Line by Line

 

Back Cover

Since she was young, Alice McNeil has seen a career as a telegrapher as the best use for her keen and curious mind.  Years later, she doesn't regret her freedom in foregoing marriage, especially when she acquires a coveted position at an important trading firm.  But when the company's ambitious junior director returns to London, things begin to change in ways Alice could never have imagined.

For Douglas Shaw, years of hard work and ingenuity enabled him to escape a life of grinding poverty.  He's now determined to marry into high society - a step that will ensure he never returns to the conditions of his past.

He immediately earns Alice's respect by judging her based on her skills and not her gender, and a fast camaraderie forms.  However, when Alice accidentally angers a jealous coworker and his revenge threatens both their reputations, Alice and Douglas are forced to confront what is truly important in their lives.  Will their growing bond give them the courage to see the future in a different light?

Review

I have a soft spot for historical dramas  Our society has a way of romanticizing times past from Biblical times, the Roman Empire, the Age of Revolution, to the Western days, and everything in between.  Opening a historical novel can be likened to entering a time machine, whereby the traveler has the opportunity to explore eras gone by, and, in that way, Line by Line is no exception.

The setting for this story is London, England, 1880.  More women are in the workforce, but not without some prejudice and stigma levied against them.  One of the areas that accepted female workers was telegraphy.  Having a father and brother both telegraphers, it was a simple decision for Alice McNeil to enter that area of work as well. Alice is a strong-minded and independent woman who thrives on challenges and making her own way in the world.  A self-described spinster, Alice is career-driven and most definitely not husband-minded.  She is very content with her situation in life, believing circumstances couldn't be better upon landing a prestigious position at a trading firm.  If only her family would agree with her perceived eternal single status, then everything would be just fine and dandy.

But then enters Douglas Shaw.  He tips her world upside down with his good looks, charm, keen mind, and bolstering acceptance of her as an equal in the office, and not just as another subservient female worker.  Their conversations together equally challenge and inspire her, pushing her to go higher in her career ambitions.  But as their discussions grow more lively, so does Alice's once-spinster heart.  Despite her best intentions, Alice finds herself falling for Douglas - but will she choose her career?  Or a chance at love?

Line by Line was a wonderful historical romance, brimming with fascinating tidbits about telegraphy.  The characters were delightful and the romance oh so sweet.  I will be looking forward to the next instalment in this "Love Along the Wires" series!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.