Reviewing: Line by LIne by Jennifer Delamere

...from the publisher...

Alice McNeil resolved at a young age to travel through life unencumbered by love or marriage, free to make her own decisions. A seasoned telegrapher, she's recently acquired a coveted position at an important trading firm, but when the company's ambitious junior director returns to London, things begin to change in ways Alice could never have imagined.

For Douglas Shaw, years of hard work and ingenuity enabled him to escape a life of grinding poverty. He's also determined to marry into high society--a step that will ensure he never returns to the conditions of his past.

He and Alice form a friendly relationship based on mutual respect, but anything deeper is not in their plans. However, when Alice accidentally raises the ire of a jealous and vindictive coworker who's intent on ruining her life, Alice and Douglas are forced to confront what is truly important in their lives. Will their growing bond give them the courage to risk finding a better way?

 ...my thoughts...

Alice was a true modern woman who thought she could have it all by working at a special career and being fully independent.  All was gong well until she happened on the "spinster book" and began to implement some of the suggestions therein.  Alas, the best laid plans can backfire.  Douglas, too, had a glimpse of the book and began to doubt his goal of marrying well and furthering his career.  The two collided, so to speak and as the story unfolded, this reader began to look at all the players and see just how amusing human nature can be when tampered with in the name of success.  

I enjoyed this book and learned a bit about the early days of the telegraph industry in the bargain.  It seemed to make the world smaller when deals could be struck by the mere stroke of a telegraph key.  Good characters made this book fun to read and although I did shake my head a time or two at the foibles of Alice and Douglas, I can say without spoiling the ending that people often struggle when pursuing the wrong goals.  It is when one leaps out in faith that pieces fall into perspective.   I recommend this book for those who are looking for lighthearted reading!