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The Wrong Envelope
Summer 1920. Two worlds are about to collide.
Evie Brunton loves her job. Twice a day, she spins along the narrow lanes of Devon on her bicycle, delivering letters from a heavy post bag. When the flamboyant London artist, Bernard Cavalier, drops like a meteor into her sleepy village, everything changes. Bernard is supposed to be painting for an important exhibition, but the countryside has its own charms, in particular his young post lady…
Light and witty, and full of twists and turns, The Wrong Envelope is a charming romantic comedy. It captures the spirit of another age – when letters could change lives.
Evie Brunton loves her job. Twice a day, she spins along the narrow lanes of Devon on her bicycle, delivering letters from a heavy post bag. When the flamboyant London artist, Bernard Cavalier, drops like a meteor into her sleepy village, everything changes. Bernard is supposed to be painting for an important exhibition, but the countryside has its own charms, in particular his young post lady…
Light and witty, and full of twists and turns, The Wrong Envelope is a charming romantic comedy. It captures the spirit of another age – when letters could change lives.
- GenresRomance
250 pages, ebook
Published November 29, 2017
72 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Liz Treacher
4 books19 followersLiz is a writer of romcoms and women's fiction. She lives in the Scottish Highlands with a view of the sea.
She has written four novels. The Wrong Envelope and The Wrong Direction are romantic comedies set in 1920 that chart the romance of an artist and a post lady.
The Unravelling is a darker contemporary novel with a touch of magic realism.
Vegan Recipes for New Age Men is a contemporary rom-com set in the beautiful Scottish Highlands.
Website: https://www.liztreacher.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/liztreacher
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LizTreacherA...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liztreacher...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@liztreacherau...
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@liztreacher
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She has written four novels. The Wrong Envelope and The Wrong Direction are romantic comedies set in 1920 that chart the romance of an artist and a post lady.
The Unravelling is a darker contemporary novel with a touch of magic realism.
Vegan Recipes for New Age Men is a contemporary rom-com set in the beautiful Scottish Highlands.
Website: https://www.liztreacher.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/liztreacher
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LizTreacherA...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liztreacher...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@liztreacherau...
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@liztreacher
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/liztreacher/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 20, 2018
Why is it that the sort of book I love to read is so hard to publish these days? Really, I have no idea what goes on in acquiring editors’ heads. The Wrong Envelope is a perfect example of the sort of book I love to read and strive to write: comfort novels that make you think. Author Liz Treacher has reminded me again that it’s possible to write easy fiction that is not stupid. Most of my friends and many of my Goodreads acquaintances would adore this book: there, Publishing Establishment, you have a base of readers.
Enough ranting. The year is 1920, and a young artist of unmet promise, Bernard Cavalier, has been sent down to Devon by his agent to paint like mad in preparation for a gallery show. Bernard is almost grotesquely boisterous, a boy in a grown-up body, with an unfocused energy that sends him physically and emotionally bouncing all over the place. On the train to Devon, he sees a girl who fascinates him; he makes an awkward move that starts their acquaintance off on a terrible footing.
The girl in question is Evie Brunton, who delivers the mail in the Devonshire village to which Bernard is bound. So she is compelled to meet him regularly as she makes her rounds. Misunderstandings abound between the two; both act inappropriately; there are friends who help and friends who are hurtful; and all travels to the expected end.
But as always with good romantic comedy, the destination counts less than the journey. And here the journey is a marvelous one. The historical setting is beautifully evoked, and the characters feel like people of their age, not modern types dropped into a bygone world. All the characters, not just the principals, are three-dimensional. (I especially enjoyed the relationship of Mr. and Mrs. Brunton, fleshed out with graceful economy.) And the path taken by Evie and Bernard is not simply one of attraction foiled by external obstacles, the staple of disappointing rom-com: both must take an inner journey to become better, stronger, more adult versions of themselves before they can come to an understanding. Aside from all the surface pleasures of good writing, nostalgic setting, and humor, these inner journeys are what make The Wrong Envelope such a satisfying book to read.
Enough ranting. The year is 1920, and a young artist of unmet promise, Bernard Cavalier, has been sent down to Devon by his agent to paint like mad in preparation for a gallery show. Bernard is almost grotesquely boisterous, a boy in a grown-up body, with an unfocused energy that sends him physically and emotionally bouncing all over the place. On the train to Devon, he sees a girl who fascinates him; he makes an awkward move that starts their acquaintance off on a terrible footing.
The girl in question is Evie Brunton, who delivers the mail in the Devonshire village to which Bernard is bound. So she is compelled to meet him regularly as she makes her rounds. Misunderstandings abound between the two; both act inappropriately; there are friends who help and friends who are hurtful; and all travels to the expected end.
