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The Last Letter from Juliet
This is a note to yourself, Juliet.
You must keep the memories alive, because once upon a time you told a man called Edward Nancarrow that you would, and it’s important to keep that promise.
A daring WWII pilot who grew up among the clouds, Juliet Caron’s life was one of courage, adventure – and a love torn apart by war. Every nook of her Cornish cottage is alive with memories just waiting to be discovered.
Katherine Henderson has escaped to Cornwall for Christmas, but she soon finds there is more to her holiday cottage than meets the eye. And on the eve of Juliet’s 100th birthday, Katherine is enlisted to make an old lady’s final Christmas wish come true…
You must keep the memories alive, because once upon a time you told a man called Edward Nancarrow that you would, and it’s important to keep that promise.
A daring WWII pilot who grew up among the clouds, Juliet Caron’s life was one of courage, adventure – and a love torn apart by war. Every nook of her Cornish cottage is alive with memories just waiting to be discovered.
Katherine Henderson has escaped to Cornwall for Christmas, but she soon finds there is more to her holiday cottage than meets the eye. And on the eve of Juliet’s 100th birthday, Katherine is enlisted to make an old lady’s final Christmas wish come true…
357 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 23, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 729 reviews
February 3, 2020
This book could’ve gone so much better for me. The story itself was interesting, and I loved learning more about the different types of work women did during WWII...but I honestly couldn’t see past all the grammatical mistakes in the book...extra words, words in the wrong place in the sentence...hard to overlook at times.
If you’re looking for some historical fiction with strong female characters, then definitely pick this up! Be prepared to “edit” a lot of the sentences when reading!
If you’re looking for some historical fiction with strong female characters, then definitely pick this up! Be prepared to “edit” a lot of the sentences when reading!
August 14, 2019
The Last letter by Melanie Hudson is a beautifully written novel of Love, Loss and friendship.
Uncle Gerald writes a letter to Katherine to invite her to come and stay at Angels Cove in Cornwall instead of being on her own at Christmas. They arranged for her to stay at a cottage once owned by an elderly woman called Juliet who had left the cottage in a time capsule of the 1940’s now owned by her son Sam Lanyon. Who is currently a pilot and away.
Katherine looks around the cottage and sees photos and other things belonging to Juliet that lived there. One of which showing Juliet in a black and white photo as a pilot working for the Airport Transport Auxiliary during the war. They used to deliver the aircraft from the factories to the RAF She also finds the memoirs of Juliet and she starts reading of the amazing life she led with the ATA girls and the secrets missions she flew during the war and the love of her life Edward. The story tells us of Katherine, after discovering the town and the place Juliet visited. It tells of the people she meets and the friends she makes.
I loved every minute of this book I couldn’t put it down. Set in two timelines, this is a moving tale of everlasting love and a few jokes along the way. I highly recommend.
Uncle Gerald writes a letter to Katherine to invite her to come and stay at Angels Cove in Cornwall instead of being on her own at Christmas. They arranged for her to stay at a cottage once owned by an elderly woman called Juliet who had left the cottage in a time capsule of the 1940’s now owned by her son Sam Lanyon. Who is currently a pilot and away.
Katherine looks around the cottage and sees photos and other things belonging to Juliet that lived there. One of which showing Juliet in a black and white photo as a pilot working for the Airport Transport Auxiliary during the war. They used to deliver the aircraft from the factories to the RAF She also finds the memoirs of Juliet and she starts reading of the amazing life she led with the ATA girls and the secrets missions she flew during the war and the love of her life Edward. The story tells us of Katherine, after discovering the town and the place Juliet visited. It tells of the people she meets and the friends she makes.
I loved every minute of this book I couldn’t put it down. Set in two timelines, this is a moving tale of everlasting love and a few jokes along the way. I highly recommend.
September 11, 2019
I read the first chapter and I. Was. HOOKED!
I loved the style of writing, the story, the raw emotions felt throughout the book, the characters! Everything about this book was just so good.
LOVED IT. I am exhausted now.
I loved the style of writing, the story, the raw emotions felt throughout the book, the characters! Everything about this book was just so good.
LOVED IT. I am exhausted now.
August 26, 2019
Love at the first page.
As I read the prologue to this wonderful book, I just knew that I was going to love it, and I was right. This incredible dual timeline is set in Cornwall during the present day and World War II.
Katherine goes to stay in a cottage on the Cornish coast, and discovers the memoirs of Juliet, the previous occupant; and, wow what a story she has to tell!
