What do you think?
Rate this book
Forever and Forever: The Courtship of Henry Longfellow and Fanny Appleton
A Proper Historical Romance series
The first book in a new series which will focus on the lives of real historical figures who have intriguing stories of courtship that are recreated in fictionalized accounts based on real biographical and social history research.
It's 1836, and nineteen-year-old Fanny Appleton, a privileged daughter of a wealthy, upper-class Boston industrialist, is touring Europe with her family. Like many girls of her day, she enjoys the fine clothes, food, and company of the elite social circles. But unlike her peers, Fanny is also drawn to education, literature, and more intellectual pursuits.
Published author and poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is also touring Europe, but under much different circumstances. Widowed while on tour, he has stayed in order to gather credentials that he hopes will secure his professorship at Harvard College. When Henry meets Fanny, he sees in her a kindred spirit, a lover of language and literature and high ideals. He is in love. Fanny, however, is uncertain. He is ten years older than she is, and from a much lower social class. How could such a relationship ever thrive?
Could a book of Henry’s poetry, personally delivered, persuade Fanny to believe in a love that lasts forever and forever?
The first book in a new series which will focus on the lives of real historical figures who have intriguing stories of courtship that are recreated in fictionalized accounts based on real biographical and social history research.
It's 1836, and nineteen-year-old Fanny Appleton, a privileged daughter of a wealthy, upper-class Boston industrialist, is touring Europe with her family. Like many girls of her day, she enjoys the fine clothes, food, and company of the elite social circles. But unlike her peers, Fanny is also drawn to education, literature, and more intellectual pursuits.
Published author and poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is also touring Europe, but under much different circumstances. Widowed while on tour, he has stayed in order to gather credentials that he hopes will secure his professorship at Harvard College. When Henry meets Fanny, he sees in her a kindred spirit, a lover of language and literature and high ideals. He is in love. Fanny, however, is uncertain. He is ten years older than she is, and from a much lower social class. How could such a relationship ever thrive?
Could a book of Henry’s poetry, personally delivered, persuade Fanny to believe in a love that lasts forever and forever?
336 pages, Paperback
First published April 5, 2016
55 people are currently reading
2099 people want to read
About the author
Josi S. Kilpack
82 books2,047 followers I wrote my first book while on bed rest with my third child in 1998 and haven't stopped. My most recent books have been Historical Romance through the Proper Romance line with Shadow Mountain Publishing.
I currently live in Willard, Utah with my husband, and children.
I currently live in Willard, Utah with my husband, and children.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 379 reviews
April 4, 2016
The love shared by Henry Longfellow for his wife Fanny Appleton is legendary. We all know the story of her tragic death and the pain he experienced at her loss. We know how his grief inspired him to pen the poem that eventually became the beloved Christmas hymn "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day." Because I knew and loved this story, I had to pick up and read Forever and Forever by Josi S. Kilpack. I rarely read romance novels of any variety and if I do, it's generally because someone picked it for my local book club. However, perhaps because of the historical nature of Forever and Forever since it is based on real historical figures that I admire, I enjoyed the novel.
Henry Longfellow was still grieving the death of his first wife, when he first met the eighteen year old Fanny Appleton during their tours of Europe. Henry admired her intellect and her interest in literature. He couldn't get enough of the girl. Fanny was less sure of her new suitor. He was a bit awkward; older and certainly not of the same social class. Their courtship is long and unusual and I really enjoyed reading about how the two finally came together in a mutually loving and committed relationship that would transcend time.
This is the first time I've read a novel by Kilpack and I was impressed by how she paid homage to these inspiring people. Well researched, she is faithful to their story and legacy. I appreciate that she included chapter notes at the end of the book. I must admit that I found some sections and dialogue lengthy and unnecessary to the advancement of the story. Overall, I enjoyed the novel. I liked the characterization and how Kilpack successfully shows the maturing and growth of her characters. Forever and Forever is definitely a novel I would recommend, especially to those who appreciate an enduring and realistic love story.
Henry Longfellow was still grieving the death of his first wife, when he first met the eighteen year old Fanny Appleton during their tours of Europe. Henry admired her intellect and her interest in literature. He couldn't get enough of the girl. Fanny was less sure of her new suitor. He was a bit awkward; older and certainly not of the same social class. Their courtship is long and unusual and I really enjoyed reading about how the two finally came together in a mutually loving and committed relationship that would transcend time.
This is the first time I've read a novel by Kilpack and I was impressed by how she paid homage to these inspiring people. Well researched, she is faithful to their story and legacy. I appreciate that she included chapter notes at the end of the book. I must admit that I found some sections and dialogue lengthy and unnecessary to the advancement of the story. Overall, I enjoyed the novel. I liked the characterization and how Kilpack successfully shows the maturing and growth of her characters. Forever and Forever is definitely a novel I would recommend, especially to those who appreciate an enduring and realistic love story.