But as always with good romantic comedy, the destination counts less than the journey. And here the journey is a marvelous one. The historical setting is beautifully evoked, and the characters feel like people of their age, not modern types dropped into a bygone world. All the characters, not just the principals, are three-dimensional. (I especially enjoyed the relationship of Mr. and Mrs. Brunton, fleshed out with graceful economy.) And the path taken by Evie and Bernard is not simply one of attraction foiled by external obstacles, the staple of disappointing rom-com: both must take an inner journey to become better, stronger, more adult versions of themselves before they can come to an understanding. Aside from all the surface pleasures of good writing, nostalgic setting, and humor, these inner journeys are what make The Wrong Envelope such a satisfying book to read.
November 17, 2018
This is just a special, special book. Exquisite writing. Believable characters. Brilliant plot.
It beautifully evokes England a century ago. I was transported into another, simpler time. ADHD had never been heard of, nor had PTSD. Yet two of the characters clearly exhibit symptoms. The book is set in 1920, just after the first Great War. The war has cast a pall over the little town of Colyton, just as it has everywhere else in England. Although the story doesn't dwell on this, it does hang like a cloud that briefly obscures the sun sometimes.
You notice it in Bernard Cavalier, an artist who arrives from London to work on his painting for an upcoming exhibition. Due to serious injuries sustained in an accident while he was in miltary training camp, he was unable to fight in the war, and he feels the shame of it. Generally, though, he's an exuberant, impulsive man-child. His exasperated agent, Mr. Carruthers, has sent him to Colyton, hoping the quieter atmosphere of the sleepy town will be less distracting to Bernard and motivate him to just paint.
Unfortunately for Mr. Carruthers, Bernard develops an instant fascination with Evie Brunton, his mail lady. She's definitely a distraction.
Evie, too, has been affected by the War. The only reason she has her job pedaling a bicycle around Colyton delivering mail is that all the men were off fighting. Now the survivors are back and employers around the country are putting these war heroes back to work, replacing the women who had filled those roles in their absence. Despite knowing this, Evie believes her position is secure. She lives with her parents and is content with her life. Her contentment starts to change when Bernard barges into her settled world and makes her see things differently.
Bernard's correspondent, Phoebe, the daughter of a reverend, desperately wishes to be more than his friend although she recognizes that he doesn't see her that way. She is aware that she's risking her heart, but she can't help hoping and trying to capture his attention. So many men have died. There aren't many eligible men left.
Cassie is Evie's best friend, though she doesn't live in Colyton anymore. Her family came into a large inheritance and moved to London. When she comes to visit the Bruntons, she notes how shabby their home is and how dull the town is compared to the affluence and activity she's now accustomed to. In London, she does her best to fit in with her newer, more sophisticated friends.
The author gently draws you into this setting with a unique, flowing voice. It's perfectly edited. The story is full of humorous word pictures, too. For example, Bernard rides a bicycle that's way too tiny for him, weaving down the lanes next to Evie, on her larger bike. Later, he must walk with his legs splayed apart because the skin of his thighs are so irritated from the friction. Little things like this make all the characters come alive for the reader. Even though they are very much products of their era, you can't help but relate to each of them.
I love the progression of the relationship between Bernard and Evie. The wrong envelope incident is set up beautifully and creates believable repercussions for both, setting them on a path of self-reflection and change. There's nothing predictable about the effects of all the ripples emanating from that single event, including even for Evie's parents.
I read a lot of books. This one is going to stay with me a long time. I strongly encourage everyone who loves great writing to read it.
It beautifully evokes England a century ago. I was transported into another, simpler time. ADHD had never been heard of, nor had PTSD. Yet two of the characters clearly exhibit symptoms. The book is set in 1920, just after the first Great War. The war has cast a pall over the little town of Colyton, just as it has everywhere else in England. Although the story doesn't dwell on this, it does hang like a cloud that briefly obscures the sun sometimes.
You notice it in Bernard Cavalier, an artist who arrives from London to work on his painting for an upcoming exhibition. Due to serious injuries sustained in an accident while he was in miltary training camp, he was unable to fight in the war, and he feels the shame of it. Generally, though, he's an exuberant, impulsive man-child. His exasperated agent, Mr. Carruthers, has sent him to Colyton, hoping the quieter atmosphere of the sleepy town will be less distracting to Bernard and motivate him to just paint.
Unfortunately for Mr. Carruthers, Bernard develops an instant fascination with Evie Brunton, his mail lady. She's definitely a distraction.
Evie, too, has been affected by the War. The only reason she has her job pedaling a bicycle around Colyton delivering mail is that all the men were off fighting. Now the survivors are back and employers around the country are putting these war heroes back to work, replacing the women who had filled those roles in their absence. Despite knowing this, Evie believes her position is secure. She lives with her parents and is content with her life. Her contentment starts to change when Bernard barges into her settled world and makes her see things differently.
Bernard's correspondent, Phoebe, the daughter of a reverend, desperately wishes to be more than his friend although she recognizes that he doesn't see her that way. She is aware that she's risking her heart, but she can't help hoping and trying to capture his attention. So many men have died. There aren't many eligible men left.
Cassie is Evie's best friend, though she doesn't live in Colyton anymore. Her family came into a large inheritance and moved to London. When she comes to visit the Bruntons, she notes how shabby their home is and how dull the town is compared to the affluence and activity she's now accustomed to. In London, she does her best to fit in with her newer, more sophisticated friends.
