Holding the Line

When I saw the title, I immediately assumed the book was going to be about the early days of the telephone.  I was wrong. It wasn't so much about telegraphy as it was about having the characters' eyes opened to what was true and what was fantasy.  The telegraph played such a minor role in the book that it could have been left out without much difficulty.  BUT, Jennifer Delamere has woven a compelling novel that begs the reader to keep turning the pages regardless of the reader's schedule, deadlines, or bedtimes. 
 

Rose Finlay is a widowed young woman working for the postal service in Piccadilly Square in London.  She is the assistant manager of the office and works diligently at her post.  She takes care of her underlings, works efficiently, and cares for her customers.  When she overhears a conversation between a young miss and a known rake of the town, she can't help but get involved.  The girl, Sophie, is too young to understand what men like Sandy Deveaux are truly after.  Rose doesn't want to see Sophie hurt or her reputation damaged because of her association with Sandy, but doesn't quite know what to do about it.  

Sophie's mother, Pearl, is oblivious to what Sophie is doing and because of her sister-in-law's approval of Sophie's actions.  Marjorie, Pearl's sister-in-law, thinks that Sophie would make a fine match with Sandy and doesn't discourage the relationship.  When John, Pearl's brother, finds out what Sophie is doing he enlists Rose's help in showing Sophie what Sandy's true motives are.  

What gives this plot some humor is that Marjorie wants to marry John, Pearl is in favor of it, and John wants to see where his relationship with Rose will go.  Pearl and Marjorie disapprove of Rose, when, in fact, Rose isn't out to secure a husband.  When the blinders fall off all of their eyes, they see who Rose is, what her true motives are, and how truly well suited for John she is.  

This isn't an over-the-top rollicking read, the humor is subtle, which makes it all the more interesting.  When Rose is demoted and moved to a less desirable position because of a false accusation, the reader is able to empathize with Rose and understand her disappointment.  She got moved from a pleasant work environment to one that would qualify as toxic by today's standards.  Rose's motives and actions prove her character even when others cannot see it.  Those who can see it love her all the more because of it.  Those who can't will not accept her, no matter what.  

This is a five star book, with two thumbs up, and a current bun with tea. 

Bethany House Publishing provided the copy I read for this review.  All opinions expressed are solely my own.