[ARC Review] Dearest Josephine by Caroline George

In 2021, Josie De Clare is having a rough time. Her father has passed away, her mother is absent, and her best friend is on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. But when Josie spends some time at her father's estate in the country, she uncovers letters and book chapters from a boy who seems to know her, to love her even. The only problem? He lives in 1821. 

In 1821, Elias Roth is an aspiring novelist and illegitimate son of a nobleman. Sent to the country to learn about his role in society, Elias spends most of his time in his own head, reading, writing, and dreaming of Miss Josephine De Clare, a girl he met at a party and then promptly disappeared. Spanning two eras and told through a series of emails, letters, texts, and book chapters, Dearest Josephine by Caroline George is a beautifully-written tale about finding love in the present, and being present with the ones we love. 

I absolutely adored both Josie and Elias. Both characters were raw and real, clawing their way out of their situations and learning how to live (and love) in the moment. I especially loved that Elias isn't your typical, brooding YA male. Elias wasn't shy about his feelings, especially for a time when feelings made men weak by society's standards. In fact, Elias's character has some of the most beautiful, swoon-worthy, quotable lines I've read in a long time. These two flawed characters are so perfect in their own ways, and author Caroline George did such amazing work with them both. The star-crossed lovers trope is easily overdone, but George refreshed the trope with intrigue and several centuries separating Josie and Elias. Needing to know how it was all possible, I found Dearest Josephine unputdownable and a must-read from February's releases. 

A huge thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishers and Netgalley for the chance to read Dearest Josephine in advance of its release date.