Member Reviews

This is the first book I've ever read by Rachel Fordham and it won't be the last. Her writing captured me and I felt transported to this time period and setting. I absolutely love when exchanging letters is part of a story. I love how letters give you insight into what a person is thinking and feeling at certain point in time. Isaac and Laura have been exchanging letters for the last seven years never knowing the identity of the other person. Their fathers were once business partners until a feud happened and any contact between the families was banned by both sides. Isaac and Laura have no idea what happened and only know they aren't allowed to be in contact with the other. When it is revealed that the other is their mysterious pen pal their treasured friendship is in jeopardy. What do they do? I adored these two characters and did not like how their families were treated them and pushed into various situations without a thought for their feelings. I was so glad that Laura had the housekeeper Mrs. Gaskin as not only someone to confide in but someone who loved her like a mother. I loved the mystery of trying to figure out what happened to cause the rift but also watching the love develop and was cheering for them to figure out a way to overcome the obstacles before them.

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#BookReview: THE LETTER TREE by Rachel Fordham

Why did it take me so long to pick up this book? It was absolutely captivating, a page-turner that I couldn't put down. It had everything I could ask for in a book: compelling family drama, a touch of sweet romance, and an intriguing mystery woven with suspense.

I was astonished to learn that Isaac and Laura had exchanged letters for seven years through the "Maple Tree." Their sweet correspondence, spanning years without ever knowing each other's names, solidified a deep friendship built on shared experiences. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, captivated by the engaging characters of Isaac and Laura. Their likability and shared goal of ending the feud made them easy to root for. It was such a heartfelt story, and the way they joined forces to achieve this was particularly satisfying.

Rating: 5 stars
Pub date: 31 Oct 2023 (out now)

Thank you Thomas Nelson--FICTION and #netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

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This story was all the nostalgic, old-timey vibes I hoped it would be. Something about the theme of letter writing when in a book just is a yes for me.
I loved the characters and their journeys.
I loved the atmosphere and setting. Such a cool read. I can’t wait to see what this author writes next!

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Once in a while I pick up a book that is in a genre outside of what I typically enjoy. Something drives me to try it anyway. I’m this case that something was the word “letter” in the title as I really enjoy all epistolary books. Unfortunately in this case the genre was too much for me.

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Set in Buffalo, New York in the 1920s, The Letter Tree by Rachel Fordham is a lovely, easy-to-read historical romance. With vibes of Romeo and Juliet and You’ve Got Mail, this story features Laura Bradshaw and Isaac Campbell, the offspring of two feuding previous business partners. Although Laura and Isaac were friends as children, when their fathers separated the company into two competing shoe manufacturers, the children were forbidden to associate with each other.

A frequent visitor to the Buffalo Zoo, Laura hides some poetry in a tree where Isaac finds it and writes back anonymously. For years they communicate back and forth with the Letter Tree as their unofficial post office.

The setting is unique, the characters are well-drawn and engaging, and the tale has enough twists, turns, and intrigue to make the somewhat predictable plot interesting and entertaining. I’ve enjoyed this talented author’s other books and am happy to add this one to my shelf. 4.5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

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Romeo and Juliet meets You Got Mail with a modern day twist. Enjoyable characters and interesting, although somewhat predictable, storyline.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

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This was a really sweet read! Very reminiscent of "You've Got Mail" (which the author also notes in an endnote, hehe), which I totally loved; "YGM" is one of my fave movies!

I was entirely curious to see how it would all pan out, and was quite satisfied with how Fordham addressed it. The main characters are interesting and played off each other well. Definitely recommended!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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The story is set with a feud between two families who used to be in business together as shoemakers. It is set in Buffalo, New York in 1924. The 20-something daughter Laura Bradshaw has been taught to avoid the dreadful Campbell family. One good friends, the two fathers are sworn enemies. Both fathers want their individual businesses to survive into the next generation, but they are not willing to work together.
Living an isolated life, Laura finds a years-long pen pal in a person trading letters with her in a tree at the Buffalo zoo. In a quest for friends, she dates a promising, young business partner for her father. However, he seems more interested in the alliance than the girl.
It is an endearing story, even if you can guess the outcome. The twists and turns in this coming-of-age story make it engaging to read.

