Molly Alcott didn¿t expect to open her mailbox one summer morning and find an old letter stuffed between bills and a supermarket flyer. Penned in familiar handwriting, dated over fifteen years ago, the letter was written to Molly after her first date with the man she¿ll never forget.
Week after week, new letters appear. Each marks an event in the history of their epic love affair. Each heals a … Each heals a wound. Each holds the confession of the man who still owns Molly¿s heart.
The letters are full of promise, hope and love, but truth be told, Molly wishes she could unread them all.
Because the man who wrote these letters is not the one sending them.
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Can there be more books about married couples, married romance, marriage struggles, etc.? This is an amazing story! The letters allowed Molly and Finn to heal, to grow, to understand each other, to realize their love for each other, and to understand that most of the time it is the little foxes that spoil the vine if we don’t deal with them. I want more stories where marriage is the center—can there be a marriage romance genre? Deveny Perry, this is what I call “grown folks romance,” the kind of romance that deals with real life issues not easily solved but solved through time and the willingness of the couple to succeed. There is so much more I could say, but go read this book for yourself; you won’t be disappointed.
Molly and Finn met in college and made a life together. 2 beautiful children later and somewhere along the line they stopped trying. A one night stand, divorce and several years later they are trying to be friends. Mysteriously letters start turning up in Molly’s mailbox. They are letters written by Finn after major events in their relationship. They have been hand delivered but Finn was obviously surprised. Will the letters help heal years worth of broken hearts for Finn and Molly?
This was another wonderful addition to the Maysen Jar Series. It was sometimes hard to watch Finn and Molly hurting but seeing them learn to communicate was beautiful. I loved the characters and the fact that they carry through from each book. Love this author and her way with words.
I love this world. Molly starts to receive letters from her ex husband Finn from during their marriage but he’s not the one sending them! I really enjoyed the mystery of who was sending the letters. And the depth and realness if Molly and Finn and the voice of marriage and heartbreak. You also get to be party in the world of Poppy and Cole and I loved reading about them again!! .
All the stars to the letters.
This is a standalone, but I totally recommend you to read The Birthday List. First, because it’s amazing. Second, because it gives a preview of Finn and Molly, their struggles, and it makes you want to know their story desperately.
Molly and Finn loved each other dearly, they got married and had two amazing and beautiful kids. But after so many things, after so many struggles, and loss, and grief and so so many mistakes, everything seemed to blow and the love they once shared turned into pain and resentment.
They got divorced but, for the sake of the kids, tried to be civilized. They even tried to move on, and maybe they could have achieved that…..it it wasn’t for the letters.
Ahh the letters.
You see, Molly liked the old kind romance and thought that writing letters was a good way to “woo” a woman. And writing letters was what Finn did during their time together, except that he never sent them to Molly. They were addressed to Molly, but they were for his eyes only (God bless misterious sender!)
Those letters were the beggning of the turmoil and the push they needed. They brought everything back, both good and bad. But even the bad was necessary, because their arguments to solve their issues were long overdue.
The letters were deep, emotional and raw. They were real, beautiful and painful. I felt like I had a bid inflated balloon the whole time reading their stories, and the balloon was about to pop.
They forced them to face their mistakes and talk about them. And boy, there were so many mistakes.
Just to begin with, there was the Ross and Rachel situation, you know, kind of a “we were on a break” kind of thing (if you’re a fan of friends, you get my point).
It was kind of that, but not really. There was a mistake, I won’t deny that, but the it was so sensibly told, her feelings about it were so beautifully painful that you could never hold it against Molly.
Because we also needed to see all the mistakes Finn did. And they were a lot!
“I wanted that for Molly. She deserved to have the man of her dreams, a partner who supported her and whose purpose in life was to make her happy. I hadn’t been that man.
I’d failed her.
I wouldn’t fail her again”
But this book wasn’t about pointing mistakes and putting blame. It was an emotional and heartwrecking book about redemption. A book about forgiving and not forgetting, because if you forget, you make all the same mistakes again and erase all the amazing memories.
And the forgiving part wasn’t only about each other. It was also about forgive yourself and ruin your life…your bad life. The lifeless and gray life you stubbornly create even after living the most colorful life.
It was a book about love, family, toleration, compromise and knowing how to value the right things and people.
Their journey wasn’t easy, their feelings were so raw and their imperfections were on full display.
But that it exactly why this book is so incredible. The characters are real and relatable. They are flawed, deep and complex.
“I wanted to hold her. To tell her that she was the most incredible woman I’d ever known. To ask her is she thought we might have the energy to give us another go. To promise I’d never stop loving her, that she’d owned my heart since the day we’d met.
Instead, I simply said ‘Sweet Dreams'”
Finn and Molly totally got to me. They loved each other deeply even if they tried to mask it, but they were only fooling themselves.
