"Line By Line" by Jennifer Delamere

Alice McNeil is well on her way to becoming a confirmed spinster—exactly as she desires! This independent Victorian woman has found a job as a telegrapher at a large trading business, and is set to support herself for the rest of her days. Content with her choices, Alice begins to waver the day Douglas Shaw returns to the London office after a tour of their North America partners.

Things in Douglas's career are looking up. He's become the trusted right hand of the owner, and he's poised to secure his future by finding a wealthy bride. The new telegrapher is refreshing to converse with, as her ideals are out of the norm. Still, though Alice is intriguing, she's not the rich young miss he has his eyes on.

When Alice overhears Douglas and some of his friends talking about a book called The Spinster's Guide To Love And Romance, she decides she must buy a copy for herself. Not for pursuing romance, of course, but to help with some of the difficult men in her life. Will things improve when she puts some of the book's advice into use?

I'd never read a book about telegraphy in England, and that along with the book's lovely cover drew me to the story. I had a hard time getting into it at first, and there was something about the writing style that wasn't for me. However, the plot was well-researched, and I enjoyed the character's growth as the novel progressed. I believe most historical romance fans would enjoy this peek into Victorian England.

I received my copy of the book from the publisher. All thoughts in this review are my own.