The Letter Tree by Rachel Fordham

The Letter Tree
By Rachel Fordham
Published by Thomas Nelson
Publication Date: October 31, 2023

Description from the publisher:
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 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.

My Review:
This is a great choice for readers who like a slow, sweet romance with interesting historical details and a hint of mystery.  Laura and Isaac are just a sweet couple, and I liked seeing both of them learn to stand on their own feet and stand together, not just bow down to the expectations of their fathers. 

I loved the setting in Buffalo, NY and the glimpses of the zoo and the happenings around the area in the 1920s, like a person going over Niagara Falls in a barrel. (The setting might have been my favorite thing about the story--although I'm biased because I grew up just two hours outside of Buffalo and miss upstate NY!) 

I also really liked the mystery element, with Laura and Isaac trying to figure out what caused the rift between their families. 

The story felt a bit slow sometimes, but overall, I really liked it! 4 stars.

I read an ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.