As each letter came, they exorcized some demons that had to have been gone a long time ago.
And when a terrible accident happens, they are again forced to see what kind of life they want to live and what compromises they are willing to make.
It was time to find their way back to each other.
“‘We wasted so many years’
‘Then we’ll make this year and all those to come count double'”
I had unshed tears in my eyes. I laughed and had so much fun with the secondary characters (and I loved seeing them again, since I met them in The Birthday List).
I felt happy for choosing to read this book
By the end, Letters To Molly left my soul full of hope, my heart full of love and a huge smile on my face.
Such an emotional read. A reminder of how easy it is to not communicate and then watch as everything we love crumbles. Finn had written letters to Molly where he had opened up and shared feelings he couldn’t do in person, however, he never gave them to her at the time. Six years into their divorce the letters appear and allow for communication to open up again. For forgiveness and reassessing their lives, and taking that love that had never gone and working at it.
Not ashamed to say I shed a tear. The characters are believable and the story is heartwarming.
As usual, this author’s seamless writing style keeps me glued to every page right up to the heart melting, touchdown HEA, when second chance love can’t be denied and wins the game. Even when I’m really wishing somethings had been scripted differently. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Finn and Molly as they struggled and found their way back to each other.
However, it’s really hard for me not to play Tuesday night quarterback here. I simply would have preferred some different plays put into motion and words to have been thrown here. Instead, there was a whole lot of time spent in huddle mode hiding behind hurt feelings and not saying what should have been said in the first place. It took each of these at times painful letters to get these two “never should have parted to begin with lovebirds” to finally start singing a new song and put the past behind them.
Here’s what I wish had been different:
#1. It would have been epic if Molly had barged in long ago (while all dolled up) and let Finn and that bimbo Bridget have a piece of her mind. She proved herself to be strong, resilient, and carried on even through her stupid mistake and broken heart. My hats off to her for putting her kids first and making sure her broken marriage didn’t taint their relationship with their daddy. She should have stormed in and told him, “You want a divorce? You got it, buddy! Here’s what you’ll be missing!” then strutted out the door with her head held high. I struggle with accepting a heroine who slinks away defeated.
#2. Friends and family not pointing out from the get go marital priorities were amiss here. It was pretty obvious second fiddle syndrome was a big cause for the split. This posse of people were obviously always in each other’s business, so they could have at least tried to intervene. Nope, they stayed silent most of the time, as well.
#3. Molly’s blink of an eye, drunken infidelity while still technically married and hoping to reconcile. That just felt wrong on so many levels, I’m not even going there, folks. I had to shrug it off and accept it for what it was, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it. I honestly think that twist could have been left out. Seeing or hearing about her flirting with the guy could have been the catalyst.
I’m struggling with how to rate this second chance, stand-alone but part of a series romantic tale. 5 stars for how smoothly the writing flowed, 2 stars for knucklehead thinking/behavior, 3 stars for lack of commitment from both of them until nearly the end, 5 stars for ultimately forgiving and both parties accepting responsibility for losing six years of their marriage. Maybe it’s best if I let you draw your own conclusion altogether. Here’s to hoping my review will help you do just that.
Rating: 3.5 stars
(These comments are based on a library edition. This is not an ARC review.)
I’m in a quandary with this one…
I was hesitant to start this story when it hit my Kindle. If I was to write a bullet point summary of Letters to Molly, you would surely be convinced that there was no hope for Molly and Finn. I already knew things about this couple that did not put them in a favourable light. But, I also knew that these characters were very human, vulnerable and capable of love, loyalty and compassion. How did I end up enjoying a story with a subject matter that I normally HATE? Well, I guess it all comes down to how well it’s written.
There were so many times I questioned Devney Perry’s ability to turn my feelings around from anger to happiness. I was squinty-eyed, fuming and uncertain whether I wanted Finn and Molly to have their happy ever after. So many mistakes, years of guilt, heartbreak and loneliness that could have all been avoided if they had only communicated and put their marriage first.
Even as I’m typing this review, I’m still in a quandary about my feelings. On one hand, Finn’s obliviousness made me so angry I wanted to scream and shout at him. On the other hand, his willingness to admit his faults and work towards fixing their problems was something I came to love. With Molly, at first, I believed her crime was unforgivable and I wrote her off as unredeemable. Then, when all the letters had been read, the raw feelings exposed, I couldn’t help but reassess my hasty judgement.
Geez, it’s so easy to judge without knowing the full story and for a wee while there, I know I closed myself off from giving these two a fair shot at happiness. Even I know that marriage is hard work and isn’t always perfect. It’s easy to put others needs ahead of your own when you have kids in the mix. I’m even familiar with having a family business that can take over your life. I SHOULD have been the first person to read without judgement and give these two a chance, and I didn’t. I guess I’ll have to remember this moment for my future reads.