April 6, 2016
***4.5 stars***
The courtship of Henry Longefellow and Fanny Appleton wasn't on my radar before this book. I wasn't even mildly curious. I wanted to read this book first, because it was written by Josi Kilpack, and second, because it is in the Proper Romance Line from Shadow Mountain. I know that I will have a quality reading experience because of the two things listed above.
The book in many ways seemed poetic to me. Maybe it was the subject matter, the setting, or the time period. I feel that Josi Kilpack captured the essence of the characters and time period. Her descriptions brought the book to life for me and I felt invested in the story and characters.
This is a slow moving romance. The book covers seven years of unrequited love. It illustrates how deeply Henry Longfellow felt about things that he was able to hold on for that long. I appreciated learning that he had progressive ideas about education and women. He was ahead of his time. I think he is a person in history that I would love to sit down with and talk about the world and his views. I hate to admit that I haven't read his books or poetry, they are now going on my list to read sometime in the future.
Fanny was also a passionate woman. She had deeply held beliefs and ideas. She was the perfect match for Henry, it just took her a LONG time to figure it out. Her journey kept me reading as she learned to trust her head and heart. The couple had many setbacks and heartbreaks to overcome as they grew into people who could appreciate each other.
This is an excellent book that is well written. I hope that there will be more books to this line that will connect me with places and people in time that I know little to nothing about. I am grateful for the research that made this historical fiction as authentic as possible. It was well worth the time reading.
The courtship of Henry Longefellow and Fanny Appleton wasn't on my radar before this book. I wasn't even mildly curious. I wanted to read this book first, because it was written by Josi Kilpack, and second, because it is in the Proper Romance Line from Shadow Mountain. I know that I will have a quality reading experience because of the two things listed above.
The book in many ways seemed poetic to me. Maybe it was the subject matter, the setting, or the time period. I feel that Josi Kilpack captured the essence of the characters and time period. Her descriptions brought the book to life for me and I felt invested in the story and characters.
This is a slow moving romance. The book covers seven years of unrequited love. It illustrates how deeply Henry Longfellow felt about things that he was able to hold on for that long. I appreciated learning that he had progressive ideas about education and women. He was ahead of his time. I think he is a person in history that I would love to sit down with and talk about the world and his views. I hate to admit that I haven't read his books or poetry, they are now going on my list to read sometime in the future.
Fanny was also a passionate woman. She had deeply held beliefs and ideas. She was the perfect match for Henry, it just took her a LONG time to figure it out. Her journey kept me reading as she learned to trust her head and heart. The couple had many setbacks and heartbreaks to overcome as they grew into people who could appreciate each other.
This is an excellent book that is well written. I hope that there will be more books to this line that will connect me with places and people in time that I know little to nothing about. I am grateful for the research that made this historical fiction as authentic as possible. It was well worth the time reading.
April 7, 2016
FOREVER AND FOREVER was historically rich, bittersweet, and deeply romantic. Enjoyable from beginning to end with relateable characters, realistic and heartfelt experiences, and fantastic writing. A truly superb read! To be highly recommended to book clubs, general women's fiction, romance, and inspirational romance readers.
This story was just so good. I don't know that I can really give it credit. I will say that it will make my top reads for 2016, if not the top read. I loved the historical context and that it was based on a true love story. I loved how well the author mixed fiction with fact. What an undertaking as an author to take on this historical story and she did it so marvelously well! This story made me laugh, cry, and swoon. I loved the chapter notes at the end, which brought a few more tears.
It wasn't your usual romance. It wasn't light and flirty with some trivial thing or two that stands in the way of love. It had much more depth than that. It read more like women's fiction and an introspective read as six years or so of these two characters' lives are told. Plus there was the addition of complex family relationships and loss. It was poignant and heartfelt. It also gave a realistic view on the period, on medical and intellectual challenges, and on society and its classes or expectations. It would make for a good discussion on several points. A meaningful, beautiful, and heartfelt read.
Content: Clean
Source: Received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not affect my review in any way.
This story was just so good. I don't know that I can really give it credit. I will say that it will make my top reads for 2016, if not the top read. I loved the historical context and that it was based on a true love story. I loved how well the author mixed fiction with fact. What an undertaking as an author to take on this historical story and she did it so marvelously well! This story made me laugh, cry, and swoon. I loved the chapter notes at the end, which brought a few more tears.