The author gently draws you into this setting with a unique, flowing voice. It's perfectly edited. The story is full of humorous word pictures, too. For example, Bernard rides a bicycle that's way too tiny for him, weaving down the lanes next to Evie, on her larger bike. Later, he must walk with his legs splayed apart because the skin of his thighs are so irritated from the friction. Little things like this make all the characters come alive for the reader. Even though they are very much products of their era, you can't help but relate to each of them.
I love the progression of the relationship between Bernard and Evie. The wrong envelope incident is set up beautifully and creates believable repercussions for both, setting them on a path of self-reflection and change. There's nothing predictable about the effects of all the ripples emanating from that single event, including even for Evie's parents.
I read a lot of books. This one is going to stay with me a long time. I strongly encourage everyone who loves great writing to read it.
February 17, 2019
This is a lovely little period piece. Romantic comedy set in 1920 Devon, just two years after the end of the Great War. Heroine Evie Brunton, in her early 20s, lives at home in the little village of Colyton with her parents and works as a post lady, delivering the mail on her bicycle.
Hero Bernard Cavalier is a 20-something artist in London, who has been sent by his agent to Colyton to spend his time painting without the distraction of shiny London nightlife. There is to be an exhibition of Bernard's paintings soon and it's time for him to get serious about his work.
Bernard and Evie become aware of each other on the train to Colyton, when Bernard, as is his wont, does something rather unacceptable and is thrown off the train. Later Bernard is delighted to find that Evie will be delivering all his letters while he's in Colyton. At the same time Evie is horrified to discover this.
This was a delightful little gem of a story. It's well written and the characters are well developed, full of foibles and flaws and complexities. You're never quite sure whether the road these two are on will lead to an HEA, but the fun is the travel down that road. I will warn that the love between the two develops a bit unconvincingly but I didn't care all that much because of the entertainment value of the story.
The secondaries are great too. There's Phoebe, Bernard's friend from his time in training to be a soldier in the war (which didn't pan out so he has a bit of "did not go do his duty" guilt), whom he's stringing along as a penpal to entertain himself because she's witty and writes good letters. There's Cassie, Evie's longtime village friend whose family came into money and moved to London and now it's not clear about that "friend" status. And Evie's mother and father are beautifully drawn and behave as you might expect parents of the 1920s to act. The reader will also meet up with people Bernard knows in London.
There is a great deal of underlying complexity and seriousness to this seemingly frothy romantic comedy. Aftermath of the war. Fair- and foul-weather friends. Immaturity in a relationship. Bernard, for example, is an appealing puppy dog of a character but he is extremely immature. I did not find myself liking him as much as I presume the author wished me to, but the overall delight of the whole story made up for my dissatisfaction with the hero.
One more thing. There's a sequel to this: THE WRONG DIRECTION. It begins a short time after The Wrong Envelope ends, with the marriage of Evie and Bernard and their subsequent move to London. I hesitated before ordering, thinking I might prefer the HEA the first book offers, rather than reading about the rough times ahead for the newlywed couple. I went ahead and read the second one anyway and am actually glad I did. Same good writing and interesting characters. My dislike for Bernard grew stronger but my admiration for Evie grew greater. It's a very realistic look at marriage, no rose-colored glasses to be found.
Hero Bernard Cavalier is a 20-something artist in London, who has been sent by his agent to Colyton to spend his time painting without the distraction of shiny London nightlife. There is to be an exhibition of Bernard's paintings soon and it's time for him to get serious about his work.
Bernard and Evie become aware of each other on the train to Colyton, when Bernard, as is his wont, does something rather unacceptable and is thrown off the train. Later Bernard is delighted to find that Evie will be delivering all his letters while he's in Colyton. At the same time Evie is horrified to discover this.
This was a delightful little gem of a story. It's well written and the characters are well developed, full of foibles and flaws and complexities. You're never quite sure whether the road these two are on will lead to an HEA, but the fun is the travel down that road. I will warn that the love between the two develops a bit unconvincingly but I didn't care all that much because of the entertainment value of the story.
The secondaries are great too. There's Phoebe, Bernard's friend from his time in training to be a soldier in the war (which didn't pan out so he has a bit of "did not go do his duty" guilt), whom he's stringing along as a penpal to entertain himself because she's witty and writes good letters. There's Cassie, Evie's longtime village friend whose family came into money and moved to London and now it's not clear about that "friend" status. And Evie's mother and father are beautifully drawn and behave as you might expect parents of the 1920s to act. The reader will also meet up with people Bernard knows in London.
There is a great deal of underlying complexity and seriousness to this seemingly frothy romantic comedy. Aftermath of the war. Fair- and foul-weather friends. Immaturity in a relationship. Bernard, for example, is an appealing puppy dog of a character but he is extremely immature. I did not find myself liking him as much as I presume the author wished me to, but the overall delight of the whole story made up for my dissatisfaction with the hero.
