This is what I would call a bit of a historical romance because the setting is during the very early 1900's and the telephone is now a necessary means of communication--especially for emergencies. Hannah Gregory puts her law dreams aside after the death of her parents in order to care for her two younger sisters. She takes a job as a telephone operator--a position that is riddled with ridiculous rules. What makes this more amusing is that Hannah is more of a rule-breaker than a rule-follower.

In addition to romance, you'll find an element of mystery surrounding the arson cases, sisterly drama, and a great deal of determination to keep plodding on. Lincoln Cole has met his match in Hannah. He's just as determined as she is, and he's willing to wait as long as necessary to win her over. ( )

This is what I would call a bit of a historical romance because the setting is during the very early 1900's and the telephone is now a necessary means of communication--especially for emergencies. Hannah Gregory puts her law dreams aside after the death of her parents in order to care for her two younger sisters. She takes a job as a telephone operator--a position that is riddled with ridiculous rules. What makes this more amusing is that Hannah is more of a rule-breaker than a rule-follower.

In addition to romance, you'll find an element of mystery surrounding the arson cases, sisterly drama, and a great deal of determination to keep plodding on. Lincoln Cole has met his match in Hannah. He's just as determined as she is, and he's willing to wait as long as necessary to win her over. ( )

Could be Spoilers. A nice book about a young woman with big dreams but no money so she becomes a telephone operator. And then she meets a young man who is very nice.

While the title of this books makes it clear that this is a romance, there is so much more to this story. Set in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1908, it is the first in a series about the three Gregory sisters.

After the death of their parents, the oldest, Hannah, drops out of law school so that she can work to support her two younger sisters, Charlotte and Tessa. She applies for a job as a telephone operator. They were called "Hello Girls" at that time. They had to go through paid training first, and the rules were strict. They had to be between 17-26 years old, and unmarried. They also had to be of good moral character; no gentlemen callers during training, and church attendance on Sundays was mandatory. Once they were hired, there were even more rules, some of them sounding very bewildering with today's standards, such as they had to raise their hand to ask permission of their supervisor before sneezing.

Hannah has always been one that has found it hard to follow the rules, so the training and the job are a challenge to her, especially when she has to use her knowledge from her time in law school to help a male friend who is in jail. She also attracts the attention of a young lawyer, Lincoln Cole, who feels very bad after he has to deliver the eviction notice from their family home when the money her parents left Hannah and her sisters has run out and she can longer pay the mortgage. Wanting to try to make it up to Hannah, he offers to help her friend pro bono. As much as Hannah wants to help her friend, she could lose her chance at a job as an operator if she is seen in the company of these two gentlemen.

I really enjoyed this story, especially the history of the telephone operators. The author did a great job of blending a lot of historical facts about them, and other things that were going on at that time, so that they felt like a part of the story, and not history lesson. I am looking forward to the next book in this series, which will be about Charlotte and published next year. ( )

WHEN LOVE CALLS by Lorna Seilstad is a wonderful inspirational historical romance set in 1908 Des Moines,Iowa. #1 in "The Gregory Sisters",and what a beginning to a new series by this author. A sweet story of family,faith,secrets,healing,mystery,forgiveness and the power of love. Hannah Gregory,the eldest Gregory sister,and who is royal,feisty and resilient to a fault. And Lincoln Cole,a young lawyer. Follow,these two young people plus a cast of characters who are not only engaging but will steal your heart as they navigate their way through hardships,struggles,life,and romance. Hannah becomes a Switchboard operator to help support your younger teenage sisters,but she dreams of being an attorney. Lincoln is a senator's son who finds Hannah and her troubles right up his alley. A heart warming story of the 1900's during which there are many changes and companionship turns to a sweet romance. Ms. Seilstad is a wonderful storyteller who draws the reader into her stories and holds them there. She also has a powerful message in her stories. A charming and unforgettable love story. I would recommend this title,especially, if you enjoy twentieth century history,charming characters,and a powerful story. Received for an honest review from the publisher.

“Available May 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: SWEET
REVIEWED BY: AprilR,Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More ( )