From the New York Times bestselling author comes an enthralling historical story inspired by true events – a brilliant, lonely young man and the ordinary English girl who changes his world forever – for readers who loved The Ragged Edge of Night, All the Light We Cannot See and The Nightingale.I’m getting desperate not hearing from you. Your letters are a lifeline and there is something I need to … letters are a lifeline and there is something I need to tell you. Please write, please, please.
1937, England. Kathleen Motts, with her flame-red curls and gift for geometry, grew up just across the water from the secretive RAF base, Bawdsey Manor, on the bleak and beautiful east coast. When the stars overhead turn red as warplanes surge towards her home, Kath is desperate to do her bit, enlisting as one of the first female radar operators, helping to keep the brave pilots safe in troubled skies.
Vikram Mackensie is quiet, exceptional at maths and music, and always the outsider. When he’s recruited for a top-secret war project at Bawdsey Manor, Vic’s chance to belong has arrived at last. He may only be half-British, but he vows to help the country he loves.
From their first meeting on windy cliffs above a rocky beach, Kath arrives like a blaze of warmth into Vic’s grey life and turns the colour back on. As the war intensifies, so do Kath and Vic’s feelings for each other. They may have grown up on different sides of the world – but if the war can’t keep them apart, nothing will.
But fate intervenes when Vic is posted to America, and Kath is left heartbroken and alone. As the silence between them grows, so does the secret that Kath is holding… As the sky falls around Kath, will she ever have more than one last letter?
A heartbreaking and gripping novel, Our Last Letter shows that even in humanity’s darkest moments, light and love will find a way.
Readers absolutely adore Liz Trenow:
‘A book which takes me in, rips parts of my heart and soul and then keeps me hooked and has a hold on me forever… Fantastically written and the descriptions are so crystal clear you feel as though you could be there… I cannot rave about this book enough and if I won the lottery I would buy them all and hand them out on the street!’ Goodreads Reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘Simply beautiful… The emotional impact of this book is enormous – I cried so many times and ached at the injustice and unfairness of it all. But it’s also immensely uplifting… This lovely book will remain in my memory for a very long time to come.’ Goodreads Reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘Absolutely beautiful. A wonderful story about love, loss, heartbreak and hope… All the characters and the setting come alive in this stunning story… Brilliant… A book that will stay with me for a very long time.’ Renita D’Silva, author of A Mother’s Secret ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘A hugely compelling read… I felt very moved and not just a little tearful afterwards. Liz Trenow has a real eye for detail so that the settings are described in a way that makes them come to life… Real places and historical events were so skilfully woven into a gorgeous narrative… I really recommend… A moving, evocative, historical read.’ Linda’s Book Bag ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘Liz Trenow sews together the stands of past and present together as delicately as the exquisite stitching on the quilt which forms the centrepiece of the story.’ Lucinda Riley, author of The Seven Sisters
‘I was enchanted… I devoured it in two days and was gripped from start to finish… A fabulous book.’ Dinah Jefferies, author of The Tea Planter’s Wife
‘Liz writes beautifully… I really couldn’t wait to get back to it each evening.’ Tracy Rees, author of Amy Snowmore
Wonderful novel about the behind the scenes work that was crucial in winning WWII. The characters were very distinct and real, and the underlying story was captivating. I learned a lot and enjoyed this novel very much.
It’s always fun to learn something new, and I learned a lot about the invention of radar and its importance in WWII from this well-written novel. I liked the characters and thought that the author did a fantastic job of creating characters with challenges that they had to overcome. I especially liked Kath’s story arc, as I think she was very relatable. The end seemed a little bit rushed, but all in all, I thought the way Vic and Kath’s story was interwoven was very effective. For a full review, please visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks. Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for a pre-release digital ARC of the book.
Letters of Love
This is a story of war time and of romance. It is also a story of a top secret invention that saved so many lives during the war. The men and women that invented it and those that perfected it and used it to keep others out of harm’s way.
Most of all it is a story of feelings, of loved ones lost, of courage to go on and of patriotism for one’s country. The story of family and friends all sticking together to survive in war times.
It is a story of acceptance, diversity and a feeling of belonging, of being a part of something larger than yourself. Diplomacy and communication. Working together for a common goal. Long nights, exhausting work, and a bit of romance. The fear of loss, the bombing, the planes, the whole of war as seen from a few brave men and women. Those behind the scenes helping to keep those in battle safe.
The story of a love found and lost because of missed communication. A young woman, a scientist, and the dream of a future. The ending is great, I loved it. There was a twist I never expected but in a good sort of way.
I loved the characters, the book was engaging and very well written. I recommend it.
Thanks to Liz Trenow, Bookouture, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review an advance copy of the book for an honest review.
One of my favorite genres to read is historical fiction … especially during WWII. I love learning about new locations that were affected by the war. I was not familiar with Bawdsey Manor. And the dual timeline focus was well done. The characters were well developed and I enjoyed getting to know Vic and Kath. I continue to be amazed at the many ways women were involved in helping end the war and their intelligence and dedication. Great story for those who enjoy this time in history.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookoutre for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.