One more thing. There's a sequel to this: THE WRONG DIRECTION. It begins a short time after The Wrong Envelope ends, with the marriage of Evie and Bernard and their subsequent move to London. I hesitated before ordering, thinking I might prefer the HEA the first book offers, rather than reading about the rough times ahead for the newlywed couple. I went ahead and read the second one anyway and am actually glad I did. Same good writing and interesting characters. My dislike for Bernard grew stronger but my admiration for Evie grew greater. It's a very realistic look at marriage, no rose-colored glasses to be found.
February 24, 2019
This is a delightful toasted, buttered crumpet of a novel, to borrow an image from the book. Although newly-published, it has a retro feel and is packed with images of days gone by -- for example, the wonderful clothes worn in the 1920s, just after the end of the Great War. Evie Brunton has worked as a post lady in Devon during the war and now finds herself unemployed, replaced by a returned soldier. Fate has another surprise in store, as she meets an unconventional, red-haired artist who by turns attracts and repels her. This romantic comedy features some witty and sparkling dialogue. I loved it, and will read the sequel, The Wrong Direction to learn more about these engaging characters.
December 2, 2018
A sweet story centred around a post lady,an artist,his friend and the added complications love adds to the mix.
May 13, 2019
This was such a delightful read, one that transported me back to a much simpler era. Whenever I picked it up or even thought about this book I had a smile on my face. In fact I loved this book so much that I’m already reading the sequel, The Wrong Direction.
I loved being in 1920s Devon, wonderfully described by the author that I could envisage it all in my mind’s eye as I was reading. I was intrigued by Evie’s job as a post lady delivery 3 times a day on her bicycle in all weathers up and down those hills. Bernard’s artist life was fun to read about especially as he seemed to be much better at procrastinating then actually painting!
It’s a simple tale with two wonderful main characters of Evie and Bernard and a will they or won’t they scenario.
If you’re looking for a delightful historical novel, I highly recommend that you put this book on the top of your tbr straight away!
I loved being in 1920s Devon, wonderfully described by the author that I could envisage it all in my mind’s eye as I was reading. I was intrigued by Evie’s job as a post lady delivery 3 times a day on her bicycle in all weathers up and down those hills. Bernard’s artist life was fun to read about especially as he seemed to be much better at procrastinating then actually painting!
It’s a simple tale with two wonderful main characters of Evie and Bernard and a will they or won’t they scenario.
If you’re looking for a delightful historical novel, I highly recommend that you put this book on the top of your tbr straight away!
March 23, 2022
Set just after the end of World War I. An enjoyable light read, ideal for passing the time at the airport and on my flight. Lovely character drawing and a chance to get to know the characters better in her follow up book.
May 13, 2019
First of all, I don't normally comment on the look of a book but Liz Treacher self-published The Wrong Envelope and I wanted to say what a very pleasurable experience it was to pick it up and read it. This is a beautifully put together book in terms of aesthetics.
So to the story. It immediately caught my attention. It's 1920, the war has been over for two years but it's going to take some time for things to get back to normal. Evie Brunton is a post lady in Devon, ostensibly taking a man's job, but she enjoys it and nobody else seems to need it at the moment. On a train back to Devon with her friend, Cassie, she encounters artist, Bernard Cavalier (pronounced Caval E A) when he is mesmerised by the mole on the back of her neck and reaches out to touch it. You can imagine that went down well! He's on his way to the village where Evie lives so that he can have some quiet time away to knuckle down to some painting.
From there, it's sort of a comedy of errors in a way. After getting off to a difficult start there are lots of ups and downs between Bernard and Evie, culminating in The Wrong Envelope, a delightful mix up of letters.
This book had me smiling a lot and giggling sometimes too. Bernard is a bit of a bumbling fool at times, but still immensely likeable, and I found Evie to be a quite feisty woman for the times. I loved the idea of her cycling along on her post bike down the country lanes and Bernard looking out for her. There's a very comical scene that takes place when Evie takes him by surprise, and another one when Bernard goes to dinner with Evie's parents.
There's a real charm to The Wrong Envelope. There's something about letter writing that seems so romantic, probably because we don't really do much of it now. I was really hoping for a happy ending for Bernard and Evie and given that there is a sequel, The Wrong Direction, it seems hopeful that they have stayed together.
I also liked the supporting cast. Evie's parents are stuck in their village ways and her friend, Cassie, is quite cutting and not that much of a friend after all but they all add so much to the telling of the story.
All in all, I spent an enjoyable day or so reading The Wrong Envelope and found it really rather lovely. I'm looking forward to the sequel now to find out what happens next.
So to the story. It immediately caught my attention. It's 1920, the war has been over for two years but it's going to take some time for things to get back to normal. Evie Brunton is a post lady in Devon, ostensibly taking a man's job, but she enjoys it and nobody else seems to need it at the moment. On a train back to Devon with her friend, Cassie, she encounters artist, Bernard Cavalier (pronounced Caval E A) when he is mesmerised by the mole on the back of her neck and reaches out to touch it. You can imagine that went down well! He's on his way to the village where Evie lives so that he can have some quiet time away to knuckle down to some painting.