It wasn't your usual romance. It wasn't light and flirty with some trivial thing or two that stands in the way of love. It had much more depth than that. It read more like women's fiction and an introspective read as six years or so of these two characters' lives are told. Plus there was the addition of complex family relationships and loss. It was poignant and heartfelt. It also gave a realistic view on the period, on medical and intellectual challenges, and on society and its classes or expectations. It would make for a good discussion on several points. A meaningful, beautiful, and heartfelt read.
Content: Clean
Source: Received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not affect my review in any way.
March 30, 2016
I've never really wondered about the love life of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and this story was very heart-wrenching and intriguing. Times were different in the 1840s and a ten year age gap, with Henry being a widower at his first meeting with Fanny, was enough of a different to put Fanny off for awhile. Some women take awhile to woo and Henry was smitten almost immediately and was persistent and devoted enough to continue on, no matter how discouraged he felt.
I love historical novels because I get a good feel for the character, yet some license is used to fill in the blanks of how the story might have gone and it really makes the characters come alive, as they once were. Instead of just being a vague story, I feel apart of their lives, as a friend or acquaintance, watching things unfold. I loved learning more about the times, the social customs, and life in Boston and Europe at this time.
This story and the background to Henry and Fanny's romance helped his poetry and words really have more meaning, as I understood the context a lot better. Ms. Kilpack did a fantastic job with the research needed to develop these characters and tell their story. The Afterword had me in tears, as I came to learn what happened. This is a story that will stay with me for awhile.
Content: mild romance. Clean!
*I received a copy through the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
I love historical novels because I get a good feel for the character, yet some license is used to fill in the blanks of how the story might have gone and it really makes the characters come alive, as they once were. Instead of just being a vague story, I feel apart of their lives, as a friend or acquaintance, watching things unfold. I loved learning more about the times, the social customs, and life in Boston and Europe at this time.
This story and the background to Henry and Fanny's romance helped his poetry and words really have more meaning, as I understood the context a lot better. Ms. Kilpack did a fantastic job with the research needed to develop these characters and tell their story. The Afterword had me in tears, as I came to learn what happened. This is a story that will stay with me for awhile.
Content: mild romance. Clean!
*I received a copy through the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
February 21, 2018
This was my third novel in Josi Kilpacks historical proper romance collection and I really enjoyed it. Another neat love story about a literary couple.
The scope of this novel is impressive. It takes place over the course of 7 years but still flows well. I admired the ways Henry and Fanny changed, forgave, overcame devastating loss and turned to God. I love the romantic climax of the novel. Theirs is really a beautiful love story.
I am also inspired to read more poetry by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The verses quoted were beautiful and passionate. Definitely want to read more from him!
The scope of this novel is impressive. It takes place over the course of 7 years but still flows well. I admired the ways Henry and Fanny changed, forgave, overcame devastating loss and turned to God. I love the romantic climax of the novel. Theirs is really a beautiful love story.
I am also inspired to read more poetry by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The verses quoted were beautiful and passionate. Definitely want to read more from him!
July 20, 2016
I loved learning about Fanny and Henry Longfellow's courtship, but the pacing was really off for me. With a 7-year (one-sided!) romance, I'm not sure what the author might have done differently, but there were a few YEARS where they hardly talked, so it killed the momentum of the story. The author could have easily shaved 80 pages off of this without losing anything. But I actually would have loved more background on Fanny to explain some of her reticence. I did appreciate Kilpack's attempts to stick to the facts, as much as possible, and maybe Fanny never gave hints about why she had such a swift change of heart in the end. 5 stars for the cover, the historical notes at the end, and the sweetness of this real-life love story. Walking across "Longfellow's Bridge" has been added to my bucket list!
April 24, 2017
I could not put this book down. I have been a fan of Josi Kilpack's work for years. I think this is her best. The story of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Fanny Appleton is a beautiful story, and it comes to life in Forever and Forever. I appreciated the research that went into the telling of the story that made it so real, as well as the emotion behind it. I could feel the nervousness, the tension, the anger and the love. I highly recommend this book.
September 24, 2016
This one moved along a little slowly for me but I enjoyed it okay. It was interesting to learn facts among the fiction about this couple in history. A fun insight.
December 30, 2017
This was based on a true story about Henry Longfellow and Fanny Appleton. It spanned from their meeting to their marriage. I liked how the author explains after the story which parts were true, and where she had to fill in the gaps with her imagination. However, I felt like the story lacked a lot of substance. I also found it heartbreaking how he pined over her for years and years until she finally returned his love. How awful for him!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2016
Loved this book. It's everything I love in a story--history & romance & a great setting. Henry and Fanny didn't have the typical courtship, and I loved watching their relationship unfold, but most of all I loved learning more about mid-1800s America and all of the political and cultural changes going on. A great read to immerse yourself in this summer!
