| Title | : | A Love Letter for Jessa (Willow Wood Brides #2) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 259 |
| Publication | : | Published December 2, 2019 |
When Jessica Endicott began writing to her sick friend Ada’s pen pal, she never dreamed she’d fall in love with the man on the other end of the letters. Rodney Hammersmith has fallen in love with the writer of the letters. The only problem is, the woman he thinks he loves is someone else.
When Rodney’s job brings him to Willow Wood, he can’t wait to meet his pen pal face to face. Jessa is equally anxious to meet Rodney, but he doesn’t know she exists. He’s here for Ada, the woman he thinks he’s been writing to.
Jessa never meant to mislead Rodney when she agreed to write the letters. Now she risks watching him fall in love with Ada, whose lies could destroy all their lives.
A Love Letter for Jessa (Willow Wood Brides #2) Reviews
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This delightful novel of faith and romance is second in its series and can easily be read as a standalone. The setting of Willow Wood, Idaho, in 1890, sounds like a wonderful western town to grow up and have a family in. Jessa works at her parents’ general store where her mother is also the postmistress. Ada, her best friend, is the daughter of Herschel List, one of the wealthiest men in town and co-owner of a company that owns the railroad and most of the mining operations in the area.
Jessa is a sweet young woman who is a good friend to most people in town but doesn’t have a beau. Ada likes to flirt with many men and wants excitement and adventure, as well as someone who can support her in the style she is accustomed to. Her father suggested in the spring that Rodney, an engineer who works for him in Ft. Collins, begin to write to Ada. Rodney likes his work but misses his family in Tennessee. While there doesn’t seem to be a lot of depth to their letters, they dutifully write.
Ada contracted diphtheria and was seriously ill with it. While she is improving, she is still bedridden on the day Jessa brought what she guessed is a love letter from Rodney. What she has heard so far of his letters, faith, and family background captures Jessa’s heart. She has never received a love letter and wonders what it would be like. Ada doesn’t feel up to reading his letter or writing back. Jessa offered to write to Rodney and simply tell him that she has been ill, so he doesn’t think Ada is blowing him off. Ada finally tells her to write to him and pretend she is Ada, but not to tell him she is sick. Just write the letter so it sounds like her.
By the time Ada recovers, she doesn’t even want to read his letters. She is happy to just go shopping and flirt with the guys in town. Jessa has fallen for Rodney, however, as they write about their faith in the Lord and his family. Rodney falls for who he thinks is Ada, who used to write about hats and dresses and parties. The day comes when Rodney is sent to the Idaho office to work, and he can’t wait to meet Ada in person. How will Jessa be able to meet him and not divulge her feelings for him?
This novel captured my interest the beginning, as I very much liked Jessa despite the pretense. She is a complex young woman of substance and depth. It was hard for me to imagine her being best friends with Ada from a young age, as Ada is not one of my favorite characters. I like Rodney, also. I could see from the start how they have so much in common. Both have a strong faith in the Lord that they put in action, are intelligent, and well-read. Rodney and Ada make plans to marry, and Ada weaves a web of lies. I highly recommend this to older teens and women of any age anyone who enjoy a well-written western novel of faith and the hope of romance.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Celebrate Lit, and this is my honest review. -
What a web of lies we spin as we pile lies upon lies. Jessa was such a trusting soul who would do anything for a friend. This Christian inspirational novel grabbed my attention right at the beginning and it was hard to put down. Jessica and Rodney's story will grab your heart and take you on an emotional journey. The characters are strong and well developed and the plot is an emotional page-turner. I read an arc and voluntarily chose to review it.
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Lies and Letters
Interesting romance built around one friend offering to write letters for the other while the other was sick, but it backfires in so many ways. Believable characters and a good plot. A good read. -
The second book in the Willow Woods Brides series by Teresa Slack, “A Love Letter for Jessa” can be read as a standalone. The heroine from the first book is mentioned briefly in what is a spoiler for the ending of that book, but the rest of the story is independent. This is a sweet series in which those who eventually become couples are identified from the beginning, leaving little room for mystery but instead ushering in a hefty dose of wholesome romance. These are the clean, Western-style tales that one would expect to find adapted for television on INSP or the Hallmark Drama channel, and their core of faith sets them apart from other such stories.