From there, it's sort of a comedy of errors in a way. After getting off to a difficult start there are lots of ups and downs between Bernard and Evie, culminating in The Wrong Envelope, a delightful mix up of letters.
This book had me smiling a lot and giggling sometimes too. Bernard is a bit of a bumbling fool at times, but still immensely likeable, and I found Evie to be a quite feisty woman for the times. I loved the idea of her cycling along on her post bike down the country lanes and Bernard looking out for her. There's a very comical scene that takes place when Evie takes him by surprise, and another one when Bernard goes to dinner with Evie's parents.
There's a real charm to The Wrong Envelope. There's something about letter writing that seems so romantic, probably because we don't really do much of it now. I was really hoping for a happy ending for Bernard and Evie and given that there is a sequel, The Wrong Direction, it seems hopeful that they have stayed together.
I also liked the supporting cast. Evie's parents are stuck in their village ways and her friend, Cassie, is quite cutting and not that much of a friend after all but they all add so much to the telling of the story.
All in all, I spent an enjoyable day or so reading The Wrong Envelope and found it really rather lovely. I'm looking forward to the sequel now to find out what happens next.
May 14, 2019
I absolutely loved this book. If you want to be transported back to an age where the post was delivered three times a day!; there was no social media and sending a message urgently meant using a telegram then this is the book for you.
We first meet Evie on a train with her friend Cassie. I came to dislike Cassie rather a lot - she in my eyes was a schadenfreude (to put it politely!) but you can make your own mind up about her. Evie is returning home to her Devon village where she is the post lady. At this point you can just put your feet up and relax with the wonderful evocative language of day to day life in a village in the 1920s.
Don't think this is a slow book though - once the story passes the scene setting phase it really takes off and I couldn't read it fast enough. Will Evie be wooed by Bernard or are they destined to never be together. It reminded me of a Jane Austen novel and a Shakespearean comedy all at once.
Language of course is evolving all the time. It made me laugh when Bernard tells Evie "she is hot" - in today's parlance it would mean something entirely different from the innocent comment that meant she was actually very hot, due to the heat! I just loved the social history aspects of this book. Some of the events described in the book that occurred after World War I made me so annoyed. However these are now more real and understandable to me after reading this book.
I really don't want to write anymore as you need to just discover the book for yourself. Inspired by a letter sent to the author's Grandmother at the time of the First Word War the book is such a treasure. I am so disappointed to finish it, but - I have the sequel "The Wrong Direction" to read, which I shall review as part of the Book Tour on 28th May.
I'm giving this book five out of five stars. My thanks to Love Books Group Tours for my copy of the book for review and to Liz Treacher who even packaged it in brown paper and string and included a copy of the letter from the cover - it was just magical to open.
We first meet Evie on a train with her friend Cassie. I came to dislike Cassie rather a lot - she in my eyes was a schadenfreude (to put it politely!) but you can make your own mind up about her. Evie is returning home to her Devon village where she is the post lady. At this point you can just put your feet up and relax with the wonderful evocative language of day to day life in a village in the 1920s.
Don't think this is a slow book though - once the story passes the scene setting phase it really takes off and I couldn't read it fast enough. Will Evie be wooed by Bernard or are they destined to never be together. It reminded me of a Jane Austen novel and a Shakespearean comedy all at once.
Language of course is evolving all the time. It made me laugh when Bernard tells Evie "she is hot" - in today's parlance it would mean something entirely different from the innocent comment that meant she was actually very hot, due to the heat! I just loved the social history aspects of this book. Some of the events described in the book that occurred after World War I made me so annoyed. However these are now more real and understandable to me after reading this book.
I really don't want to write anymore as you need to just discover the book for yourself. Inspired by a letter sent to the author's Grandmother at the time of the First Word War the book is such a treasure. I am so disappointed to finish it, but - I have the sequel "The Wrong Direction" to read, which I shall review as part of the Book Tour on 28th May.
I'm giving this book five out of five stars. My thanks to Love Books Group Tours for my copy of the book for review and to Liz Treacher who even packaged it in brown paper and string and included a copy of the letter from the cover - it was just magical to open.
May 14, 2019
I found this to be one of those books that leaves you feeling all warm and snuggly, and pining for days of old when life seemed to be much simpler! It features characters who are beautifully created and their witty observations really help this story bounce along, and I'm already itching to start reading the next in the series - The Wrong Direction!
Set in post war England in 1920, the story centres around the rather sweet Evie who is a post lady who lives at home with her parents and lives life very simply - nothing much ever happens in Colyton anyway! But that changes when the artist Bernard arrives in town! Sent by his agent to get away from the distractions of city life, he turns up and can think of nothing worse than being sent to this quiet place but his head has been turned by a woman he met on the train - she's not quite so keen on his prescence in the village but it does begin to make her life a little more interesting!!
Mixed in with their time together are a number of letters, mainly to Bernard from his friend Phoebe who is living in Essex and has an opinion on anything and everything! She's hilarious in her letters!