July 4, 2018
Fanny Appleton, her sister and her brother, along with their father, are on a grand European tour to help distract them from their grief after losing most of their family to an epidemic. While in Switzerland, they meet a fellow American, Henry Longfellow, and he quickly becomes a friend of the family. From the start, however, Fanny feels a special connection with the young widower, but feels that his station in life and previous marriage make it so that she cannot allow her feelings to progress.
Henry, on the other hand, feels live and happy for the first time since the death of his wife, and has fallen in love with Fanny. But with her rejection, comes a darkness he cannot lift. But life continues to throw the two of them into each other's paths, and either Henry must learn to live without her, or she must finally soften her hardened heart.
I loved this story, and although my heart ached for them at times, it was wonderful to see it all come full circle, and although it was not all historically accurate, I loved getting to know the story of their romance. (And the endnotes for each chapter are amazing, letting you know fact and fiction.)
Henry, on the other hand, feels live and happy for the first time since the death of his wife, and has fallen in love with Fanny. But with her rejection, comes a darkness he cannot lift. But life continues to throw the two of them into each other's paths, and either Henry must learn to live without her, or she must finally soften her hardened heart.
I loved this story, and although my heart ached for them at times, it was wonderful to see it all come full circle, and although it was not all historically accurate, I loved getting to know the story of their romance. (And the endnotes for each chapter are amazing, letting you know fact and fiction.)
May 15, 2019
I feel that the author did very well with this novelization of a historic couple considering what she had to work with. I can imagine it must have been hard to take a 7-year “courtship” (if one can even call it that) and make it flow nicely. It seems she did her research. She has notes in the back stating some of what she learned and where she had to take license in filling in gaps. It appears that she got the essence and personality of these historic characters down very well.
I enjoyed the story. The plot is very slow, not much you can do to quicken the pace of a 7-year time period. I really liked Fanny’s change of heart and wish that more time could have been spent on that. So much of the novel is spent on her irritation and stubbornness. We get it already! It’s adequate the way it is, but it would have been nice to see a little more balance. As this was one of those things where license had to be taken, though, it’s possible the author didn’t want to make it too detailed.
Overall an enjoyable story. I knew nothing about Henry Longfellow going into this. It was great to learn more about him.
3.5 stars
I enjoyed the story. The plot is very slow, not much you can do to quicken the pace of a 7-year time period. I really liked Fanny’s change of heart and wish that more time could have been spent on that. So much of the novel is spent on her irritation and stubbornness. We get it already! It’s adequate the way it is, but it would have been nice to see a little more balance. As this was one of those things where license had to be taken, though, it’s possible the author didn’t want to make it too detailed.
Overall an enjoyable story. I knew nothing about Henry Longfellow going into this. It was great to learn more about him.
3.5 stars
February 21, 2017
Beautiful book! This isn't an action-packed, heart-pounding kind of story. It is steady and real, the language elevated and inspiring. I have loved Longfellow's writings since college and I loved getting to know him and Fanny better. Such amazing people with a sweet love story. If you struggle with the pacing, just remember that this is a seven-year-long courtship and rushing it wouldn't work nor do the story justice. The last third of the book makes it all worth it. Just beautiful.
February 6, 2017
I know a few things about Longfellow and Fanny Appleton, which made me like this historical fiction even more. I've always known the story of "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" and sung it often, but knowing more about the romance between Henry Longfellow and Fanny Appleton give much more poignancy to the motivation for Longfellow's lyrics. And then, when my husband had a job assignment in Boston, each Sunday when he went to church he would pass by the Longfellow House. When I came to visit him, he'd point it out to me, that lovely bright yellow building. And didn't we all read "The Song of Hiawatha" and "Paul Revere's Ride" in school? Forever and Forever, which is a line from one of his poems, is the story of Longfellow's long courtship of Fanny. Since he first fell in love with her on a European tour, he had loved her, forever and forever, despite her coldness and rejection of his affections. The story line moves slowly, no great events like the Titanic sinking, or the strife of a war, or murders to solve. It's just a well-written and well-researched love story. Longfellow's passionate beliefs about improving education for men and for women, his views on abolition, his feeling that learning languages has great benefits (he could fluently speak seven) are mentioned in the book but are only part of drawing his character; the plot really focuses on their relationship. I was especially appreciative of Kilpack's notes at the end of the book to "break down what I knew to be true and what I admit to being fictional."
