May 1914
On her first night at the Rectory the old dream came again. It began, as it always did, with a moon the colour of honey slanting shadows across the counterpane while the night breeze enticed her out of bed. Somehow, she'd reach the window without her feet touching the floorboards, while her white nightgown billowed behind her like the sail of a stately galleon and bore her into the shadowscape.
On the eve of the First World War aspiring poet and Lord of the Manor's heir, Kit Rivers accepts that his duty is to his family and his country. Yet when he falls passionatley in love, Kit discovers hard choices must be made when conflict threatens everything he holds dear and shatters his world beyond all recognition.
One century later, newly widowed Chloe Pencarrow exchanges London life for an isolated Cornish house. Haunted by memories, Chloe's interest in a local war memorial proves a welcome distraction from grief and leads to a fascination with a collection of forgotten poetry. As Chloe's own story becomes entwined with Kit's, she finds herself caught in a tangled web of love, loss, and the darkest of secrets.
* * *
Generally, romance novels are down the list of my favourite genres. I tend to find them a little too sugary, and dare I say formulaic, for my taste. Then every once in a while I find myself in the mood for a little romance (note to self - mention this to my husband and drop hints about flowers and chocolates).
However, this is the book that has challenged my preconceived ideas and may even have converted me to embrace romance as a genre to add into my reading choices more regularly.
I very much enjoyed this novel and the author has done a brilliant job with the dual time narrative. I am always impressed by authors who are so successful in doing this as seamlessly as Ms. Saberton has. The change of voice between Chloe and Daisy was evident and I was equally engaged with both stories.
The main character, Chloe, has recently lost her husband and the beginning of the novel is much about her grief and her need to be somewhere new. Her pain is visceral and very moving to read.
All of the characters are expertly portrayed and I felt completely absorbed in their lives. In fact, her portrayal of the fictional Kit Rivers as a war poet spurred me on to reacquaint myself with the War Poets.
The book is set in Cornwall and the descriptions of the area have been beautifully written. I was fortunate enough to spend a couple of weeks in Cornwall a few years ago and it is a gorgeous part of the country and the author has clearly been inspired by the area.
Although this book deals with the issue of grief, it is about so much more. It is also about hope, love and the promise of life ahead.
This is my first book by Ruth Saberton. She is a skilled storyteller and I am looking forward to reading more of her work.
Have you read The Letter? If so, I would love to hear your thoughts.
ISBN: 978 1983623462
Publisher: Create Space Independent Publishing
Ruth Saberton is a British writer with over 26 published books. She has also written under the names of Jessica Fox, Georgie Carter and Holly Cavendish.
Born in London she now lives in Cornwall which she says is a constant source of inspiration for her writing.
She has always wanted to be a writer and as a child filled several notebooks with her stories about horses and ponies. She still likes riding, enjoys walking and spending time with her friends and family.
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