This is an interesting story with intriguing characters, I enjoyed the setting, however, I would have liked to see more than just one point of view.

I do not agree with the publisher's beliefs (which I did not know before I picked up this book) and so only recommend this book to those that have a mature faith.

I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. ( )

This was a beautifully written story that kept my interest from start to finish. Fans of Elizabeth Gaskell's classic "North and South" will find plenty to enjoy here, with the reserved cotton mill owner Alexander and his bride by arranged marriage Isabelle.

The book begins with their wedding and Isabelle's move to her husband's home in Manchester. The two seem to have no pathway into each other's minds or hearts. They live amicably but mostly silently, just down the street from Alexander's mill, which demands most of his time and attention. Isabelle hopes that things will improve when they visit Alexander's childhood home in the country, but on their second visit, tragedy strikes in the form of a horse riding accident that leaves Alexander completely immobile.

This would be a blow to any couple, but it especially tests Isabelle and Alexander, who have not even begun to really know each other. The months that follow will push their relationship forward in ways they could not have imagined.

The author did an exceptional job crafting her scenes, allowing me to easily visualize and stay with Isabelle and Alexander every step of the way. She also created some really lovely side characters who support and encourage the two of them, such as the housekeeper and the doctor.

I look forward to checking out other books by Rebecca Anderson!

Thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for this advance review copy! ( )

An excellent book of courage and endurance in the face of adversity that I thoroughly enjoyed. ( )

Set in Victorian-Era England, "Isabelle and Alexander" is a slow-build romantic tale in which a couple who are only slightly acquainted marry for practical purposes and begin a journey together that will take them through experiences that they never envisioned. Author Rebecca Anderson allows her heroine Isabelle Rackham to tell the entire story in a first-person narrative, and it begins on her wedding day. As was expected, sons and daughters of prosperous families were to marry into other prosperous families, and thus Isabelle found herself being wed to the very handsome Alexander Osgood. Her father, whose company provided the coal for Mr. Osgood's textile mill, was most pleased at the marital match made for his daughter. Isabelle's mother had given her advice--and other marital wisdom--on how to be the proper wife of a successful businessman. However, her marriage is not at all what she expected--her husband is unfailingly aloof, has little to say, and shows no personal interest in her. Life in the city near his business is a far cry from her upbringing in the country. A measure of warmth and friendship comes from the Kenworthys, the family of Osgood Mils ' business manager. Mr. and Mrs. Kenworthy welcome Isabelle to visit at their home, and there she meets Glory, their daughter. While Glory appears grown, she is "mentally disadvantaged", and will forever be child-like in nature. She and Isabelle strike up a friendship, and Isabelle promises to teach her how to play the pianoforte. Unexpectedly. Alexander declares himself tired of the city, and he advises Isabelle that they will visit his home in the country. It is on this journey that they start to get to know each other a little more, and a friendship begins. As the two of them grow as individuals, so does their relationship begin to bloom and grow. They will face great challenges, and tragic incidents will leave them both physically changed---is there now a love between them strong enough to overcome all ? "Isabelle and Alexander" is an unusual love story that will reward readers who follow through to its end.

Book Copy Gratis Shadow Mountain Publishing ( )

Isabelle and Alexander is the standalone by Rebecca Anderson, published by Shadow Mountain Publishing. We follow Isabelle Rackham as she marries wealthy industrial cotton mill owner Alexander Osgood and moves to Manchester. The marriage is arranged and Isabelle struggles to get close to her new husband who hardly takes time to talk to her and spends most of his days in his textile mill.
To remedy Isabelle’s loneliness, Alexander takes her to his country estate where he suffers a devastating equestrian accident leaving him unable to walk. This challenging path in their relationship lets the newlyweds find new ways to build their relationship and Isabelle is adamant she will be in charge of her husbands’ care despite not being a trained nurse. The couple forges ways to build their relationship through this challenging situation and Isabelle finds new strength and courage, which in turn helps Alexander hope for his recovery.
Main character Isabelle Rackham comes from a privileged background in the Lake District, but seems to be practical, industrious and extremely patient. She seems kind and compassionate, and finds a way to bypass seemingly impossible situations. This makes her my favorite of this story.

Supporting character is Alexander Osgood starts out as a secretly frightened man who has married above his station. He seems glum, uninviting and disinterested, but his character develops a lot as the story progresses.
I felt the plot was well researched and stood out. I don’t think I have read a historical romance fiction story describing conditions inside a Manchester factory of 1800s and dealing with accident recovery issues quite like this. Consequences of the riding accident made and great drama effect which became a core part of the story.
The surprising and enjoyable part about mentally disabled Glory Kenworthy was my favorite of the story while the attitude of Dr Fredericks and his nurse annoyed me a lot. His character played kind of a villainous part of sorts. Writing about rehabilitation after spinal injury in 1800s must have taken a lot of research. As a nurse I found it fascinating (and scary) how this might have worked. I enjoyed how Isabelle and Alexander’s characters developed through the story, both separately and together. It felt easy to relate to their hardships in this challenging situation and particularly easy to understand Alexander’s reactions. It was a great twist to read about a couple who were wealthy, but still had to work for their privileged lifestyle. Characters in others historical romances I have read seemingly had no concerns about money at all.

This great story from the new to me author #Rebecca Anderson makes me look forward to seeing what she comes up with next. Readers of historical romance will enjoy this story. Similar authors to explore might be Abigail Wilson or J'nell Ciesielski.
Thank you to #Shadow Mountain Publishing and #NetGalley for this opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.
Conclusion: Isabelle and Alexander is the enjoyably entertaining historical romance about the wealthy newlyweds in an arranged marriage who find a different way to closeness as a tragic equestrian accident demand new strength and courage to recover and have a future together. ( )