“A Love Letter for Jessa” opens in Willow Wood, Idaho in autumn 1890. Using third-person omniscient narration, Slack introduces readers to twenty-year-old Jessa Endicott, who appeases her ailing friend Ada List by taking over her correspondence with Rodney Hammersmith. No harm, no foul. Until Ada recovers and Rodney comes to work in Willow Wood, eager to meet the woman whom he has fallen in love with through the letters. What might be a humorous incident builds into a true conundrum, layered with deceit, guilt, and misunderstanding. This story is an excellent example of how one lie always leads to another, eventually resulting in heartsickness, no matter how trivial it may seem at the time: “A lie was a lie, regardless of who told it or the logic behind it.”
Sometimes characterization becomes evident from the very first chapter, and such is the case with this novel. To the reader, none of the figures in the story come as much of a surprise, but the excitement lies in how they interact with and react to each other, learning more about each other and themselves in the process. As Jessa frets over not telling Rodney the truth, she laments that “Anything she said would make her look like a petty, jealous, conniving hypocrite trying to come between him and Ada.” Furthermore, there is the discernible Christian viewpoint that shines forth within the pages of this story. Some of the characters exemplify it, while others shun it in favor of their own gratification. I appreciate that Slack creates both, because it adds a realistic level of conflict, and while I feel that everything ties up a bit too neatly in the end, I still enjoyed this story and believe that by following the example of Jesus, we can love each other more and better. After all, God wrote the greatest love letter of them all.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own. -
A Love Letter for Jessa is the second book in a series and I am loving it! I read book one last month and couldn’t wait to get started on this one. Well, if I’m totally honest I started this book the same day I finished the other I just needed to wait until July to post my review. Yesterday was one of my kids birthdays so today I’m telling you all about a new book.
This book focuses on Jessa. Jessa takes over letter writing to her friend’s pen pal when her friend Ada is sick. But what she didn’t count on was falling in love with the man! And when he decides to come to visit he is coming to see Ada, the one he thinks has been writing to him. Has she just ruined her life? She thinks so because he’s in love with Ada but really it’s her and how does one go about letting the truth be known in a situation like this?
I loved the book. It read fast and fun. I loved Jessa and her character and how she feels so conflicted over what to do now that she finds herself in a pickle. Ada is the character that you love to hate in this novel. She’s self-centred and really how is she friends with sweet Jessa?
I highly recommend you pick up a copy of this book and really the whole series as it’s a fun one of romance and tiny bits of conflict. A great read for before going to bed.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations. -
I love stories that take me back to the late 1890s where towns were popping up and people were helping each each other out. Jessa is the type of character you can’t help but like. She has a sweet heart and is always there to help friends and family out. I was sad to read about the losses she suffered at a young age. I think Ada should feel blessed to have Jessa as a friend. Ada was deceitful, rude, selfish and the one I wanted to kick in the shins. Oh she made me mad but I have to say well done to the author for making Ada so realistic that I felt sorry for her. There must be a reason she is so spiteful. Maybe she is insecure or jealous?
I knew right away when Ada convinces Jessa to write to a young man so Ada wouldn’t have to, there was going to be problems. Who would guess that the man , Rodney comes to their town to work. Jessa knew she needed to tell him the truth about the letters. I loved how they first met at a place where Jessa finds comfort. Their conversation is fun and lighthearted. Poor Jessa I think she may be infatuated with Rodney. What is she going to do?
I have always heard that lies catch up with you. This story is a good example of what happens when lies and truth clash as the author takes us on a journey that tugs at your heart. Will Jessa do the right thing and let God guide her to tell the truth? What will happen if Rodney finds out he has been deceived? The story is good and I enjoyed the struggle within the characters as they must make a choice that could change their future.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, The review is my own opinion. -
What I think you should know:
A Love Letter for Jessa is the second book in the Willow Wood Brides series by Teresa Slack. It is Christian Historical Fiction set in 1890 in what will become Idaho. This book is set after the first book in the series and gives small updates about the characters in the previous book. This book features Jessa.
