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The Letter #0.5
The River Jewel
For everyone who hopes to find the perfect match...1875 Des Moines, IowaThe novella, The River Jewel, takes readers of the bestselling Letter Series novels back in time, before there was a last letter, before the Arthurs lost everything, before they knew a girl named Pearl.Meet Tilly Rabel, a proud mussel-woman, and Landon Lockwood, the troubled son of one of the wealthiest men in America. The two could not be less suited for love. But when an old legend draws Landon to a hidden river cove, Tilly and he find each other, are lured by growing attraction, and repelled by competing desires to control Tilly's waters. The hidden pool is replete with valuable mussel beds and the source of everything that makes Tilly who she is. Landon sees the illustrious treasure as the path to proving to his parents he is worth their love and worthy of the Lockwood name. Can Tilly trust Landon with her heart, with her beloved mussel beds? Can Landon trust that he has truly changed and doesn't need his parents approval to live the life he wants?Heartbreak, triumph, and a very special baby weave a tale sure to please readers who've read the entire Letter Series and those who are just starting the journey.
174 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2019
475 people are currently reading
457 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Shoop
49 books1,126 followersBestselling author, Kathleen Shoop, holds a PhD in reading education and has more than 20 years of experience in the classroom. She writes historical fiction, women’s fiction and romance. Shoop’s novels have garnered various awards in the Independent Publisher Book Awards, Eric Hoffer Book Awards, Indie Excellence Awards, Next Generation Indie Book Awards and the San Francisco Book Festival. Kathleen has been featured in USA Today and the Writer’s Guide to 2013. Her work has appeared in The Tribune-Review, four Chicken Soup for the Soul books and Pittsburgh Parent magazine. She lives in Oakmont, Pennsylvania with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 26, 2020
Don't you love it when you start a new book and after reading the very first sentence you just know the book is going to be amazing? That is what happened with me with The River Jewel by Kathleen Shoop! I cannot express to you adequately how beautifully written this book is. I particularly loved this passage...
"Well maybe you've only experienced bliss, and for you, this story might not feel right. But for the rest who wend their way through good and bad, lost and found and lost again, this story will feel familiar...but new. Because this story got lost in all the rest of the perfectly, pristine happy ending tales. But now here it is...lean in tight and listen to the whispered story of the secret jewel-filled river cove."
Ahhh....so lovely! Writing like that slays me!
Taking place in 1875 The River Jewel tells the tale of Tilly Rabel and Landon Lockwood.
Tilly is a young woman who lives alone on the land of her family, which includes a beautiful mussel cove where Tilly finds the treasures to make her art. Her parents - a fisherman and a mussel-woman - passed away tragically years ago. This passage made my tear up...
"She got up and closed the closet door, hoping to seal the essence of her parents inside, for just a little longer, knowing that at some point she'd open it and there'd be no trace of them remaining."
Landon Lockwood is the younger son of a wealthy and ambitious businessman who is desperately trying to win the love and respect of his parents. When he finds Tilly's mussel cover and discovers the treasures it contains he wants it for his own, as a way to impress his father and earn his place in the family. Tilly is adamant that she will never sell her land. And when they start becoming attracted to each other, Tilly isn't sure if Landon really wants her or her land. What lenghths will he go to to try to earn the love of his parents? You shall have to read it for yourself and find out :)
Clocking in at 164 pages it's a story that can be easily read in one sitting, and trust me, you won't want to put it down! I absolutely loved Shoop's writing - it was simply beautiful and prose-like.
Oh, and Tilly! Whew, that girl had some spunk in her! She didn't take any BS from anyone, especially Landon, and I loved her for it!
The River Jewel is a wonderful novella that I highly recommend! It's the prequel to Shoop's Letter Series so if you love it then you have four more books to look forward to!
"Well maybe you've only experienced bliss, and for you, this story might not feel right. But for the rest who wend their way through good and bad, lost and found and lost again, this story will feel familiar...but new. Because this story got lost in all the rest of the perfectly, pristine happy ending tales. But now here it is...lean in tight and listen to the whispered story of the secret jewel-filled river cove."
Ahhh....so lovely! Writing like that slays me!
