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Dear Julia
Rosalie Stanton is a city girl who loves parties and ‘fixing’ people. When she finds a long-lost love letter in a house she’s redecorating she sets off on a quest to find its rightful owner.
Commander William Cavendish has lived as a recluse since his return from the Great War. His peaceful existence is shattered by the return of the letter that once held all his hopes — and by its bearer, the irrepressible Rosalie, who bears an uncanny resemblance to his lost love.
Rosalie is just as determined to fix William and re-introduce him into society as he is determined to resist her. They both might have met their match.
Commander William Cavendish has lived as a recluse since his return from the Great War. His peaceful existence is shattered by the return of the letter that once held all his hopes — and by its bearer, the irrepressible Rosalie, who bears an uncanny resemblance to his lost love.
Rosalie is just as determined to fix William and re-introduce him into society as he is determined to resist her. They both might have met their match.
Unknown Binding
First published June 6, 2012
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57 people want to read
About the author
Rae Summers
6 books17 followersRae Summers has always loved stories. It doesn't matter if they're printed on paper, acted out on a movie screen, or simply playing out in her head. These days she even writes them down and shares them with other people. (When she isn't busy playing princesses with her two young daughters, that is.)
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 20, 2012
This review was posted by me to Storm Goddess Reviews several months ago.
Here is a delightful novel that will thrill even the most jaundiced of romance readers, a well-crafted exploration of a man’s deep fears and doubts, and a woman’s ability to lift his sorrow to the realm of joy. The novel is a sure-handed and brilliantly told romance.
“Dear Julia,” Rae Summers’ book begins. In a letter to a young woman named Julia from her mother, we learn that the woman Julia’s one-time admirer William has sailed to the Great War; and she has married someone else and moved to America.
Five years later, in 1920’s England, we meet a woman named Rosalie whose blue eyes, fresh good looks and open personality are very much like the long-departed Julia. She finds an unopened letter containing a ring in the rubble of a mantelpiece being torn apart in her home. Fired by the mystery, she tracks down the writer of the letter inside an envelope that bears one word: “Julia.”
From the moment Rosalie and William meet, the sexual tension begins. He is rude; she is stubborn. He turns his back; she returns the next day. Before long, the two are friends--chess opponents and riding partners. But Rosalie finds herself wanting more, even while planning to find a likely match for him among the village’s unmarried girls. “His gaze prickled her skin in a not entirely unpleasant way”. . . .
And author Summers deftly makes sure that even as William begins to lower his stiff reserve, he raises his shield again. “The knot inside him, already pulled taut from long years of habit, tightened painfully.”
Rosalie’s resemblance to his lost love is the fulcrum on which this book is balanced. Is William attracted to Rosalie because she reminds him of Julia? Will Rosalie herself see that her match-making urge with William is a disguise of her own longing for this handsome, brooding man?
Who seduces whom? You will have to read the book to relish the erotic tautness that builds to a climax as these two people at last come together.
The writing is as airy and bright as Rosalie herself. The characters are drawn with the sure strokes of an accomplished author. The pacing is just right, leading us deeper and deeper into the emotions of two sympathetic people. And the ending is as satisfying as any I’ve read. Dear Julia will wedge itself into your heart.
Here is a delightful novel that will thrill even the most jaundiced of romance readers, a well-crafted exploration of a man’s deep fears and doubts, and a woman’s ability to lift his sorrow to the realm of joy. The novel is a sure-handed and brilliantly told romance.
“Dear Julia,” Rae Summers’ book begins. In a letter to a young woman named Julia from her mother, we learn that the woman Julia’s one-time admirer William has sailed to the Great War; and she has married someone else and moved to America.
Five years later, in 1920’s England, we meet a woman named Rosalie whose blue eyes, fresh good looks and open personality are very much like the long-departed Julia. She finds an unopened letter containing a ring in the rubble of a mantelpiece being torn apart in her home. Fired by the mystery, she tracks down the writer of the letter inside an envelope that bears one word: “Julia.”