What I think about the book:
Growing up in Willow Wood as a store keeper's daughter she has always lived in the shadow of her best friend, Ada, the only child of the richest man in town. Ada is not only rich, but also beautiful on the outside. This has caused Jessa to not understand her true self worth. Rodney thinks he has fallen in love with Ada from her letters.I wanted to yell at him so many times in the story. I felt like if he just paid attention he would realize that things were not as they seemed with Ada. It was interesting to read the interactions of Rodney with Jessa and Ada. I really feel like I connect with the characters in this book even more than I did in the previous book and LOVED the story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. -
What cute historical sweet story. The setting of Willow Wood, Idaho, in 1890. It seems like a picture perfect town the way that the author describes it. The characters are original. The storyline is intriguing. The friendship between Jessa and Ada is an interesting one.
Jessa's family works and owns the general store in town. Ada's family is involved with the railroad. Ada contracted diphtheria and was seriously ill with it. Jessa comes to visit and has been helping Ada read her letters that Rodney (an engineer through the railroad) has been sending with Ada's fathers permission.
Ada has grown bored of the letters. She does not want to continue to answer - so Jessa (who is fascinated and slightly jealous) offers to answer them. Jessa falls for Rodney through the letters. Rodney comes to town - and wants to meet Ada (who does not give a relationship with Rodney a second thought - she likes to flirt)
what will happen when they meet? Can Jessa keep her true feelings in check.
This is a wonderful story of faith, friendship and a web of lies. I enjoyed reading this book.
I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program, all thoughts are my own. -
💞 Jessa and Rodney 💞
This is my first time reading a book by this author, and I absolutely loved it! Read it in one day, so needless today, nothing else got done!
Sweet Jessa...what a dear heart she was. A true friend with a heart of gold. Ada, on the other hand, was self-centered and and flighty.
Ada and Rodney had been writing to each other, but her letters were just as she was. All about her. She did it mainly to please her father. Even reading Rodney's letters bored her, so she would have Jessa read them to her.
Then she fell very ill and had Jessa start writing to him for her.
Jessa had fallen for Rodney through the letters, and when she wrote to him, he fell for her - thinking it was Ada...
When Rodney gets a position in their town, how will he react when he meets the two young ladies....
Looking forward to reading more from this very talented author! -
"A Love Letter For Jesse" by Teresa Slack literally kept me reading in one setting. I love this book. The characters are so "real". I really found myself wanting to jump into the book at the first mention of Jessa pretending to be Ada and write letters . Deceit is never good even done for a good purpose.
I really encouraged readers who like clean romance novels to read this book and found out if Rodney learns the truth or not .
I find it hard to believe that some people still think money and position in life is what makes a person worthy, but in this story it is what Ada's parents believe.
I received a contemporary copy by the Author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are my own. -
A great book #2 in this series.
A simple little lie. What or who could it hurt? But even a simple lie, a little lie with no intentional harm can create havoc. Jessa is Ada's best friend. Ada is no one's best friend. Have you had someone like Ada in your life? She calls you her friend but it seems you always do what SHE wants. I knew someone like that in high school. When she moved up in the popular circles, I got dropped like a hot potato. But I certainly understand how Ada was able to manipulate Jessa to lie.
Great book. Enjoyed it tremendously. -
Good story about a girl, Jessa, who helped her sick friend Ada, by writing letters to her pen pal, Rodney, not knowing that he would soon come to their small town. He comes, and Jessa thinks he's the most wonderful man in the world, while her firend only thinks he's ok. He thinks, however that he is in love with Ada, her friend, because he thinks that is who he had been writing all along. Great story I enjoyed reading!
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A sweet and straightforward clean romance with heart and soul. A very comfortable and enjoyable read by an author well-skilled in this genre. The variety of characters and well-described locale keep the story interesting and well-paced. A Love Letter for Jessa is a highly-satisfying and recommended read. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A favorable review was not required, no compensation was received, and all views expressed are my own. -
Wonderful characters that pulls you into the story! I was so captivated by this book I read it in one evening. The story grabs the reader and holds your attention with every page. I’m already looking to read the next book in the series. This story was never dull or slow paced but kept me hanging on every word!
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A sweet historical Christian romance
The second in the series and I have to say I enjoyed this one even more. A small part of the ending felt a little rushed but mostly it was good story. The books are independent of each other but characters overlap from story to story so I plan to continue to go in order. -
A tangled web
I love how trusting Jessa is. She wants to see the good in everyone. Her friend who has been deathly ill starts the tangling of the web. -
Lovely story!
Totally enjoyed this story! Loved Jessa's outlook on life and her joyful spirit even in the face of trouble! She makes a great story!