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Historical romance at it's best! It is difficult at times to remember that not that long ago, parents had great control over their adult children's lives and who they married. It's mind boggling to me that matches were made for business purposes with no consideration of the parties being thrown together. And the woman was to put up with whatever her husband did in or out of their marriage.

Laura and Isaac gave up a friendship and assumed animosity as their fathers commanded. But their hearts had other ideas. This story is about doing the right thing.. seeking the Lord and following His lead.

The setting of the zoo is lovely and the secret notes are so fun!

You will not regret reading this one at all!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123266540-the-letter-tree

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I've always been rather partial to Rachel Fordham's The Hope of Azure Springs and thought that nothing she ever wrote could possibly surpass that debut novel of hers. However, The Letter Tree has accomplished just that!

As with any Fordham novel, there are elements of sweet romance and strong family ties. The Letter Tree is quite different than her other novels, though. It definitely has a touch of Romeo & Juliet storyline but with the addition of a 20th century New York backdrop.

This is such a beautiful story of friendship and love rediscovered but, more than that, it's an adventurous tale of true forgiveness.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Rating: 5/5

Read it for the:
- hidden identity trope
- forbidden love/Feuding families
-1920s New York City setting (prohibition era)
- Mystery elements
- exchange of letters

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 :
Romance: Clean (kissing only)
Trigger warning: death of a parent

𝐌𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
Set in a lush backdrop of 1920 Buffalo, New York, The Letter Tree tells the story of a tragic feud between families, and a sweet love story that was born despite all odds.

I loved the reading experience of the letter tree. Laura was a kind, but spirited young woman, trapped by the grief of her widowed father. I enjoyed watching her grow into her own as the story progressed, and loved her sweet character. Isaac on the hand out was more outspoken at first, but was of like minded kindness. Their unexpected friendship through anonymous letters added depth to each character, and strengthened their romance. Sweet but not without its moments of angst and impossibility due to their circumstances, Isaac and Laura were meant for each other and defied all to be together.

What shined throughout the entire story were the well researched historical facts the author sprinkled into the story. With vivid descriptions, I could picture the roaring 20’s in full color on the pages. I found the mentions of the Buffalo Zoo and its animals interesting and unique. The dual mysteries of finding the root cause of the family feud and questionable business dealings added to the excitement of the read. A good emotional conflict was found in the strained relationship between Laura and her father, and Isaac and his parents. All of these factors added to the overall plot to make for a page turner.

A intriguing read with a romance between star-crossed lovers, The letter Tree may be my favorite book by Rachel Fordham yet.

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Yes! What a perfect blend of Romeo and Juliet and You've Got Mail. I loved the setting especially, since I used to intern at the Buffalo Zoo. The romance was very sweet and I especially love the letters that the characters corresponded with through the tree. There is also definitely some fun aspects of a mystery going on as well. I love Rachel Fordham's books and can't wait to pick up the next one. FYI I hardly ever preorder books, but I'm so glad I did with this one.

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My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: Romance, Historical Romance
Spice Level: Low (kissing book)

Set in the 1920s, one of my favorite book eras, this story caught me immediately. The feud between the companies and the fall out felt genuine. I liked the love interest and was vested in both Laura and Isaac.

The way this novel unfolded was beautiful. I loved the progression of the letters exchanged within the tree to the secret of the writers to the speaking to one another.

It's the perfect pace to enjoy everything going on in the 20s while keeping the main story and mystery moving along. I didn't know how Abel would play out in this story, and I loved how he brought in a different part of the era.