From the moment Rosalie and William meet, the sexual tension begins. He is rude; she is stubborn. He turns his back; she returns the next day. Before long, the two are friends--chess opponents and riding partners. But Rosalie finds herself wanting more, even while planning to find a likely match for him among the village’s unmarried girls. “His gaze prickled her skin in a not entirely unpleasant way”. . . .
And author Summers deftly makes sure that even as William begins to lower his stiff reserve, he raises his shield again. “The knot inside him, already pulled taut from long years of habit, tightened painfully.”
Rosalie’s resemblance to his lost love is the fulcrum on which this book is balanced. Is William attracted to Rosalie because she reminds him of Julia? Will Rosalie herself see that her match-making urge with William is a disguise of her own longing for this handsome, brooding man?
Who seduces whom? You will have to read the book to relish the erotic tautness that builds to a climax as these two people at last come together.
The writing is as airy and bright as Rosalie herself. The characters are drawn with the sure strokes of an accomplished author. The pacing is just right, leading us deeper and deeper into the emotions of two sympathetic people. And the ending is as satisfying as any I’ve read. Dear Julia will wedge itself into your heart.
January 18, 2014
Reviewed by Angie
Book provided by the publisher for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Right away you pretty much like Rosalie and her spunky tenacity. Her mother long dead and her father too wrapped up in his writing, Rosalie takes over renovating their newest home and finds a letter to someone who hadn’t opened it, probably because it had fallen behind the mantle. She embarks on a rather quick journey to find the writer and is captivatingly determined to find out what his story is once she finds him.
Rosalie likes fixing things – and people. William doesn’t want to be fixed, but he really doesn’t have much say. He underestimates her one time too many, but is soon just as captivated by her as she is with him.
There are several turns this book could have taken, but I like where it went. I’d love to see a few follow-ups, learn about some of the other characters mentioned as their stories are just begging to be written, and I’d be more than happy to read them!
Book provided by the publisher for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Right away you pretty much like Rosalie and her spunky tenacity. Her mother long dead and her father too wrapped up in his writing, Rosalie takes over renovating their newest home and finds a letter to someone who hadn’t opened it, probably because it had fallen behind the mantle. She embarks on a rather quick journey to find the writer and is captivatingly determined to find out what his story is once she finds him.
Rosalie likes fixing things – and people. William doesn’t want to be fixed, but he really doesn’t have much say. He underestimates her one time too many, but is soon just as captivated by her as she is with him.
There are several turns this book could have taken, but I like where it went. I’d love to see a few follow-ups, learn about some of the other characters mentioned as their stories are just begging to be written, and I’d be more than happy to read them!
November 13, 2015
Dear Julia by Romy Sommer is a historical romance set in the 1920's.
Rosalie and her father are renovating a house in Somerset. Rosalie finds a yellowed envelope behind the mantelpiece, with a ring inside it, and addressed to Julia. Rosalie is determined to find out who the mysterious Julia is, and turns amateur sleuth around the village.
Major William Cavendish is a World War I veteran and a recluse. War has damaged him. See how his path crosses with Rosalie, as she determines to uncover the truth behind the letter.
This is a lively story with a light hearted mood, due to the fun loving character of Rosalie. There is a serious side too, as Romy Sommer reveals the mental and physical scars of war.
I enjoyed the novella very much. A word of caution though... there is one 'adult' scene which I must admit I skipped over as I do not like reading that sort of thing. However it did not spoil my enjoyment of the story.
Rosalie and her father are renovating a house in Somerset. Rosalie finds a yellowed envelope behind the mantelpiece, with a ring inside it, and addressed to Julia. Rosalie is determined to find out who the mysterious Julia is, and turns amateur sleuth around the village.
Major William Cavendish is a World War I veteran and a recluse. War has damaged him. See how his path crosses with Rosalie, as she determines to uncover the truth behind the letter.