May 4, 2016
Forever and Forever is another win for this talented author. First of all, I will read anything Josi writes. I know her books will be well-written, clean, with amazing characters and a fantastic story. I really enjoyed Josi's take on Henry and Fanny's life. I was impressed with her research (as always) and the engaging characters. One of my favorite scenes with Fanny and Henry was when Henry was telling Fanny his take on education for women. I enjoyed their interaction. I felt the pacing was just right throughout and I appreciated the development of their relationship. I laughed, cried, smiled a lot and wanted more at the end. I'd say, this book was pretty much perfect.
5 out of 5 stars. This book is an introduction to a new line from Shadow Mountain for historical fiction and I can't wait to see what is next.
I received a paperback copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
5 out of 5 stars. This book is an introduction to a new line from Shadow Mountain for historical fiction and I can't wait to see what is next.
I received a paperback copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 17, 2016
I found this book to be a wonderful insight into these two people. I love how Josi took factual information on both Henry and Fanny and their lives, and relationship and told their story. She filled in the gaps with a heartfelt story, helping us to get to know the characters individually, as well as how their love story unfolded. It also gave me a new appreciation for Longfellow's poetry and also made me see it through 'new eyes'. I highly recommend this book! LOVED IT!
December 11, 2025
The course of true love ne'er did run smooth, as the Bard writes. Exhibit A: Widower Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, beginning to emerge from the death of his first wife Mary during their European Grand Tour, encounters the family of Nathan Appleton, a prosperous New England textile merchant, and is drawn to his younger daughter Frances ('Fanny' to her friends and family). The attraction seems apparent to all...except Fanny herself, who, when she realizes she is being wooed, informs Longfellow that she could never marry him: he is ten years older than she, he is a widower, he is not a member of their social circle, and he is unable to provide for her in the manner to which her father's wealth has entitled her. He is crushed, but never quite extinguishes hope that he might eventually win her. But will he? Can he? -- This is a lovely novel about love and steadfastness, of loss and self-discovery. Some of the scenes (between Longfellow and his dying landlady, between Fanny and Henry when they finally accept each other) are beautifully written and deeply moving. -- The novel ends before their marriage, though an afterword relates their happy marriage, their children, Fanny's death in a tragic accident. The author helpfully spells out on how thin an historical frame she spun her tale. It's a remarkable story, well-told, and is highly recommended!
March 12, 2018
I have read several other books by this authoress, and have really liked her books. Two of my Book Club buddies said they thought this romance was slow and not as engaging as others they have read. (The least of their favorite by Josi Kilpack.) Then I had the opportunity to hear Josi speak at the local library, Thanks Cara. It was great to hear her describe how she came to write her novels. She wrote 2 true romance novels, then was asked by her publisher to try a Historical Romance. She described the process/research she went through preparing to write this book. It was so interesting, I had to start reading it. (My book club buddies admitted that if they had known this book as a historical romance prior to reading this, they probably would have liked it better.) I LOVE Historical Fiction so this book was right up my alley. Excited to Read Lady of the Lakes.
June 11, 2019
When I finished this book, I spent a half hour on google looking up photos and articles about Fanny, Henry, and their children, their house, and Longfellow’s various books. I love when fiction sparks an interest in history, as this did. This love story was different than many, because it took so long for the romantic feelings to be mutual. Fanny and Henry were both fleshed out well as characters- I wanted them to be happy, and was interested to see how everything would come together. I liked that the author stuck to events and plot points that furthered the story, so that I wasn’t left wondering when I would next see one of the main characters (there is a lot of traveling and time covered from the beginning of the story to the end). I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys clean romances!
October 8, 2017
I picked this up at the Longfellow House Museum in Portland, ME this summer when we were there on vacation. It looked like a fun, fictional romance based on Longfellow's life and it was, but it was more than that. The footnotes and the way she wove true events with fiction really made Longfellow come alive to me in a way that dry non-fictional biographies had not. Most of those focus on the basics of Henry's life and writings, but this was all romance, and it was fun. I'm not saying it was great literature, but it was nice. I feel like I know Henry and Fanny and will love them both always. I now need to return to Boston to see their home, which I missed last time we were there.
August 22, 2021
After reading this book, I have a strong interest in reading Longfellow’s works and seeing his life’s story reflected in them. The book itself was okay. I didn’t rip through it like I thought I would. Some of the author’s notes at the end about facts and fiction she weaved together were my favorite part of the whole thing. They helped show how tender Fanny and Longfellow’s love and marriage turned out to be. A sweet story overall.
December 25, 2024
A fabulous story! Beautiful and so engaging. One of pain, joy, growth, love and turning to God for healing and understanding. Such a cool and before unknown account of these real individuals- the end of the book is amazing in breaking down what is truth and fiction! I always love to look that up after historical fiction books and I am thrilled the author gave us that bonus help.