Another fascinating character is Cassie, the best friend of Evie, who lives a very different life to Evie thanks to having money, but seems to be quite jealous of Evie and it's interesting to see how their relationship alters over the time period we are with them.
I loved the relationship between Evie and Bernard as you can never really be sure how Bernard is - ladies man or sweet and considerate?! He seems to be capable of being both! When she invites him round to meet her parents it doesn't go swimmingly at all! I think Evie has her head turned by him as she is intrigued by his character - always unsure of what he will do next and I think Bernard is shocked by how much Evie has gotten under his skin too.
A captivating and enchanting book that takes you back in time effortlessly and has a wonderful mix of characters!
Set in post war England in 1920, the story centres around the rather sweet Evie who is a post lady who lives at home with her parents and lives life very simply - nothing much ever happens in Colyton anyway! But that changes when the artist Bernard arrives in town! Sent by his agent to get away from the distractions of city life, he turns up and can think of nothing worse than being sent to this quiet place but his head has been turned by a woman he met on the train - she's not quite so keen on his prescence in the village but it does begin to make her life a little more interesting!!
Mixed in with their time together are a number of letters, mainly to Bernard from his friend Phoebe who is living in Essex and has an opinion on anything and everything! She's hilarious in her letters!
Another fascinating character is Cassie, the best friend of Evie, who lives a very different life to Evie thanks to having money, but seems to be quite jealous of Evie and it's interesting to see how their relationship alters over the time period we are with them.
I loved the relationship between Evie and Bernard as you can never really be sure how Bernard is - ladies man or sweet and considerate?! He seems to be capable of being both! When she invites him round to meet her parents it doesn't go swimmingly at all! I think Evie has her head turned by him as she is intrigued by his character - always unsure of what he will do next and I think Bernard is shocked by how much Evie has gotten under his skin too.
A captivating and enchanting book that takes you back in time effortlessly and has a wonderful mix of characters!
May 28, 2019
What an absolutely charming book! This is a brilliant debut from Liz!
Set in 1920, we meet Evie who is content in her life in her village in Devon delivering post to her customers. She has a rather strange experience with a ‘weird’ guy on the train…..who then ends up staying in her village, and being one of her customers! Bernard and Evie’s lives collide in some amusing ways….but what will happen? How will it all turn out?
As I mentioned, charming is the most perfect word to describe this beautiful story. I fell in absolute love with the characters, and was so sucked in to the story….truly going on the journey with them. I was dismayed, shocked, entertained and amused by Bernard’s antics and loved the fact that Evie is a strong independent woman, who really comes out of herself.
The fact that it was set in the 1920’s gives it a real sense of uniqueness with a wonderful storyline. And I loved that it revolves around good old fashioned letters!
The way Liz has told the story and described the scenery really brings Devon to life. It feels like you’re there with Bernard, visiting Devon for the first time and experiencing the beautiful little country village and surroundings. Her writing style is brilliant, easy to read and thoroughly enjoyable.
I was routing for the characters all the way through; with so many twists and turns you genuinely have no idea of the ending! I have book number 2, The Wrong Direction, sitting on my shelf, ready for a review on 31st May and I can’t wait to read it!! The Wrong Envelope is most definitely highly recommended by me!
Set in 1920, we meet Evie who is content in her life in her village in Devon delivering post to her customers. She has a rather strange experience with a ‘weird’ guy on the train…..who then ends up staying in her village, and being one of her customers! Bernard and Evie’s lives collide in some amusing ways….but what will happen? How will it all turn out?
As I mentioned, charming is the most perfect word to describe this beautiful story. I fell in absolute love with the characters, and was so sucked in to the story….truly going on the journey with them. I was dismayed, shocked, entertained and amused by Bernard’s antics and loved the fact that Evie is a strong independent woman, who really comes out of herself.
The fact that it was set in the 1920’s gives it a real sense of uniqueness with a wonderful storyline. And I loved that it revolves around good old fashioned letters!
The way Liz has told the story and described the scenery really brings Devon to life. It feels like you’re there with Bernard, visiting Devon for the first time and experiencing the beautiful little country village and surroundings. Her writing style is brilliant, easy to read and thoroughly enjoyable.
I was routing for the characters all the way through; with so many twists and turns you genuinely have no idea of the ending! I have book number 2, The Wrong Direction, sitting on my shelf, ready for a review on 31st May and I can’t wait to read it!! The Wrong Envelope is most definitely highly recommended by me!
May 16, 2019
Bernard and Evie first meet on a train to Devon in 1920. He has been sent there to prepare for an art exhibition and she lives and works in the quaint countryside village as a post lady. There first meeting goes horribly wrong. Despite being captivated by Evie, Bernard’s actions are seen as inappropriate and Evie instantly dislikes him. Then she finds that she has to deliver the post to his rented cottage every day.
This is a sweet, sweet story of country life in times gone by. I loved how the post was delivered three times a day by a lady on a bicycle, come rain or shine. She even took the post which needed to be sent (as long as there was a stamp on it!). I found the letters from Bernards friends so funny and thought-provoking because back then, this was the only form of communication. I loved the contrasts between the high life of London and the peaceful calmness of the countryside and how it was perceived to be boring because life moved at a different pace.
