Beautifully written romance story – and I am not a big fan of romances. The story itself did not grab me but I did enjoy the beautiful descriptions of Ireland and its Blasket Islands. While reading the descriptions I just had to do an image search online to see it for myself.

Kate Moreton goes to Ireland on sabbatical from Dartmouth College. As soon as she arrives in Ireland she meets Ozzie Ferriter, a fisherman and a veteran of the American war in Afghanistan. There are immediate sparks between them and before you know it they are married. Pretty much the entire first half of the book (or more) is focused on descriptions of the islands and the romance between Ozzie and Kate. I loved the descriptions but was bored with the romance.

It picks up a bit in the second half but is still very much focused on the romance. Overall I felt the story was just not very realistic. I guess that is part of why I do not care for romances. There was nothing about their relationship that had any depth to it. Ozzie had demons from the war he was trying to run from and I wish there had been more focus on that earlier in the book. His PTSD did not feel real; it was more of a device used to move the story along rather than showing a couple facing the effect of PTSD in a relationship. And the portion at the end set in Canada was just way too contrived for me.

I do not want to spoil the latter part of the book for you so will say as little as possible. Throughout the book Kate makes several very significant impulsive (and poor) decisions. She will come to realize that she didn’t fully know the man she married and flees back to the US without a final goodbye to her husband. Kate will now need to decide if she loves Ozzie enough to deal with his sometimes reckless behavior and the demons he harbors. The book is written entirely from Kate’s perspective. I think it might have been much more interesting if we had been allowed into Ozzie’s head from time to time. There were also some minor characters that I would have loved to have more of a role in the book. All the characters seemed to be there only to further the Ozzie and Kate storyline.

Thank you to Jordan Hanley at St. Martin's Press for a digital advance galley. These opinions expressed are my own.

Kate Moreton is on a sabbatical from her teaching position at Dartmouth so she can finish her dissertation for her doctorate degree. Her research takes her to Ireland, a land she has longed to visit.

While there, she meets Ozzie Ferriter, an American with dual citizenship. Ozzie has returned to Ireland and is working as a fisherman, trying to forget his experiences as a veteran of the war in Afghanistan. Their first meeting is a bit contentious, but being a romance novel, it's not long before the two are filled with desire for each other. Desire turns to lust turns to passion. Soon they are married and on Ozzie's dream trip of navigating by sea around Ireland.

Kate, previously so caught up in love and passion, begins to wonder if they are a good match when they face grave danger at sea, and she flees. A few years later, she receives word that Ozzie has died, lost at sea, and her loss makes her question her decision to leave him.

This is my first read of J.P. Monninger, and I really enjoyed the depth of his descriptions which made me feel as if I was visiting Ireland myself. Fabulous! I do wish the story had been told from both Kate and Ozzie's POVs. I sorely missed his take on things. The only glimpse we get of what he's thinking is in two of the seven letters referenced in the title. I had a hard time liking Kate, finding her immature and annoying. I realize a reader doesn't have to like every character, but when the character in question is one of the main characters and one we are supposed to feel for, it becomes problematic.

This read gets 3 stars from me. It would have been a 2, but was raised due to Monninger's wonderful descriptions.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press allowing me to read a copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review.

4.75 Stars!!

A number of years ago I randomly picked up a book called Whippoorwill and started reading while waiting for a friend. That friend's appearance was the only reason I set it down. I had been immediately drawn into the fabulous writing and since then, I've made it a habit to read each new release by this author. I haven't been disappointed yet.

After reading the blurb, I knew that I was going to fall in love with Seven Letters, but I hadn't realized how much. I was taken in by the beautiful prose, creative imagery, and evocative storytelling. This had all the makings of fantastic women's fiction, but then strengthened by the passionate romance between Ozzie and Kate. I was caught up in their whirlwind as much as they were and then equally devastated, elated, heartbroken, and healed. So many emotions. There was a point in the book just after 80% where the pacing slowed with some extraneous and unnecessary information, but it picked back up quickly and moved right along to a powerful and rewarding ending. It was almost not worth mentioning, since it was another fabulous story by this author, regardless. I'm still determined to read this author's back list, but until then, I will look forward to every new release.

Kate from Springfield, Massachussetts accepts a fellowship to study on the Dingle Peninsula in Ireland.

The book starts with a letter with an Irish legend which I loved. The pace is good from the start and I love the mystery and excitement of the journey.

Kate's destination is the University of Limerick where she'll be a visiting scholar.

I adore books about going on journeys. Kate's nerves about the trip soon fade when she meets 70 year old Jerry, an ex middle school teacher and wise Irishman who claims Ireland is the world's bedtime story. I thought that was a lovely way to refer to it.