This is a lively story with a light hearted mood, due to the fun loving character of Rosalie. There is a serious side too, as Romy Sommer reveals the mental and physical scars of war.
I enjoyed the novella very much. A word of caution though... there is one 'adult' scene which I must admit I skipped over as I do not like reading that sort of thing. However it did not spoil my enjoyment of the story.
July 16, 2012
I really loved this story! Rosalie is a really charming character, and determined to bring William back into meeting people and finding someone suitable, and despite his misgivings William can't resist getting drawn in!
I think the thing I like best is the way that their relationship changes so subtly and gradually...but I don't want to give any spoilers, so will only say if you fancy a lovely period romance with a heroine 'helping' a reluctant hero, mixed with a compelling mystery in the form of a letter, don't hesitate to pick this one up!
I think the thing I like best is the way that their relationship changes so subtly and gradually...but I don't want to give any spoilers, so will only say if you fancy a lovely period romance with a heroine 'helping' a reluctant hero, mixed with a compelling mystery in the form of a letter, don't hesitate to pick this one up!
October 21, 2015
am not a historical romance reader but after starting the story I found myself in a lovely story that is truly a romance just in a different time then I am used to. The characters are lovely and its wonderful to see how as she helps the hero with a mystery and trying to find him a suitable women. Their relationship changes so elegantly into more and you find yourself immersed in a lovely story. I enjoyed this book and even if you are a modern romance reader you will enjoy this book.
October 22, 2015
It's been a while since I've read anything not set in this century but recently I read Dear Julia by Romy Sommer and loved it! Set in post World War II England, this book brings you the story of Rosalie and William. Rosalie's bright, bubbly personality makes you fall in love with her instantly and William's damaged war hero makes you want to rescue him. Will love conquer all? I highly recommend reading this book to find out.
February 5, 2013
I don't normally read historical romances, but Dear Julia set the standard as to what it should be for me. I loved the spunky interaction between the hero and heroine and the sense of mystery that accompanied the main romance storyline. This is a must-read for any lover of historical romances.
March 10, 2013
With a wonderful atmospheric setting and interesting fully developed characters, Dear Julia is an elegantly written must read historical romance. Rae Summers will leave you smiling and sighing well after you've read her book!
June 14, 2012
Review will be posted at romancing-the-book.com
July 2, 2012
As always, Rae kept me gripped from the beginning with her gentle, rolling style, gorgeous setting and sense of mystery. I couldn't put the book down until I was finished.
March 5, 2013
A very enjoyable read. I was sorry it was over too soon.
December 6, 2015
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There is a definite air of mystery with this story, which starts with a letter about a missing naval officer and continues when Rosalie finds an unopened letter, as her father’s newly acquired house undergoes renovation.
Rosalie likes to fix things and play the matchmaker, often with unexpected results. This time she seeks the rightful owner of the unopened letter and when she finds William, she is determined to end his hermit like existence.
The attraction between the unlikely couple is slow burning and the build up of sexual tension excellent. Rosalie reminds me of Jane Austen’s Emma. She appears flighty and born to party but there is another side to her, which meeting William reveals with romantic results.
Rosalie embraces the passion when it erupts between her and William, even though it scares her a little. William, ever the gentleman fights his attraction and doesn’t want to tie the social butterfly down but Rosalie knows her own mind and the ending is satisfying.
Like all the Jazz Age Romances, ‘Dear Julia’, captures the ambience of the era between the wars and makes a delightful and unusual story.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
Romy Sommer
March 29, 2016
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK.
'Dear Julia' is everything we love in a historical romance. There is romance, a reclusive man and the girl who shakes his world and parties where.
We have Julia, a smart, outgoing, brave and sweet woman who doesn't follow the rules of her time. And then we have William Cavendish. The perfect, quiet, mystery, handsome and secretive man. He has a secret personality hidden under a hard shell.
After finding a lost letter while redecorating her new home, Julia sets her mind on finding the owner of said letter. Her questioning leads her to Commander Cavendish, a man who has lived away from the world after the war. Their relationship will begin as soon as she appears in his front door with the intention of bringing him back to the world.