Taking place in 1875 The River Jewel tells the tale of Tilly Rabel and Landon Lockwood.
Tilly is a young woman who lives alone on the land of her family, which includes a beautiful mussel cove where Tilly finds the treasures to make her art. Her parents - a fisherman and a mussel-woman - passed away tragically years ago. This passage made my tear up...
"She got up and closed the closet door, hoping to seal the essence of her parents inside, for just a little longer, knowing that at some point she'd open it and there'd be no trace of them remaining."
Landon Lockwood is the younger son of a wealthy and ambitious businessman who is desperately trying to win the love and respect of his parents. When he finds Tilly's mussel cover and discovers the treasures it contains he wants it for his own, as a way to impress his father and earn his place in the family. Tilly is adamant that she will never sell her land. And when they start becoming attracted to each other, Tilly isn't sure if Landon really wants her or her land. What lenghths will he go to to try to earn the love of his parents? You shall have to read it for yourself and find out :)
Clocking in at 164 pages it's a story that can be easily read in one sitting, and trust me, you won't want to put it down! I absolutely loved Shoop's writing - it was simply beautiful and prose-like.
Oh, and Tilly! Whew, that girl had some spunk in her! She didn't take any BS from anyone, especially Landon, and I loved her for it!
The River Jewel is a wonderful novella that I highly recommend! It's the prequel to Shoop's Letter Series so if you love it then you have four more books to look forward to!
September 13, 2020
Tilly Rabel proudly tends to the mussel beds in her family's cove in 1875 Des Moines. Tilly lives by herself since her parents death and lives off of her commissions from the one of a kind mother of pearl pieces she creates. Landon Lockwood has something to prove to his father. Landon wants to earn his father's approval by building his own business and Landon has his sights on mother of pearl buttons. When Landon comes crashing into Tilly's cove, he doesn't expect to find someone strong, smart and capable. Tilly can not be bought, she is proud of her heritage, upbringing and ability to live off the land. This is an unforeseen issue for Landon, money has always solved the problems in his life; however, as he spends time with Tilly, Landon realizes that there is more to life than his father's approval. Landon soon finds himself defending the cove that he wanted to seize and falling in love with the woman that he tried to buy it from.
The River Jewel is the fifth book in The Letter series and serves as a prequel; so it is a great place to start. Landon and Tilly's story is an unlikely, sweeping historical romance. Told from alternating points of view between Tilly and Landon, The River Jewel is fast paced and engaging. I fell in love with Tilly's character from the beginning. Her tenacious and caring nature was a perfect balance with Landon's need for affection and hard working attitude. The romance in the story was perfect with many sweet moments, ups and downs and tension created after Landon's father shows up. I enjoyed the description of the land that Tilly tended and the care and procedures for tending her muscles and making special items with the mother of pearl. Overall, a wonderful beginning to The Letter series.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
The River Jewel is the fifth book in The Letter series and serves as a prequel; so it is a great place to start. Landon and Tilly's story is an unlikely, sweeping historical romance. Told from alternating points of view between Tilly and Landon, The River Jewel is fast paced and engaging. I fell in love with Tilly's character from the beginning. Her tenacious and caring nature was a perfect balance with Landon's need for affection and hard working attitude. The romance in the story was perfect with many sweet moments, ups and downs and tension created after Landon's father shows up. I enjoyed the description of the land that Tilly tended and the care and procedures for tending her muscles and making special items with the mother of pearl. Overall, a wonderful beginning to The Letter series.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
September 12, 2020
The River Jewel is a novella, rather than a book coming in at 174 pages. From what I can glean it’s a side story from other books written by the author. I can tell you that I felt no loss of backstory from knowing absolutely nothing about the series or characters. It was a really engaging way to spend a couple of hours. In fact, I rather liked the concept – especially at this very busy time of year when I’m drowing in whatever the husband brings in from the garden. To be able to escape into another world without a huge time commitment was just what I didn’t know I needed.
Landon Lockwood thinks he is all that because he comes from a well to do family in New York. He gets to Des Moines in search of an investor for an idea he has and finds that all of the social rules he has followed all of his life suddenly don’t matter, nor does his supposed station in life. He has an idea, he thinks it is great and he is going tget the financing he needs so that he can prove himself to his cold, unloving father. He longs for his father to approve of him and thinks that becoming a financial success is the way to that love.
