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The Craft of Love
When professional respect leads to something more ...
Benjamin Lewis has created a life for himself as one of the most respected silversmiths and engravers in New York City. For Benjamin, his work is his passion and he has never sought out companionship beyond the close ties of family. Stumbling across dresses sew by his late mother, however, reawakens painful memories from his past. Now he is determined to forge something beautiful from the remains of the life and identity he left behind. In the process, he discovers stunning and fiercely intelligent Miss Quincy who might just have the power to tempt him out of his quiet isolation.
Remembrance Quincy's talent is as undeniable as her needlework is exquisite. She has made a name for herself crafting quilts and embroidery pieces for all the wealthiest ladies in the city. When soft-spoken, yet charming, Mr. Lewis comes to her with a particular project in mind she is intrigued both by his artistic design and by the man himself. He treats her like an equal, values her work and makes her smile, but Remembrance already gave her heart away once, now can she risk doing it again?
Benjamin Lewis has created a life for himself as one of the most respected silversmiths and engravers in New York City. For Benjamin, his work is his passion and he has never sought out companionship beyond the close ties of family. Stumbling across dresses sew by his late mother, however, reawakens painful memories from his past. Now he is determined to forge something beautiful from the remains of the life and identity he left behind. In the process, he discovers stunning and fiercely intelligent Miss Quincy who might just have the power to tempt him out of his quiet isolation.
Remembrance Quincy's talent is as undeniable as her needlework is exquisite. She has made a name for herself crafting quilts and embroidery pieces for all the wealthiest ladies in the city. When soft-spoken, yet charming, Mr. Lewis comes to her with a particular project in mind she is intrigued both by his artistic design and by the man himself. He treats her like an equal, values her work and makes her smile, but Remembrance already gave her heart away once, now can she risk doing it again?
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First published October 19, 2018
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About the author
E.E. Ottoman
29 books347 followerswrites romance novels, wears pretty clothes, does history stuff.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
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October 22, 2018A very sweet novella about a trans man working as a silversmith in 19th century New York, and his gentle courtship of an independent and determined quilt maker. It's got a lot to say in its few pages about the struggles of women in work, the lack of recognition, the complexity of a trans child growing up with a parent whose love doesn't stretch to understanding. Great historical detail, too, and the crafts have some serious metaphorical resonance for the story. And it's hopeful, too, about people's ability to accept, learn, and grow.
Can I also add how nice it is to see a woman in histrom with strong political opinions who isn't also portrayed as being bull-headed/extremist and putting her foot in it. I didn't realise how prevalent that is until I read this and realised I was waiting for the heroine to quixotically torpedo her career. Like...women can possess strong opinions and it doesn't have to make them socially inept or lead them on a direct road to martyrdom, it might just mean quietly changing the world around them!
Can I also add how nice it is to see a woman in histrom with strong political opinions who isn't also portrayed as being bull-headed/extremist and putting her foot in it. I didn't realise how prevalent that is until I read this and realised I was waiting for the heroine to quixotically torpedo her career. Like...women can possess strong opinions and it doesn't have to make them socially inept or lead them on a direct road to martyrdom, it might just mean quietly changing the world around them!
March 24, 2020
Mini review: Gorgeous, kind, low-angst historical romance novella that pairs a cis bi woman who's a quilter and embroiderer, and a trans man who's a silversmith. Really loved this! Especially because I'm a quilter myself. :) If it's on your TBR, move it up, a perfect comfort read.
July 10, 2020
4.5 stars
Queer and trans people thriving in historical settings!!!! I love that shit!!!!! Lowkey wish it had been longer and shown more of their relationship after getting together but it was still lovely 💕
Queer and trans people thriving in historical settings!!!! I love that shit!!!!! Lowkey wish it had been longer and shown more of their relationship after getting together but it was still lovely 💕
September 18, 2023
Reread 2023: Listened to the audio version and loved it even more. There's so much attention to detail when describing the silversmith work and the quilting stitches, and it's so dang interesting on top of being a very sweet romance of courting and getting to know someone and instantly clicking with them, in a quiet way. Not sure if that makes sense, but it's so cute and cozy!
