cover image The Love Note

The Love Note

Joanna Davidson Politano. Revell, $15.99 trade paper (400p) ISBN 978-0-8007-3689-7

Politano (Lady Jayne Disappears) returns with a lovely Victorian saga of love lost and found. In 1859 England, Willa Duvall mourns the death of her mother as she studies medicine alongside her famous physician father. One day, she discovers a love letter wedged in a desk that had been a gift to her father from a grateful former patient who came from nearby Crestwicke Manor. When a nursing position at Crestwicke opens up, Willa accepts the job in hopes of reuniting the letter’s writer with its intended recipient. While Willa cares for her new patient, Golda, the lady of the manor, she works to find the author and identify the recipient, who is only addressed as “dear one.” However, the letter keeps getting misplaced—only to be found by various members of the household, who each believe the passionate sentiments are meant secretly for them. The letter has far-reaching consequences among the staff, and it emerges as a metaphor for God’s love toward “all his children.” Wholesome characters pining for true love and winsome twists keep the mystery unresolved until the very end. Fans of Victorian inspirationals will love this charming effort. (Oct.)