Maybe love can come home after generations in a way not even Hollywood could imagine. Romance has never been actress Chloe Daschle’s forte–in life or on screen. But everyone knows who to call for a convincing death scene . . . and it might be killing her career. When Chloe is given a peek at the script for an epic love story, she decides to take her destiny into her own hands and request an … hands and request an audition for the lead female role, Esther Kingsley. The compelling tale, inspired by family lore and a one-page letter from the colonial ancestor of scriptwriter Jesse Gates, just might break her out of this career-crippling rut. Jesse would rather write about romance than live through it after his past relationship ended in disaster. But once on-set together, the chemistry between Jesse and his leading lady is hard to deny.
Centuries earlier, in the heart of the Revolutionary War, Hamilton Lightfoot and Esther Longfellow wrote their saga off the silver screen. Esther’s Loyalist father opposes any relationship with Hamilton, but Esther must face her beloved father’s disapproval and the dangers of war in order to convince Hamilton of their future together. Hamilton has loved Esther for years, and on the eve of battle pens the love letter she’s always wanted–something straight from the heart.
Set in stunning upcountry South Carolina, The Love Letter is a beautifully crafted story of the courage it takes to face down fear and chase after love, even in the darkest of times.
- Full length clean romance
- Includes discussion questions for book clubs
more
I love Rachel’s writing and this book had a beautiful intertwining of two different stories via time slip. I loved the way the Revolutionary War story wasn’t predictable. A very enjoyable read.
The Love Letter is one of the BEST books of 2018. I devoured this story in two days! This book spans 250 years, illustrates the pain of unrequited love, details several bittersweet journeys to forgiveness, demonstrates God’s immense love for us all, and shows just how small this world truly is. The plot is HIGHLY engaging — be prepared to lose a day or two in this extraordinary book. The characters are wonderful, realistic, and endearing. I absolutely love this book, and want to reread it right now.
One of my most favorite aspects to this story is Chloe’s take on love and marriage. There is a moment when Chloe considers love. She is a Hollywood starlet, so she is surrounded by the glitz and glamour of love. Many people in her circle see love as a feeling in the moment, but not Chloe. To Chloe, love is a verb. It is a choice made daily. I love this because it is so true. Anyone who has been married for any length of time will tell you that after the honeymoon period, loving your spouse is a choice. Some days it’s a really easy choice, and some days it’s one of the hardest choices ever. Even the best of marriages have moments of frustrations, discouragement, and pain. But, the best marriages are the ones where the couple has CHOSEN to love even when they would rather take a day off. In this, Chloe is SO correct. Another idea Chloe espouses that I love is the notion that marriage is a covenant between two people. Once entered into that covenant, there is a special bond that makes the two a super team. I love this concept because it is so true. My husband is my person. I can go to him for anything. We are definitely a team, and I can depend on him, trust him, and kiss him anytime I want! It’s a beautiful privilege to be a part of this team, but I can only do it with God’s daily help.
The Love Letter, time and time again, reminded me of Proverbs 16:9 (ESV): “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” Throughout this story, the reader watches as Esther and Hamilton, and Chloe and Jesse, attempt to make plans for their futures, but are constantly thwarted by war, parents, bad timing, etc. It is such a human thing to make plans, but God has other ideas. I very much enjoyed the many illustrations of God leading these characters where HE wanted them to go, and then seeing how each character reacted as their plans fell through. It is a great reminder to me that I am not in control of my life, so I better lean into the One who is truly in control. It has to be HIS will — not mine!
I could not help but be reminded of a fabulously crazy family story of mine as I read The Love Letter. Before I tell you the story, you have to know that my mother’s name is Catherine Ann Pace and my father’s name is Nicholas Patrick Durso III. I promise, it’s important.
When I was little, we had a knickknack that used to sit atop our coffee table. It was a small dish in the shape of Australia. I liked to play with it because it had a handle affixed to it and on top of the handle was a silver kangaroo. I thought it was cute, and I would often envision myself having adventures in Australia with this kangaroo. I was five and imaginative!
