Attention historical romance enthusiasts: There’s a new Victorian romance by Rebecca Anderson (also known as Becca Wilhite) that you won’t want to miss. If you’re into stories like Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South, you’ll love Isabelle and Alexander. This heartwarming tale has garnered praise from Library Journal, Booklist, and Foreword Reviews, and I couldn’t agree more.
Here’s a bit about this charming new book, and enjoy an exclusive excerpt below.
Official Book Description of Isabelle and Alexander
Isabelle Rackham knows her marriage won’t be one of love but of convenience. Despite arranged marriages being out of vogue, her marriage aims to merge her family’s coal mine wealth with Alexander Osgood’s thriving textile mills. Alexander, though not romantic, is quite the eligible bachelor and good-looking too, which makes Isabelle content with their arrangement.
However, life in Northern England isn’t what Isabelle anticipated. Far from her beautiful lake country home, she finds Manchester cold, dreary, and dark, with soot from the textile mills clinging to every surface. Alexander is distant and preoccupied with work, leaving Isabelle feeling lonely and homesick.
Sensing her sadness, Alexander suggests a trip to his country estate, offering Isabelle hope to bond with him. Yet, even in a new setting, they remain emotionally distant. Tragedy strikes when Alexander is thrown from his horse and becomes paralyzed. This misfortune, however, turns into Isabelle’s chance to care for him and build a deep, romantic connection between them.
Excerpt from Isabelle and Alexander
When Alexander walked through the door, Isabelle stood, moved towards him, and offered her hands in greeting with a simple, “Hello.” She watched for any sign of rejection but saw none. Alexander remained silent, staring at her from the doorway, seemingly in shock.
Determined, Isabelle stepped closer, forcing him to take her hands. His voice trembled as he echoed, “Hello. You look well this evening. Very well.” Ignoring his nervousness, she linked her arm with his and shared about her day, carefully avoiding any topics that might upset the delicate balance of their relationship.
In the dining room, Alexander pulled out her chair and commented on her dress, expressing appreciation for the color. Isabelle, fearing he might be upset about her spending without consulting him, explained it had been waiting for the right occasion. He admired the dress’s color, hinting she should have another made in the same shade.
Isabelle felt his admiration and, despite a warning voice in her head, enjoyed the moment of his attention. As they ate, her planned conversations vanished, replaced by a simple story about observing Glory paint. Alexander proposed that Isabelle sit for a portrait, further praising her dress. This compliment from Alexander felt unexpectedly intimate.
Their dinner was interrupted by a knock, and Alexander left to address an emergency at the mill. Isabelle barely processed his apology before he was gone, leaving her feeling somewhat distressed and pondering her place in his life compared to his work obligations.
Rebecca Anderson (aka Becca Wilhite)
Rebecca Anderson writes contemporary romance as Becca Wilhite and is making her historical romance debut with Isabelle and Alexander. By day, she’s a high school English teacher, and by night (or early morning), she writes. She enjoys hiking, Broadway shows, good food, books, and movies. Happily married, she’s also a mom to four wonderful kids.
