Holding the Line (Love Along the Wires #3) by Jennifer Delamere

My thoughts:  In 1881 it was not easy for a young-ish woman, widowed, to forge a life and keep her respectability. Rose Finlay has already had a double measure, pressed down, and running over of hard, life-wrecking moments; but she forges ahead and has a strong hold on decent employment in the new and upcoming technology world of 1881. She works in a postal office and knows how to manage it and to also run a telegraphy center.

She encounters a situation where a very young lady is placing herself at risk by meeting a rake of a "gentleman" without the protection of a chaperone. Remember, it is 1881 and such actions are just not done.

From that point on, Rose manages to become more involved in this young lady's circumstances than is her wont to do. But she just can't let the young lady's life be ruined.

The story meanders through these Victorian mores at a steady, gentle pace. At times you want to hurry them along; but that was a slower, gentler time, so we bide our time and read on knowing that life was more ridged, more constrained, and women were not outgoing or forward. 

I found the characters interesting and true to the times in which the story has them living. It is interesting that Rose's mother-in-law inserts herself so pointedly into  Rose's life and that she holds to the belief that Rose should consider herself married for eternity and that she should not entertain the idea of remarriage. 

I found the conclusion of the story satisfying and it has a sweet ending. I highly recommend.

About the book: A widow at just 30 years of age, Rose Finlay is determined to put all ideas of marriage and family behind her and pursue an independent life. But when she notices a young woman about to be led astray by a roguish aristocrat, bitter memories from her past arise, and she feels compelled to intervene. The unintended consequences of her efforts will ultimately force Rose to reexamine her life in a new light.

As the overseer of his two widowed sisters' financial and domestic affairs, John Milburn carries heavy responsibilities for a single man. But he's faced with his biggest challenge when his headstrong niece falls prey to the attentions of a powerful man who could ruin both her and her family.

When Rose and John join forces to protect his niece, they put everything they hold dear--including their growing attraction--in jeopardy.

GIVEAWAY

Copy of Holding the Line

Open USA: Dec. 5, 2022-Jan.6, 2023

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions expressed are mine, alone and are freely given. Learn more about the author. https://www.jenniferdelamere.com/  Winner's copy is provided and mailed directly to the winner by author or publisher. Chat With Vera not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.