This book gets all the stars! It's one I would read again for the pure joy of it.

I highly recommend it.

Happy reading!

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Rachel Fordham is one of my favorite authors so I was so excited to read her new release! This book is described as Romeo and Juliet meets You’ve Got Mail which I thought was really fun! I love books that have anything to do with characters that correspond via letters so I loved that part of the story!💗

The Letter Tree was a sweet, romantic story about two childhood friends who grow up to be enemies simply because their families are in a serious feud. But when the Buffalo Zoo and years worth of letters bring them together after years separated, they wonder if they were ever meant to be enemies at all.

I enjoyed the fun plot of this story as well as the sweet, clean romance. The 1920s setting was also fun as it’s not a time period I read very often! I enjoyed the themes present in this story as well.

Overall, The Letter Tree was a really sweet, enjoyable story! I always enjoy Rachel Fordham’s books and I am so excited for her future releases. If you enjoy stories like You’ve Got Mail and stories set during the 1920s, I think you’ll really enjoy this one!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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I’ve come to expect really good stories from this writer, often written from a different perspective to the norm. In this case, it made a refreshing change to have characters prepared to leave their rarified upbringings for a lower level of society, rather than aspiring to join the upper echelons. Wealth does not always bring happiness, satisfaction, or indeed freedom - & in this book that applied not just to females! While it makes me thankful I was not living a century or more ago, it should also give me pause to remember there are many females still today living under the control of their fathers/husbands/other power-hungry males eg the Taliban. (Of course the next step is to consider : what can I do about it? Maybe not much as just one person, but if many of us all do our bit – in the words of the song “From little things, big things grow”) Well...I have meandered rather in this review, but perhaps that is what a good book does : plants seeds for us to mull on, then hopefully water so they grow, accomplishing their purpose. Back to the book itself : I enjoyed it, although it was not always convincing, yet it was still a good read with likeable main characters. The best novels not only entertain, they also inform & even challenge...

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This was a charged historical fiction with propulsive writing and very good character development. The scenery was so good.

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A fantastic tale of secret friends, blooming romance, and the possibility of fairy tales come to life in the most unexpected ways. Rachel Fordham brings the past to vivid life with her attention to detail and ability to bring a picture to life with words. The research paints a fun backdrop for a story that flows seamlessly from beginning to end. The characters are wonderful, flawed enough to make them feel real. I kept hoping to meet them at the nearest tree! While this was my first Rachel Fordham book it definitely won't be the last. The way she breathes life into past eras and characters, you are sure to be entertained well after the last page is flipped. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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THE LETTER TREE
BY: RACHEL FORDHAM

"The Letter Tree," written by, Rachel Fordham is a magnificent and very special historical romance that is so wholesome and classy. I really loved reading this and even though it takes place in the early 1920's it has a contemporary feel to it. I really applaud the author on keeping this romance clean except for some kissing that happens after the the female main character named, Laura Bradshaw and the main male character Isaac Campbell organically come together by way of feud, then friendship, and finally a romantic relationship. I'm also very impressed by Rachel Fordham's insight being a self-identified reader herself for taking the initiative by knowing what I know I crave the answers to after finishing reading a great historical fiction novel. She has eliminated the guesswork of what was actually factual or fictional by answering the questions and more in a helpful Author's Note. I wish that all authors would take that initiative.

In the prologue Laura witnesses her mother getting run over by a car and losing her life. They had been out having a lovely day together shopping and her mother has just bought Laura a book of fairy tales, when she tells Laura she'll be right back. Laura was only fourteen years old and has had a gaping hole in her life by losing her loving mother.

Laura lives with her father who doesn't allow any talk about what happened to her mother. He also doesn't discuss why he hates his old business partner who he used to manufacture shoes with the Campbell family. Laura is now twenty-one and her father is always too busy competing with his now enemy the Campbell family who they split up the company of making shoes seven years ago. Lucky for Laura she has a wonderful housekeeper who lives with the Bradshaw's and is more like a grandmother. Laura loves animals and going to the zoo where she has a secret letter writer whom they exchange letters by leaving them in a majestic tree.