December 28, 2017
I was intrigued by the idea of this story. Longfellow was known for having a beautiful relationship with his wife. I think the book is pretty true to their story. The book ends with a lot of chapter notes, so it seems to be well researched. Unfortunately the story of their beginning is kind of long and drawn out. There are long periods of time where they didn't see each other and not a lot is going on, but I'm not sure there's much the author could have done differently about that.
March 18, 2017
I loved this story!! Beware it is a little slow paced but I didn't mind so much--I think listening to it helped instead of reading. I think Josi S. Kilpack did an amazing job. Looking for her next one "The Lady of the Lakes".
4.5
4.5
January 8, 2017
I really, really enjoyed this book. It had so many things that I love: historical setting (1800's America and Europe), real historical people, and a good (clean) romance. Throw in the fact that the main character is an author and a poet, and you have the recipe for a GREAT read in my opinion. I knew nothing about the romance of Henry W. Longfellow and Fanny so it was all new to me. The characters were delightful, the story well told, and the ending was well done. There were a few things that seemed glossed over or not told well enough, so it wasn't quite 5 stars, but I still give it 2 thumbs up. I also appreciated all the historical data in the back. It told the reader what was real and what was fictional, it gave a timeline of their life, and even told the "what happened later" part of their lives. Well done!
March 13, 2017
I enjoyed reading this and learning a little about Henry Longfellow and Fanny Appleton's relationship, but it was a little light on the history for me. The author definitely embellished certain aspects and it felt a little over simplified.
June 27, 2016
In a letter Henry wrote to Fanny's sister following Fanny's death he said about her - "I never looked at her without a thrill of pleasure; she never came into a room where I was without my heart beating quicker, nor went out without my feeling that something of the light went with her."
Such a beautifully written story about a famous couple and their love for each other. It wasn't a love that was instant and easy to come to. It took time and persistence and hope and patience. There was heartache and anger and sorrow involved. Yet in the end, hearts were touched and changed, misperceptions became clear and resolved and allowed for an amazing love to bloom, grow and influence many.
I loved this story. Seven years. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow waited seven years for Fanny Appleton to come to love him. He met her at a very poignant and dark moment in his life. She was vibrant and smart and a light to him in his darkness. Yet she was full of sorrow from loss of loved ones and change in her life, which she allowed to blind her to many good and wonderful things around her. She wasn't ready for the love Henry had to offer her or his attentions. She allowed her frustrations to cloud what she saw and perceived, which was a big stumbling block to both of them.
Henry allowed hope to guide him and to keep his flame of love burning for Fanny. Sometimes it was a sputtering flame and other times it was roaring with life. Sometimes he was so heartsick that he was unable to function and would delve again into a depression. Eventually he realized she would never return his love and he needed to purge this love from himself. He left and came back better and believing he could survive without her.
It was so beautifully written. I keep saying that but it really was. I loved reading from both of their perspectives. I loved reading those poignant moments that each of them had. Especially Fanny. She had many moments of anger and frustration towards Henry, yet there were moments when her anger faded and she was able to look at the situation for what it actually was and not what her moment of emotions dictated it as. I find that interesting because in my life and in many of yours I'm sure we do the same thing. Instead of allowing emotions to guide us and see something for what it truly is, we jump to conclusions and allow hurt and anger to rule us. If we could let those emotions run their course(hopefully a short course) and then truly look at the situation I think life would have less moments of anger towards others and our relationships would be better. (Do my ramblings make sense? I hope so).
I wanted to share part of the poem "The Bridge" that the author includes in the novel. The poetry of Longfellow that she used were great. I loved them and it had me wanting to go back and study his poetry again. It's been years and years since I've read anything of his but I have always enjoyed his poetry and have thought I would like to try his fiction as well.
And forever and forever,
As long as the river flows,
As long as the heart has passions,
As long as life has woes;
The moon and its broken reflection
And its shadows shall appear,
As the symbol of love in heaven,
And its wavering image here.
Beautiful and very touching.
If you enjoy historical fiction, especially about a relationship growing and blooming and the ups and downs and a happily ever after I highly recommend this one. I would recommend for YA and up, age wise. Beautiful clean read with no language or sex.
Happy Reading!!!
Such a beautifully written story about a famous couple and their love for each other. It wasn't a love that was instant and easy to come to. It took time and persistence and hope and patience. There was heartache and anger and sorrow involved. Yet in the end, hearts were touched and changed, misperceptions became clear and resolved and allowed for an amazing love to bloom, grow and influence many.
