The Letter Tree - by Rachel Fordham (Paperback)

About the Book

Romeo and Juliet meets You've Got Mail in 1920s New York when hidden letters change everything for two lost souls and the community around them.

Book Synopsis

Mere words can't end their families' feud, but the Campbell heir and the Bradshaw heiress plan to write a future together.

Buffalo, NY, 1924

Laura Bradshaw adores stories with happily ever afters. But since her mother died seven years ago, the Bradshaw Shoe Company heiress has been as good as locked away in a tower. Her overbearing father cares little for her dreams, throwing himself instead into his tireless takedown of his competitor, the Campbell Shoe Company. However, Laura has been gifted with a reprieve: a mysterious friend with whom she's been exchanging letters.

As heir to the Campbell Shoe Company, Isaac Campbell is a sought-after bachelor who has never felt an inkling of desire for the women who constantly bat their eyes at him. His thoughts are consumed by an oak tree in the Buffalo Zoo--or rather, the mystery woman he exchanges letters with courtesy of the tree. She's been one of Isaac's only joys in a life consumed by his father's tireless hatred of Bradshaw. A hatred that, Isaac is coming to realize, may affect him more personally than he ever imagined.

When Laura's father orchestrates a match between her and an important business owner, she resolves to pursue her only chance at freedom. But Isaac believes their story isn't bound for a tragic ending. He's certain there's more to the Bradshaw-Campbell feud than meets the eye. And he won't stop digging until he uncovers the truth that might bridge the divide between him and the woman whose words have captured his heart.

Praise for The Letter Tree:

"The Letter Tree is a sweet, heartfelt romance that contains all the things I love best in historical romance, including a beautiful epistolary element. Rachel Fordham writes with warmth and grace, crafting a winning love story that's sure to please. I thoroughly enjoyed it!"

-Mimi Matthews, USA TODAY bestselling author of The Belle of Belgrave Square

• You've Got Mail meets Romeo and Juliet in this forbidden historical romance story
• Stand-alone novel
• Includes discussion questions for book clubs

Review Quotes

''Two houses' is how Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet begins and Rachel Fordham has captured the essence of that classic in The Letter Tree--but oh so much more. With wit and imagination, Ms. Fordham brings us a refreshing view of family mysteries, misunderstandings and the hope of forgiveness in even the most dire circumstances. I loved this story that is an inventively told and deeply considered romance. It is a joy to read and remember. Best of all, The Letter Tree has a much happier ending than that other work of 'Two houses.''--Jane Kirkpatrick, Award-winning author of Beneath the Bending Skies

'Another tender, emotionally satisfying book from Rachel Fordham. Rachel's masterful writing style and cleverly crafted storyline bring a lovely and heartfelt romance to life. Highly recommended.'--Jennifer Beckstrand, USA Today bestselling author of Second Chances on Huckleberry Hill

'Combining charming hints of You've Got Mail with the poignancy of Romeo and Juliet, The Letter Tree is a journey of forgiveness and reconciliation and overcoming differences. Rachel Fordham's characters are quirky and relatable, and fascinating bits of 1920s culture color the story. An enjoyable and romantic read!'--Sarah Sundin, bestselling and Christy Award-winning author of The Sound of Light and Until Leaves Fall in Paris

'In The Letter Tree, Rachel Fordham spins two classic romances--Romeo and Juliet and You've Got Mail--into an engaging story sure to charm readers. Exploring familial themes of loyalty vs truth, this is a poignant book meant for the true romantics out there who believe love triumphs and hope is never wasted, as well as those who may doubt. I challenge anyone to finish reading it and not feel uplifted. Perfect for fans of Karen Witemeyer and Jennifer Deibel.'--Kimberly Duffy, author of The Weight of Air

'Love transcends all in The Letter Tree. A sweet love story rife with tension that will keep readers guessing from start to finish.'--Megan Walker, award-winning author of Lakeshire Park

'Old family secrets form the backdrop of The Letter Tree, a compelling tale set in twentieth century New York. A feud that made bitter rivals of two families comes to a head when a romance ignites between their son and daughter. With a deft touch, Fordham weaves themes of freedom and forgiveness into this enchanting story. The sweet romance and multi-layered mystery keep the pages turning!'--Denise Hunter, bestselling author of the Riverbend Romance series

'Once again author Rachel Fordham weaves her magic in this story of enduring love; and the importance of a long and lasting friendship, not only to withstand the heartache of hatred and misunderstanding, but to allow romance the chance to take root slowly, gently, steadily, becoming as strong and resilient as the mightiest oak. A tale both tender and endearing, The Letter Tree is sure to delight anyone who believes in true love.'--Kate Breslin, award-winning author, In Love's Time

'Penned with engaging prose, The Letter Tree offers a fresh approach to the forbidden romance trope. Throw in a riveting plot, a cast of layered characters, plus the vivid backdrop of the Roaring 20s, and you have an enthralling novel that is sure to captivate readers' hearts. This story is not to be missed!'--Rachel Scott McDaniel, award-winning author of The Starlet Spy

'Skillfully layered and engaging from the start, this dashing tale of secret pen pals and forbidden romance set in the 1920's is sure to win the hearts of readers everywhere. An absolutely delightful read!'--Nicole Deese, Christy Award-winning author

'The Letter Tree is a charming and captivating romance that reminds us of the transformative power of love, hope, and the written word. Palpable chemistry, complex familial relationships, and shared dreams that transcend barriers blend beautifully in this ambitious offering from Fordham. It was worth every emotional second from start to finish.'--Rhonda McKnight, Award-Winning Author of The Thing about Home

'The Letter Tree is a little bit You've Got Mail and a little bit of Hallmark's Signed, Sealed Delivered and all sweet, immersive romance. Using delightful and beloved tropes to spin her own unique historical tapestry, Fordham's latest character-driven historical is destined to enthralled readers of Robin Lee Hatcher and Gabrielle Meyer.''--Rachel McMillan, author of The London Restoration and The Mozart Code

'The Letter Tree is a sweet, heartfelt romance that contains all the things I love best in historical romance, including a beautiful epistolary element. Rachel Fordham writes with warmth and grace, crafting a winning love story that's sure to please. I thoroughly enjoyed it!''--Mimi Matthews, USA TODAY bestselling author of The Belle of Belgrave Square

'The Letter Tree transported me to a place where characters feel real, dreams come true, and happily ever after is actually possible. It's everything I love in a book.'--New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray

'What a true delight! I couldn't wait to return to this gem of a novel and see what the next page held. I've never read anything quite like it, so I never knew what was coming next. The charming premise drew me in, and then I was hooked, and couldn't wait to see what would come of these letter writers stuck in an impossible situation, and how they would each find out the true identity of the other. This is the sort of timeless love story that charms you immediately and remains with you for a long time.'--Joanna Davidson Politano, award-winning author of The Lost Melody and other historical fiction

Readers will enjoy Laura and Isaac's unique personalities at odds with the social expectations of 1920s Buffalo and its entertainments like flagpole-sitting and rolling over Niagara Falls in a barrel. A commercial subplot adds to the drama, and the beloved old elephant Big Frank adds to the charm.--Historical Novel Society

Incorporating elements of Romeo and Juliet and You've Got Mail, Fordham's latest (after Where the Road Bends) will become a favorite for fans of romances with star-crossed lovers who still find their way to a happily-ever-after.--Library Journal