Isaac Campbell is two years older than Laura and he didn't go to college, and he works for his father who never gives him any responsibilities at the shoe factory. He is the eligible bachelor and his meddling, but well meaning mother tries fixing him up with young women he doesn't have any interests in. He goes to the zoo at night because he can have some time away from home. Because he made a large donation to the zoo, he can go there after hours, gaining admittance from a friendly security guard. Him and Laura have been leaving letters pouring out their hearts to each other in their letters that they leave inside the tree. They are not aware of their identities of who each other are and who they are writing to each other. The reason being because they have blindly listened to each of their family's hate one another. It's not a spoiler to reveal this because it takes place within the first 5 percent of the novel.

Laura and Isaac were friends as children and they just accept that they are a part of this feud. This is a beautifully written story that the author says in her Author's Note that it is a combination of Romeo and Juliet and You've got mail. As the novel progresses the reader is given more background material, and it was difficult witnessing these two kind and thoughtful adults who had so much that they shared in common which is relayed in their hand written letters. It was hard knowing what they each left each other in their tree in the zoo, not communicate in person. I'm so grateful to have discovered this allegorical tale by my good friend Rosh's excellent review. Be sure to read her review here on Good Reads.

What really stands out for me in "The Letter Tree," is that this historical fiction that is written in a literary fiction style has not been done before. Sure we have all read Romeo and Juliet in our Freshman year of High school. We all remember viewing the movie starring Meg Ryan in 'You've got mail.' I loved them both. I loved the play written by Shakespeare although I'll admit it took a little while for me to fall in love with it. What makes this wonderful is that it's not the usual stories already told within the over saturated market, filled with insta-love and meet-cutes that happen to be so popular at the present time. So, if that's your end game you will not find it here. This definitely won't be for you, so I wouldn't recommend it to the reader who enjoys that common trope. No judgement here.

What you will find is two characters that are sketched full of empathy for each other's heart aches and difficult family circumstances. They have each suffered a profound loss which makes their relationship built by a genuine caring about each other built with kindness and mutual respect. They have no idea that they are writing to the person that they have been forbidden by the patriarch of each family to not associate with one another.

It is the 1920's and Laura is being pressured by her father to enter in a romantic relationship with a young man who promises her father that if he makes an investment in his *unknowable scheme* he will be gaining the upper-hand in the rival Campbell shoe company. She needs a chaperone because of the era so she agrees to date this young business man named Abel, who she hopes that she is making a good impression on. She knows next to nothing on what we today know the important character traits to look for when picking a good partner leading to a healthy marriage. All Laura has is her love of books and animals and her trusted stand in grandmother who is the housekeeper. Mrs. Guskins is the only one besides her pen pal who seems to understand her and who she can relate to.

Isaac has lost his young uncle who was like an older brother to him in the Great War. Like Laura he feels a visceral heartbreak of losing the only family member he could turn to who gets him. For Laura she deeply misses her beloved mother who left her a library of her books. When you lose the person who you could most depend on who you shared a deep and abiding love who made you feel seen and heard, but most importantly understood, it is a life altering wound. I really connected to these two characters Laura and Isaac because I lost my only sister who I felt closest to in a tragic accident on December 27, 2012. I talked to her on Christmas day for hours and she was so bubbly and warm and I miss her everyday. She had moved to New York and decided not to come back for Christmas because she was planning on moving in with my family and my father in January. She was closer to me than a best friend and I loved her more than any best friend that I have in my life. So I understand how deep the wound feels by never getting the closure from getting to say goodbye when losing a person who you have the most profound attachment to. Later when talking to my father after we lost my sister he told me that she was crying on Christmas day because she didn't come home for Christmas and she was alone when they talked on the phone. Yet, she was a pillar of strength and an anchor for me and listened to me for whatever I was venting about never giving me a clue how down she really felt. I still feel bad that I didn't know how hard of a time she was having during our last conversation because I would give anything if I knew that on Christmas 2012 that would be our last conversation. Usually I'm very good at reading people, I was too self centered about myself and will always wish that I could have cheered her up and just listened to her. Just listened. Since then my two sons have both moved out and are no longer needing that magical Christmas morning waking up with over bursting Christmas stockings and a living room filled with all of the toys they wanted. I miss watching their faces light up from viewing their innocent excitement from seeing that they were filled with joy that Santa delivered what they had expressed they were hoping to receive. Those days are behind me and even though I didn't like all of the tedious gift wrapping witnessing their easy to fulfill their happiness are some of my favorite Christmases.