Inscribed on the dish is the following message:
To: Nicholas Patrick Durso
From: Katherine Ann Pace
With Love
As I got older and learned to read, I often wondered why my mom’s name was misspelled. Catherine should be spelled with a “C” and not a “K.” One day I asked my mother why the dish didn’t have her name spelled properly. She chuckled a little and then proceeded to explain the dish’s story.
During WWII, my grandfather, Nicholas Patrick Durso II, was severely injured. I actually know very little about his time in WWII because the Durso men do not talk about their times in war. All I know is that my grandfather was part of the US Cavalry, and he and his group were hit by enemy fire. My grandfather was injured and shipped out to Australia for surgery and to convalesce. One of the nurses assigned to my grandfather was named Katherine Ann Pace. Over the course of his time in hospital, my grandfather and this woman fell in love. When cleared by the doctors, and subsequently honorably discharged, my grandpa made plans to head back home to the US. Before he left, he asked Katherine to marry him. She wanted to accept my grandfather’s proposal, but did not have any desire to move to the US, so she declined his offer. My grandfather was heartbroken, but understood. The day he was set to leave, Katherine gifted the knickknack to my grandfather so he wouldn’t forget her.
When my grandpa came back from WWII in 1945, he met my grandmother, Madelyn. They got married, and in 1947 they had my father, Nicholas Patrick Durso III. My dad, at the age of 34, married my mother, Catherine Ann Pace. I don’t actually know how we came to possess the little dish. All I know is that my family’s story is proof that man makes plans, but God maneuvers our steps…just like Esther and Hamilton, and Chloe and Jesse in The Love Letter. And, I’m super glad my grandpa met and fell in love with my grandma, Madelyn, because I really love the life God has blessed me with!
The Love Letter is a remarkable story that I cannot recommend enough. I feel strongly that after you finish reading this review, you run to your local bookstore and pick up a copy of this book. You will NOT be disappointed!
I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author via Celebrate Lit. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
“He’d love to confess his sins and seek forgiveness if it’d bring healing. If his confessor would not despise him by the time he was through. But how could a person not? Jesse despised himself.”
Actress Chloe Daschle is known for her death scenes. Never once has she been allowed to live in a movie. Or have a romance succeed. And her career is not exactly on the upswing, either. She is given a tiny peek at a love story, an epic one, a true one, a love story over 240 years old. Chloe is desperate to play the lead, Esther Longfellow, in this move and not just because she won’t have to die. She feels a connection to Esther. She auditions for the director and gets the part.
The screen writer, Jesse Gates, based the script on an old letter that has been in his family for over two hundred years. He feels it needs to be told. But Jesse doesn’t feel romance could ever be in his future, nor does he feel he can ever be forgiven.
Over two hundred years earlier, Hamilton Lightfoot and Esther Longfellow have fallen in love, but Esther’s father is a Loyalist and forbids any relationship with Hamilton, who supports the Patriots. Hamilton has loved Esther for years, but never telling her, and writes a letter to her on the battlefield, making his love clear to her. Things take a turn then that just breaks hearts.
Set in my own home state of SC, this stunning tale of love lost and won and with an exceptional ending, moved me greatly. Hauck always includes a serious touch of the Divine in her novels and I was comforted to find it here in this offering as well. One of the battles in this novel, the battle of Kings Mountain, actually took place not 15 miles from my home. I’ve walked the battlefield trail many times. It somehow made the book seem so much more real to me. I am a forever fan of Rachel Hauck.
*I was provided with a copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers. I was not expected to leave a review and the opinion stated above is entirely my own.
Rachel Hauck is an outstanding author and this book is evidence of that. It takes amazing talent to write a “split time” romance that’s told from the viewpoint of four characters—two in the past and two in the present day —and allow the reader to easily keep track and engaged in the story.
I thought the story flowed very smoothly between the two time periods. I loved both storylines, but the present day story was my favorite. Each of the four main characters were interesting. The guys were ok. I honestly didn’t have much sympathy for Hamilton, and I wanted Jesse to just move on with his life. The most interesting guy in this story was Smitty. There’s a mystery about him.