I really enjoyed reading Letters to Molly and getting the chance to see this once happy couple find happiness and love again. The characters were interesting and very realistic, the storyline kept my attention from start to finish, and Finn and Molly’s love story was proof that love can conquer all. I definitely recommend.
Top Marks Devney!
I fell in love with Molly and Finn and couldn’t stop reading. They have been divorced for years with 2 kids and they have found a way to share custody peacefully until they begin nto hang around each other more. Can you fall back in love, mystery letters that Finn wrote years ago begin showing up which open up conversation between the two as well. I loved this second chance romance so much. Amazing story. Top pick of the year.
Letters to Molly was so emotionally beautifully it was hard to put down. From The Birthday List I wished for Molly and Finn because like Cole said, you could still see the love between the two for them. And the mystery of who was sending the letters was spectacular because you never suspected the person! Beautiful story in this world!
Loved it!!!
Since the first mention of Finn and Molly in The Birthday List, I’ve been anxious to read their story. To be honest, I was more interested in them than I was in Poppy and Cole.
I think this was my first divorced couples reunite trope and it was fantastic – from the demise of their first marriage to their growth to their rekindling. True love prevails once again.
I love this book. If I could give it 10 stars I would. It’s about making a relationship work, and it is work.
I think this book might have moved to my favorite of Perry’s books. This is some of her best writing, yet!
I am one of those people who like when fiction closely mirrors reality. I have a big imagination, however it’s nice to see reality with a dose of happily ever after sometimes. This book is just that. Real, raw, life. And then smiles by the end. I couldn’t have asked for more from this book.
I met these characters in The Birthday List. When I saw that they were getting their own book, I was intrigued. I knew I would end up reading it at some point. I am glad I didn’t put it off. This book had me turning the pages from the very beginning.
This book is a roller coaster of emotions. I was so invested in these characters and their happy ending, I had tunnel vision. The only thing I was concerned with while reading this book was this book. Nothing else really mattered. I wanted nothing more than to see these characters heal together.
The idea of the letters in this book is pretty ingenious. They made the book. At the same time, they were the only fall back for me. While they set the tone for many parts of the book. They weren’t as emotional for me as they were for the characters. I get it though. They lived through those letters, however, I wanted to feel what they were feeling in that moment. And I just didn’t. I felt some, but nothing overwhelming, which I think should have been overwhelming.
Overall, this book is a definite must read. You can read this one on its own if you haven’t read The Birthday List. Although, you might want to read TBL because of the timeline. Either way, the book is definitely more than worth a read.
Every book of Devney’s I’ve read so far is like soul-food!
Letters to Molly was really heart wrenching at times but as the saying goes, “the truth must be told”. In this novel, Molly and Finn, were bleeding on each and every page. The anger, the secrets, and the love that would never die, came through in each beautiful chapter as the story unfolded.
I enjoyed the fact that they weren’t in their early twenties. They were divorced people trying to do the best they could for their two children in a less than perfect situation.
On a personal level, it really made me think about how valuable communication is in a relationship.
Don’t miss this one, and don’t feel like you have to read The Birthday List first BUT I highly recommend that you do.
A top read for 2019. This one hit at the heart.
If there was one book that I so looking forward to reading in 2019, it was ‘Letters to Molly’. But it was also the story that I was most nervous about. Because after reading and loving ‘The birthday list’ so much, my expectations were very, very high. I was afraid that they were a bit too high for this story but to my delight I LOVED this story just as much as the first story in the ‘Maysen Jar’ series. I’m so glad that the writer decided to write this story and give Molly the love that she deserves.
I find It a bit hard to write this review because how much do I give away of the story? I have decided not much. But I will say that this story was everything that I had hoped for!! It was a sweet and emotional story. And yes, it was painful at times remembering the past, it was also hopeful because you could feel the healing of old wounds. The story is told from both POV’s and it takes place 6 years after the first story in this series. It was great seeing all the previous characters again from the first book. To see how Poppy and Cole were doing and the rest of their family.
I really loved how the story was told, how each letter that Molly received brought back memories but also a lot of emotions. That through each letter we learned a bit more about Molly’s past and how each letter not only brought hurt but also healed a part of Molly’s heart and soul. But do not fear, there were also a few funny moments in the story. Randall and Jimmy made sure of that! I really like these two old and grumpy guys.
So if you loved ‘The birthday list’ you REALLY have to read this story too and if you haven’t read ‘The birthday list’ I do suggest that you start with that one before reading this one.
I’m a huge Devney fan, and I couldn’t listen to this audiobook fast enough.
It was !!
It can be read as a standalone, but I loved The Birthday List, and they have interconnecting characters.
I listened to the audiobook.
Teddy Hamilton and Jillian Macie were a perfect Finn and Molly.
I stayed up late last night listening, woke up, and immediately resumed listening and then resented everything and everyone today that kept me from finishing it until tonight. LOL
Drop all that you doing and read this book ladies. I promise you that you will kick yourself if you don’t. It’s Mature and deals with issuses we all can relate to in some way. Its beautiful and inspiring.
Oh Boy I have no idea where to start with explaining how beautiful this book is. Devney Perry knows how to write the most emotionally beautiful stories ever. Letters to Molly will Touch your Soul and Stay with for Forever. It’s a book that is definitely in The Top Five reads this year. It’s gonna leave you in such funk because really its spell bounding.
We met Molly and Finn in The Birthday List and I really wanted to know what the fuck was up with them….
I promise you that from the minute you start this book you are Captured in this emotional, Raw and So so real.
This story is very relatable, something I know about after being married for 17 years….
My heart breaks for Finn and Molly so many times, their love is so so strong. They have all the workings for a perfect Marriage it’s just sometimes in trying to protect and not cause tension we drift apart.
This book shows how the lack of communication can hurt even the most strongests Love.
It also shows us how important it is to have positive family and friends around you. It helps a relationship on the way to mending.
It’s really No wonder these two can’t get enough of each other. They have such amazing chemistry and their love making is sweltering.
EVERY. SINGLE. THING ABOUT THIS BOOK IS PHENOMENAL.
Drop all that you doing and read this book ladies. I promise you that you will kick yourself if you don’t. It’s Mature and deals with issuses we all can relate to in some way. Its beautiful and inspiring.
Oh Boy I have no idea where to start with explaining how beautiful this book is. Devney Perry knows how to write the most emotionally beautiful stories ever. Letters to Molly will Touch your Soul and Stay with for Forever. It’s a book that is definitely in The Top Five reads this year. It’s gonna leave you in such funk because really its spell bounding.
We met Molly and Finn in The Birthday List and I really wanted to know what the fuck was up with them….
I promise you that from the minute you start this book you are Captured in this emotional, Raw and So so real.
This story is very relatable, something I know about after being married for 17 years….
My heart breaks for Finn and Molly so many times, their love is so so strong. They have all the workings for a perfect Marriage it’s just sometimes in trying to protect and not cause tension we drift apart.
This book shows how the lack of communication can hurt even the most strongests Love.
It also shows us how important it is to have positive family and friends around you. It helps a relationship on the way to mending.
It’s really No wonder these two can’t get enough of each other. They have such amazing chemistry and their love making is sweltering.
EVERY. SINGLE. THING ABOUT THIS BOOK IS PHENOMENAL.
Devney Perry, what have you done? You have shaken me, you have excited me, you have perplexed me, you have brought tears, and all out laughter to my day. And you have allowed me the pleasure of expressing my sheer gratitude to you for this story – Letters to Molly.
I am not sure I can find more words to describe the message. Where as so many books read, are stories, Letters to Molly is a message in a story’s cover. It is a testament to human nature, and a display to the will power of devotion, forgiving, and love.
Finn and Molly are both so broken, yet they are so in love with each other. How else could this story work so well. How else could the message be so clear. I could tell some details, but they are better read than explained. The are better experienced within the readers soul.
If you have not ventured to acquire and turn the pages yet, I urge you to not hesitate. Gather your wits, rest your mind, and open the pages. What will come to you with each turn will leave you devastated, rejuvenated, and proud to know that not only is the printed word you read powerful, but so are the letters… The Letters to Molly that is.
There are not enough stars to award this writing, and Devney please know, I place you on a pedestal high for my admiration of your skills. So very well done!
I absolutely loved this story from beginning to end. Such a unique second chance romance with a divorced couple, a storyline I don’t often come across. Truly everything about this story had me captivated – I never was tempted to skip ahead, I just fell in love with the characters and didn’t come up for air until I was done reading. Finn and Molly’s pain riddled past that led to an unhappy divorce was one that was full of mistakes and hurtful truths. To remain a united front for the children, they Agree d to be amicable again but with a mountain of pain between them- time could not heal all wounds nor quell the deep love they hid away. This book felt so real, a honest look inside a relationship after divorce, the hurt and hope the kids felt had me in tears several times. I was so invested in the outcome of their love story that I too was in pain and healed right along with them when the truths unearthed the love that never went away.
I loved the letters aspect of the book, they exposed so much unspoken pain and miscommunication between the two in the past, bringing old pain and hurt back the surface to be re-examined and to finally heal the hole it left in both their lives. Even though the letters were painful they definitely made for open and honest conversations about what had destroyed their marriage in the past and what could build a stronger foundation for the future. “Yes, her. It’s always her.” – Finn
5+Stars for me!