So I really was moved how these two people who were both matured by their own tragic losses managed to validate to one another how they could put themselves into sharing what the other one was feeling. They got one another in ways that their remaining families didn't. I love the concept of exchanging hand written letters into their favorite tree at the Buffalo, NY zoo. It was or is this country's third oldest zoos. They did this for seven years so when Laura is twenty-one years old and starts being courted by abel her father's business partner, she writes a final farewell letter to Isaac thanking him for his friendship, but saying good-bye.

Isaac is crest fallen when he gets his last letter from Laura whom he doesn't know her identity and she doesn't know his either. They were in agreement in keeping their names anonymous. Isaac whose mother keeps arranging parties inviting the Buffalo societies youth he isn't interested in participating in. His best friend Charles is to soon be married to his true love. Charles doesn't understand Isaac's reluctance in not being more enthusiastic about courting the abundance of young women, who are over aggressive in the mating game. Isaac's heart belongs to his *wishing letter girl* who has just written her final letter to him. Can he learn who his true love is by writing to her and telling her that he would love to meet her in person at the Buffalo zoo? What are the chances of Laura returning to this beloved tree to retrieve his letter since she's already through exchanging letters? I couldn't help rooting for these main characters throughout the 85% remaining intrigue that switches back and forth between these two main characters.

There are a couple of mysteries that are woven into the plot. This gem of a novel really stole my heart and it is worthy of its Five Plus, Plus Sparkling Stars! There are very few other readers who have read this and of the ones who did everyone has rated it five stars that I'm aware of. This is one that I will never forget and a top reading experience of 2023.

Publication Date: October 31, 2023 Available Now!

Thank you to Net Galley, Rachel Fordham and Thomas Nelson--FICTION for generously providing me with my eARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

#TheLetterTree #RachelFordham #ThomasNelsonFiction #NetGalley
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THE LETTER TREE
BY: RACHEL FORDHAM

"The Letter Tree," written by, Rachel Fordham is a magnificent and very special historical romance that is so wholesome and classy. I really loved reading this and even though it takes place in the early 1920's it has a contemporary feel to it. I really applaud the author on keeping this romance clean except for some kissing that happens after the the female main character named, Laura Bradshaw and the main male character Isaac Campbell organically come together by way of feud, then friendship, and finally a romantic relationship. I'm also very impressed by Rachel Fordham's insight being a self-identified reader herself for taking the initiative by knowing what I know I crave the answers to after finishing reading a great historical fiction novel. She has eliminated the guesswork of what was actually factual or fictional by answering the questions and more in a helpful Author's Note. I wish that all authors would take that initiative.

In the prologue Laura witnesses her mother getting run over by a car and losing her life. They had been out having a lovely day together shopping and her mother has just bought Laura a book of fairy tales, when she tells Laura she'll be right back. Laura was only fourteen years old and has had a gaping hole in her life by losing her loving mother.