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A very sweet romance between a trans man and cis woman, both craftspeople. He's a silversmith, she's a quilt maker. A very slow burn courting and getting to know one another.
EEO's novella length romances are the perfect blend of romance and the historical time period elements.
The steam in this one only gets up to a passionate kiss, fyi.
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A very sweet romance between a trans man and cis woman, both craftspeople. He's a silversmith, she's a quilt maker. A very slow burn courting and getting to know one another.
EEO's novella length romances are the perfect blend of romance and the historical time period elements.
The steam in this one only gets up to a passionate kiss, fyi.
August 8, 2019
I loved this story to pieces. The entire relationship is based on mutual professional respect, and there's something incredibly refreshing in the depiction of their growing feelings. Benjamin absolutely reads like an aromantic spectrum character to me, and both of them have general aspec vibes that made this story feel safe and super enjoyable to me. Highly recommended.
March 8, 2019
I read a recommendation for this quiet queer romance novella somewhere, so I gave it a try.
Benjamin is a transgender man who works as a silversmith 19th century New York. When he approaches a quilt-maker with an important piece of work, the two hit it off and embark on a sweet courtship, which is the main body of this book.
The novella covers their deepening relationship, the fears each of them have about it, and their lives as professional craftspeople in 19th century New York. It's lovely. And I was really loving it, right up until what I felt was an abrupt ending that I felt left much unresolved.
Benjamin is a transgender man who works as a silversmith 19th century New York. When he approaches a quilt-maker with an important piece of work, the two hit it off and embark on a sweet courtship, which is the main body of this book.
The novella covers their deepening relationship, the fears each of them have about it, and their lives as professional craftspeople in 19th century New York. It's lovely. And I was really loving it, right up until what I felt was an abrupt ending that I felt left much unresolved.
October 21, 2018
If you like historical romances - The Craft of Love is excellent novella and I highly recommend to read it.
If you don’t usually read/like historical romances, may I recommend you this short novella as a starting point. It’s a good introduction to what the best of this genre has to offer. It’s sweet, atmospheric, feminist, inclusive and beautifully written.
The Craft of Love is about silversmith Benjamin and quiltmaker Remembrance meeting and falling in love in New York, 19th century. Benjamin is trans man, Remembrance is bisexual cis woman. Both of them have distinct personalities, they have strong moral compass, I especially liked Remembrance’s drive to protect fellow business women and their interests, as well as her stance against slavery and using cotton and other products from south states.
Benjamin and Remembrance have excellent chemistry together and the moment they finally hold hands, I died.
Excellent read, highly recommend!
If you don’t usually read/like historical romances, may I recommend you this short novella as a starting point. It’s a good introduction to what the best of this genre has to offer. It’s sweet, atmospheric, feminist, inclusive and beautifully written.
The Craft of Love is about silversmith Benjamin and quiltmaker Remembrance meeting and falling in love in New York, 19th century. Benjamin is trans man, Remembrance is bisexual cis woman. Both of them have distinct personalities, they have strong moral compass, I especially liked Remembrance’s drive to protect fellow business women and their interests, as well as her stance against slavery and using cotton and other products from south states.
Benjamin and Remembrance have excellent chemistry together and the moment they finally hold hands, I died.
Excellent read, highly recommend!
November 8, 2018
Oh, this was really lovely! ❤ Something about it just felt so warm and comforting to me. I think it was both the characters and their occupations, two quiet, gentle people, the making of a quilt and a silver teapot.
I had a thought that reading this felt a bit like being wrapped up in that quilt, drinking tea served from that pot.
The slow-blooming friendship and romance between Benjamin and Remembrance was deeply touching and full of sweetness. This story has the same beautiful simplicity as the quilt and teapot they create for each other.