Bernard’s character was so deliciously complex. I love it when you start a book really disliking a character and slowly feel yourself warming to him. His eccentricities, his clumsiness, even his inappropriateness fascinated me. The other characters were no bystanders, everyone multi-layered with blemished personalities, foibles, and quirks which just brought them to life.
I love Devon, historical romance and looking back at simpler times, so I adored this book and would happily recommend.
This is a sweet, sweet story of country life in times gone by. I loved how the post was delivered three times a day by a lady on a bicycle, come rain or shine. She even took the post which needed to be sent (as long as there was a stamp on it!). I found the letters from Bernards friends so funny and thought-provoking because back then, this was the only form of communication. I loved the contrasts between the high life of London and the peaceful calmness of the countryside and how it was perceived to be boring because life moved at a different pace.
Bernard’s character was so deliciously complex. I love it when you start a book really disliking a character and slowly feel yourself warming to him. His eccentricities, his clumsiness, even his inappropriateness fascinated me. The other characters were no bystanders, everyone multi-layered with blemished personalities, foibles, and quirks which just brought them to life.
I love Devon, historical romance and looking back at simpler times, so I adored this book and would happily recommend.
April 13, 2019
This is the summer of post war England in 1920. Bernard Cavalier is an artist and has been sent to the countryside in order to get with the job of paining in preparation for a forthcoming exhibition. He is too distracted at home hence the change of scenery. On the journey there he upsets a young woman by referring to the mole on her neck, a neck and mole which he has been admiring for the duration of the journey. the young woman Evie is horrified to find that despite being put off the train for his rudeness, Bernard has not only arrived in her village but is on her post round. bernard has several friends who frequently write to him and with three deliveries a day the chances of Evie bumping in to him are quite high. It’s lovely to read of an era where letters were one of the main forms of communication. Several letters are included in the text. Maybe one day we will return to pen and paper as a more lasting treasured way of corresponding.I really enjoyed this. Characters that came to life and a story you just wanted to end happily A wonderful traditional love story set in both Devon and London.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1
February 8, 2023
Beautifully written. You feel like you are reading a classical master from page 1, truly. Something between Forster and Lawrence. Finely emotional and comical in turn. And profitably enriched by the author's sensibility to painting and her accurate rendering of post-war time.
I put 4 stars only as an encouragement for the writer to question some of her plot choices so she may still perfect her art. Why not make the search for the mole lady like the search for the tiny Cinderella's foot? Why not end in Devon with all characters having their own reason for heading to Highview unexpectedly getting to know each other over there: Toby, Cassie, Carruthers, Phoebe, Bernard's tremendous Dad, Evie's sweet parents... All their bias and social differences defeated (for a while) by the improbable love of the starring couple. I had kind of expected that sort of modernized Commedia dell' arte ending.
I put 4 stars only as an encouragement for the writer to question some of her plot choices so she may still perfect her art. Why not make the search for the mole lady like the search for the tiny Cinderella's foot? Why not end in Devon with all characters having their own reason for heading to Highview unexpectedly getting to know each other over there: Toby, Cassie, Carruthers, Phoebe, Bernard's tremendous Dad, Evie's sweet parents... All their bias and social differences defeated (for a while) by the improbable love of the starring couple. I had kind of expected that sort of modernized Commedia dell' arte ending.
March 26, 2019
Post WW1 : Devon, England
This was a unique and witty love story of Evie (who
delivered the mail on a bicycle) & Bernard (a London
artist in Devon to paint & prepare for a gallery show-
ing). Both showed impulsivity. Bernard claimed dis-
traction from his artwork. He grew up w/o a Mum &
this accounted for his lack of social skills? He never
used his training for war b/c the armistice happened.
Some questioned his bravery. 2ndary characters added
to the richness of the story.
The author also explored: what do we expect of friend-
ship? Are friends dependable? Do we outgrow some
friends? Evie's BFF Cassie dined with 'sophisticated'
friends in London and denied knowing Evie's name.
Also we saw the veterans re-integration into the
community, post-war: physical and mental injuries
including "shell shock" & job-wise.
A good and satisfying first book.
This was a unique and witty love story of Evie (who
delivered the mail on a bicycle) & Bernard (a London
artist in Devon to paint & prepare for a gallery show-
ing). Both showed impulsivity. Bernard claimed dis-
traction from his artwork. He grew up w/o a Mum &
this accounted for his lack of social skills? He never
used his training for war b/c the armistice happened.
Some questioned his bravery. 2ndary characters added
to the richness of the story.
The author also explored: what do we expect of friend-
ship? Are friends dependable? Do we outgrow some
friends? Evie's BFF Cassie dined with 'sophisticated'
friends in London and denied knowing Evie's name.
Also we saw the veterans re-integration into the
community, post-war: physical and mental injuries
including "shell shock" & job-wise.
A good and satisfying first book.