Laura lives with her father who doesn't allow any talk about what happened to her mother. He also doesn't discuss why he hates his old business partner who he used to manufacture shoes with the Campbell family. Laura is now twenty-one and her father is always too busy competing with his now enemy the Campbell family who they split up the company of making shoes seven years ago. Lucky for Laura she has a wonderful housekeeper who lives with the Bradshaw's and is more like a grandmother. Laura loves animals and going to the zoo where she has a secret letter writer whom they exchange letters by leaving them in a majestic tree.

Isaac Campbell is two years older than Laura and he didn't go to college, and he works for his father who never gives him any responsibilities at the shoe factory. He is the eligible bachelor and his meddling, but well meaning mother tries fixing him up with young women he doesn't have any interests in. He goes to the zoo at night because he can have some time away from home. Because he made a large donation to the zoo, he can go there after hours, gaining admittance from a friendly security guard. Him and Laura have been leaving letters pouring out their hearts to each other in their letters that they leave inside the tree. They are not aware of their identities of who each other are and who they are writing to each other. The reason being because they have blindly listened to each of their family's hate one another. It's not a spoiler to reveal this because it takes place within the first 5 percent of the novel.

Laura and Isaac were friends as children and they just accept that they are a part of this feud. This is a beautifully written story that the author says in her Author's Note that it is a combination of Romeo and Juliet and You've got mail. As the novel progresses the reader is given more background material, and it was difficult witnessing these two kind and thoughtful adults who had so much that they shared in common which is relayed in their hand written letters. It was hard knowing what they each left each other in their tree in the zoo, not communicate in person. I'm so grateful to have discovered this allegorical tale by my good friend Rosh's excellent review. Be sure to read her review here on Good Reads.

What really stands out for me in "The Letter Tree," is that this historical fiction that is written in a literary fiction style has not been done before. Sure we have all read Romeo and Juliet in our Freshman year of High school. We all remember viewing the movie starring Meg Ryan in 'You've got mail.' I loved them both. I loved the play written by Shakespeare although I'll admit it took a little while for me to fall in love with it. What makes this wonderful is that it's not the usual stories already told within the over saturated market, filled with insta-love and meet-cutes that happen to be so popular at the present time. So, if that's your end game you will not find it here. This definitely won't be for you, so I wouldn't recommend it to the reader who enjoys that common trope. No judgement here.

What you will find is two characters that are sketched full of empathy for each other's heart aches and difficult family circumstances. They have each suffered a profound loss which makes their relationship built by a genuine caring about each other built with kindness and mutual respect. They have no idea that they are writing to the person that they have been forbidden by the patriarch of each family to not associate with one another.

It is the 1920's and Laura is being pressured by her father to enter in a romantic relationship with a young man who promises her father that if he makes an investment in his *unknowable scheme* he will be gaining the upper-hand in the rival Campbell shoe company. She needs a chaperone because of the era so she agrees to date this young business man named Abel, who she hopes that she is making a good impression on. She knows next to nothing on what we today know the important character traits to look for when picking a good partner leading to a healthy marriage. All Laura has is her love of books and animals and her trusted stand in grandmother who is the housekeeper. Mrs. Guskins is the only one besides her pen pal who seems to understand her and who she can relate to.

Isaac has lost his young uncle who was like an older brother to him in the Great War. Like Laura he feels a visceral heartbreak of losing the only family member he could turn to who gets him. For Laura she deeply misses her beloved mother who left her a library of her books. When you lose the person who you could most depend on who you shared a deep and abiding love who made you feel seen and heard, but most importantly understood, it is a life altering wound. I really connected to these two characters Laura and Isaac because I lost my only sister who I felt closest to in a tragic accident on December 27, 2012. I talked to her on Christmas day for hours and she was so bubbly and warm and I miss her everyday. She had moved to New York and decided not to come back for Christmas because she was planning on moving in with my family and my father in January. She was closer to me than a best friend and I loved her more than any best friend that I have in my life. So I understand how deep the wound feels by never getting the closure from getting to say goodbye when losing a person who you have the most profound attachment to. Later when talking to my father after we lost my sister he told me that she was crying on Christmas day because she didn't come home for Christmas and she was alone when they talked on the phone. Yet, she was a pillar of strength and an anchor for me and listened to me for whatever I was venting about never giving me a clue how down she really felt. I still feel bad that I didn't know how hard of a time she was having during our last conversation because I would give anything if I knew that on Christmas 2012 that would be our last conversation. Usually I'm very good at reading people, I was too self centered about myself and will always wish that I could have cheered her up and just listened to her. Just listened. Since then my two sons have both moved out and are no longer needing that magical Christmas morning waking up with over bursting Christmas stockings and a living room filled with all of the toys they wanted. I miss watching their faces light up from viewing their innocent excitement from seeing that they were filled with joy that Santa delivered what they had expressed they were hoping to receive. Those days are behind me and even though I didn't like all of the tedious gift wrapping witnessing their easy to fulfill their happiness are some of my favorite Christmases.

So I really was moved how these two people who were both matured by their own tragic losses managed to validate to one another how they could put themselves into sharing what the other one was feeling. They got one another in ways that their remaining families didn't. I love the concept of exchanging hand written letters into their favorite tree at the Buffalo, NY zoo. It was or is this country's third oldest zoos. They did this for seven years so when Laura is twenty-one years old and starts being courted by abel her father's business partner, she writes a final farewell letter to Isaac thanking him for his friendship, but saying good-bye.

Isaac is crest fallen when he gets his last letter from Laura whom he doesn't know her identity and she doesn't know his either. They were in agreement in keeping their names anonymous. Isaac whose mother keeps arranging parties inviting the Buffalo societies youth he isn't interested in participating in. His best friend Charles is to soon be married to his true love. Charles doesn't understand Isaac's reluctance in not being more enthusiastic about courting the abundance of young women, who are over aggressive in the mating game. Isaac's heart belongs to his *wishing letter girl* who has just written her final letter to him. Can he learn who his true love is by writing to her and telling her that he would love to meet her in person at the Buffalo zoo? What are the chances of Laura returning to this beloved tree to retrieve his letter since she's already through exchanging letters? I couldn't help rooting for these main characters throughout the 85% remaining intrigue that switches back and forth between these two main characters.

There are a couple of mysteries that are woven into the plot. This gem of a novel really stole my heart and it is worthy of its Five Plus, Plus Sparkling Stars! There are very few other readers who have read this and of the ones who did everyone has rated it five stars that I'm aware of. This is one that I will never forget and a top reading experience of 2023.

Publication Date: October 31, 2023 Available Now!

Thank you to Net Galley, Rachel Fordham and Thomas Nelson--FICTION for generously providing me with my eARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

#TheLetterTree #RachelFordham #ThomasNelsonFiction #NetGalley
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Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson--FICTION, Thomas Nelson for accepting my request to read and review The Letter Tree.

A lovely story where a young lady of 21 romanticizes love and marriage. The synopsis sums the book up in its entirety and Fordham writes the complimentary story.

If I had the physical book I would have had 1924 paperclipped where I could see it. However, I had the E-book and had to virtually elbow myself a couple of times. Seriously, I found the societal differences sweet and part of the charm. While waiting on the Keurig (one coffee & one hot chocolate) and a search for the audiobook (Thank you Hoopla.) I was able to go from start to finish in just a few hours. It was not as if I wanted to rush through, it was me wanting the story to continue on when I had to get up.

The book did not disappoint. It is simple and smart. The author does not go over the top. This could be a grandmother telling her granddaughter how her grandparents met.

Would definitely recommend for young readers transitioning to adult books, as well as gifting adult Christian readers, particularly women, and adults in general. The book is light and clean.

As for the audio: The narrator was part of the attraction.

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Sparkling, moving, and original. I loved it from start to finish.
Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

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