To acheive his end he needs to buy land owned by a young woman named Tilly and he thinks she will just fall at the feet of his money. Landon doesn’t understand that money is not the be all and end all for everyone. Tilly makes beautiful mother of pearl items from the mussels that live in the river where her land lies. She was taught by her mother. She is happy in her life and doesn’t need much. Landon has great difficulty comprehending this mindset but he is also very intrigued by Tilly. Tilly originally runs from Landon but there is something about him that captures her attention.
The River Jewel was a delightfully diverting way to get away from the world for a short while for an engaging romance with an engaging couple. The writing was crisp and the story moved right along. I think I might need more novellas in my life.
Landon Lockwood thinks he is all that because he comes from a well to do family in New York. He gets to Des Moines in search of an investor for an idea he has and finds that all of the social rules he has followed all of his life suddenly don’t matter, nor does his supposed station in life. He has an idea, he thinks it is great and he is going tget the financing he needs so that he can prove himself to his cold, unloving father. He longs for his father to approve of him and thinks that becoming a financial success is the way to that love.
To acheive his end he needs to buy land owned by a young woman named Tilly and he thinks she will just fall at the feet of his money. Landon doesn’t understand that money is not the be all and end all for everyone. Tilly makes beautiful mother of pearl items from the mussels that live in the river where her land lies. She was taught by her mother. She is happy in her life and doesn’t need much. Landon has great difficulty comprehending this mindset but he is also very intrigued by Tilly. Tilly originally runs from Landon but there is something about him that captures her attention.
The River Jewel was a delightfully diverting way to get away from the world for a short while for an engaging romance with an engaging couple. The writing was crisp and the story moved right along. I think I might need more novellas in my life.
February 13, 2020
This was a great novella, and an excellent addition to the Letter Series! Tilly is a wonderful, happy woman who is doing exactly what she wants in life, when Landon stumbles into her cove, intent on making himself wealthy and gaining his father's approval.
Tilly and Landon have a special connection, but when he shares his plans for her land she tosses him out on his ear and refuses to see him again. But can Landon help her save her land and her precious mussels?
This is a lovely story, even though I really disliked Landon at the beginning. But seeing his background and the world through his eyes changed my mind about him.
I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
Tilly and Landon have a special connection, but when he shares his plans for her land she tosses him out on his ear and refuses to see him again. But can Landon help her save her land and her precious mussels?
This is a lovely story, even though I really disliked Landon at the beginning. But seeing his background and the world through his eyes changed my mind about him.
I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
Read
September 14, 2020This is my second read from The Letter Series by Kathleen Shoop and I am yet again blown away by how gorgeous it is. This novella takes place as a sort of prequel to the series and contains a lovely romance within. And, as I expected, the writing is just lush and gorgeous!
The River Jewel follows Tilly and Landon on an emotional rollercoaster of a love story. The two are very different, yet even with all of these differences might they make the perfect combination? Each of the characters have their moments of being likeable… and then not so much. Which is perfect, because it makes them human. No person is ever perfect 24/7 and it is through brilliantly imperfect characters that we get a glimpse into the true reality of humanity.
Outside of our main characters, the setting of this book is really quite special. We get a in depth experience of what it was like to live in Des Moines at the time. And the community within is really highlighted in a special way. All in all this book is a splendid romance and a wonderful novella on the day to day lives of two people who happen to meet one another.
You can view my full review & giveaway on my blog! I also post about a lot of different types of books!
Reader | Bookstagrammer | Blogger | Reviewer
@ya.its.lit - https://www.instagram.com/ya.its.lit/
Blog - https://yaitslitblog.wordpress.com/
The River Jewel follows Tilly and Landon on an emotional rollercoaster of a love story. The two are very different, yet even with all of these differences might they make the perfect combination? Each of the characters have their moments of being likeable… and then not so much. Which is perfect, because it makes them human. No person is ever perfect 24/7 and it is through brilliantly imperfect characters that we get a glimpse into the true reality of humanity.
Outside of our main characters, the setting of this book is really quite special. We get a in depth experience of what it was like to live in Des Moines at the time. And the community within is really highlighted in a special way. All in all this book is a splendid romance and a wonderful novella on the day to day lives of two people who happen to meet one another.
You can view my full review & giveaway on my blog! I also post about a lot of different types of books!
Reader | Bookstagrammer | Blogger | Reviewer
@ya.its.lit - https://www.instagram.com/ya.its.lit/
Blog - https://yaitslitblog.wordpress.com/
August 28, 2020
This novella has the best kind of insta-love - that of reader and text. From the first lines, this is a story that draws the reader in, while warning that there will be a bit of bitter along with the sweet. And what a lovely story it is, with a sweet romance between a man and a woman of opposite circumstances.
When Landon Lockwood travels from New York to Iowa with big plans and a more entitled attitude than he is aware he carries, he unwittingly makes a poor impression on those he meets - including Tilly Rabel, local mussel-woman and owner of the cove he is searching for.
Like many a good fairytale, there are obstacles and comeuppances, villains and unexpected helpers, heartache and true love. But best of all, it's a story of two people finding each other, and I love that red haired Tilly who swims like a mermaid rescues Landon first.
With lovely details about mussels and buttons, for those who are new to Kathleen Shoop's The Letter series or have read the novels that follow the events in The River Jewel, this is a sweet and enchanting prequel that sweeps the reader away to a place where time stands still in 1870's Iowa.
This review refers to a finished copy I voluntarily received and read. A positive review was not required and this review contains only my own honest opinions.
When Landon Lockwood travels from New York to Iowa with big plans and a more entitled attitude than he is aware he carries, he unwittingly makes a poor impression on those he meets - including Tilly Rabel, local mussel-woman and owner of the cove he is searching for.
Like many a good fairytale, there are obstacles and comeuppances, villains and unexpected helpers, heartache and true love. But best of all, it's a story of two people finding each other, and I love that red haired Tilly who swims like a mermaid rescues Landon first.
With lovely details about mussels and buttons, for those who are new to Kathleen Shoop's The Letter series or have read the novels that follow the events in The River Jewel, this is a sweet and enchanting prequel that sweeps the reader away to a place where time stands still in 1870's Iowa.
This review refers to a finished copy I voluntarily received and read. A positive review was not required and this review contains only my own honest opinions.
March 4, 2020
I've got to begin my review by saying how beautiful the start of this story was, it's one of the most loveliest introductions I've read in a long time, I was completely there on that woodsy path smelling the honeysuckle in 1875 Des Moines!!
Tilly is happy with her lot in life, apart from the loss of her parents. She happily carries on with the family traditions on the families small plot of land near the cove where she lovingly looks after her mussel beds surrounding the area. She spends the rest of her time creating beautiful hand crafted items her neighbours buy.
Landon's had a privileged yet lonely life as he continually finds himself reaching out to his parents for love but they define love as money and success in business. He leaves to to prove himself to them and finally make them proud, but his one big idea may ruin Tilly's idyllic life forever.
This was such a touching story, as business versus unexpected love, and the closeness of communities as they help each other in times of need. Cannot wait to follow their story!
Tilly is happy with her lot in life, apart from the loss of her parents. She happily carries on with the family traditions on the families small plot of land near the cove where she lovingly looks after her mussel beds surrounding the area. She spends the rest of her time creating beautiful hand crafted items her neighbours buy.
Landon's had a privileged yet lonely life as he continually finds himself reaching out to his parents for love but they define love as money and success in business. He leaves to to prove himself to them and finally make them proud, but his one big idea may ruin Tilly's idyllic life forever.
This was such a touching story, as business versus unexpected love, and the closeness of communities as they help each other in times of need. Cannot wait to follow their story!
February 18, 2020
The River Jewel brings two of the most unlikely people together in such a unique, special manner. This novella is a beautiful addition to the Letter Series that makes your heart simultaneously feel full yet sad. Tilly appreciates the beauty and simplicity of the cove. Others see it as dollar signs -- including Landon. Over time, they develop a love. Is it real or manipulation to get what Landon wants? Tilly is a character with whom I connected with because of her strong will and independence. Out of all of the Letter series, I believe that this novella is one of the strongest. It is well-written and the scenery is deeply descriptive. Landon surprises me, coming from the background he does; but it also says a lot about his raising. It was hard to put down and I finished in two sittings!
