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4.16 AVERAGE
4.16 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
reflective
This is the first book that I have read of Kerry Barrett. I am a fan now.
This book follows Elise back in WWII and then Stephanie in the present time.
Elise was a nurse during WWII at a hospital in London. She had an idea to have soldiers and patients at the hospital write memories to their family members (last letters.) Elise wished that she knew what her brother’s final words were.
Stephanie is an artist who works at the same building as Elise did, but in present time. Stephanie is a care giver who stopped painting due to family issues. She wishes she had better communication with her estranged brother and her nan who has dementia.
Elise and Stephanie have a lot of the same characteristics and a lot in common.
There weren’t a lot of characters in this book that you had to keep track of which was wonderful as they were all well-defined.
Thank you to NetGalley and H.Q. Digital for allowing me to read & review this book.
This book follows Elise back in WWII and then Stephanie in the present time.
Elise was a nurse during WWII at a hospital in London. She had an idea to have soldiers and patients at the hospital write memories to their family members (last letters.) Elise wished that she knew what her brother’s final words were.
Stephanie is an artist who works at the same building as Elise did, but in present time. Stephanie is a care giver who stopped painting due to family issues. She wishes she had better communication with her estranged brother and her nan who has dementia.
Elise and Stephanie have a lot of the same characteristics and a lot in common.
There weren’t a lot of characters in this book that you had to keep track of which was wonderful as they were all well-defined.
Thank you to NetGalley and H.Q. Digital for allowing me to read & review this book.
challenging
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
THE BOOK OF LAST LETTERS is the first book by this author I have read, and it won't be the last!
Based on a true story, you get dual-timelines of Elsie in 1940/1 and Stephanie in the present time. Both sides of the story get me gripped! Fantastic characters also appeared in both times although one I disliked (as I was supposed to). In the past, the Golds were a great pair and I would love to know more of them. Nelly, ah, Nelly. You made my eyes leak! But so many of them deserve a mention because they were written so well. In the present time, you have Stevie's friends - Micah, I'm looking at you - but also those she cares for in the home. Oh my, but I loved them! Spreading rumours as they did had me laughing out loud.
An amazing story told of loyalty, friendship, and love in difficult times that kept me turning the pages and left me with a warm, fuzzy glow.
Absolutely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 23, 2022
Based on a true story, you get dual-timelines of Elsie in 1940/1 and Stephanie in the present time. Both sides of the story get me gripped! Fantastic characters also appeared in both times although one I disliked (as I was supposed to). In the past, the Golds were a great pair and I would love to know more of them. Nelly, ah, Nelly. You made my eyes leak! But so many of them deserve a mention because they were written so well. In the present time, you have Stevie's friends - Micah, I'm looking at you - but also those she cares for in the home. Oh my, but I loved them! Spreading rumours as they did had me laughing out loud.
An amazing story told of loyalty, friendship, and love in difficult times that kept me turning the pages and left me with a warm, fuzzy glow.
Absolutely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 23, 2022
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really enjoyed this one! I loved the dual timelines from present to 1940, where we are taken back during the time of WWII during the Blitz in London focused around a hospital and the main character, Elsie who was a nurse there. The characters really come alive in this book and though it was hard to imagine such a time, it had me sucked right in. I loved the idea behind the “book” of last letters that Elsie came up with in hopes to give others an outlet to write their thoughts down or messages to loved ones in their time of uncertainty and emotion. In the present day, Stephanie works at what used to be the hospital Elsie worked in which is now a home for the elderly. I loved the research side of it that Stephanie along with other characters invested in to make history known and to honor those that once were apart of it.
Many thanks to @netgalley & @hqstories for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Many thanks to @netgalley & @hqstories for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
When I started this book, I thought it was quite a gentle read; enjoyable but not really a page turner. But that all changed about half way through and I raced through to the end, unsure how it was going to work out. I really enjoyed the relationship between Stevie and Micah; likewise the friendship between Elsie and Nelly and then Elsie's romance kept me turning the pages.
The author didn't shy away from the tough topic of assisted dying which I appreciated, and the past and present storylines dovetailed nicely. Overall it was an engrossing read that kept me engaged right to the very end.
The author didn't shy away from the tough topic of assisted dying which I appreciated, and the past and present storylines dovetailed nicely. Overall it was an engrossing read that kept me engaged right to the very end.