I loved this story. Seven years. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow waited seven years for Fanny Appleton to come to love him. He met her at a very poignant and dark moment in his life. She was vibrant and smart and a light to him in his darkness. Yet she was full of sorrow from loss of loved ones and change in her life, which she allowed to blind her to many good and wonderful things around her. She wasn't ready for the love Henry had to offer her or his attentions. She allowed her frustrations to cloud what she saw and perceived, which was a big stumbling block to both of them.
Henry allowed hope to guide him and to keep his flame of love burning for Fanny. Sometimes it was a sputtering flame and other times it was roaring with life. Sometimes he was so heartsick that he was unable to function and would delve again into a depression. Eventually he realized she would never return his love and he needed to purge this love from himself. He left and came back better and believing he could survive without her.
It was so beautifully written. I keep saying that but it really was. I loved reading from both of their perspectives. I loved reading those poignant moments that each of them had. Especially Fanny. She had many moments of anger and frustration towards Henry, yet there were moments when her anger faded and she was able to look at the situation for what it actually was and not what her moment of emotions dictated it as. I find that interesting because in my life and in many of yours I'm sure we do the same thing. Instead of allowing emotions to guide us and see something for what it truly is, we jump to conclusions and allow hurt and anger to rule us. If we could let those emotions run their course(hopefully a short course) and then truly look at the situation I think life would have less moments of anger towards others and our relationships would be better. (Do my ramblings make sense? I hope so).
I wanted to share part of the poem "The Bridge" that the author includes in the novel. The poetry of Longfellow that she used were great. I loved them and it had me wanting to go back and study his poetry again. It's been years and years since I've read anything of his but I have always enjoyed his poetry and have thought I would like to try his fiction as well.
And forever and forever,
As long as the river flows,
As long as the heart has passions,
As long as life has woes;
The moon and its broken reflection
And its shadows shall appear,
As the symbol of love in heaven,
And its wavering image here.
Beautiful and very touching.
If you enjoy historical fiction, especially about a relationship growing and blooming and the ups and downs and a happily ever after I highly recommend this one. I would recommend for YA and up, age wise. Beautiful clean read with no language or sex.
Happy Reading!!!
June 17, 2016
While Fanny Appleton is on her Grand Tour with her father, older sister and beloved cousin, she makes the acquaintance of Henry Longfellow, a poor professor and writer. Though she liked his book, Fanny isn't so sure she likes the man. She does like the way he looks at her and notices her as no one else has ever done. He has some radical views on slavery and women's education that interest Fanny but he is so poor, and a grieving widower. Fanny longs for romance and to be someone's one and only true love. She wants to go to parties and dances and have fun befitting her youth, but Mr. Longfellow does make her think. Henry Longfellow is on his second tour of Europe before starting his professorship at Harvard. He hopes to turn the institution around with his teaching of modern languages as well as continue to write. He feels lost and lonely without his wife but when he meets Fanny, she makes him feel alive once more. She's so passionate about learning and literature, but she is also so young and has experienced so much loss. Should he tell her of his feelings or try to move on? How could someone as young, wealthy and intelligent as Miss Fanny ever want to marry an old man like him?
This is a very very slow story. It took me forever to read it because nothing really happened. There's a lot of dialogue about literature and language, which I liked, but a lot of nothing which I did not like. There's some Christian content towards the end where Fanny becomes introspective with the help of her stepmother. I'm not sure this is specifically meant to be a Christian book but it seemed like it could be.
Fanny is not an appealing person. She's spoiled, selfish and really really nasty to poor Henry for most of the book. Henry has the sensitive soul of a poet; he's romantic and worships Fanny. Any woman would swoon to have him in love with her and Fanny doesn't appreciate him. I tried to make allowances for her age and her sorrows but she didn't improve much as she got older. I found myself uninterested in her and thinking Henry could do better.
I liked the author's notes on each chapter. As a New Englander, I can't help but be familiar with the famous poet (I was born on the day after the anniversary of Paul Revere's ride "that famous date and year" and I'm told I've been to the Wayside) but I didn't really know much about his personal life. I was more interested in the historical notes and the author's sources than the actual story.
This is a very very slow story. It took me forever to read it because nothing really happened. There's a lot of dialogue about literature and language, which I liked, but a lot of nothing which I did not like. There's some Christian content towards the end where Fanny becomes introspective with the help of her stepmother. I'm not sure this is specifically meant to be a Christian book but it seemed like it could be.
Fanny is not an appealing person. She's spoiled, selfish and really really nasty to poor Henry for most of the book. Henry has the sensitive soul of a poet; he's romantic and worships Fanny. Any woman would swoon to have him in love with her and Fanny doesn't appreciate him. I tried to make allowances for her age and her sorrows but she didn't improve much as she got older. I found myself uninterested in her and thinking Henry could do better.
