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

The first book in a new series which will focus on the lives of real historical figures who have intriguing stories of courtship that are recreated in fictionalized accounts based on real biographical and social history research.

"A well-researched, emotionally charged tale. A love story...fit for the ages." -Publishers Weekly.

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. Widowed while on tour, he has stayed in order to gather credentials that he hopes will secure his professorship at Harvard College. When Henry meets Fanny, he 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 ten years older than she is, and from a much lower social class. 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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I love when I pick up a historical fiction book and I can just feel how much research the author did in preparation for writing.  This story felt so real and true to the time period and people it portrayed.

One of my favorite things about historical fiction is getting to know more about people and events from history in a way that isn't so cut and dry as a historical account.  The author is allowed to take some liberties resulting in a more emotional connection.  

This story is gentle and covers quite an expanse of time.  It flows slowly but richly.  The characters are full of intelligence and passion.  Henry has such a devoted and loyal heart.  His passions run deep and true.  I really loved how he came to life for me.  He wrote such beautiful poems.

If you love historical fiction, you should really check this one out.  It won't make your heart race or your stomach clench, but it will bring real emotion in the most gentle of ways.