Julia is really adorable and lovable, she is the perfect heroine who will crush William's walls. He will try to resist her despite she looks like his lost love. Their relationship is entertaining, with some tension but fast and sweet.
Set in the 1920s, the story takes place in a small town. The author adds historical elements to create a solid background. The writing style is great and the passing is fast, it only took me a couple hours to read it because I couldn't stop.
The story is quite short but it still gives us a solid and enjoyable story. And I can assure you that YOU WILL LOVE THE ENDING.
*** I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. ***
'Dear Julia' is everything we love in a historical romance. There is romance, a reclusive man and the girl who shakes his world and parties where.
We have Julia, a smart, outgoing, brave and sweet woman who doesn't follow the rules of her time. And then we have William Cavendish. The perfect, quiet, mystery, handsome and secretive man. He has a secret personality hidden under a hard shell.
After finding a lost letter while redecorating her new home, Julia sets her mind on finding the owner of said letter. Her questioning leads her to Commander Cavendish, a man who has lived away from the world after the war. Their relationship will begin as soon as she appears in his front door with the intention of bringing him back to the world.
Julia is really adorable and lovable, she is the perfect heroine who will crush William's walls. He will try to resist her despite she looks like his lost love. Their relationship is entertaining, with some tension but fast and sweet.
Set in the 1920s, the story takes place in a small town. The author adds historical elements to create a solid background. The writing style is great and the passing is fast, it only took me a couple hours to read it because I couldn't stop.
The story is quite short but it still gives us a solid and enjoyable story. And I can assure you that YOU WILL LOVE THE ENDING.
*** I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. ***
December 22, 2015
In Dear Julia we get to meet the very determined and motivated Rosalie. She discovers a letter to “Julia” in her family’s home while they are renovating and is intrigued by the letter and ring immediately. It is a letter to “Julia” from her Mother, and due to the aging on the envelope appears it has been there a wile. Determined to find out who this person was and return her letter to her, Rosalie sets out in town to find someone who knows who this person who use to live in her home is and return the letter and solve the mystery. Along the way she keeps getting answers from people saying you could ask “him” but they never say who this person is. Enter Major William Cavendish. He is a war veteran and very much a hermit. Rosalie is determined to solve this new mystery placed in her lap in the form of this letter and ring, and when sparks start to fly with William, he has to wonder if it is only because of her resemblance to Julia or his attraction to this new woman in his life. This was a very fun read, quick novella set in a historical time period and full of life! The romance was spot on, and the ‘adult’ scene was well written. To find out the whole truth you must jump right into this quick read and find the answers.
February 9, 2016
This novella is set in 1920s Somerset and begins with a mystery which instantly captures the reader’s interest.
I found myself wanting to know more about the enigmatic Julia of the title, who remained a little two dimensional. The action is told mainly from the perspective of the central character Rosalie, enabling the reader to emphasis with her feelings and actions.
The storyline is straightforward and easy to follow but has few surprises along the way, so it doesn’t perhaps quite live up to the strong start, but it is difficult to include subplots and peripheral characters within the constraints of this format.
If you are looking for a story with sustained twists and turns, this may not be it. However for a light read which will take no more than a couple of hours, it is a charming tale of attraction and pursuit.
I particularly liked the descriptive passages the author uses to draw her readers into each scene. If you enjoy a romance, you should appreciate this novella, but a word of warning, there is some graphic content which I’m not sure particularly enhances what is otherwise a gentle love story.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and award a commendable four stars.
Reviewed by Julie at www.whisperingstories.com
I found myself wanting to know more about the enigmatic Julia of the title, who remained a little two dimensional. The action is told mainly from the perspective of the central character Rosalie, enabling the reader to emphasis with her feelings and actions.
The storyline is straightforward and easy to follow but has few surprises along the way, so it doesn’t perhaps quite live up to the strong start, but it is difficult to include subplots and peripheral characters within the constraints of this format.
