Thrilling! This was my first time reading one of Joanna Davidson Politano's books, and wow! The Love Note is one of a kind, bittersweet, romantic, and compelling novel.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I first started reading this story, I knew that I loved the cover, the description was interesting, and I have heard many good things about Joanna Davidson Politano's other books, I had to give it a shot, I knew. I'm so glad I did, the lesson in love that is explored was so deep with nudges from all corners, and though it wasn't completely a romance, yet it was, and so much more. The ending was so perfect but I do wish we could have found out more about what happened to the other characters, not just Willa and her love interest.

I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher/review company. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
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Title: The Love Note
Author: Joanna Davidson Politano
Pages: 400
Year: 2020
Publisher: Revell
My rating is 5 out of 5 stars.
Willa Duvall is a young woman who has worked alongside her father, learning all she can of his medical knowledge. She longs to be a doctor but no university will accept a woman in England in 1865. She just knows God has designed her to be a doctor to help the poor, sick people. She has designed a clinic she hopes to open with her father. However, her father has demanded she marry within a month. She has accepted a job at the local manor house as a nurse to the matriarch of the Gresham family. Once at the house, she reunites with her childhood friend, Gabe Gresham. He was always a calm, steady friend, and anchor in the storms of life. He was her best friend growing up, and she soon entrusts him with her plan of finding the author of the note while looking after his mother due to her heart ailment. That is once she finds the note as it has gone missing.
Gabe Gresham loves horses and would rather spend his time with them than people. However, once Willa returns to Creswicke Manor, his home, his old feelings for her come to the forefront. He helps her search for the author of the note in order to spend time with her. He knows Willa has her mind set to have a career and not marry. There is an opportunity to explore a new breed of horse for the family horse farm, but he would be gone from home at least a year. He prays for wisdom.
What an uproar one note can cause! Willa’s search for the identity of the anonymous note writer leads her into unwelcome territory by some members of the Gresham family. The Gresham family functions but doesn’t thrive. Then, the love note is discovered by various members of the household at different times, turning everything topsy-turvy. Everyone is changed by the note, for good or bad. Willa secretly yearns for a true love of her own. She discovers it after much searching, but it is not the love she thought she was looking for; it was so much better.
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. ( )

I loved The Love Note! Joanna Davidson is a favorite author because of her endearing characters, beautiful writing, and deep heartfelt stories. She also deftly weaves a beautiful religious message into her story in an uplifting, relatable way.

The idea behind this book was so creative, take an unsigned love note and try to return it to the rightful owner and then watch as the consequences unfold. There were so many layers to this story and just when I thought I’d figured things out, my idea was turned on its head. The havoc this letter unleashes was so unexpected. So many misunderstandings and past mistakes are brought to light. I loved the way the truth behind the letter finally brings about a satisfying ending.

I loved soft spoken yet wise Gabe who only speaks when he has something important to say. He’s so patient and unselfish. The growth that Willa undergoes was enjoyable to see. She wants so desperately to be a doctor and is willing to sacrifice love to achieve it. Her experience as a nurse at Crestwicke and her search for the letter writer lead her to discover not only more about the people she cares for but also herself. I was so happy to see the choice she ultimately makes.

I enjoyed the narrator. She voiced all the characters so well and really made them come to life. I liked the emotion she put into it as well. There was only one word “lichen” that stuck out to me but then realized she used the English pronunciation and not the American.

Highly recommend this book! Fans of Christian historical fiction and historical romance will enjoy this. Thanks to the author for the complimentary audiobook. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review. ( )

I received "The Love Note" in a Librarything.com Early Reviewers' Giveaway. It was a sweet love story, and I enjoyed reading about her adventures in finding the writer a the love note.

A love note that is found but author unknown. Each person reads into it what they will. It certainly causes all manner of discussion as to who it is for and who possibly could have written it. A well written tale that keeps you turning the pages until your questions are answered