I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
February 12, 2020
What a wonderful book-the story of two people who find each other in a most particular way. He is trying to prove himself to his father which he has been doing his whole life to no avail. She is living alone in the woods quite happy she thinks harvesting mussels and making beautiful objects.
He originally wants to take over her land--she is not going to let that happen. Eventually he realizes that she is the woman for him and goes all out to protect that land-with the help of her neighbors.
There is a very happy ending!!
Although the title says this is a novella--it is actually longer and is about the same length as a regular story. It was so engrossing that I read it in one sitting!!
He originally wants to take over her land--she is not going to let that happen. Eventually he realizes that she is the woman for him and goes all out to protect that land-with the help of her neighbors.
There is a very happy ending!!
Although the title says this is a novella--it is actually longer and is about the same length as a regular story. It was so engrossing that I read it in one sitting!!
February 23, 2020
If you love romance and history, this book is bound to make you swoon! Kathleen Shoop writes another beautiful novella. I love how this story line makes your heart both warm and sad - it brings all the feels into your world, even for just a brief moment. The characters are so well written, you feel like you either relate to them or know somebody who are just like them, especially Landon. I feel like we all know a Landon. I also could see every scene vividly in my mind as I read due to how well Kathleen Shoop described them in her writings. It is truly magnificent.
This book is a part of a series that fits in so perfectly, BUT it can be read as a stand alone. I know you will love this book and cannot wait to hear your take aways!
This book is a part of a series that fits in so perfectly, BUT it can be read as a stand alone. I know you will love this book and cannot wait to hear your take aways!
February 20, 2020
Wealth is nothing if you are heartless
This is my favorite book from the Letter series by Miss Kathleen Shoop. It is not because I grew up closed to a river and learned how to swim. I love eating mussels too. It reminded me when I was young to dive for shells to cook and have it for dinner.
This book is such a sweet read. I loved how the main characters meet. Wealth is nothing when you are heartless. Love makes your head crazy just to find for that certain individual that makes your heart skip. It is a good thing to follow what your heart dictates despite what other people say. I love how this novella ends. Now, I have to reread the books that followed this sweet novella.
This is my favorite book from the Letter series by Miss Kathleen Shoop. It is not because I grew up closed to a river and learned how to swim. I love eating mussels too. It reminded me when I was young to dive for shells to cook and have it for dinner.
This book is such a sweet read. I loved how the main characters meet. Wealth is nothing when you are heartless. Love makes your head crazy just to find for that certain individual that makes your heart skip. It is a good thing to follow what your heart dictates despite what other people say. I love how this novella ends. Now, I have to reread the books that followed this sweet novella.
February 4, 2020
If you love romance books that are clean and sweet then I got a great novella for you. This is my first Kathleen Shoop book and I was pleasantly impressed. The book I read was called The River Jewel and it was so good!
Tilly and Landon’s story was awesome! It was set more in the older days where barn dances were in and keeping your innocence til marriage was also in. Tilly spunk and independence was amazing. She is one strong fierce woman and it takes someone special and equally strong and stubborn to win her over. She doesn’t need love but doesn’t mean she doesn’t want it. She’s endured a lot in life and that shows in the story. So can anyone tear down her walls or did she completely make herself unbreakable?
Landon is a guy who acts strong but I feel bad for because he is broken and grew up in a rich family who was never loving , supporting, or caring. All he’s ever wanted was for people to see him and tell him he is good enough. He is stubborn and determined to show his dad that he can make something of himself until he meets a fiery, demanding, not like anyone he know woman who saves his life. Can he get her to see he’s not a threat or will she push him away and make him fail in front of his dad?
I definitely recommend this book! I was addicted and couldn’t put it down. I felt emerged into their story and I loved every single second of it! Get it today you won’t be disappointed!
Tilly and Landon’s story was awesome! It was set more in the older days where barn dances were in and keeping your innocence til marriage was also in. Tilly spunk and independence was amazing. She is one strong fierce woman and it takes someone special and equally strong and stubborn to win her over. She doesn’t need love but doesn’t mean she doesn’t want it. She’s endured a lot in life and that shows in the story. So can anyone tear down her walls or did she completely make herself unbreakable?
Landon is a guy who acts strong but I feel bad for because he is broken and grew up in a rich family who was never loving , supporting, or caring. All he’s ever wanted was for people to see him and tell him he is good enough. He is stubborn and determined to show his dad that he can make something of himself until he meets a fiery, demanding, not like anyone he know woman who saves his life. Can he get her to see he’s not a threat or will she push him away and make him fail in front of his dad?
I definitely recommend this book! I was addicted and couldn’t put it down. I felt emerged into their story and I loved every single second of it! Get it today you won’t be disappointed!
February 15, 2020
I wasn't expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did. The tension and emotions run high, and once I started I couldn't put it down. Tilly is a brilliant heroine, strong and independent in a time when women were expected to settle down and rely on a man. Landon isn't your typical rich boy - unspoiled but extremely ambitious, you question his motives with Tilly from the start. A great read for anyone who enjoys historical romance.
February 13, 2020
This lovely story is a quick read with many descriptive scenes that will have you pining for a day by the cove.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for the book tour. Opinions shared are mine.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for the book tour. Opinions shared are mine.
February 10, 2020
Landon Lockwood would do anything to make his father proud of him, but no matter what he did, his father never praised him. Nothing he did was ever enough. Landon then happens upon a treasure map and an idea that would make him successful enough that his family would have to acknowledge him. The map leads him to a cove filled with the mussels he is looking for. He quickly finds that the cove is owned by Tilly Rabel and she has no interest in selling it.
Tilly and Landon were complete opposites but so right for each other. Their chemistry pulled me in and gave them persona. Of course this love story leads into Ms. Shoop’s other books of The Last Letter series, but is easily read as a stand-alone. It was a very enjoyable read.
Tilly and Landon were complete opposites but so right for each other. Their chemistry pulled me in and gave them persona. Of course this love story leads into Ms. Shoop’s other books of The Last Letter series, but is easily read as a stand-alone. It was a very enjoyable read.
October 27, 2024
So very slow
So very slooooooooooow. I didn't like the story or the characters or even the language. I gave up and went to read a better book.
So very slooooooooooow. I didn't like the story or the characters or even the language. I gave up and went to read a better book.
January 23, 2020
It's 1875 in De Moines, Iowa...the prequel novella to The Letters series. This is the love story of Tilly Rabel and Landon Lockwood, the son of one of the wealthiest men in America. Will Landon go against his parents wishes and have the life he wants with a young woman they disapprove of. Will he be able to prove to Tilly that he no longer has any interest in her beloved cove?
I thought this was a sweet yet short love story. It was so sad that everyone was after Tilly's tiny parcel of land, that she didn't know who she could trust. I felt really bad when Landon tried to show her affection or give her gift she would think that he was trying to use her to get her cove. This was a heartfelt, beautiful, love story.
I thought this was a sweet yet short love story. It was so sad that everyone was after Tilly's tiny parcel of land, that she didn't know who she could trust. I felt really bad when Landon tried to show her affection or give her gift she would think that he was trying to use her to get her cove. This was a heartfelt, beautiful, love story.
February 24, 2023
This is a new author for me and one that writes a clear enticing story. Tilly Rabel was raised on the land her family has owned for generations. She raises, harvests, and makes things from the different mussels she raises in her private cove. Things go the way she wants until Landon Lockwood shows up wanting to buy her land and exploit her mussels. Can this man from one of the richest families in America understand her connection with the land. As Landon gets to know Tilly and the people of this town, his outlook on life changes. He grows to understand why Tllly loves the land like she does. Then Landons Parents show up and everything he had with Tilly disappears. She thinks he is just like his father. Can Landon show Tilly how he truly feels? Can he protect Tilly from his father? This is a great read and strongly advise anyone to read it.