An instant comfort read 😊
I had a thought that reading this felt a bit like being wrapped up in that quilt, drinking tea served from that pot.
The slow-blooming friendship and romance between Benjamin and Remembrance was deeply touching and full of sweetness. This story has the same beautiful simplicity as the quilt and teapot they create for each other.
An instant comfort read 😊
April 23, 2019
E.E. Ottoman writes such lovely stories! Just as is done with the fantasy series “Mechanical Universe,” Ottoman features MCs who are artistic, creative, and passionate about their craft.
"The Craft of Love" takes place in 19th century New York City and features two talented artisans: Benjamin Lewis is a gentle, soft, tender transman silversmith and Remembrance Quincy is an indomitable, determined, stalwart, and strong-minded bisexual female quiltmaker. The two bond over their mutual admiration for each other’s skilled handcrafts; and their sweet, slow, affectionate courtship is a warm and loving sight to behold.
I appreciate the inclusion of the historical, cultural, and sociopolitical details concerning women’s labor developments in the early nineteenth century as women united in creativity and reform. The story of female artists participating in the Arts and Crafts Movement of that time period is fascinating, and makes for fantastic challenges and opportunities for this MC. I would love to read more about how Remembrance transforms her joy of craftsmanship into her desire to rally and unify female artisans and millworkers. She is truly a transformative character.
I especially enjoyed the friendship aspect portrayed in this story. Remembrance and Benjamin are first and foremost friends. This friendship gives their romance a feeling of deep and abiding rapport, foretelling a lasting and loving relationship.
Highly recommend!
CW: transphobia
Per the author: “This book contains a brief discussion of past transphobia aimed at a trans child and gender dysphoria that could potentially trigger certain audiences.”
[m/f, historical Rep: bisexual female MC, transgender male MC]
"The Craft of Love" takes place in 19th century New York City and features two talented artisans: Benjamin Lewis is a gentle, soft, tender transman silversmith and Remembrance Quincy is an indomitable, determined, stalwart, and strong-minded bisexual female quiltmaker. The two bond over their mutual admiration for each other’s skilled handcrafts; and their sweet, slow, affectionate courtship is a warm and loving sight to behold.
I appreciate the inclusion of the historical, cultural, and sociopolitical details concerning women’s labor developments in the early nineteenth century as women united in creativity and reform. The story of female artists participating in the Arts and Crafts Movement of that time period is fascinating, and makes for fantastic challenges and opportunities for this MC. I would love to read more about how Remembrance transforms her joy of craftsmanship into her desire to rally and unify female artisans and millworkers. She is truly a transformative character.
I especially enjoyed the friendship aspect portrayed in this story. Remembrance and Benjamin are first and foremost friends. This friendship gives their romance a feeling of deep and abiding rapport, foretelling a lasting and loving relationship.
Highly recommend!
CW: transphobia
Per the author: “This book contains a brief discussion of past transphobia aimed at a trans child and gender dysphoria that could potentially trigger certain audiences.”
[m/f, historical Rep: bisexual female MC, transgender male MC]
July 15, 2025
At the beginning of the story, Benjamin receives a dress that his mother made for him a long time ago. It's exquisite and intricately detailed, but Benjamin isn't sure what to do with such a thing. His mother put so much effort and hope for her son into that dress, but Benjamin will never wear it.
He takes it to Remembrance, who creates quilts. She's a bit on the starchy side, while Benjamin leans toward being shy. They come to a tradesman's agreement: she will make the dress into a quilt, and Benjamin will make a teapot for Remembrance. They both instantly like each other, and Benjamin has to work up the courage to initiate a proper courtship.
Ottoman is incredible at building up tiny moments of intimacy that kept me squealing into a pillow after every ten pages or so. You don't need big dramatic scenes or hefty arguments to create a romance! You just need great characters that want to understand each other better.
