Sally Nicholls

I found this totally charming -- the setting, the humor, the vibrant characters writing heartfelt letters, the little behind-the-scenes commentary as they worry for each other. It's such a feel-good book, even if it does fall within the traditional bounds of the time period. I want more for Polly, Tirzah and Sophia, but I also like that they want more for themselves, too, and are capable of finding a life they want.

Advanced reader's copy provided by Edelweiss.

Very enjoyable read! The writing is very good and all of the characters have very distinct ways of writing and wording things which meant it was easy to tell them apart even via letter. The love interests were all very charming and I am happy with all the matches the girls managed to make. I must say Sebastian was probably my favourite character.

The plot was a bit predictable at times but still engaging. I really liked that the author gave us a peek into very different ways of life through show more the 3 girls' perspectives. We see the Season and the nobles' life through Sophie's eyes, plus the life of a poorer relative dependent on their wealthy relative's generosity. Through Polly we see how life was like for a working class woman and for poor orphans. And finally Tirza gives us a look at simple village living and what it was like for girls whose family did not encourage them to become socialites. Instead of giving us three different perspectives of the same balls and parties, the variety was refreshing.

As for the negatives, it does get a bit heavy handed with giving the characters modern sensibilities. It sometimes took me out of the setting a bit. For example Tirza worrying about dying a virgin when at the time the main worry would have more so been dying a spinstress. In my opinion, dying a virgin would have meant dying before you could find a husband which would have been considered a much greater tragedy. Also Tirza speaking so plainly about thinking of doing "something sinful" with the town blacksmith? I would have expected a better euphemism at the very least. And all the girls lamenting at the lack of options for the future that girls have and saying they dream of when any girl could be a scientist or whatever else they wish to be. At the same time I think it does not feel out of place in a YA novel and perhaps I am simply being too critical of something I would have loved as a teen. Or maybe I am the one not familiar enough with the era and have fallen victim to the Tiffany problem.

Overall, I really enjoyed it! It was a quick read and I finished it in one night. The characters were all super interesting, the letters were very well written and the author managed to give each of the characters a unique voice. Definitely reccomend if you like epistolary novels, historical romance or are just looking for a quick, fun read! show less

Written in an epistolary format, "Yours From the Tower" follows the lives of three young women navigating the end of the 19th century. Sophie, Polly, and Tirzah met at boarding school and, despite now leading very different lives, have remained close friends through constant letter-writing.

Sophie is lively and social, eagerly anticipating the upcoming London Season in hopes of finding a wealthy husband and her happily-ever-after. Tirzah, with a passion for science, finds herself stuck in a show more remote corner of Scotland caring for her strict and rather tyrannical grandmother, who forbids her from doing anything remotely exciting. Meanwhile, Polly is working in an orphanage - a role she finds fulfilling and meaningful.

"Yours From the Tower" was a charming read. I thoroughly enjoyed the heartfelt and often humorous correspondence between the three girls. The inclusion of letters from other characters added extra depth and perspective to the story. The tone of the letters - candid, witty, and supportive - brought their friendship to life.

And I must mention the cover - it is absolutely gorgeous! show less

Teenagers Margot and Harry are not married when Harry leaves to fight in the Great War, but that doesn't stop them from a passionate goodbye. By the time that word arrives that Harry is missing in action, Margot is frantically trying to figure out what to do about the baby. A simple plan is hatched, Margot's mother will fake a confinement, Margot will move to another city to work as a typist while actually going to a home for unwed mothers first, and Margot's parents will raise their show more grandchild James as their son. Now, with the war over and Harry safely returned, Margot is wrestling with her decision to give up James, and what that will mean for her relationship with Harry. She needs to tell him the truth -- but the war has changed both of them. Will they find a way to be together after all? And what about James? Is there any way for Margot to have both her lover and her child?

Lots of angst here. Margot is a selfish and unlikeable character, though she grows over the course of the novel. I was impatient with her in many ways, but she's realistically drawn as a character facing things that are, to her, potentially life-changing. I kept reading to see how the book would end, and of all possible endings, I think the one she got was the most realistic and satisfying. My favorite character of the book was Margot's sister Jocelyn and her plans for her own future. I would like to read that book! Recommended if you like historical fiction with a side of teenage angst. show less