Letters From Strangers… Oh my! This story is told from three perspectives, Jane, Ellie and Adam. Going from past to present each detailing their choices, pain, trauma and struggles. This was my first book by Susan and it definitely will not be my last.
I was invested in this story from the very first page. I thought I had it all figured out to find I wasn’t close to piecing this puzzle together.

My opinion is my own. However, I’m certain you definitely want to read this one.

I read and listened to this book. The narrators did such a good job. It felt like I was right in the middle of the drama. And boy was there drama. But it was so good. A well written story. It will make you stop and think about what you would do in this situation. Both as the mothers and as the child.

This is a story of love and grief. Of loss and finding. A story of family.

It's told from a few different points of views and different timelines.

Jane's dad died and she found letters in his desk from another woman. Not from her mother. Jane's parents never separated or divorced so this is a shock to her. Jane takes the letters to her house and reads them. She finds that her dad may have fathered a child by this other woman who is only know by initials GM. And she lives in Boston, MA.

Apparently Jane's dad has been seeing this woman for many years. She knew he was married but still had a lifelong affair. I did not like her. She should have had better sense than that. How dare she. And yes part of me felt sorry for her. He was her first love and seems they both loved each other deeply. But he married someone else so how much could he really have loved her? Or respected her. Or himself.

You read some letters to a child that was given up for adoption almost seventeen years prior and letter from the mother to the child. Also the love letters from GM to Richie, the married man.

I didn't like Jane's husband either. He was not in the least supportive about her and finding out about this other woman. He was not supportive to her in her quest to find a possible half brother. I never believed he wanted a child either. He was just a jerk.

I think Jane's mother was a bit mean but I kind of understood her feelings. In a way. She had been done wrong throughout her marriage. She had two children by this man and he was seeing another woman almost the whole time.

I enjoyed reading this book even though parts sure made me mad. I liked the son, Adam and I loved Rowan. Though I do think he and Jane rushed into sex way to fast. I still liked him. I liked Jane and her brother Kenny. I finally liked her mother but it took a while. I didn't like Richie or GM.

This story keeps you turning the pages to find out who is who and what happened back then. Also what is going to happen now. It has a big surprise that I personally did not see coming for some reason. But I did love it. Well played...

This book hits on abortion, death, loss of baby, adoption, weight problems(both losing and gaining). It shows that people have real problems. Lots of real problems.

Thank you to the publisher and author for the arc of this book.

This one's going down as one of my favourites for 2025 🌟

This author is quickly becoming an automatic read for me. Last year, her novel, "Running Cold" was one of my favourites too. While this story is quite different she's pulled off another hit! I'd classify this as a family drama with lots of secrets.

There are two timelines happening. One involves Jane. The story begins dramatically as she suddenly loses her father. Then she finds out something very shocking about his life. In the other timeline there's Adam who is a 16 year old teenager. He's struggling to find himself. The two timelines eventually intertwine.

I love Susan Walters writing. She tackles some tough subjects with a lot of heart. Her candid and heartfelt Author's Note at the end is not to be missed!

Publishes on May 27, 2025

I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for granting me access to this Advanced Reader's Copy.

I had very high expectations going into this book, and I'm not so sure why I put so much pressure on it, but Susan Walter met and surpassed my expectations.

This was an emotional expertly crafted story. The writing was superb, the character development top notch.

I absolutely loved the multi POVs and multi timelines.

Also as a Gen Xer who suffered from an eating disorder, I felt it relatable but also appreciated that it wasn't an overly emotional journey when matters of body dysmorphia were taking center stage.


There were many memorable quotes in this book, these 2 stuck out.

"You can't succeed if you're chasing someone else's goal."

"The diet industry can't sell you a remedy if they don't sell you a problem first."

Following Running Cold, Susan Walter (favorite author)— from concert violinist, TV, screenwriting, directing, to novelist, and the creator of the 2017 film—All I Wish, comes her latest, a beautifully written, emotional, and captivating story of family, LETTERS FROM STRANGERS.

Two unlikely strangers seek the truth about their past with mysterious letters and secrets of the past that may change the trajectory of their lives.

About...

WEST COAST: After her father's sudden death, Jane is devastated to discover shocking letters from his past. This revelation not only deepens her grief but also shatters her perception of her father, leaving her feeling betrayed and lost.

Did her dad have another family with his mistress? It sounds like she may have been pregnant. When he was traveling for work, was he with his other family? Could she have a step-brother or sister?

She did not have an easy life with her self-image and acceptance, growing up with an eating disorder. She met a guy (her brother's friend) when she was a teen, but she never answered his letters, and she has never stopped thinking of him.

She has her secrets of the past and traumas, but now she is in search of answers to the past to deal with her current grief. In the meantime, she also has problems with her husband, Greg, infertility, and their marriage.

EAST COAST: Adam, a teen who lives across the country. He is sixteen years old, gay, with an eating disorder, and adopted. He is trying to find his place in life. His adopted dad wants him to play tennis, but he is over it. He wants something different and needs support. He learns of an unsigned letter from his biological mother and is in search of her to seek answers.

Jane and Adam are on a collision course, but things are not as they appear. There are letters from strangers that may break their hearts, but at the same time, they both may find the answers they desperately seek.

My thoughts...

LETTERS FROM STRANGERS is a heartbreaking, yet poignant novel about family, hope, loss, and second chances.

From past to present, inspired by actual events, the author crafts a highly relatable character-driven novel. The characters' struggles with identity, self-worth, and relationships will resonate with readers, making the story feel personal and engaging.

I adored LETTERS FROM STRANGERS, and you will fall in love with these compelling characters and the secondary ones. Even though this one is slightly different from Susan's psychological thrillers, fans will enjoy this thought-provoking, tender, lovely story of family secrets, mystery, and betrayal.

A massive fan of the author, I enjoyed rewinding to the 80s when families kept things close to their belts and often not as open and communicative as they should be on the road to self-discovery. I loved the letters sprinkled throughout and characters, Jane, Adam, Rowan, the coach, and the fabulous ending!

Ideal pick for book clubs with discussion questions included. I enjoyed the Author's Note (do not miss it).

Told from the perspectives of Jane, Ellie, and Adam, the novel's unique structure and engaging characters make for a compelling and inspiring read. I'm eagerly looking forward to Susan's upcoming locked-in thriller, set to release in Feb 2026!

Audiobook...

I had the honor of reading the book and listening to the audiobook narrated by the talented Selah Victor, Eddie Lopez, and Moniqua Plante—all distinct voices for all the characters, further elevating the story and making them come alive. What a stunning and engaging performance. I highly recommend the audiobook.

Recs...

This gem is for fans of the author and those who enjoy character-driven family sagas. Fans of Susan Redfearn, Laura Lippman, Lisa Jewell, Wendy Walker, Tammy Greenwood, Liane Moriarty, Jennifer Weiner, Sally Hepworth, Celeste Ng, and Kristin Hannah will enjoy.

Interview...

Stay tuned for my fun #AuthorElevatorSeries QA with Susan, where we go behind the book and this mega-talented author. (May 28)

Thanks to Lake Union Publishing (e-book) via Netgalley, the author (paperback), and Brilliance Audio for an ARC and ALC in exchange for an honest review.

blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: May 27, 2025
My Rating: 5 Stars
May 2025 Must-Read Books
May Newsletter
May QA

Compelling, engaging, and heartfelt!

Letters from Strangers is an immersive, moving tale that takes you into the lives of two main characters. Jane, a young woman who, while grappling to come to grips with the sudden death of her father, has her world turned upside down when she stumbles across a bunch of letters that shatter her illusion of him, and Adam, a teenage boy who is stuck in a downward mental spiral due to his conflicting feelings about familial expectations, his emerging sexuality, and the facts surrounding his adoption.

The prose is sensitive and sincere. The characters are vulnerable, troubled, and consumed. And the plot is a captivating tale of life, loss, family, grief, friendship, self-discovery, revelations, strained relationships, and forgiveness.

Overall, Letters from Strangers is a hopeful, tender, heart-tugging tale by Walter that reminds us that families are complicated and messy, the choices we make often have far-reaching consequences, and secrets often find their way to the surface no matter how well they’re hidden.

Susan Walter's Letters from Strangers is a heartwarming and thought-provoking collection of stories. The book explores the power of human connection through letters exchanged between strangers. Walter's writing is engaging, and the letters reveal deep insights into the human experience. The stories are poignant, humorous, and sometimes heartbreaking, showcasing the complexity of human emotions. This book will resonate with readers who appreciate stories about connection, empathy, and understanding. Letters from Strangers is a beautiful tribute to the impact of kindness and the written word, leaving a lasting impression on its readers. It's a truly uplifting read.

This book drew me in from the beginning. First to figure out the format, then to learn more about the character's lives. Susan Walter immediately invested me into Jane and her family and all adjacent characters. The book was heartwarming and told a story in a different style than I'd read before. Books that incorporate letters to/from the characters are not new, but the different perspectives and authors of the letters kept you wanting to know more about each of them. Some events of the book were sweet and predictable and some threw me for a good loop. It was even more about learning one's own way and each character found different ways to the answers they needed. Sometimes, the motivation each character needed to succeed came from others, but sometimes it came from within themselves before someone else offered the answer they were seeking. Many books leave me with more questions and hungry for more of the story, but this one left me mostly satisfied with the ending. I wouldn't mind knowing more of some of the character's stories, but I'd be OK not knowing, as well (which, I feel was a theme in Jane and her family's stories). And this was not expected considering how some of the interactions happened. Family secrets and their effects abounded throughout this story, and not all were meant to be found out. The use/need/introduction of therapy was very well-done in this book as well. I'll absolutely keep an eye out for more of Susan's books in the future. This is my first read of hers.

This was my first book by this author, and while it didn’t fully win me over, it certainly left an impression.

The story opens with Jane mourning the sudden death of her imperfect father, only to uncover a stack of letters that suggest he led a secret life. On the other side of the country, sixteen-year-old Adam is struggling to hold himself together after discovering letters from his birth mother, letters his adoptive parents never meant him to read. As both Jane and Adam seek answers, their lives begin to intersect in unexpected ways.

What I appreciated most was the emotional depth and the exploration of family, identity, and the tangled legacies we inherit. The author has a gift for portraying grief and confusion in a raw, believable way, and I was intrigued by the interwoven timelines and perspectives.

However, while I was invested in the premise, I found myself wanting more cohesion in the execution. Certain character arcs felt underdeveloped, and the resolution didn’t quite land with the impact I was hoping for.

Letters From Strangers written by Susan Walter was complicated, messy, beautiful, heart breaking, and full of secrets. After loving Lie by the Pool by this author, I knew I had to get my hands on her newest book Letters from Strangers and I'm so happy I got to because this book was absolutely beautiful and gut wrenching. When I saw that beautifully detailed cover, I didn't expect to be so emotionally distraught while reading the heart breaking words inside. From the very beginning all the way until the very last page, my eyes were like a waterfall, I couldn't keep the tears back. Susan Walter is one talented author, I don't know how she can write a thriller and then go and write a family saga full of secrets that's so heart breaking. All of the characters felt so authentic, their stories were so powerful, it was extremely hard not to root for them as they navigated their struggles during this difficult time. Letters From Strangers is a beautiful story about two strangers who are searching for the truth about their families after discovering a box of letters that contain so many secrets. If you are looking for a book about a family saga with hidden secrets, and you want to bawl your eyes out, look no further than Letters From Strangers written by Susan Walter and make sure your calendars are marked for May 27th, 2025 for the release of this book. If anyone does decide to read this book, please be mindful and check the trigger warning's, which will also be listed below in my review. Please read the author's at the end, it's so important that you don't skip over it.

THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND LAKE UNION PUBLISHING FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!

TRIGGER WARNING'S
Mentions of Suicide
Eating Disorders
Unplanned Pregnancy
Infidelity
Infertility

"When God gives you a miracle, you don't give it back".

"Why cry alone when you can cry with Celine Dion?" Tears were water falling into my open mouth.

"Losing a parent is largely inevitable, but when it happens, it's as incongruous as losing a piece of the sky".

"Ignorance may not be bliss, but being in the dark is better than stumbling around in the haze of mistrust".

"People choose closed adoption for a variety of reasons, often it's to put a difficult chapter behind them".

"Crying on your therapist's couch is so cliched".

"You only get one chance at life, you should spend it with the person who brings you joy".

Jane Berenson's father's death was as startling as it was unremarkable, he was Jane's protector, her backstop when life hurled a curve ball at her, his charisma was his song. After her father's passing, Jane found a stack of letters left behind that held so many secrets, but the biggest one is that her father was having an affair with a mystery woman and she was pregnant with his baby. In 1983, when Jane was just a teenager, she spoke to her father's mistress on the phone but had no idea who she was. As Jane is going through these letters, the last one was written in September 1983. After some time passes, Jane decides to go to Boston, Massachusetts to get answers from this mysterious woman, but with no such luck along the way. Jane now lives in Southern California, but grew up in Boston. Jane's back story broke my heart, she had an eating disorder is her early teens, intermittent tobacco and marijuana use in her twenties, and had three surgeries for early stage skin cancer right before she turned thirty years old. Richard "Richie" Berenson was a look at the bright side kind of guy. Richie was a complicated man who lived life to the fullest. Richie had an airplane- a single engine four seater that he kept at a private airport in Boston- he was hardly ever home. Richie had another life on the side, he had a forbidden love affair for nine or more years because he claimed he was unhappy in his marriage to Jane's mother. Richie would take "business trips", but secretly he was just visiting this woman. Richard left behind thirty three letters in his office after he passed away.

Adam Ross is sixteen years old, he was born June 7th, 1984. Adam struggles with an eating disorder, so his parents hired a dietitian to help him lose weight. His mom wanted him to be a healthy sports superstar and they also wanted Adam to be a professional tennis player, but in his junior year of high school, Adam discovered his love for football in gym class. The Summer before second grade when Adam was seven years old, he found out he was adopted, his adoption was closed which meant that the identity of his birth parents was sealed. Adam's adoptive parents, Gloria and Marvin Ross never met nor knew Adam's birth mother's name because of the closed adoption. On April 29th, 2001, Adam wrote a letter to his birth mother that he wanted to meet her. How could Adam possibly know who she is if it was a closed adoption? You will have to read this book to find out. The last and final letter confirmed a truth I didn't see coming at all, I was truly shocked. My heart broke for Adam, but he made so much progress throughout this book, it was truly inspiring to read. I know Adam's adoptive parents were hard on him and even rude to him at times, but I think it truly made him open his eyes and push himself to be the best version of himself he can ever be. Despite how heart breaking all of these characters stories were, they were also so powerful, it was just hard not to root for everyone involved, including this mysterious woman because after you read her perspective, you will know why she did what she did. During my time reading Letters From Strangers, it felt like I was right there witnessing all of the secrets unravel.

Thank you @amazonpublishing @susanwalterauthor @netgalley for the gifted digital arc!

A heartbreaking story of two strangers searching for the truth about their families—and discovering a secret that will change their lives forever.

Wow! I was truly blown away by this beautiful story. I loved the alternating storylines interspersed with the letters and how everything came together towards the end. The ending really touched my heart and I will be thinking about this book for a long time and recommending it to everyone!

Rating 5⭐️

Oh wow, this is my first Susan Walter book, but it certainly won't be my last, this was simply incredible. Jane just lost her dad when she finds out that he had led a double life. Then there is sixteen-year-old adopted Adam, who's going through some typical teenage angst when he finds letters written to him from his biological mom. Eventually, we learn how Jane and Adam are connected through decades of family trauma and drama. Still, it's not what you think. These two characters took me along on their emotional journeys and gave me all the feels. There are heavy topical themes within this story, such as infertility, grief, and other mental health issues abound.

This book sucked me right away with all the family secrets. The author seamlessly weaves Jane and Adam's story together with such talent and sensitivity. Both characters are complex, yet relatable. I loved how surprised I was reading this one. It was a truly emotional and heartwarming story that I will not soon forget. The twists and turns had me furiously flipping pages and made me think of my own many recent losses, including my dad seven months ago. I can't recommend this one enough. All. The. Stars.

Two strangers looking for answers about family...

On the West Coast, Jane discovers a stack of letters after the abrupt death of her father, revealing his secret life. He may have had a child with another woman...

On the East Coast, Adam, a struggling teen, is surprised when his adoptive parents hand him unsigned letters from his birth mother. Now he needs to know more...

"Letters from Strangers" is a well-written emotional story with important topics woven throughout. The short chapters kept me turning the pages and reading on as it explored themes of loss and grief, the consequences of secrecy, healing through forgiveness, and accepting oneself and others. There were more than just a few heartbreaking moments in this tale.

My one niggle is with my immersion reading experience, specific to the audiobook. The two narrators, voicing and recounting the story as Jane and Adam, sound overly young and animated, giving this a YA feel. I began reading more than listening, and was glad I had the digital copy to fall back on.

"Letters from Strangers" is a story about how life can gain new meaning through self-belief and connection with others. Be sure to read the author's note at the end to discover what inspired the writing of this story.

3.75⭐

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing, Brilliance Audio, and Susan Walter for the gifted DRC and ALC through NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.

This story truly touched my heart. As an adoptee, I’ve had some of the same feelings expressed in this book. The author did a fabulous job of giving us a look into the lives of several people affected by adoption, while also creating a wonderful story about hope and love! This was both emotional and heartwarming.

𝑳𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒂𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒔, 𝒊𝒕'𝒔 𝒂𝒔 𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒓𝒖𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝒂𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂 𝒑𝒊𝒆𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒌𝒚. 𝑺𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕'𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒖𝒅𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒊𝒔𝒏'𝒕. 𝑰𝒕'𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒓𝒓𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆'𝒔 𝒏𝒐 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌.

I stopped and started this book so many times, but when I finally sat down with this beautiful story, it was the beginning of some healing that I have been in dire need of.

I love books about how lives intersect, and this book does it perfectly. Jane’s father is far from perfect and was even the root cause of the eating disorder that she would struggle with throughout adolescence. However, those flaws doesn't mean his sudden death didn't devastate her. Jane is trying to navigate her own grief while making sure her taciturn mother is ok when she finds a stack of letters in his desk that are clear evidence of another life that her father was leading--a life with a woman identified only by her initials, and a woman who may have had her father's child.

Across the country, sixteen-year-old Adam is grappling with his self-worth. He deeply loves his adoptive parents, but he's always felt 'less than' and can't understand how a mother could abandon her child. His parents never intended to show him the unsigned letters from his birth mother, but they are desperate to get him off the collision course he's on. Adam just wants answers, even if he doesn't like what they may be.

I lost my mom in August, and it's hard to talk about her without a lump in my throat. When I was clearing out her house, I found a drawer full of letters that she and my dad wrote to each other when they were dating. I read a few, and it felt like I was intruding into something that wasn't mine, so I put them away...just like I've done with so many things I didn't want to deal with. Those containers are now overflowing, and it's reached a point that I have to open them and deal with all the things I've shoved inside. This book gave me the courage to do so.

Many thanks to the author for sending me an early copy and for including me in her book tour. She got everything right--the Gen X "we don't talk about our feelings," the internal struggle of being an adoptee, and realizing that although our parents had their own trauma they never talked about, most of them did the best they could. This book will publish May 27, 2025.

Jane and Adam are both looking for answers. Jane's been having a tough go with infertility and the death of her father when she discovers letters that indicate that he had another family. Adam was adopted and now 16, he's struggling with a sense of self and wants to find his mother. This moves between them and uses the device of the letters both of them have link their stories. It's a gentle tale of family secrets and lies. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Heartwarming.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Genre: Contemporary Fiction | Family Drama
Review (Spoiler-Free):

Letters from a Stranger is a heartfelt and thought-provoking novel that explores family, identity, and the unexpected ways our lives intersect. Susan Walter crafts an emotionally rich story told through multiple perspectives, each adding depth and complexity to the narrative.

The writing is warm and honest, and the characters feel real—flawed, relatable, and deeply human. The use of letters adds a touching layer to the storytelling, connecting past and present in meaningful ways.

I loved how the story unfolded gradually, drawing me in with emotional weight and subtle mystery. It’s a book about discovering truth, healing old wounds, and finding where you truly belong.

If you enjoy layered, emotional stories about family secrets and personal growth, this one is well worth the read.

Perfect for fans of:

Jodi Picoult
Kristin Hannah
Books with emotional twists and found-family themes
Would I recommend?
Absolutely—especially if you’re in the mood for something heartfelt and deeply human.

Oh, did this book resonate with me! When Jane finds a stash of letters in her recently deceased father’s belongings, it sets her off on a journey of self-reflection and eventual awareness of a happier future.

Adam, a high school athlete, is on a journey of his own trying to find a place where he feels accepted while also appreciating where he has come from.

Piecing together the lives of both Adam and Jane through flashbacks and letters was a beautiful process to experience. Each has a storied life but both hide parts of themselves from the ones they love.

I adored this novel! After reading Susan’s thriller novels, I was excited to read this contemporary family drama and I’m so glad I did!

Thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union for an Advanced Reader Copy of Letters From Strangers. I enjoyed how well the narration was done with the audiobook. The story was told well and was heartwarming. Susan Walter is an amazing author.

I did not expect to love this book so much. It was my first book from Susan Walter and I will definitely read more of her books. This book is about love, acceptance, family dynamics and so much more. It details found letters, truths discovered and finding your way back to lost loves. I will be recommending this to everyone.