Holding the Line

Written by Jennifer Delamere

Narrated by Bianca Amato

Can she find the strength to heal the wounds of her past—and open her heart again?

A widow at just thirty years of age, Rose Finlay is determined to put all ideas of marriage and family behind her and pursue an independent life. But when she notices a young woman about to be led astray by a roguish aristocrat, bitter
memories from her past arise, and she feels compelled to intervene. The unintended consequences of her efforts will ultimately force Rose to reexamine her life in a new light.

As the guardian of his two widowed sisters’ financial and domestic affairs, John Milburn carries heavy responsibilities for a single man. But he’s faced with his biggest challenge when his headstrong niece falls prey to the attentions of a
powerful man who could ruin both her and her family.

When Rose and John join forces to protect his niece, they put everything they hold dear—including their growing attraction—in jeopardy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Dec 6, 2022
• ISBN: 9781980087892

Reviews for Holding the Line

[thequietreader · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Rose Finlay is a young widow and her experience with marriage has convinced her that an independent life is the best course for her future. When she sees a young lady being led astray by a rogue, she feels compelled to intervene, which introduces her to the girl’s uncle, John Milburn. Will she remain focused on her independence, or will her heart betray her?Having not read the books that came before this one, I was delighted at how well this one stood alone. It does reference previous plot points, but it doesn’t leave the reader confused and doesn’t overshadow this book’s plot. So anyone who is just jumping in needn’t fear being confused about how the books are connected.I especially appreciated the historical details of the story. How things worked in a telegraph office, and the role women played in were spot on. While I understood Rose’s misgivings about men after her experience, it felt a little too much of “you’re not like other men”, which I’m always leery of. Overall, it is a sweet, easy-to-read romance in Victorian London. Readers of historical romance will love this one. I received a free copy from the publisher through the LibraryThing Early Reviewer program and NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

[lilmiss01 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Although I have not read the other books in this series, I was able to follow along and get involved with the storyline and the characters. This book was easy to follow, and I didn't want to put the book down. I was looking forward to finishing the book to see how the book was going to end. An eBook was provided by the publisher via Library Thing early reviewers and Net Galley. All opinions expressed are my own.

[tealadytoo · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is the final book in Jennifer Delamere's "Love Along the Wires" trilogy which follows the fortunes of three young women who work as telegraphers in 1880s London. It features Rose Finlay, who has sworn off men and love after a disastrous marriage which left her widowed. She is inadvertently drawn into the life of a young girl she fears is about to become the prey of an aristocratic rogue. When the girl's uncle likewise attempts to prevent the disaster, a romance slowly blossoms, much against their initial inclinations.Overall, it's a charming story, and I have to love a couple that are drawn together by their shared appreciation of books. It's not the deepest story I've ever read, and I rather expected the villain to start twirling his moustache a la Snidely Whiplash, but I highly recommend it for enjoyable light fare.I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[claudia.castenir · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Set in London, England in the late 1800s, Holding the Line tells the story of Rose Finlay, a widow who highly values her independence. Betrayed by her husband, Rose has no illusions about men or marriage, and has only recently been considering that some men are deserving of trust as her two best friends had recently married fine men. John Milburn had no time to consider romance, much less marriage, as both his brother and brother-in-law had passed away leaving two families in his care. Very unusual circumstances brought Rose and John together in supporting the welfare of John's eldest niece, only recently introduced into society. Jennifer Delamere has written a well-paced story that demonstrates the value of people, and the importance of seeking wise council. This story also stresses that we should allow ourselves second chances as we do others. Once again she has given us a story that is a pleasant read and that also provides important themes to ponder. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Holding the Line from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

[virginia51-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have really enjoyed learning bits about telegraphy through this series. I loved Rose and John. I love the romance and laughing through a lot of this book. I love that Rose and John learn some lessons and teach some things. I loved this story. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[eamace · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Never again will she allow a man to dominate her life!Rose Findlay was widowed quite young, after her philandering husband was killed in an accident. As life with him left much to be desired, she makes this statement. Planning to never marry again, she sets her sights on a career as a telegraph operator and slowly moves up into a supervisory position. Overhearing a conversation that appears to put a naive young lady in a questionable situation, Rose unwillingly is swept into a dysfunctional family. Will she manage to come out of this unscathed?This early copy of Love along the Wires #3 was received through Bethany House Publishers, Baker Publishing Group and NetGalley. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.