Yours Truly, Thomas

Author: Rachel Fordham
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: July 2, 2019

For three years, Penny Ercanbeck has been opening other people's mail. 

Dead ends are a reality for clerks at the dead letter office, and she dreams of something more--a bit of intrigue, perhaps a taste of romance. When she comes across a letter from a brokenhearted man to his one true love, it becomes her mission to place this lost letter into the hands of its intended recipient.

But when Penny's undertaking leads her to the intriguing man who touched her soul with his words, everything grows more complicated. She wants to find the rightful owner of the letter, and yet . . . she finds herself caring--perhaps too much--for the one who wrote it.

---

Reviewer: Abigail Harder

This book was so sweet. It made me smile, laugh, and I connected with everything in this book so quickly. I did not read The Hope of Azure Springs, before reading this but I still understood everything that was going on. I connected with the characters, plot, and story line quite well. 

Thomas and Penny were such realistic and charming characters. I fell in love with Penny's character in just a few short pages. Her personality is one that I could easily be friends with. We would be quick the dreaming duo. Thomas, sweet Thomas. I also fell for his character quite quickly. His character development throughout this book had me smiling. 

Ms. Fordham's writing style was beautiful and something that I look forward to reading more of. Her writing makes everything and everyone come to life. It makes you feel like you are in the story living it out. It was easy to picture myself traveling with Penny from DC to Azure Springs. It was easy for me to imagine going through everything Penny and Thomas went through in this book. 

The plot of this book was a lot of fun. It was of course historical fiction, romance, but it also had a bit of suspense of mystery sprinkled in there. This book had my heart thumping in anticipation at what would happen next. It was quite a journey. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I will most definitely be checking out The Hope of Azure Springs and any other books this author publishes in the future! 

*FTC: I received this book from the publisher through Interviews and Reviews in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts are my own.*

---

---

Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

How wonderful to be back in Azure Springs again! After being introduced to it in Rachel Fordham's last novel The Hope of Azure Springs, I was pleasantly surprised to see myself back there again with a new cast of characters.
​
Penny is a delightful romantic determined to make sure heartbreaking letters from Thomas to Clara reach their destination. Her diligence in hunting down the couple leads to a surprising turn of events, and she soon finds herself in the town of Azure Springs, meeting the heartbroken Thomas.

Thomas is a man who can't seem to forgive himself. But then he receives an encouraging letter from the dead letter office that helps him to start changing his outlook. Little does he know the new girl in town (Penny) is the one who wrote it. What will he do when he finds out she knows more about him then she's letting on?

Their meet-cute is romantic and funny, and you are rooting for this couple from the get-go. I loved the lesson we all need to hear about forgiving ourselves. In our hearts, we know God forgives us, but for those who suffer from lingering guilt over past mistakes, sometimes it is harder to forgive ourselves.

Another beautiful story from Rachel Fordham you won't want to miss!

I received a copy of this book courtesy of Baker Publishing Group through NetGalley.

---

---

Reviewer: Winnie Thomas

From the dead letter office in Washington, D.C. to the plains of Azure Springs, Iowa, Rachel Fordham’s book Yours Truly, Thomas took me on a romantic adventure to remember. The settings are unusual and interesting, and I felt an urge to travel to Azure Springs and meet the people there. The main characters, Penny and Thomas, both have hurts and problems in their past to overcome, but they are engaging and well-drawn. The stellar cast of supporting characters adds flavor and color to the story. I especially liked Margaret with her managing, but loveable, ways.

Fordham’s writing is descriptive, clear, and concise, and her idea of letting the letters tell part of the story was brilliant. Themes of redemption, faith, and forgiveness of self and others run through the tale and give it depth and an added dimension. With adventure, romance, a bit of suspense, and a whole lot of heart, this book is one to savor and enjoy.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

---

---

Reviewer: Rebecca Maney

"I feel like that tree . . . . I have a whole past behind me that I'd just as soon forget if I could, but the scars just won't go away. . . . I don't know which way to grow or whether to keep growing at all." 

When dead letter clerk Penny Ercanbeck opens a letter addressed to Clara, in Alexandria, she becomes emotionally attached to its unknown sender, a man who signs his missives simply; "Thomas". Absorbing Thomas' grievous and brokenhearted tone, Penny becomes mildly obsessed with doing everything in her power to piece the shattered pieces of Thomas and Clara back together again, to the point that her life becomes the adventure she never dreamed it could be. . . . or had she?

Cleverly using the art of letter writing to her full advantage, Rachel Fordham's sophomore novel overflows with endearing sentiment and refreshing candor; reminding her readers how very special a "yours truly" can truly be.

"Write me a letter."

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

---

---

Reviewer: Becky Hrivnak

Yours Truly, Thomas by Rachel Fordham is the first book I've read by this author. I found it a bit slow at the beginning. Once I got into the story, I loved it. I couldn't wait to turn the page! While I loved Thomas & Penny's story, I loved the way Fordham incorporated Honey into the story. I wasn't sure how the story would end and if things would work out for them. I would gladly read another book by this author.
 
I would recommend this book for Christian romance readers who enjoy a touch of mystery. I was given this book by the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and comments are my own.  

---

---

Reviewer: Anna Bottoms

Rachel has crafted a triumphant story of overcoming tragedy and the overwhelming hopelessness attached to the inability to forgive oneself. 

Written with depth of character I was drawn into the lives of the protagonists. They are written not as perfect people but rather, people who are being perfected through their imperfections. 

In “Yours Truly, Thomas” I was quickly invested in Penny’s desire to help a hurting man reach the woman he loves. Although she is not supposed to be involved in the lives of people whose letters arrive at the dead letter office, Penny’s empathy stirs in her a passion to do more than read and discard undeliverable letters. So, she writes a response to Thomas where she vows to pray for him.

I can relate to Penny. When she responds emotionally as Thomas pours out his heart in his letters, I am reminded of myself. Many times I have been stirred by the brokenness of others and have not wanted to sit back and do nothing.

Thomas responds to Penny’s letter and is amazed by her prayers. He confirms that he is not a lost cause. “You spoke of the loss of your father... I believe he was right that we must keep seeking purpose and joy. I can attest to the difficulty of doing so. But both purpose and joy are out there. We must seize them when and where we can.”

Through circumstances and the help/interference of the endearing people of Azure Springs they are drawn to each other and the book comes to a satisfying conclusion. 

This book is not overtly Christian but the threads of faith, love, hope and forgiveness are woven throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

I received this book through Interviews and Reviews courtesy of Baker Publishing Group. This review is voluntary and reflects my personal thoughts on the book.

---