An exceptionally well written and researched story that had me laughing, and the next moment, crying. I cannot recommend it highly enough, it's a brilliant story.
As I read the prologue to this wonderful book, I just knew that I was going to love it, and I was right. This incredible dual timeline is set in Cornwall during the present day and World War II.
Katherine goes to stay in a cottage on the Cornish coast, and discovers the memoirs of Juliet, the previous occupant; and, wow what a story she has to tell!
An exceptionally well written and researched story that had me laughing, and the next moment, crying. I cannot recommend it highly enough, it's a brilliant story.
January 2, 2021
❤️❤️❤️ Loved the characters, loved how this story was told, and the time period. At the end, I was crying.
February 2, 2020
I can see from the reviews and ratings that I'm in the minority but this book was awful!
First off, it was incredibly boring and I couldn't finish it. I made it half way through and FINALLY the war was going on. It was barely, if at all, mentioned before Chapter 14 - page 135.
The description of the book makes you think the war would be a much bigger subject but to get halfway through and it barely being a topic is crazy to me. That might be me being too picky, not sure. The only instance where it might have been mentioned (that I can remember) is that Edward MIGHT be German. Oh no! 🙄
Secondly, the mistakes in this book are so bothersome it takes away from the story. I don't think I've read a physical book with as many mistakes as this one has. Was there even an editor? Or ANYONE who read it before being published?
And third, I know this is a nit-picking thing, but the woman on the cover, who is obviously supposed to be Juliet, looks nothing like how she was described in the book. Ex. Copper hair. Lol. Like I said - nit-picking.
DNF half way.
First off, it was incredibly boring and I couldn't finish it. I made it half way through and FINALLY the war was going on. It was barely, if at all, mentioned before Chapter 14 - page 135.
The description of the book makes you think the war would be a much bigger subject but to get halfway through and it barely being a topic is crazy to me. That might be me being too picky, not sure. The only instance where it might have been mentioned (that I can remember) is that Edward MIGHT be German. Oh no! 🙄
Secondly, the mistakes in this book are so bothersome it takes away from the story. I don't think I've read a physical book with as many mistakes as this one has. Was there even an editor? Or ANYONE who read it before being published?
And third, I know this is a nit-picking thing, but the woman on the cover, who is obviously supposed to be Juliet, looks nothing like how she was described in the book. Ex. Copper hair. Lol. Like I said - nit-picking.
DNF half way.
April 22, 2020
2.5 stars
3 stars -a nice, easy to read historical novel/ romance about women flying for the ATA during WWII in Britain. Parts of the book were charming and it was interesting learning about the women flying Spitfires.
1 Star-The editing of this book was non-existent. The numerous grammatical mistakes deterred from the flow of the book. It was basically like no one had read through the book before publishing.
3 stars -a nice, easy to read historical novel/ romance about women flying for the ATA during WWII in Britain. Parts of the book were charming and it was interesting learning about the women flying Spitfires.
1 Star-The editing of this book was non-existent. The numerous grammatical mistakes deterred from the flow of the book. It was basically like no one had read through the book before publishing.
October 27, 2019
My Thoughts
‘I shook my head. ‘... I’ve never wanted to become focused on any big goals or aspirations. I’ve seen too many men forget to live in the moment because all they can see are the goalposts ahead of them. I live for today, right now. No promises. No expectations.’
What a little gem this book proved to be. I absolutely loved it! I have not read any of Melanie Hudson’s books before, but the appeal of a dual timeline historical fiction adventure was a no brainer. I am happy to say that both writing and story delivered.
Dual timelines are difficult to deliver and I worried about Katherine in the present timeline initially, but so strong is Juliet’s story (from the historic timeline), that she swept us all up in her story and reflections of days gone by. The writing is so engaging and easily transfers between past and present. Bring into the mix Melanie’s research undertaken regarding the bravery of the A.T.A. girls (Air Transport Auxiliary) during World War II and it makes for quite a tale. Where Melanie truly delivers is how she ties modern day Katherine to Juliet’s reminiscing - brilliant!
‘She would have walked with the same image painted in her mind. I liked that, it peeled away the years. The field where she landed the Tiger Moth would be just up the road, too, and I suddenly wanted to stand there, in the place where she stood, to find the exact place she met Edward, the place she fell in love, to absorb myself in someone else’s love story for a while.’