January 5, 2018
A sheer delight!
Liz Treacher uses a tender touch when drawing her characters. They are beautifully observed, from the delicate but determined Evie to the very practical and pragmatic Pheobe. How wonderful it is to view the world through Bernard's eyes and the author's sensitivity to the young artist allows us to enter into his joys and sorrows wholeheartedly. The Wrong Envelope is a joy to read and as with all the best comedy there are some dark truths to be faced, in this case about the devastating consequences of war. This book is crying out for the big screen!
Liz Treacher uses a tender touch when drawing her characters. They are beautifully observed, from the delicate but determined Evie to the very practical and pragmatic Pheobe. How wonderful it is to view the world through Bernard's eyes and the author's sensitivity to the young artist allows us to enter into his joys and sorrows wholeheartedly. The Wrong Envelope is a joy to read and as with all the best comedy there are some dark truths to be faced, in this case about the devastating consequences of war. This book is crying out for the big screen!
May 14, 2019
It’s my stop on the “The Wrong Envelope” blog tour! @LoveBooksGroup have provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
A quaint story of romance in the 1920s in rural Devon.
Bernard Cavalier doesn’t make a great first impression and his second one isn’t much better either, but he’s determined to make this relationship work. A charming 4 stars for Liz Treacher‘s “The Wrong Envelope”.
My full review is available here: https://whatrebeccasread.wordpress.co...
A quaint story of romance in the 1920s in rural Devon.
Bernard Cavalier doesn’t make a great first impression and his second one isn’t much better either, but he’s determined to make this relationship work. A charming 4 stars for Liz Treacher‘s “The Wrong Envelope”.
My full review is available here: https://whatrebeccasread.wordpress.co...
August 8, 2021
I liked some things about this one, but not everything. The recreation of life in the English countryside immediately post-war was very well done, and there were some deft touches with characterisation. Bernard charged through the pages like a force of nature, all energy, impulse and colour. But I wasn’t really convinced by the romance. Although there were some moments of high emotion, I didn’t think Bernard and Evie really spent enough time together to build a meaningful connection.
Still a good read, though, and I’ll probably try the next in the series.
Still a good read, though, and I’ll probably try the next in the series.
January 5, 2020
Set in post-war England, this historical romance is an engaging read, with as many twists and turns as the Devon coastline where part of the story is set. Told with humour and insight, this is as much social commentary as historical fiction. Immerse yourself in a bygone era of trains, bicycles and letters - I think you’ll enjoy the ride.
June 10, 2020
A lovely book, full of humour and well written. The descriptions of characters are in depth without being overdone. It’s not my usual genre, however it’s a very astute look at how people can so easily misunderstand each other if they forget to talk. Lovely trip back in time and a great portrayal of possible PTSD and how women were treated after the war. So well written.
December 8, 2020
A good old fashioned love story
An easy, uncomplicated book just like a love story should be transporting us back to a more gentle slower way of life as it must have been between the wars. Loved all the characters. I will read this author again just not the follow up as I felt this book was perfectly finished.
An easy, uncomplicated book just like a love story should be transporting us back to a more gentle slower way of life as it must have been between the wars. Loved all the characters. I will read this author again just not the follow up as I felt this book was perfectly finished.
May 23, 2019
The author’s sense of humor is not like mine. And the characters did not resonate with me. It read too much like a modern romantic comedy film wrapped in a 1920s locale. And since I don’t particularly care for modern romantic comedy....
But if you do, you might enjoy it.
But if you do, you might enjoy it.
January 1, 2021
Delightful!
What a wonderful romp through the pages I had reading this book. Such fun, I felt nuances of Oscar Wilde and Patricia Wentworth, it was so true to the era. I am looking forward to the next book... I do hope it’s a series!
What a wonderful romp through the pages I had reading this book. Such fun, I felt nuances of Oscar Wilde and Patricia Wentworth, it was so true to the era. I am looking forward to the next book... I do hope it’s a series!
June 6, 2021
Will they? Won't they?
Two letters are sent. One that will bring happiness, another that will bring heartache. But, unfortunately, they get mixed and each is sent to the wrong person. Oh my! What will happen now? Read the book and find out!
Two letters are sent. One that will bring happiness, another that will bring heartache. But, unfortunately, they get mixed and each is sent to the wrong person. Oh my! What will happen now? Read the book and find out!
November 21, 2018
Fun, little book. Simple and enjoyable.
March 26, 2019
A lovely little story from an era long gone. Easy, interesting and full of wonderful characters. Bought the follow up to see what's happening to them now.
June 5, 2019
Nice diversion into a gentler, simpler time.
July 4, 2020
Hi Liz I received this book as a present and apologuse for taking so long to read it...its a lkvely book, great story and easy to read
September 26, 2020
A lovely book. Gorgeous descriptions and very likeable characters.
October 11, 2020
Great
A great read, I have got so interested in Evie and Bernard, I have ordered the next book to follow , thanks Liz
A great read, I have got so interested in Evie and Bernard, I have ordered the next book to follow , thanks Liz
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews