Betti Mace
The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry. Forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to the things before you. You could almost say that was the motto for the life of Alice and especially of Douglas. As a well educated young lady, Alice has dreams that don’t include marriage and a family, at least not now. After all, she has worked very hard to become a first-class telegraph operator. Long before the telephone, the telegraph operator was a very important position as that was the way to communicate with much quicker results than the postal mail would allow. Douglas had left his very humble beginnings behind and was moving up in the business world, becoming indispensable to his employer. I thoroughly enjoyed the repartee between Alice and Douglas. For her, it seemed to be an affirmation of the knowledge she worked so diligently to acquire. On his behalf, it appeared to be a real treat to be able to discuss technical things with a friend. Learning more about the telegraph as well as the added intrigue makes the first book in this new series, Love Along the Wires, even more captivating. This digital copy was received through Baker Publishing Group, Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley. All impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.
Meagan Myhren-Bennett
Line by Line Love Along the Lines #1 By Jennifer Delamere Alice McNeil is finally within grasping distance of the life she has dreamed about for years. A life that will allow her independence and not dependent upon any man to secure her future. Working as a telegrapher has allowed her to excel, putting her mind to work, and secure a position with Henley and Company. Douglas Shaw has risen about the poverty of his childhood and he is determined to continue his upward climb, even in the face of his parent's disapproval. After a trip abroad he is more than impressed with the skills of Henley's newest telegrapher. And when Miss McNeil refuses to be bullied by the company's other telegrapher Archie Clapper, he senses a kindred spirit of sorts in her. As time passes, Alice and Douglas have an enjoyable friendship, one that is based on their work and mutual interests, both have an interest in the changing world of science and technology. When an incident occurs that threatens the future that they have been striving for they are forced to reexamine their lives. I liked the interactions between the various characters. But I think some of the best scenes were between Douglas and Andrew Carnegie. The wisdom that Carnegie shared is something every reader should take to heart. What is truly important in your life? Money? Fame? Family? This is the first book I have read by Jennifer Delamere and have to say I was pleased with her work. The characters came to life and were more than just words on a page. One was involved in their lives and cared about their hopes and fears. This is the first book in the Love Along the Wires series and one that I can see myself reading as they become available. It is also interesting to delve into communication that isn't instantaneous - something that seems almost unfathomable in the world we find ourselves living in today. Telegraphs, Morse code, coded messages all an unknown yet at the time of this book the newest thing. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.
Blue Jeans And Teacups
Decent Story. It seemed like God and faith were late to the party, however, I do enjoy the topic of the telegraph and I will most likely read future publishings in this series. ***************** "The telegraph service was a government entity, overseen by the postmaster general." ***************** It may be noteworthy to some that the hero of the story is a smoker, which is only referenced a couple of times and would have been common back then. "There was a vague smoky scent coming from him, as though he'd spent his recent train ride in the smoking car." ***************** Andrew Carnegie added a good amount of wisdom later in the story. ***************** "Over the years, I have found that it's one thing to hear a sermon where Scripture is quoted, but it's quite another to read for yourself what is written. It can have quite an impact on people" -Mr. Johnstone ***************** Tea Moment: "Why, that's terrible!" Emma said. She filled a teacup and set it in front of Alice. "This will help." Emma's way of dealing with trauma always involved a hot cup of tea. ***************** I received a complimentary eBook from the NetGalley & the publisher, in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own without compensation or further expectation. ***************** I gave it 4 stars on THIS website based upon GOOGLE PLAY BOOKS: 1= Hated it, 2=Didn’t like it, 3=Just Ok, 4= Liked it, 5=Loved it *** Other sites may vary.