Although I did not feel as much for Katherine, her interactions with Juliet were priceless, the ending pure poetry. There are many characters to engage with here, from romantic interests, to the other ‘Attagirls’, to those fighting the Nazis on continental Europe. I loved so much about 'The Last Letter from Juliet', and highly recommend it. It’s new and interesting take on WW2 events, tied together with such a heartwarming and moving story is sure to impress.
Some days come along in life that are so significant they stay with you for eternity. Such days remain as bright and clear in my mind’s eye now as on the day itself and usually fall into two categories–days so terrible I would rather forget them, or days so wonderful I want to remember them forever.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
‘I shook my head. ‘... I’ve never wanted to become focused on any big goals or aspirations. I’ve seen too many men forget to live in the moment because all they can see are the goalposts ahead of them. I live for today, right now. No promises. No expectations.’
What a little gem this book proved to be. I absolutely loved it! I have not read any of Melanie Hudson’s books before, but the appeal of a dual timeline historical fiction adventure was a no brainer. I am happy to say that both writing and story delivered.
Dual timelines are difficult to deliver and I worried about Katherine in the present timeline initially, but so strong is Juliet’s story (from the historic timeline), that she swept us all up in her story and reflections of days gone by. The writing is so engaging and easily transfers between past and present. Bring into the mix Melanie’s research undertaken regarding the bravery of the A.T.A. girls (Air Transport Auxiliary) during World War II and it makes for quite a tale. Where Melanie truly delivers is how she ties modern day Katherine to Juliet’s reminiscing - brilliant!
‘She would have walked with the same image painted in her mind. I liked that, it peeled away the years. The field where she landed the Tiger Moth would be just up the road, too, and I suddenly wanted to stand there, in the place where she stood, to find the exact place she met Edward, the place she fell in love, to absorb myself in someone else’s love story for a while.’
Although I did not feel as much for Katherine, her interactions with Juliet were priceless, the ending pure poetry. There are many characters to engage with here, from romantic interests, to the other ‘Attagirls’, to those fighting the Nazis on continental Europe. I loved so much about 'The Last Letter from Juliet', and highly recommend it. It’s new and interesting take on WW2 events, tied together with such a heartwarming and moving story is sure to impress.
Some days come along in life that are so significant they stay with you for eternity. Such days remain as bright and clear in my mind’s eye now as on the day itself and usually fall into two categories–days so terrible I would rather forget them, or days so wonderful I want to remember them forever.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
July 2, 2020
This is the second book I’ve read about female pilots in WWII, and I continue to be in awe of their bravery, sacrifice and strength.
The Last Letter From Juliet was a moving, powerful and emotional read as it was inspired by the brave women of the Air Transport Auxiliary service during WWII. The themes and messages of love, loss, courage and friendship were incredibly well done. The novel was definitely not as heavy as majority of the other WWII historical fiction books I’ve read, which I actually appreciated as it was a nice break!
My major critique was simply the number of grammatical errors I found throughout the story. I’m not even someone who catches them often, and the amount I saw was actually shocking. The poor editing was a major distraction and took away a lot of the satisfaction I felt while reading!
In addition, as the story is told through duel timelines and narratives, I found myself trying to get through the current time period and get back to Juliet in the 1940s! The current time period storyline did nothing for me, and felt the same cheesiness level of a Hallmark movie.
Overall, this was a lovely story with a very satisfying ending, but certainly not one of my favorites.
The Last Letter From Juliet was a moving, powerful and emotional read as it was inspired by the brave women of the Air Transport Auxiliary service during WWII. The themes and messages of love, loss, courage and friendship were incredibly well done. The novel was definitely not as heavy as majority of the other WWII historical fiction books I’ve read, which I actually appreciated as it was a nice break!
My major critique was simply the number of grammatical errors I found throughout the story. I’m not even someone who catches them often, and the amount I saw was actually shocking. The poor editing was a major distraction and took away a lot of the satisfaction I felt while reading!
In addition, as the story is told through duel timelines and narratives, I found myself trying to get through the current time period and get back to Juliet in the 1940s! The current time period storyline did nothing for me, and felt the same cheesiness level of a Hallmark movie.
Overall, this was a lovely story with a very satisfying ending, but certainly not one of my favorites.
August 23, 2019
So Melanie Hudson was a new author to me but given how much I love historical fiction with dual timeline storyline involved, it was a no brainer that I had to read this.
This was a truly magnificent and emotional read from start to finish. I was completely captivated and engrossed throughout, really enjoyed getting to know all of the characters and to discovering their stories. I loved the mentions of Spitfires, Hurricanes and Lancaster planes, really added something special to the story.
If you love books that tell a story in the present and in the past then I can highly recommend this beautiful tale of love, sacrifice, friendship, courage and so much more.
Detailed book blurb:- A daring WWII pilot who grew up among the clouds, Juliet Caron’s life was one of courage, adventure – and a love torn apart by war. Every nook of her Cornish cottage is alive with memories just waiting to be discovered.
Katherine Henderson has escaped to Cornwall for Christmas but she soon finds there is more to her holiday cottage than meets the eye. And on the eve of Juliet’s 100th birthday, Katherine is enlisted to make an old lady’s final Christmas wish come true…
Inspired by the brave women of the Air Transport Auxiliary service during the Second World War, this is a moving and powerful novel of friendship, love and resilience.
This was a truly magnificent and emotional read from start to finish. I was completely captivated and engrossed throughout, really enjoyed getting to know all of the characters and to discovering their stories. I loved the mentions of Spitfires, Hurricanes and Lancaster planes, really added something special to the story.
If you love books that tell a story in the present and in the past then I can highly recommend this beautiful tale of love, sacrifice, friendship, courage and so much more.
Detailed book blurb:- A daring WWII pilot who grew up among the clouds, Juliet Caron’s life was one of courage, adventure – and a love torn apart by war. Every nook of her Cornish cottage is alive with memories just waiting to be discovered.
Katherine Henderson has escaped to Cornwall for Christmas but she soon finds there is more to her holiday cottage than meets the eye. And on the eve of Juliet’s 100th birthday, Katherine is enlisted to make an old lady’s final Christmas wish come true…
Inspired by the brave women of the Air Transport Auxiliary service during the Second World War, this is a moving and powerful novel of friendship, love and resilience.
September 20, 2019
This was a very well written and moving story that i just couldn't put down until finished. I am not usually fond of stories with two time lines, but it worked so well in 'The Last Letter from Juliet'. This is the first book that i have read bf Melanie Hudson and based on this book alone, i shall certainly be looking out for more. Highly recommended.
My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy.
My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy.
October 1, 2019
The Last Letter -- do not tecommend
Poorly edited. Could babe been about 50. Pages shorter. Would not recommend. A very disappointing read. Had great potential to be a good read.
Poorly edited. Could babe been about 50. Pages shorter. Would not recommend. A very disappointing read. Had great potential to be a good read.
February 7, 2021
I completely devoured this book. Hook, line and sinker from page one. Masterfully executed.
August 19, 2019
Katherine arrives in Angels Cove feeling rather broken following the loss of her husband a few years earlier, lured there by the prospect of a Christmas with her Uncle Gerald and a pleasing historical dilemma which has overtaken the sleepy village. She is offered a cottage to stay in and quickly learns that it was the home of an elderly lady named Juliet. As Katherine explores the cottage she becomes entwined in Juliet's story and the events of 80 years previously reveal themselves.
The book unfolds on two timelines and the days spent in Katherine's Cornwall are mirrored by Juliet's war experiences as she marries, falls in love and then throws herself into the aviation of Second World War.
This is a beautifully written book which whisks the reader along in the stories of both women. The Second World War stories are beautifully written and Juliet and her friends come alive through Katherine's research. The story builds towards an emotional conclusion which left me in tears.
Dual storylines, especially mirroring the Second World War and present day, seem to be everywhere at the moment but this is an excellent example of the genre. It's my first Melanie Hudson novel and don't think it will be my last. I throughly enjoyed it.
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
The book unfolds on two timelines and the days spent in Katherine's Cornwall are mirrored by Juliet's war experiences as she marries, falls in love and then throws herself into the aviation of Second World War.
This is a beautifully written book which whisks the reader along in the stories of both women. The Second World War stories are beautifully written and Juliet and her friends come alive through Katherine's research. The story builds towards an emotional conclusion which left me in tears.
Dual storylines, especially mirroring the Second World War and present day, seem to be everywhere at the moment but this is an excellent example of the genre. It's my first Melanie Hudson novel and don't think it will be my last. I throughly enjoyed it.
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
February 25, 2020
Loss, Heroism, Love and Romance in a Wartime Cornwall.
Another deeply satisfying and emotional read from Melanie Hudson.
The Air Transport Auxiliary provides a rich source of material in this excellent read. The pressures and dangers experienced by the women of the ATA are - to many people - unknown. For many people, the logistics of war remain unknown.
Overlay the story of this heroic service with a poignant and tender love story between the Juliet of the title and Edward Nancarrow, a man with an enigmatic background serving at the deadliest and riskiest activity that WW2 provided, and you have an emotional roller coaster of a book.
A dual time-line running through the story has Katherine, herself newly widowed and picking up the threads of her life in the depths of Cornwall. The village of Angels Cove provides a fine cast of supporting characters as both Katherine and Juliet come to terms with loss and grief, and move on with their lives.
Recommended! A lovely read.
Another deeply satisfying and emotional read from Melanie Hudson.
The Air Transport Auxiliary provides a rich source of material in this excellent read. The pressures and dangers experienced by the women of the ATA are - to many people - unknown. For many people, the logistics of war remain unknown.
Overlay the story of this heroic service with a poignant and tender love story between the Juliet of the title and Edward Nancarrow, a man with an enigmatic background serving at the deadliest and riskiest activity that WW2 provided, and you have an emotional roller coaster of a book.
A dual time-line running through the story has Katherine, herself newly widowed and picking up the threads of her life in the depths of Cornwall. The village of Angels Cove provides a fine cast of supporting characters as both Katherine and Juliet come to terms with loss and grief, and move on with their lives.
Recommended! A lovely read.
September 25, 2019
Good story!
A fascinating story and full of interesting background about the lady pilots of WW II. I have to say, though, that the many egregious grammatical errors and misused words distracted from a very good story.
A fascinating story and full of interesting background about the lady pilots of WW II. I have to say, though, that the many egregious grammatical errors and misused words distracted from a very good story.
September 20, 2021
I absolutely adored the story, but all the grammatical and editing errors really just ruined the story for me 😭
October 27, 2022
Did this book leave me silently ugly crying on a plane? Yes. What a wonderful story about love, grief, pain, loss, and joy. Highly recommend.
August 7, 2023
A brilliant book that combines the best of romance and the outstanding world of historical fiction. The strenuous in the storytelling. I loved it at so many levels.
The characters were well groomed and easy to understand. Plus, the ending was very touching.
A winner!.
The characters were well groomed and easy to understand. Plus, the ending was very touching.
A winner!.
August 20, 2019
'The only thing left for me to say is that I hope you'll live a life where you want nothing more than to wake up every day with an overpowering urge to have a wonderful day'
Since the death of her young husband, Katherine is struggling, and with Christmas approaching, life is seeming more challenging than ever. That is, until a well-time trip to Cornwall is thrown her way, and Attagirl Juliet flies into her life. But Juliet has a secret, one last adventure that she's saved for this Christmas, her 100th birthday. Can Katherine find some of that spitfire spirit, and help her make her wish come true?
I have to start my saying, this is honestly one of my favourite books of the year. It ticked all of the boxes for me from the start - I love historical fiction, I love dual time-lines, and I love Christmas novels! But while I knew it would be one I would enjoy, I had absolutely no idea how wonderful it would be.
Katherine is such a wonderful character, she's someone you really feel for, but without being whiny and self-pitying. And Juliet is just an absolute marvel. When I got to the end and found out she was inspired by a real person, I just felt completely in awe of what an incredible life she'd had. I also loved seeing how the two narratives tied together, and seeing how reading about Juliet and her incredible life slowly helped Katherine to be more sure of herself, and how the time they spent together helped her to gain a more positive outlook on her own situation.
I will admit, this is not the most polished book I've ever read, but to me, that was part of its charm. It gave a real sense of, well, reality to the sections in the past, as they weren't overly stylised as some historical fiction can be. It felt like exactly what it was meant to - the memories of a woman who has lived an incredible life, that she had written herself. The tone did meander a bit too - at the start, there was a lot more of a serious tone to both sections, which gradually gained more of a humorous approach at times as you got to know all of the characters.
Now, for what in my opinion is the best part of it all - the ending. My god, where do I even start. It was perfect. Moving, devastating, but so so beautiful and poignant. As soon as I had about 20% left, I knew I would be staying up all night to finish, and that's exactly what happened, with tears pouring down my face! It was just one of the most well-written and well executed endings to a historical fiction novel I have ever read in my whole life.
