niece, Sophie, when she catches the eye of a known philanderer. While my own nephews and nieces are beginning to forge their own paths, and not all of them seem to be heading in the healthiest directions, I find myself wanting to do a little protecting and guiding myself. Regardless, he can't help but appreciate Rose's help and sees her for more than his family is willing to see her.
I enjoyed this book a lot. Rose and John had a sweet maturation from reluctant allies and then into friends and then of course to more. But I also appreciated Sophie's story, every aspect of it. I could relate to both Rose who has been hurt and is a little jaded and to Sophie who is naive and hopes for the best from the one who has captured her heart and attention. Oh man, all of these pieces had me remembering my own youth and inexperience with hurt and betrayal from those with less-than-pure intentions.
Rose and John's story was a wonderful wrap-up to an interesting series following three telegraph operators who also got a little wrapped up in a spinster's guide to love and romance book. I appreciated all the aspects of this story. I liked Rose and her tough exterior. I liked Sophie and her naivete. I wish I knew more Johns who loved their families enough to sacrifice so much for them. Holding the Line was a good reading experience all around. And I wouldn't mind a book about Sophie finding her happily ever after (or her younger sister) either. Holding the Line gets 4 Stars. Have you read Holding the Line? What did you think? Let me know!
