The Letter Tree

A Romeo and Juliet Inspired 1920s Sweet, Forbidden Romance

By: Rachel Fordham

Narrated by: Kira Fixx

Mere words can't end their families' feud, but they still plan to rewrite 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.

The Letter Tree is a charming and heartwarming historical romance that promises low spice but high swoon. A must-read for those who enjoy forbidden romance, written letters, family drama, and historical details. Book club discussion questions are included!

"A sweet, heartfelt romance that contains all the things I love best in historical romance, including a beautiful epistolary element." --Mimi Matthews, USA TODAY bestselling author

Critic reviews

''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.''

'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.'

'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.'

'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.'

'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!'

'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.'

'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!'

'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.'

'Love transcends all in The Letter Tree. A sweet love story rife with tension that will keep readers guessing from start to finish.'

letter-writing romance with flawed but growing characters, challenging us to be better

I didn’t know I needed this book right now. My weary heart and mind didn’t want anything too dark. Yet, I was craving something of substance. Enter a gentle, letter-writing romance with flawed but growing characters, challenging us to be better.

I enjoyed the coming of age aspects of the two main characters yearning to go beyond family expectations. This showed up in many realms but especially in deliberately choosing to no longer participate in hate.

This being a mash up of Romeo and Juliet with You’ve Got Mail, broad strokes of the plot are easily predictable. However, the way in which this would play out and the the life given to the characters by the narrator, kept me curious about the specifics.

The writer easily includes many historical elements and details to add interest to the 1920s Buffalo NY setting. The characters are also well written and grounded in that setting.

The narrator effortlessly switched from character to character making the story not only easy to follow, but making it come alive. The emotional portrayal for each character was very clear and dynamic. I was along for the ride and in the moment with them. The attitudes heard at times and in some voices (especially cheeky or wry comments) were so spot on that I chuckled out loud cheering them on.

This was a wonderful listen! The story was well written, but the narration drew me in. It was thought-provoking, yet heart warming, an overall enjoyable and worthy listen.

What a Wonderfully Told and Touching Story!

I loved the story and also loved the narration. The narrator's voice fit perfectly and made the story come alive so sweetly. I highly recommend this book for all those who love a gentle romance with just the right touch of suspense and drama.

The story line could result have happened families fund all the time.

Nothing felt wrong the pieces fit perfectly. I really enjoyed it and could not put it down.

The Letters

I found the book very lovely. Love the story behind the romance and how the found love.

A fun mash up of two beloved story classics.

This novel is a mix of The Shop Around the Corner (aka You've Got Mail) and Romeo and Juliet. The beginning was a bit slow for me, but the characters were so endearing I continued reading and soon couldn't put the story down. If you enjoy heart warming stories with rich descriptions, and characters you root for, this novel is for you.

As a Christian novel, the faith thread is very light. The kissing is elegantly written and the action (violence) is minimal.

All in all, I highly recommend this Christian historical romance. Rachel Fordham continues to be one of my favorite authors.