I absolutely adored everything about 'The Last Letter from Juliet', and I will be recommending it to everyone I know. The plot is beautiful and completely unique, the characters are ones you will fall totally in love with, and the message is just completely heartwarming and moving - perfect for a christmas book. Do yourself a favour and read it immediately. You won't regret it.
Disclaimer - I was fortunate enough to receive an advance copy of this e-book from Netgalley in collaboration with Harper Collins. This has not affected my review, and all opinions are my own.
Since the death of her young husband, Katherine is struggling, and with Christmas approaching, life is seeming more challenging than ever. That is, until a well-time trip to Cornwall is thrown her way, and Attagirl Juliet flies into her life. But Juliet has a secret, one last adventure that she's saved for this Christmas, her 100th birthday. Can Katherine find some of that spitfire spirit, and help her make her wish come true?
I have to start my saying, this is honestly one of my favourite books of the year. It ticked all of the boxes for me from the start - I love historical fiction, I love dual time-lines, and I love Christmas novels! But while I knew it would be one I would enjoy, I had absolutely no idea how wonderful it would be.
Katherine is such a wonderful character, she's someone you really feel for, but without being whiny and self-pitying. And Juliet is just an absolute marvel. When I got to the end and found out she was inspired by a real person, I just felt completely in awe of what an incredible life she'd had. I also loved seeing how the two narratives tied together, and seeing how reading about Juliet and her incredible life slowly helped Katherine to be more sure of herself, and how the time they spent together helped her to gain a more positive outlook on her own situation.
I will admit, this is not the most polished book I've ever read, but to me, that was part of its charm. It gave a real sense of, well, reality to the sections in the past, as they weren't overly stylised as some historical fiction can be. It felt like exactly what it was meant to - the memories of a woman who has lived an incredible life, that she had written herself. The tone did meander a bit too - at the start, there was a lot more of a serious tone to both sections, which gradually gained more of a humorous approach at times as you got to know all of the characters.
Now, for what in my opinion is the best part of it all - the ending. My god, where do I even start. It was perfect. Moving, devastating, but so so beautiful and poignant. As soon as I had about 20% left, I knew I would be staying up all night to finish, and that's exactly what happened, with tears pouring down my face! It was just one of the most well-written and well executed endings to a historical fiction novel I have ever read in my whole life.
I absolutely adored everything about 'The Last Letter from Juliet', and I will be recommending it to everyone I know. The plot is beautiful and completely unique, the characters are ones you will fall totally in love with, and the message is just completely heartwarming and moving - perfect for a christmas book. Do yourself a favour and read it immediately. You won't regret it.
Disclaimer - I was fortunate enough to receive an advance copy of this e-book from Netgalley in collaboration with Harper Collins. This has not affected my review, and all opinions are my own.
August 23, 2019
An emotional and bitter-sweet dual timeline novel about two women and their adventures in Angels Cove, Cornwall.
With an offer of gin, Katherine decides to accept her Uncle Gerald's invitation to spend Christmas with him in Cornwall rather than be home alone during the festive period. On arrival, all the best-laid plans go pear-shaped but she finds comfort within her surrounds; a cottage which once belonged to an old lady. Whilst settling in she finds a journal written by the once owner and begins to read about her life and escapades before and during WWII.
The residents of Angels Cove quickly embrace their new temporary resident during the run-up to Christmas as Katherine finds both purpose and comfort as she befriends and helps out the colourful characters who live within this small coastal village. Yet, it's the thrill of getting to know who Juliet was which drives her enthusiasm during what is ordinarily a difficult time of year for her.
The writing smoothly alternates between the past and the present timelines as we re-live Juliet's life as a pilot through her journals and learn about the struggles Katherine is dealing with. Finding out the exploits and bravery of the A.T.A. girls (Air Transport Auxiliary) is thrilling in its own right but I like how Katherine embraces Juliet's handling of situations to give her a new perspective on life and how she can move forward with a new sense of optimism and purpose.
Not everything within this enticing narrative is about these women, there's a dashing hero who stole Juliet's heart and an equally handsome gentleman who is Juliet's nephew. His zest for life equals his aunt's although we learn his background isn't what Katherine expected.
For me, the highlight is Katharine's realisation the woman she has come to admire is still alive and has an opportunity to meet her. It's a poignant and uplifting moment to give pause for thought and shed a few tears.
To sum up, if you enjoy uplifting novel laced with fascinating historical facts, heart-warming characters with a Christmassy Cornish backdrop, You'll love The Last Letter From Juliet.
4.5 stars
***arc generously received courtesy of the publisher One More Chapter via NetGalley***
With an offer of gin, Katherine decides to accept her Uncle Gerald's invitation to spend Christmas with him in Cornwall rather than be home alone during the festive period. On arrival, all the best-laid plans go pear-shaped but she finds comfort within her surrounds; a cottage which once belonged to an old lady. Whilst settling in she finds a journal written by the once owner and begins to read about her life and escapades before and during WWII.
The residents of Angels Cove quickly embrace their new temporary resident during the run-up to Christmas as Katherine finds both purpose and comfort as she befriends and helps out the colourful characters who live within this small coastal village. Yet, it's the thrill of getting to know who Juliet was which drives her enthusiasm during what is ordinarily a difficult time of year for her.
The writing smoothly alternates between the past and the present timelines as we re-live Juliet's life as a pilot through her journals and learn about the struggles Katherine is dealing with. Finding out the exploits and bravery of the A.T.A. girls (Air Transport Auxiliary) is thrilling in its own right but I like how Katherine embraces Juliet's handling of situations to give her a new perspective on life and how she can move forward with a new sense of optimism and purpose.
Not everything within this enticing narrative is about these women, there's a dashing hero who stole Juliet's heart and an equally handsome gentleman who is Juliet's nephew. His zest for life equals his aunt's although we learn his background isn't what Katherine expected.
For me, the highlight is Katharine's realisation the woman she has come to admire is still alive and has an opportunity to meet her. It's a poignant and uplifting moment to give pause for thought and shed a few tears.
To sum up, if you enjoy uplifting novel laced with fascinating historical facts, heart-warming characters with a Christmassy Cornish backdrop, You'll love The Last Letter From Juliet.
4.5 stars
***arc generously received courtesy of the publisher One More Chapter via NetGalley***
January 31, 2020
I got this in my first box from "Once Upon A Book Club". In the box you get a book with post-it notes on a few of the pages that tell you to open a gift. Then you find the corresponding gift and open it. The gift goes along with the story. Was major fun.
First of all I thoroughly enjoyed the story. It was set in the late 30's and 40's during the war. One of the characters reads the story of a woman who flew planes back and forth for the ATA during the war. It was engrossing and brought me to tears at times. The characters were engaging and endearing. The story was a great depiction of how women flyers were able to help the war effort during a time when women weren't encouraged to step out of the normal roles set for them.
The only problem I had was with the proofreading. I know a few of the occurrences may have been because of cultural inflection that I am not used to. Others were missing words, double words, and words out of order. It detracted from the story for someone who is kind of picky like me. The story was so good that for me it didn't distract me very much, but that was only because the story was so good. If things like this don't bother you then PLEASE read this. It is sooooo good!
First of all I thoroughly enjoyed the story. It was set in the late 30's and 40's during the war. One of the characters reads the story of a woman who flew planes back and forth for the ATA during the war. It was engrossing and brought me to tears at times. The characters were engaging and endearing. The story was a great depiction of how women flyers were able to help the war effort during a time when women weren't encouraged to step out of the normal roles set for them.
The only problem I had was with the proofreading. I know a few of the occurrences may have been because of cultural inflection that I am not used to. Others were missing words, double words, and words out of order. It detracted from the story for someone who is kind of picky like me. The story was so good that for me it didn't distract me very much, but that was only because the story was so good. If things like this don't bother you then PLEASE read this. It is sooooo good!
September 25, 2019
Once again, this is the NOOK edition, NOT the Kindle! I don't know what to do to differentiate these.
This was a fascinating story - I could hardly put it down. There's a lot of detail, and it alternates between Katherine in the present day and Juliet in the 1940s. In the present, Katherine hears from her Uncle Gerald, asking her to come to Angels Cove in Cornwall to settle the 'apostrophe dispute' - should there be one, and does it go before or after the 's'? He offers her a Christmas holiday staying at Angel View, a cottage owned by a local man who is at sea with the Navy. While staying there, she finds Juliet's memoirs, and becomes fascinated. In the 1940s, Juliet is a pilot, taught as a child by her father - she'd love to join the RAF, but the closest she can come is the Air Transport Auxiliary, delivering planes from the factory to the RAF airbases. She meets and loves Edward, but feels obliged to marry Charles - and his family needs her money to keep their estate going. Her diary, as read by Katherine, tells the ups and downs of her marriage, her love affair, and her piloting jobs. The past and present come together at the end. I really liked this book - it keeps you hanging on!
This was a fascinating story - I could hardly put it down. There's a lot of detail, and it alternates between Katherine in the present day and Juliet in the 1940s. In the present, Katherine hears from her Uncle Gerald, asking her to come to Angels Cove in Cornwall to settle the 'apostrophe dispute' - should there be one, and does it go before or after the 's'? He offers her a Christmas holiday staying at Angel View, a cottage owned by a local man who is at sea with the Navy. While staying there, she finds Juliet's memoirs, and becomes fascinated. In the 1940s, Juliet is a pilot, taught as a child by her father - she'd love to join the RAF, but the closest she can come is the Air Transport Auxiliary, delivering planes from the factory to the RAF airbases. She meets and loves Edward, but feels obliged to marry Charles - and his family needs her money to keep their estate going. Her diary, as read by Katherine, tells the ups and downs of her marriage, her love affair, and her piloting jobs. The past and present come together at the end. I really liked this book - it keeps you hanging on!
August 21, 2019
What a wonderful book, it was gonna be tough to follow Dear Rosie Hughes, one of the best books I’ve read, but I needn’t of worried. The last letter from Juliet is an awe inspiring, heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time.
Juliet is my hero, a tough, independent women, who never let a small issue of being female stop her from doing what she wanted. The love story between her and Edward was beautifully written, and the tragedy she faced was heartbreaking. I was in tears, for most of this book, happy and sad tears. Watching Kathleen face her grief through reading Juliet’s story was so powerful, you could sense she was beginning to move on and look forward.
I don’t want to spoil anything but the ending was so powerful...sad but also very fitting. A wonderful read that will stay with me for a long time
Juliet is my hero, a tough, independent women, who never let a small issue of being female stop her from doing what she wanted. The love story between her and Edward was beautifully written, and the tragedy she faced was heartbreaking. I was in tears, for most of this book, happy and sad tears. Watching Kathleen face her grief through reading Juliet’s story was so powerful, you could sense she was beginning to move on and look forward.
I don’t want to spoil anything but the ending was so powerful...sad but also very fitting. A wonderful read that will stay with me for a long time
August 28, 2019
Absolutely beautiful book. Written with two time lines running concurrently. The past written in letter form. Katherine is a young widow whose uncle invites her to Angels Cove to help untangle an apostrophe mess within his village, she take up his invitation to aid them in the argument. Once down there she stays in an old cottage and the history flows! The connection to the past is undeniable.I loved this story for all the WW2 history and the pride it gave me for the women if that time.
December 23, 2019
I really liked this book - I thought the expressions of loss and worry and love were so well done. Katherine lost her husband a few years ago and her uncle persuades her to come visit over Christmas. She stays at a cottage most recently lived in by Juliet, who was a pilot in World War 2. I enjoyed both stories, the relationships felt real, and it was a difficult book to put down.
Thanks to netgalley for the opportunity to read it!
Thanks to netgalley for the opportunity to read it!
December 8, 2020
A woman learns of the amazing life of a female pilot around the time of WWII, and becomes enchanted with her story. This is a well-written history of heroism, adventure, and love.
Although the book is well-written, its technical editing could be better. There are numerous misspellings, missing words, extra words, and incorrect punctuation. But I've seen much worse. Overall, I'm very glad to have read this novel.
Although the book is well-written, its technical editing could be better. There are numerous misspellings, missing words, extra words, and incorrect punctuation. But I've seen much worse. Overall, I'm very glad to have read this novel.
September 24, 2019
I'm not crying...
But I did, at points through this wonderful WWII tale of love, bravery and the hope of lovers to join again, even after death does part. The well-written descriptions take the reader back in time and we are swept away by the amazing story of Juliet Caron, female aviatrix. Wonderful!
But I did, at points through this wonderful WWII tale of love, bravery and the hope of lovers to join again, even after death does part. The well-written descriptions take the reader back in time and we are swept away by the amazing story of Juliet Caron, female aviatrix. Wonderful!
November 19, 2019
Love, Love, Love! For historical fiction fans who enjoy the dual storyline of past and present this is the story for you. We follow the adventures of Juliet an English WWII pilot as well as modern day Katherine. I'll admit to tearing up a bit at the end.
September 27, 2019
I want to learn to fly
I loved this book. Not my usual kind of read but I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. I unreservedly recommend you read it
I loved this book. Not my usual kind of read but I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. I unreservedly recommend you read it
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