Letters to the Lost
In this romantic novel perfect for fans of Laura Nowlin, New York Times bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer will have you wondering . . . can you fall in love with someone you've never met?
Juliet is drowning in grief after her mother's death.
Declan is trying to escape the demons of his past.
Leaving handwritten letters on her mother's grave is the only way Juliet can process her loss. When Declan finds a letter and answers it anonymously, they continue writing back and forth, not knowing who is on the other side. Juliet is instantly intrigued by this stranger who understands the loss she feels. Declan discovers someone who finally sees the good in him.
Such an immediate and intense connection with a perfect stranger is astonishing and wonderful, and soon they are baring their souls to each other. But this secret world can only sustain Juliet and Declan for so long . . . as the reality surrounding them threatens to shatter everything they've created.
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Community Reviews
There is a lot of raw emotion in this book. That being said, I could have read this book in one sitting. Grief and secrets are themes that popped up throughout the book. The two main characters, Juliet and Declan, both lost a family member and feel they are responsible for the death. Juliet's mother died in a car accident on the way home early from work at Juliet's request. Juliet's mother was a famous photographer that was out of the country often and communicated mainly by letter with Juliet. Juliet continues to leave letters on her mother's grave, trying to work through her grief. Declan is doing lawn mowing as community service at the graveyard and happens to read one of Juliet's letters to her mom. And then he decides to answer it. This starts a mysterious penpal relationship between the two, neither knowing who the other is. As the story goes on, you learn more about Declan's family life and who he lost and why he is doing court-ordered community service. I loved how Declan's story gradually unravels and how Declan and Juliet help each other move forward and find the truth about themselves and their loved one's death even when they don't know who each other are. This book makes you think about how you would handle the character's situation and, at times, makes your heart hurt for them. I would highly recommend for anyone that loves young adult novels.
I gave this book a 4 out of 5 on Goodreads.
I received a free advanced copy of this book from NetGalley for review consideration.
I gave this book a 4 out of 5 on Goodreads.
I received a free advanced copy of this book from NetGalley for review consideration.
I don't love realistic fiction, especially the romantic kind, but I read through this faster than expected. It makes for very easy reading, with a cast of characters you want to root for (imo, Juliet not so much...if anyone let this down, it was her) and is entirely captivating and heartbreaking in it's portrayal of grief, parental love and acceptance.
I especially loved Rev, the main characters best friend - everyone needs Rev in their lives, and I wish him peace and joy. Also super grateful for the representation of the teachers and other adults that truly cared for and patiently supported the young people in this book - they're the real stars of the show, and I hope any young person reading this that needs it has an adult like that in their lives.
I especially loved Rev, the main characters best friend - everyone needs Rev in their lives, and I wish him peace and joy. Also super grateful for the representation of the teachers and other adults that truly cared for and patiently supported the young people in this book - they're the real stars of the show, and I hope any young person reading this that needs it has an adult like that in their lives.
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