Also on the bus is Gran, an elderly lady who is from
NYC but lives in Ireland for part of the year and who originally came to Ireland as she married an Irishman. I like the mention of the Irish language.

All through the book the sights and sounds are very vivid and there is great detail. The story is exciting and evocative.

I felt like I was on the trip, the descriptions are so beautiful and visual. Everyone is friendly.

There's a sense of Kate arriving at university and starting her fellowship- it took me back to my own time at university. Of finally getting to study something I wanted to study and of being somewhere new.

I liked her study partner Dijeen and seeing different cultures coming together in the melting pot of nationalities that is the university. Her being from
the States, Dijeen from India and some people from
Ireland.

The Bicycle Club members were fun and I thought meeting them was a great way for her to travel round Ireland and meet people.

Everyone has their own personality in this book which I loved.

Ollie Ferriter and Kate meet and sparks fly. He's loving, attentive and an ex army soldier who was posted to Afghanistan. But he has a dark past and loves to drink: will Kate be safe with him?

A boat trip round Ireland tests them beyond limits. But will they survive?

I liked Bertie Janes and the Blaskett Museum and the support of people towards Kate when life got tough.

J.P. Monninger cleverly uses letters written between Ozzie and Kate at different parts of their relationship as a type of personal insight for the reader as to what they really feel. This is as well as letters to Kate from the university staff related to her fellowship

Overall, the romance between Kate and Ozzie was clean but described cleverly to seem hotter but was still very readable. I love romance and this was definitely sweet.

Much of the time, Ozzie seems a real gentleman but there were times when I was concerned for Kate.

Ozzie and Kate are cute together.

Seven Letters is a novel about love, the importance of family conflicts and hate and of making up again.

I did not want it to end and Seven Letters would not be complete without Gottfried, Ozzie's loveable dog.

In parts, I felt Seven Letters was up there with my favourite romances: The Notebook and Dear John by Nicholas Sparks, and if you love those you'll love this.

I got through Seven Letters in a day and was hooked by every word.

Huge thanks to J.P. Moninger and St Martin's Press for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

5 stars but it deserves even more in my opinion as the plots are effortlessly woven in and I just loved the book. I'm looking forward to reviewing more novels by J.P. Monninger. I found I finished the book knowing more about Irish folklore and legends.

Read this, the novel is pure magic!

Be still my heart! So many words to describe how I felt while reading this book, after reading this book. Maybe beguiled, captivated, charmed, mesmerized. This book spoke to my heart, to my very own fascination with Ireland and reminded me of my LONG AGO trek to this enchanting land. It reminded me of what I wanted to be when I grew up, a historian. A dream set aside for the practicality of life. But I have no regrets and now J.P. Monninger has shared this GEM of a story, I felt as though I lived a bit of it through Kate Moreton. Kate is a brave and passionate woman matched with a brave and passionate man in Ozzie - but Ozzie is a very broken man. A man trying to outrun (out-sail in his case) his demons all while falling deeply and irrevocably in love.

Having traveled to Ireland as a part of her dissertation work, Kate is immediately transported to the subject of her work, the people on the now-vacated Blasket Islands. When she meets Ozzie she really has no idea how much this will change her life, and the spark of physical attraction can't be ignored. Theirs is a whirlwind romance, one that the reader feels in their heart and soul. For me, it had the essence of an EPIC love story; all-consuming, beautiful, soulful and at times, tumultuous. While change is inevitable, Ozzie doesn't manage it well. We start to see how he struggles with his past, experiences neither Kate nor the reader is privy too. They experience happiness and heartbreak, leading Kate to a decision that resets their course.

As the letters are shared, you'll come to expect the unexpected. A healthy part of the book had me on tenterhooks. Ready to cry at any moment. Through Kate's eyes, we understand the deep pang of grief and regret she feels. That try, as she might, moving on is agonizing and seemingly impossible. I grappled with her decisions which is, I believe, exactly what Monninger intended. We take quite the trip with Kate, as she sets out to uncover the truth, to come to terms with the past and present, to be able to heal.

Monninger's writing is prolific, insightful and contains details that indicate experience and/or a great amount of research. The details capture the essence of the characters and places. This is a character-driven story that is rich and deep in their narratives. Kate really is at the center, as the story is through her eyes, and even though she falters at completely considering a 360 view, it's understandable. She has to protect her heart. The cast of characters that support Kate and Ozzie adds so much to the story, drive the pace and the plotline forward.

As I've said this book was all-consuming. I've often seen reviewers say a book as addicting, and all I could think was sure I've read plenty of books that captivate me. But not often do I find myself putting off real life, clamoring to get back to the story as I did with this. There was absolutely no way I was sleeping until I finished. I guess I was addicted. I needed to see their story through to the end. Considering the range of feelings I experienced, what I feared for Kate, I couldn't be happier with how it ended. This is a 5++ star read and one that I HIGHLY recommend.

This was a slow mover for me. I like the concept was some of the letters were really not even that, they were just moments in the book. I expected more. The middle got better until the end was a little rushed and unbelievable.

I really enjoyed this one. Based in Ireland how could I not?! Kate feels connected to Ireland because that where her family is from. She is a professor at Dartmouth but goes to Ireland to work on research for a paper she is writing. There she meets Ozzie. Ozzie, is dealing with his memories of war but he and Kate find a special connection.

They eventually end of married but because of some incidents Kate leaves him and Ireland behind until one day she receives a call that he was lost at sea. She goes back to Ireland and ends up learning his boat went down while helping refugees.

I did not think this book would be as emotional as the second part ended up being. BUT I just didn’t like how Kate just left him behind when she saw that he was struggling with his inner demons. I don’t think someone can help someone if they don’t want to be helped but I don’t think that was the case with Ozzie. Yes, he said he was fine but I just feel like Kate could have pushed a bit more. Kate struggles with those decisions once she goes back to Ireland. Overall, I would definitely still recommend this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and St.Martin’s Press for my review copy.

Seven Letters by J. P. Monninger
Story of Irish folklore about an island and man wants to go back to his birthplace and he knows once he touches the ground he will age. On the island they stay the same age. She'd not be able to help hmm return to her if he left....
Each phase of the story comes to light from a letter that is written.
Similar to a movie i watched about aqua-man where his mother is the fairy who leaves...
Love the technology and how it's used to introduce others who are not tech inclined as to how it works.
She's on a path to do her doctorate and heads to Ireland and meets many on the way and they come to take her to tie island with a picnic lunch.
The men take her around the island walking and talking about history and how people lived back then.
Interesting: Rock charm and purifying her new space at the university.
Feel as if I'm on a tour of Ireland, so cool that so many details are given.
Kate finds herself attracted to Ozzy, gram's grandson...
Endless days and weeks on the water, new islands to explore to help with her dissertation and she finds time to spend back at her university apartment.
They live like nomads and decide to just go for it. I was surprised!
Not much time for bicycle girls but others she keeps attracting.
Adult situations. Storm at sea does things to their relationship....
News about her research and tragedy strikes as she had just begun her new life and she heads back to where they met to find out the details....
Her BFF comes to her rescue being with her. Lots of travel and very descriptive details of places to visit...
Miracles do happen and love how the ending comes full circle.
Acknowledgments at the end.
Received this review copy from the St. Martins Press via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

The simplicity of the prose in 7 Letters is devastating, beautiful. The emotions have been presented in a beautiful language bringing alive the magic of Ireland and it's legendary myths and passion.

Took a while to get through, lol of random bits of sorry that don't flow together very well, all of a sudden you find yourself elsewhere. Dialogue between characters wasn't very natural.

Seven Letters is a beautiful love story; one that is not all puppy dogs and roses, but is raw and real. The relationship between Kate and Ozzie is intense and emotional, and I could not help but get drawn in and yearn to read more. Monninger has such a brilliant talent with words and telling a story, as well as an amazing ability to provide such detailed and colorful descriptions of the Ireland landscapes, dialect, and spot-on characters! I loved reading these descriptive scenes and could almost picture myself being right there alongside Kate. My husband and I went to Scotland on our honeymoon and I so wish I had journaled like Kate did! I, too, saw such beautiful scenes, met some amazing people, and felt a variety of emotions similar to what Kate felt at times. It would have been wonderful to go back and re-live what I experienced y reading journal entries, though I would not be able to do justice with my words such as Monninger has! So much of Seven Letters reminded me of Me Before You by JoJo Moyes, especially the intense and raw emotions between Kate and Ozzie, as well as the tumultuous relationship between them. That is one of my ultimate all-time favorite books and now Seven Letters is right up there with it.

This novel was a departure from my usual mystery preferences. It took a while for me to really get into the story. The writing style was a bit more wordy than I’m used to and it also took a bit of time to warm up to the characters. I wanted to know more about Ozzie and at times I felt Kate was too quick to give up on working toward a lasting relationship. I eventually found myself wanting to get back to the story because I needed to know how it would end. It was at times frustrating, joyous, sad and ultimately satisfying. Much like life is. I ended up truly enjoying Ozzie and Kate’s journey.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this well crafted story.

Seven Letters is so much more than a romance novel; it's a journey to the Blasket Islands in Ireland, to Rome, to Sicily, to Canada and to Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. I felt like I was traveling with Kate to all of the places with the vivid descriptions of the landscape.

Kate Moreton travels to the Blasket Islands, the land of her father, to research the people who were relocated from the island, for her dissertation. She meets several interesting characters on her journey including Nora (Gran), Seamus and Nora's grandson, Ozzie, with whom after a rocky start she falls passionately in love with. But what Kate doesn't realize is just how troubled Ozzie's past is. When the aftermath of that troubled past puts them both in harm's way, Kate makes a decision she will come to regret when real tragedy strikes.

I thought I couldn't love a book more than The Map that Leads to You, Monninger's debut novel, but this one had me turning the pages to the wee hours of the night. No spoilers here, but that ending...unexpected but honestly what I was hoping for all along.

J.P. Monninger could write the phone book and make you fall in love with the characters and the places, and I'm excited to read whatever he writes next!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for an advanced copy; all opinions are my own.

Kate Moreton is in Ireland on sabbatical from her teaching position at Dartmouth College when she meets Ozzie Ferriter, a fisherman and a veteran of the American war in Afghanistan. The Ferriter family history dates back centuries on the remote Blasket Islands, and Ozzie—a dual citizen of Ireland and the United States—has retreated to the one place that might offer him peace from a war he cannot seem to leave behind.

Beside the sea, with Ireland’s beauty as a backdrop, the two fall deeply in love and attempt to live on an island of their own making, away from the pressures of the outside world. Ireland writes its own love stories, the legends claim, and the limits of Kate and Ozzie’s love and faith in each other will be tested. When his demons lead Ozzie to become reckless with his life—and Kate’s—she flees for America rather than watch the man she loves self-destruct. But soon a letter arrives informing Kate that her heroic husband has been lost at sea, and Kate must decide whether it is an act of love to follow him or an act of mercy to forget.

My Thoughts: As I followed along with Kate’s journey in Ireland, I was soon caught up in her unexpected love connection with Ozzie. The two of them were captivating, frustrating, and soon they were broken.

Seven Letters showed us the path to their love, their loss of each other, and how Kate tried to move on.

The story was one that revealed the beauty of Ireland, followed by the lovely cabin Kate bought in New Hampshire after she and Ozzie separated. At times, there were quick leaps between events, and I sometimes felt lost. But overall, I couldn’t stop reading and wondering what would eventually happen to the two of them. In the end, I was pleased by the culmination of events. 4 stars.

***My e-ARC came from the publisher via NetGalley.

Well, well, well! This book is such a pleasant surprise. I thoroughly enjoyed the descriptive phrases of Ireland. While this is not a fast read it certainly was enjoyable.

Many thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for this advanced readers copy. This book is due to release in October, 2019.

An endearing story of a woman working on her dissertation, goes to Ireland for research, meets a fisherman, falls in love and marries him. They take his boat on a honeymoon around Ireland, but run into very bad weather and put in at Dublin. She leaves him and returns to her research and her life. He leaves on his boat. Then, she gets a call that his boat went down and he is feared dead. She returns to Ireland and then goes in search of him. Read the rest of the story.

A well written story and romance. I personally did not connect with characters and wasn’t as engaged as I I’d hoped.

Welp, I am stumped.

I am going to start by saying I am giving this book three and a half stars. I enjoyed it.

Was it the best thing I have ever read....no. You might ask, why is that Amy? I don't know. I truly don't know.

*The setting was lovely.
*The characters were explained well.
*I liked the characters.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I did not, however fall in love with the story.
I also did not enjoy the ending it wrapped up a little too nicely for me.
Ok, one more thing if you are going to name a book Seven Letters....those letters do not need to be introduced at the half way point. That is a lot of letters to get through.

I think maybe part of it was I kept waiting for something to happen...and then when I did, I kinda already knew what was going to happen...I know. Super clear lol.

I am going to conclude that the synopsis gave away too much. If you are planning on reading this...go in blind. Very, very blind.

Overall. I would read the author again. .

An American academic on a research trip t o Ireland meets and falls in love with a compelling if troubled man. A well-wrought story but essentially not very involving.

My first J.P. Monninger title was "The Map that Leads to You" and yes, I sing the Maroon 5 song in my head every time I think of it. I was delighted to see his name and couldn't wait to read. "Seven Letters" did not disappoint. Kate is a flawed character who is true to live, which is what I loved most about her. Ozzie, what can I say about Ozzie. We all have our demons and having lived through this time in my life of uncertainty and learning to trust and figuring out who I am as a person and in the context of a relationship, I enjoyed watching this story unfold. I have already recommended it to friends.