He takes it to Remembrance, who creates quilts. She's a bit on the starchy side, while Benjamin leans toward being shy. They come to a tradesman's agreement: she will make the dress into a quilt, and Benjamin will make a teapot for Remembrance. They both instantly like each other, and Benjamin has to work up the courage to initiate a proper courtship.
Ottoman is incredible at building up tiny moments of intimacy that kept me squealing into a pillow after every ten pages or so. You don't need big dramatic scenes or hefty arguments to create a romance! You just need great characters that want to understand each other better.
January 3, 2019
Lovely and incredibly gentle novella about trans silversmith Benjamin who begings to very sweetly court bi quiltmaker Remembrance.
Could have been 5 stars if not for the abrupt ending that left me feeling rather dissatisfied.
I loved how politically active Remembrance was and that she fights for women's rights and to abolish slavery, among other things.
Could have been 5 stars if not for the abrupt ending that left me feeling rather dissatisfied.
I loved how politically active Remembrance was and that she fights for women's rights and to abolish slavery, among other things.
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August 14, 2019Content Warnings
I loved this, so much. I will try to be more coherent about why soon.
I loved this, so much. I will try to be more coherent about why soon.
June 14, 2022
4 stars.
What a lovely little novella.
Very soft and gentle. You could feel the connection between our leads.
A rarity: a heroine in a historical who fights for women’s rights, but acknowledges and works within the system around her. Firm in her beliefs, but not idealistic or necessarily outspoken.
I loved the incorporation of both sewing and metalwork into the story. Symbolically and just appreciation for the craft.
The hero faced transphobia from his (late) mother, and was shunned by parts of society. But the focus of the story was in no way on transphobia. He was never misgendered or deadnamed in the text.
The end was vastly rushed. We need another scene or two, at least, for it to really feel resolved to me.
Overall, I definitely recommend!
Contains: cis bi heroine, trans (straight? - to my memory no attraction other than to heroine mentioned) hero, heroine with glasses, quilt maker heroine, silversmith hero, early 1800s New York, womens rights, workers rights, abolitionism
CW: transphobia (parent not accepting child)
Steam: single kiss only
What a lovely little novella.
Very soft and gentle. You could feel the connection between our leads.
A rarity: a heroine in a historical who fights for women’s rights, but acknowledges and works within the system around her. Firm in her beliefs, but not idealistic or necessarily outspoken.
I loved the incorporation of both sewing and metalwork into the story. Symbolically and just appreciation for the craft.
The hero faced transphobia from his (late) mother, and was shunned by parts of society. But the focus of the story was in no way on transphobia. He was never misgendered or deadnamed in the text.
The end was vastly rushed. We need another scene or two, at least, for it to really feel resolved to me.
Overall, I definitely recommend!
Contains: cis bi heroine, trans (straight? - to my memory no attraction other than to heroine mentioned) hero, heroine with glasses, quilt maker heroine, silversmith hero, early 1800s New York, womens rights, workers rights, abolitionism
CW: transphobia (parent not accepting child)
Steam: single kiss only
December 1, 2018
Quiet and gentle low-heat romance! I wanted a bit more of the ending but overall it was a lovely, heart-warming read.
Full(er) review:
This is a sweet m/f historical romance with a trans MC. It's quiet, low on heat and angst, high on kindness and happy-making. I loved the mutual respect the MCs had for each other as professionals. The story is rich on historical details on blacksmithing and embroidering. We get a strong feminist heroine who genuinely cares about other people and their well being. At the same time she someone who is focused on her profession, proud of it, striving after the same respect and acknowledgment the other craftsmen out there get.
I very much liked how fundamental for the love relationship was the friendship between the hero and heroine. Both had things in their past making them hesitant to fall head fast in love but they slowly built trusty and intimacy which made them feel comfortable and happy to be together.
HFN ending and to be honest, I wanted more resolution from it, but it still felt fitting to the characters and overall quieter nature of the characters.
Full(er) review:
This is a sweet m/f historical romance with a trans MC. It's quiet, low on heat and angst, high on kindness and happy-making. I loved the mutual respect the MCs had for each other as professionals. The story is rich on historical details on blacksmithing and embroidering. We get a strong feminist heroine who genuinely cares about other people and their well being. At the same time she someone who is focused on her profession, proud of it, striving after the same respect and acknowledgment the other craftsmen out there get.
I very much liked how fundamental for the love relationship was the friendship between the hero and heroine. Both had things in their past making them hesitant to fall head fast in love but they slowly built trusty and intimacy which made them feel comfortable and happy to be together.
HFN ending and to be honest, I wanted more resolution from it, but it still felt fitting to the characters and overall quieter nature of the characters.
June 20, 2022
4.5/5 A delightfully tender, gentle, and sweet novella. This will quickly become a go-to rec for me when people are asking for something low angst and sweet. Truly, my only complaint was that I wished for it to be longer and to get even more time with Remembrance and Benjamin, and to see the ways in which their friendship and love deepened. As it was, the ending did feel just a touch abrupt.
This is also a great little read for those who love interesting historical detail in HRs. Ottoman wove in so much fascinating information about craftmanship and both Benjamin and Remembrance's respective careers. The setting is rich and the details about the time period are thoughtfully incorporated. I highly recommend this novella.
This is also a great little read for those who love interesting historical detail in HRs. Ottoman wove in so much fascinating information about craftmanship and both Benjamin and Remembrance's respective careers. The setting is rich and the details about the time period are thoughtfully incorporated. I highly recommend this novella.
November 9, 2018
This is a really lovely novella. It's a quiet, gentle queer historical romance that takes place in 19th century New York City. The main characters are two intelligent and skilled craftspeople--a quiet transman silversmith and a determined bi lady quiltmaker--who connect as artisans and then become friends and more. I love the gentleness and simplicity of this story. It's uplifting and nice and warm and easy. The historical and sociopolitical details concerning women's work and gender identity are very interesting. The slow buildup of their relationship is beautiful and touching. I enjoyed this a lot.
December 13, 2025
Silversmith Benjamin Lewis seeks out the services of quilter Remembrance Quincy to help put to rest painful memories of his past. The thing is: she's fine, and he's into her, and they're going to go courting. Will Ben be able to convince Remembrance to get over her fear of romantic rejection?
1. This was extremely sweet, with Benjamin and Remembrance clearly vibing on each other and exploring their shared attraction and willingness / fears around courting. I liked the glimpses of working class life in 1830s America—the many walks home, and chats in the park, and respect for each other's work were very nice!
2. As much as I liked this, I was a little disappointed in how much of the obstacles to their happy ever after were internalized: Remembrance is very fearful of courting because she had previously been in love with her best friend Hope, who cut her off‐she does briefly share this with Ben, but there's so much of her own cyclical thoughts on the matter that it's clear that one little chat with Ben has resolved nothing and it's going to remain A Big Deal For A Long Time. Which is realistic and honest—but means that I didn't finish this thing with that HEA-boost that I look for in romances.
3. Ben's got a similar issue with his extremely limited confidence in Remembrance's interest and his ability to impress her: he has deep, roiling doubts when apart that only settle once he's back in Remembrance's presence, and that sort of anti-confidence is absolutely an obstacle to a long-term happy ever after—and there's even less discussion about that than about Remembrance's fears. Instead, he's overly reliant on Remembrance's awareness of his own emotions to communicate them directly—again, realistic but ultimately undermining a true HEA.
4. The ending was also just too abrupt for me.
1. This was extremely sweet, with Benjamin and Remembrance clearly vibing on each other and exploring their shared attraction and willingness / fears around courting. I liked the glimpses of working class life in 1830s America—the many walks home, and chats in the park, and respect for each other's work were very nice!
2. As much as I liked this, I was a little disappointed in how much of the obstacles to their happy ever after were internalized: Remembrance is very fearful of courting because she had previously been in love with her best friend Hope, who cut her off‐she does briefly share this with Ben, but there's so much of her own cyclical thoughts on the matter that it's clear that one little chat with Ben has resolved nothing and it's going to remain A Big Deal For A Long Time. Which is realistic and honest—but means that I didn't finish this thing with that HEA-boost that I look for in romances.
3. Ben's got a similar issue with his extremely limited confidence in Remembrance's interest and his ability to impress her: he has deep, roiling doubts when apart that only settle once he's back in Remembrance's presence, and that sort of anti-confidence is absolutely an obstacle to a long-term happy ever after—and there's even less discussion about that than about Remembrance's fears. Instead, he's overly reliant on Remembrance's awareness of his own emotions to communicate them directly—again, realistic but ultimately undermining a true HEA.
4. The ending was also just too abrupt for me.
November 26, 2025
It's rich of me to fault this for being sweet and soothing when I read it specifically because I wanted sweet and soothing, but it maybe overdelivered a little bit. I found myself wanting more conflict, and for the resolution of the inner conflict that does exist be more drawn out, or complex, or hard-won, or something. I liked the characters, though, and I enjoyed the historical yearning.
March 27, 2025
A quiet, slice of life novella. I enjoyed how Ottoman emphasized the courtship and artwork in this and the peek into daily life in 1830s New York. Remembrance was a really cool and headstrong FMC. She was an outspoken organizer and abolitionist and I love that in a historical! Benjamin was so sweetly nervous about making a good impression on Remembrance and also thoughtful and reverent with her work.
Very very sweet. My only complaint is that I wanted like three more chapters to really solidify the HEA between these two.
Very very sweet. My only complaint is that I wanted like three more chapters to really solidify the HEA between these two.
February 7, 2021
Absolutely lovely. Only complaint is that it could have been longer!
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October 19, 2018I received this in advance review copy so wanted to say a few words about it here. This is a sweet novella set in antebellum New York City featuring a romance between a skilled quiltmaker and silversmith who fall in love when the silversmith commissions a quilt from some dresses once sewn by his mother. Being a novella, the love story moves briskly and my reader's heart wanted MORE by way of the characters getting to know one another and their respective families, friends, and colleagues/employees. Those who enjoy a lot of sexytimes in their romances (as I do) may also be a wee bit disappointed that there's hand holding and kisses but nothing more complex (I really enjoyed the sexytimes in The Doctor's Discretion so was sad not to get any here). Those wishes for MORE aside, this was a lovely historical and I look forward eagerly to whatever comes next for this author.
November 28, 2021
This book surprised me by just how much I loved it! I adored the gentle romance based on partnership and respect as well as the focus on craftwork and professional fulfillment. It also makes sense that Ottoman is a historian given the vividness of the historical setting and the nuance of social issues discussed in this, which I deeply appreciate. If you want a sweet, queer romance with a historical setting you don't often see (1830s New York), give this one a try! I know I'm going to be trying out more of Ottoman's works in the future since this was just so excellent.
Content Warnings:
transphobia, anxiety
Content Warnings:
transphobia, anxiety
December 25, 2021
A lovely, one sitting read full of fascinating history (but no info dumping); queer folx who have found a way to be themselves, even in this era; hints of societal change on the horizon; and utterly sweet courting and pining. It stole my heart long before the book-ending kiss.
Content notes:
Content notes:
June 2, 2021
This is so sweet and cozy and sweet and cozy again! I relished in every move and every word in this story.
June 25, 2024
I so wish more historical romance characters were like Remembrance and Benjamin…I might actually read more than one or two a year then.
March 28, 2023
So beautiful and tender and gentle! 😭🥹💕
And I LOVED the focus on handicrafts!
CW: Transphobia, references to slavery
And I LOVED the focus on handicrafts!
CW: Transphobia, references to slavery
December 15, 2018
This is a lovely, very sweet, very fluffy historical romance. It's particularly refreshing to see a historical romance with a trans MC that isn't at all angsty about it. Benjamin being trans isn't a source of conflict in the relationship, and yet nothing feels at all implausible or ahistorical, something I'm usually very sensitive to.
My only slight criticisms are:
a) It took me quite a long time to work out when it was set. I resorted to Googling people that were mentioned which gave me some idea, but to be honest I'm still not completely positive. I thought 1820s or '30s, but I was a little distracted by trying to work it out from descriptions of clothes and hairstyles and I would have liked to be able to have a clearer mental image.
b) As others have mentioned, the ending was very abrupt and I found it quite frustrating. Part of it is just the absolute dearth of sex scenes featuring trans characters in historical romance, but even apart from that it felt like things just stopped mid-flow.
In general though, this is a very soothing read for a Saturday afternoon, the historical detail is spot-on, the embroidery descriptions are wonderful and the characters are very endearing.
My only slight criticisms are:
a) It took me quite a long time to work out when it was set. I resorted to Googling people that were mentioned which gave me some idea, but to be honest I'm still not completely positive. I thought 1820s or '30s, but I was a little distracted by trying to work it out from descriptions of clothes and hairstyles and I would have liked to be able to have a clearer mental image.
b) As others have mentioned, the ending was very abrupt and I found it quite frustrating. Part of it is just the absolute dearth of sex scenes featuring trans characters in historical romance, but even apart from that it felt like things just stopped mid-flow.
In general though, this is a very soothing read for a Saturday afternoon, the historical detail is spot-on, the embroidery descriptions are wonderful and the characters are very endearing.
February 21, 2021
So sweet, but too short!
Such a sweet, romantic novella. EE Ottoman’s writing feels like a warm hug, or like a crackling wood fire in the fireplace on a chilly autumn evening. I love all of the incidental details that describe what New York City look like in the 1800s and what life was like for folks who had enough money to be comfortable but still had to work hard for that comfort. We don’t often get historical romances that aren’t about ultra rich people or very poor people.
I also loved all the details about quilting and silver smithing. In fact, I wanted more of all of it. There is so many things here that didn’t get nearly enough time on the page. Really, there is more than enough that could be fleshed out in a full length novel.
I’m happy for what I could get though.
Such a sweet, romantic novella. EE Ottoman’s writing feels like a warm hug, or like a crackling wood fire in the fireplace on a chilly autumn evening. I love all of the incidental details that describe what New York City look like in the 1800s and what life was like for folks who had enough money to be comfortable but still had to work hard for that comfort. We don’t often get historical romances that aren’t about ultra rich people or very poor people.
I also loved all the details about quilting and silver smithing. In fact, I wanted more of all of it. There is so many things here that didn’t get nearly enough time on the page. Really, there is more than enough that could be fleshed out in a full length novel.
I’m happy for what I could get though.
May 15, 2019
A very sweet historical romance between a seamstress and a silversmith. I loved how Remembrance intuited Benjamin’s identity as a trans man. There didn’t have to be a big gasp-y coming out scene, she just sees him as he is. I also loved Remembrance’s political activism—the book is as much about her efforts to make working conditions better for herself and other women as it is about their relationship. And it’s always nice to find a histrom about the working class—nothing against dukes, but it’s fun to see what life was like for the rest of society.
December 28, 2020
Well, that was a delightful little morsel. Perfect for a cold, foggy winter afternoon read.
(Note: I'm going to start including more novellas and romances in my Goodreads history - I've tended to avoid adding them before because I feel like they 'don't count' somehow, but that's silly and I'd like to still recommend the good things I come across.)
(Note: I'm going to start including more novellas and romances in my Goodreads history - I've tended to avoid adding them before because I feel like they 'don't count' somehow, but that's silly and I'd like to still recommend the good things I come across.)
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