If you are looking for a story with sustained twists and turns, this may not be it. However for a light read which will take no more than a couple of hours, it is a charming tale of attraction and pursuit.
I particularly liked the descriptive passages the author uses to draw her readers into each scene. If you enjoy a romance, you should appreciate this novella, but a word of warning, there is some graphic content which I’m not sure particularly enhances what is otherwise a gentle love story.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and award a commendable four stars.
Reviewed by Julie at www.whisperingstories.com
October 30, 2015
Dear Julia by Romy Sommer
Rosalie Stanton was a city girl, she loved parties and to “fix” people. Her father had bought a house in the country and it needed some make overs. While the worker were tearing off the old mantle an envelope was discovered. She had to find out whom it belonged to and return it to the rightful owner but all she had to go on was that it said Julia on the outside of the envelope. She asked enough people without it becoming obvious what she had to return to Julia.
Commander William Cavendish lived for years with his male servant Peter since he had returned from the Great War. After finding that William was once in love with Julia Rosalie set to find him and try to return the envelope or at least try to discover if it belonged to him. Rosalie had traits that had resembled Julia and that bothered William.
Rosalie decided she needed to “fix” William and get him back into society. They rode horses together a few times and they soon built a relationship.
The writing of Romy Sommer is meant to draw you in and keep you interested till the end. A must read.
Rosalie Stanton was a city girl, she loved parties and to “fix” people. Her father had bought a house in the country and it needed some make overs. While the worker were tearing off the old mantle an envelope was discovered. She had to find out whom it belonged to and return it to the rightful owner but all she had to go on was that it said Julia on the outside of the envelope. She asked enough people without it becoming obvious what she had to return to Julia.
Commander William Cavendish lived for years with his male servant Peter since he had returned from the Great War. After finding that William was once in love with Julia Rosalie set to find him and try to return the envelope or at least try to discover if it belonged to him. Rosalie had traits that had resembled Julia and that bothered William.
Rosalie decided she needed to “fix” William and get him back into society. They rode horses together a few times and they soon built a relationship.
The writing of Romy Sommer is meant to draw you in and keep you interested till the end. A must read.
November 1, 2015
"Dear Julia" by Romy Sommer is my first read by this author and will not be my last. We have Rosalie Stanton who loves to 'fix' things, and Commander William Cavendish who is kind of a recluse. Rosalie finds an envelope with "Julia" written on the outside and returns it to William. Julia and Rosalie are similar in looks, and she makes it a mission to 'fix' William. Set in Post WWII era their romance has you cheering for this couple as they become closer.
October 17, 2015
A mesmerizing historical romance, with a warm and welcoming setting and lovable characters that captures your attention from page one. Ms. Sommer has just found herself a new fan! Can't wait to see what she brings out next. Recommended.
May 18, 2021
Lovely short read. The gentle tale of the resurrection of a heart.
December 18, 2024
Such a sweet, sweet story
This novella is delightful, bringing joy to the reader. I applaud you, Ms. Sommer for your talent. The plot is tight and the characters are well fleshed out allowing for a quick and pleasurable read.
This novella is delightful, bringing joy to the reader. I applaud you, Ms. Sommer for your talent. The plot is tight and the characters are well fleshed out allowing for a quick and pleasurable read.
July 3, 2016
Sorry
I'm sorry that I didn't read all of the other reviews. It could have saved me from wasting my time. The type of story where main character is flighty, vulgar, and loose is not my cup of tea. I exited at the too-descriptive sex scene. Shallow and predictable plot in any case.
I'm sorry that I didn't read all of the other reviews. It could have saved me from wasting my time. The type of story where main character is flighty, vulgar, and loose is not my cup of tea. I exited at the too-descriptive sex scene. Shallow and predictable plot in any case.
Read
July 16, 2012short romance x
August 22, 2012
I would recommend this book with a clear conscience.I am not a fan of historical romances, but this was well written, the plot fast and the characters interesting.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews