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Book Review

Publisher's Note:

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. Recently widowed, he is gathering research for a new publication that he hopes will secure his professorship at Harvard College.Befriended by the Appleton family while visiting Switzerland, Henry is introduced to Fanny and 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 from a much lower social class and is older than she is. 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?…

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Forever and Forever: The Courtship of Henry Longfellow and Fanny Appleton

by Josi S. Kilpack

Reviewer: Rachel
Genre: Historical Romance
Recommended Age: 18+

Overall Book Review:

Forever and Forever: The Courtship of Henry Longfellow and Fanny Appleton is a delightful story of love and second chances. Forever and Forever differs from other books in Shadow Mountain’s Proper Romance series as it is based on a remarkable, true story. Author Josi S. Kilpack skillfully captures the time period, setting, and historical figures of the nineteenth century with graceful and articulate writing. Readers will appreciate the authenticity and intelligence of Henry and Fanny’s relationship. Kilpack delves deep into the couple’s complex courtship, and mixes the perfect amount of history with romance. The novel’s chapter notes and timeline offer additional insight into Henry and Fanny’s lives. Discussion questions make Forever and Forever a fantastic candidate for book club. Fans of romance and/or historical fiction will fall for this novel!

Review of an Advance Reader Copy

This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Shadow Mountain


Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language: None

Violence/Gore: None

Sex/Nudity: A sexual reference is made; implied sexual activity regarding a ‘kept woman’.

Mature Subject Matter:

Depression, death of family members, terminal illness.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

Characters drink whiskey and wine; characters smoke.

Overall Book Rating
Profanity/Language
Rating:
0
10
Violence/Gore
Rating:
0
10
Sex/Nudity
Rating:
3
10

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About the Reviewer

Rachel
My mother was the one who sparked my love of books. Long before school instruction, she sat me down and taught me to read. My childhood was filled with trips to the library and bookmobile to find great books. My first loves were The Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder and the Pippi Longstocking series by Astrid Lingren. Now as a mom and speech pathologist, I am constantly looking for good, clean books to use at home and in therapy. I enjoy reading many different genres, but my favorites are usually historical fiction. I married my best friend, the “boy next door”, and we have a beautiful little girl who we often find sprawled out on the floor, flipping through picture books. Together our family likes to swim, run and play tennis. Besides reading, I also love to bake, garden and travel.

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