The “strength of character” award in this book goes to both the main leading ladies. The character that appealed to me most was Chloe. Her vulnerability about the mistakes of her past and her unwavering trust in God sets the stage for tying both storylines together. I’d love it if this book turned into a series. (A note to the author here: I think there needs to be a book about Chloe’s parents. I kind of felt that their story was unfinished, and that it could be a quite interesting one.). There’s a surprise twist at the end that adds a perfect touch to Jesse and Chloe’s story.
It’s a pleasure to read such a touching love story that has no bad language or embarrassing scenes. Don’t miss this one. I’ve enjoyed many of Rachel Hauck’s books, and this one has its place as one of my favorites.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review.
I’ve read most of Rachel Hauck’s books and she never fails to amaze me. Every time I pick up her book, I come away astounded. The same is true of her newest offering. The Love Letter is beautifully written with an intricately detailed dual timeline plot that fits together like a puzzle. The characters are relatable, human, oh-so-flawed with painful pasts and incredibly lovable. If you love dual timeline romance, this book is definitely for you!
Rachel Hauck has the ability to write emotionally-charged, heady romantic stuff without saccharin and with plenty of life-altering, soul-hurting events in her characters’ lives. As in most of her dual timeline novels, there is intrigue (as the delicious storyline slowly reveals itself), plenty of romance and angst, and gasp-inducing plot line twists.
Chloe, our contemporary heroine, is a unique actress who is down-to-earth, sweet, kind, and thoughtful though she is born and bred in Hollywood. Her quest to find true love lands her at rock bottom and she meets Jesus there. Jesse, our contemporary hero, is a brilliant techie turned actor/screenwriter who is still battling his demons from the past and hides out in Hollywood. He is gentle, loving, and so tender-hearted but can’t let go of his past. Jesse’s first screenplay about his ancestor Hamilton and his first love Esther gets made into a movie and brings Jesse and Chloe together. Hamilton and Esther, the historical hero and heroine, get their own story through the screenplay as well as flashbacks.
The lessons of faith that all four main characters learn throughout the book are applicable to all of us. Chloe’s faith is admirable and she finally learns to have freedom from fear. Hamilton and Esther’s faith that propels them to “come and follow Me” even when it means leaving everything they hold dear is a calling for all of us who believe.
I was given a copy of this book from the publisher via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
3.5 star…loved the historical side of the time hop!
I really liked the historical side of the time hop, but I didn’t relate to the present day. The main character wanted marriage…a real one. I absolutely LOVE her idea of it…she understood that it was work. However, she also knew it would be worthwhile. However, the story of her parents union and the instant attraction part just fell flat for me. That’s really all I can say without spoilers. Don’t just take my word on this, tho, as I’m sure it didn’t seem to bother others. However, her parents relationship was a negative for me.
The historical…well, I felt more empathy and more connected to these characters. I was also thrilled that it didn’t follow a traditional storyline, but it broke from that. God did great things in their lives despite the difficulties. They were happy. I think I could have been pleased just to read their story! Tho that would miss one of the points of the novel.
It really is a book worth reading! I can’t put it into words, but certain scenes were just amazing. I gave it three and a half simply because I really wasn’t pulled into the present day story or the characters. Perhaps that was simply because I wanted to just read the historical? This book was real…the messiness of life, the imperfections of people, and God’s love and forgiveness.
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Some of my favorite quotes.
“Marriage is the one place where no one can go but you and your spouse. One man. One woman. In a union that has baffled humanity since the beginning of time. It’s a treasure, something to be guarded with every part of your being…Joined by God.”
“A couple of women took me aside…told me about a God who loved me and gave his life for me. He defended me. He covered my shame.”
“Jesus would heal her past and take care of her todays and her tomorrows. Her Good Father held her future in His hands.”
“Keep your innocence, my dear Guard the kindness and tenderness of your heart. Let not fear nor greed or selfish ambition take hold.”
I completely enjoyed this story!
I absolutely loved this unique book! The two female characters—historical Esther and modern (and so relatable—with her insecurities and her Diet Coke habit) Chloe—are strong women from the start, but as the novel goes on, it’s fun to watch them grow into even more likeable, courageous characters. The same goes for the men that they love; you will root for these guys and enjoy watching them mature and heal. The setting is dear to my heart because I live in South Carolina, where most of the novel takes place. What I enjoyed most about this book is that there are a few little nuggets left to the reader’s imagination; you’ll still feel satisfied with the ending, but you’ll be able to fill in a couple of details on your own. I also want to add that the cover is beautiful; when did book covers start becoming such works of art? The cover isn’t a deal-breaker when I love an author, but it’s a nice bonus to have a pretty book to carry around!
I don’t agree with the reviewers who have called this one a “light” read. There are war scenes (which can’t be easy to write), relationship conflicts, and tragedies, but thankfully, she’s an author who will never leave you in heartbreak. Also, if you’re a person of faith, then you’ll appreciate the spiritual depth of this story—and if you’re not, I highly doubt you’ll be offended and will probably agree that the references add to the complexity of the plot.
Rachel Hauck’s trend of dual-time novels can be summed up nicely with this quote from this book: “Frightening, isn’t it? That something I decide today impacts future generations. Beyond my own flesh and blood.” But don’t let the word “frightening” dissuade you from reading these novels, because I guarantee that you’ll close the last page feeling uplifted, challenged, and content. If you’ve enjoyed her other dual-time books, then move this one to the top of your to-read list.
Intriguing and surprising. Hard to put down.
I enjoyed this book. Story of generations well told
would read again
Taking place during the years of America’s Revolutionary War, this was the perfect novel to finish reading on July 4th, Independence Day. Similar to Rachel’s other novels, it follows duel timelines (Modern day Chloe/Jesse and 18th century Hamilton/Esther) and manages to work the two together wonderfully. As someone who has researched my own family tree – and has several of my grandparents’ own love letters – I loved the idea of a secret letter binding two times together. While it was interesting to learn about a lesser-known Revolutionary war battle in CowPens, SC (yes, that is actually the name of the town), I quickly fell head over heels for the characters. All four characters brought some deep emotional baggage to the table, but through each other – and their steadfast or newfound faith in God – they found the power to conquer their pasts and hope for the future. Chloe and Jesse’s romance in particular made me smile, cheer, and consistently yell at their nonsensical overly dramatic behavior (I was a theatrical design major, so I know what I’m talking about). But it was dramatic in all the best ways.
Last but not least, just because this seems like a straightforward romance, don’t be assured that everything is as predictable as it may seem. Trust me, in the case of Rachel Hauck, a few twists are always a good thing.
This review first posted on kelseygietl.com
Loved the juxtaposition of the original love story with the two modern ones, as well as the screenplay underway. Such great writing with lovable and interesting characters. Maybe a bit fictional, but great read, with obvious inspiration from historic fact.
Very well done. Characters are attractive and great story. Came together really well in the end.
Excellent book and Arthur
Great story that ties two different time periods together. Loved the ending!
The Love Letter is a beautiful story of two different generations and the love given by God as a gift, though not always the love we want or imagine. Love the ending!
Good light reading with spiritual principles. Enjoyed it but won’t reread it.
Loved this book! Great characters and I loved how the characters lives intertwined together. Beautifully done.
This is my first book from Rachel Hauck and definitely won’t be my last!
I liked the premise of it being a contemporary story mingled with an historical one. I love historical novels and this one didn’t dissapoint, it was well written and seemed realistic and well researched. The coming to and back from two eras was very well done and it didn’t feel confusing as it sometimes does in other similar books.
Jesse is a scriptwriter and they’re about to film his story about Hamilton (his ancestor) and Esther, set during the Revolutionary War, and based an a real love letter (that Jesse owns) that Hamilton wrote Esther before leaving for war. Chloe is an actress with a wellknown fame for her roles as a character who “always dies”. She wants to change her status, so when she reads Jesse’s script she envisions it as the opportunity of her lifetime and inmediately auditions for Esther’s role…
I loved how the two stories intertwine and I also liked both set of characters. They felt real and relatable, especially Jesse and Chloe, who both had personal issues and baggage to redeem and heal throughout the story.
The story has drama (especially the historical part), sweet and clean romance, danger, intrigue and even humor.
It was very hard to put this book down! The ending surprised me and pleased me at the same time. I was rooting for both set of characters the whole time!
I definitely recommend this book, very worth reading. I look forward to reading more books from Rachel Hauck.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.