I liked the author's notes on each chapter. As a New Englander, I can't help but be familiar with the famous poet (I was born on the day after the anniversary of Paul Revere's ride "that famous date and year" and I'm told I've been to the Wayside) but I didn't really know much about his personal life. I was more interested in the historical notes and the author's sources than the actual story.
April 27, 2016
I'm excited for this new series which will focus on the courtships of real historical figures! This book is about Henry Longfellow and Fanny Appleton. I knew nothing about their story before I started reading it and found it intriguing. When they first met, Fanny was young (19) and Henry was ten years older than her. Henry fell in love with Fanny right away, but she didn't return his feelings.
Henry was easy to fall in love with because he wore his heart on his sleeve and was genuine. When he first met the Appleton's, he was healing from a recent tragedy in his life and meeting Fanny gave him motivation to start living again. Fanny was a bit of a snob and wasn't interested in Henry romantically. I did like that, when she realized he was starting to get ideas she wasn't comfortable with, she let him down rather than string him along. It took her quite a few years to warm up to him. She was young when they first met and I liked the growth the author showed in her over the years, even though some of it is fictional.
I liked that the author included Chapter Notes at the end where she included what was fact and what she took creative license on to create a fluid story. She also gave a brief overview of their life after the book ended. This book is well researched and I felt like I really got to know the characters. I did enjoy it but there were parts that moved a bit too slowly for me and I was able to put it down for a while before picking it up again. I'm looking forward to the next story in this series!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
Henry was easy to fall in love with because he wore his heart on his sleeve and was genuine. When he first met the Appleton's, he was healing from a recent tragedy in his life and meeting Fanny gave him motivation to start living again. Fanny was a bit of a snob and wasn't interested in Henry romantically. I did like that, when she realized he was starting to get ideas she wasn't comfortable with, she let him down rather than string him along. It took her quite a few years to warm up to him. She was young when they first met and I liked the growth the author showed in her over the years, even though some of it is fictional.
I liked that the author included Chapter Notes at the end where she included what was fact and what she took creative license on to create a fluid story. She also gave a brief overview of their life after the book ended. This book is well researched and I felt like I really got to know the characters. I did enjoy it but there were parts that moved a bit too slowly for me and I was able to put it down for a while before picking it up again. I'm looking forward to the next story in this series!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
April 5, 2016
We LOVE Proper Romances in this house. When the opportunity came up to review the new ones coming up this year I jumped at it. These books just make me happy.....Well, in this case a little frustrating ;).
This was such a beautiful book. The writing is lovely, and Kilpack put me right into the book. The settings are amazing, and I felt like I got to know the characters on a personal level.
The story of Henry and Fanny's courtships spans over 7 years. Yes, seven, frustrating years ;).
I loved Henry from the moment he entered the story. He is kind, passionate about his work, and so very sweet. He was morning the loss of his wife while they were on holiday promoting his book.
He meets the Appleton's and let's just say the rest is history. Just a loooong history ;).
I have to admit this story frustrated the heck out of me at times. I couldn't help but think of Fanny as a spoiled, rich, brat. She made me so angry sometimes. She had such a kind, loving, heart, that her reactions to some people just made me want to slap her...hehe
Henry on the other hand frustrated me in other ways. I loved him, but his pining made me want to slap him as well. I love it when an author provokes such emotions in me. It makes the book that much more wonderful.
If you like love stories, then you will enjoy this one. All the Proper Romances are great! This is such a great addition to the series.... The time line at the end of the book is fantastic as well!
All in all this story was beyond fantastic! Pick it up, you won't regret it!!
This was such a beautiful book. The writing is lovely, and Kilpack put me right into the book. The settings are amazing, and I felt like I got to know the characters on a personal level.
The story of Henry and Fanny's courtships spans over 7 years. Yes, seven, frustrating years ;).
I loved Henry from the moment he entered the story. He is kind, passionate about his work, and so very sweet. He was morning the loss of his wife while they were on holiday promoting his book.
He meets the Appleton's and let's just say the rest is history. Just a loooong history ;).
I have to admit this story frustrated the heck out of me at times. I couldn't help but think of Fanny as a spoiled, rich, brat. She made me so angry sometimes. She had such a kind, loving, heart, that her reactions to some people just made me want to slap her...hehe
Henry on the other hand frustrated me in other ways. I loved him, but his pining made me want to slap him as well. I love it when an author provokes such emotions in me. It makes the book that much more wonderful.
If you like love stories, then you will enjoy this one. All the Proper Romances are great! This is such a great addition to the series.... The time line at the end of the book is fantastic as well!
All in all this story was beyond fantastic! Pick it up, you won't regret it!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 379 reviews