Letters to a Stranger

Letters to a Stranger by Sarah Mitchell is a touching and unique novel that tells the story of two women, Ruby and Cassie, who become pen pals under unexpected circumstances. The novel alternates between two timelines: the summer of 1939 in rural Norfolk, England, and spring 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ruby is a young, beautiful girl in love with her childhood sweetheart, Edmondo, who happens to be Italian. As tensions rise with the looming threat of war, Ruby's family and village begin to show mistrust towards Edmondo's family. Ruby makes a life-altering decision that she must keep a secret from everyone she knows, maybe forever.

Eighty years later, Ruby is an elderly woman participating in a letter-writing scheme to stave off boredom. She starts corresponding with Cassie, a young single mother who mistakenly became involved in the program, and a beautiful friendship develops. Ruby sees an opportunity to share her long-kept secret before it dies with her. However, as they exchange letters, they realize their lives are more connected than they ever could have imagined, and truths will be revealed that have the power to either destroy their new friendship or change their lives forever.

The use of letters, text messages, and emails to tell the story is refreshing and gives readers a unique perspective on the characters' lives. Mitchell expertly weaves together the two timelines, creating a story that is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. The power of the written word is evident throughout the novel, and readers will be reminded of the importance of connection, vulnerability, and support in times of isolation and uncertainty.

Overall, Letters to a Stranger is a wonderful read that will leave readers feeling touched and inspired. The characters are relatable and endearing, and the storyline is captivating from start to finish. Mitchell's writing is engaging and evocative, making this novel a must-read for fans of historical fiction and contemporary romance alike.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.