September 23, 2022
DNF at page 41. The book is in desperate need of an editor. Examples:
"She was light and agile, her heels lifting as though propelled by angel wings, cutting through the maze of picnic blankets and tables."
"It was all right there for him, as though luck had finally smiled just for him and opened his world up like the French doors at the shore in Newport."
"He grimaced, irritation set in his craw, like sediment in the nacre of a mussel, scratching at the membrane."
"You managed to cross lots and it’d be a pity if you went missing in the woods or ran into a bear den so I’ll set you on the right path back to the barn."
"His heart leapt and pounded and slowed, making his skin come to life, every nerve alive for the first time."
February 19, 2020
This may be a novella but boy does it pack a ton into it. I loved this story, it felt different to the other books in the series but that may be just because I loved Tilly so much. Tilly is such a strong independent woman, happy with her lot and her little cove filled with mussels. That is until Landon comes along and wants to buy her little piece of paradise, not realising that Tilly is the one woman that cant be bought.
Landon is the polar opposite to Tilly - a spoiled rich kid who thinks money can buy him anything, yet as we learn more about him we come to realise that he is trying to essentially buy his fathers approval. By spending time with Tilly he comes to realise that there is much more to life than money. They have a special connection and they are so right for each other despite being from different backgrounds.
This story ties in with the Letters Series but can easily be read as a stand alone, and if you are lover of Shoop's other works and historical romance then you are definitely going to love this novella.
5 stars
Landon is the polar opposite to Tilly - a spoiled rich kid who thinks money can buy him anything, yet as we learn more about him we come to realise that he is trying to essentially buy his fathers approval. By spending time with Tilly he comes to realise that there is much more to life than money. They have a special connection and they are so right for each other despite being from different backgrounds.
This story ties in with the Letters Series but can easily be read as a stand alone, and if you are lover of Shoop's other works and historical romance then you are definitely going to love this novella.
5 stars
March 2, 2022
Great stand alone book. Do NOT READ if you have finished The Letter series. The description says it is a prequel where you learn about Pearl’s life before she enters the Letter Series. It is and it isn't. Yes it's Pearls family and her early life, but there is a HUGE gap in where this story ends and what we know of her history. At the time I write, there is not a second and I'm left wondering how we get A to B.
Otherwise I really liked the story and it has a happy ending.
Otherwise I really liked the story and it has a happy ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2024
Exciting And Unexpected!
Such an exciting book to read. Unusual story line but one that draws the reader in. And the characters are unusual but they are unlikely characters that turn into wonderful people. Read it!
Such an exciting book to read. Unusual story line but one that draws the reader in. And the characters are unusual but they are unlikely characters that turn into wonderful people. Read it!
September 25, 2022
Couldn’t put down
Intriguing, detailed story - now will be checking on more information about pearls. Looking forward to reading more in this series.
Intriguing, detailed story - now will be checking on more information about pearls. Looking forward to reading more in this series.
October 1, 2022
What a fascinating story! Dignified. Good language. This is a GREAT author!
February 13, 2023
River jewels
It was wonderful to read this story it progressed easily and I did not want to put it down. Now I'm ready to investigate mussels and oysters. Thanks for a good read.
It was wonderful to read this story it progressed easily and I did not want to put it down. Now I'm ready to investigate mussels and oysters. Thanks for a good read.
May 10, 2023
The sequels to this story should be pretty good. Such an atypical love story.
July 25, 2024
Interesting read.
It took me awhile to get into this story, but I did finish it and was happy that I did.
It took me awhile to get into this story, but I did finish it and was happy that I did.
October 2, 2024
I enjoyed this novella. It wasn't long enough, but the characters were good and I would have loved to read more about them. (Apparently, I can if I get hold of another book in the series. I'll look into it.)
A rich young man trying to make a name for himself meets a self-sufficient woman who earns money from mussels in a small town. They fall in love but it isn't smooth sailing as his father is trying to take his idea for a business and steamroll everyone about it.
A rich young man trying to make a name for himself meets a self-sufficient woman who earns money from mussels in a small town. They fall in love but it isn't smooth sailing as his father is trying to take his idea for a business and steamroll everyone about it.
April 17, 2025
3,75 stars.
December 7, 2025
Excellent
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews