What a heart wrenching page-turner! I was completely captivated by 'A Letter from Pearl Harbor.' It is a story of courage, resilience, triumph over challenges, discovering love in unexpected places, and learning to grow through the horrors and after-effects of accidents and war. It is also about the power of memories, broken hearts, loss and how each play an integral part in the transformation of individuals when secrets from the past come forward into the present (through the clever approach of a treasure hunt). It is a story about family and sisterhood and how pivotal historical events set in motion unexpected waves that spill into the future.

'A Letter From Pearl Harbor' is told in two timelines through the viewpoints of older and younger Ginny, and her granddaughter, Robyn.

In the current day thread, Ginny is a reluctant heroine of WW II. She has carried the wounds of past mistakes. She is also a ninety-eight year old grandmother of two sisters, Robyn and Ashleigh. We only meet Ginny briefly on her deathbed but from the start her story promises to be epic.

Robyn returns to England from her home in Hawaii to say goodbye to her grandmother and to meet up with her troubled and somewhat distant sister, Ashleigh, who has drifted on the edges of self-pity and defeatism since her unfortunate accident six years earlier. An accident that has confined her to a wheel chair.

In the historical thread of 1941, Ginny is a pilot and flight instructor who has followed her brother Jack to Hawaii where he is stationed. We hear in Ginny’s own words what she has experienced and endured before, during and after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. These tragic events are carefully played out on the page. The after effects of the bombing lead her down some unfortunate paths but eventually onwards to some positive ones, too. All of which we learn after her death when she sends her granddaughters on a treasure hunt that becomes a confession of secrets. But Ginny has another motive in the timing of these revelations— something she hopes will benefit the sisters.

Anna has created an authentic picture of the times. The events, settings and people have been researched thoroughly and utilised in an accessible, exciting way through a fictional telling of an important story. The historical notes at the end also provide a wider glimpse of the past—especially more details on the bombing and of the real individuals who were part of the Pearl Harbor tragedy.

Through following Ginny and her friends during the war timeline, we get a close up view of the archaic mindset Americans held toward women war pilots in the 1940s. 'A Letter From Pearl Harbor' highlights the obstacles they encountered and dire effects such thinking had on these brave women who ventured the skies.

Along with Robyn and Ashleigh, we learn of the incredible bravery and boldness of their grandmother who wants to be remembered as Queen of the Hunt. Which is why she sends them out on a treasure search after her passing to share special events of her life (along with the secrets) from World War II. How does this journey affect the sisters? What starts out as curiosity, evolves into anger, then awe and healing come to the fore. The sisters eventually see why they have been sent on the expedition. For it is a challenge that could divide or bring them closer. But out of this experience new revelations awaken Robyn. And character growth erupts in Ashleigh who has carried a lot of negative emotions from her accident. I must add: the topic of disability is dealt with beautifully and respectfully in this novel. There are some amazing passages of wisdom from the author's pen such as: “A wheel chair is there to push you forward… not to hold you back.”

This is the first novel of Anna Stuart’s I have read but it won’t be the last for on the strength of 'A Letter From Pearl Harbor' I have become a new fan and have now purchased her previous novel 'The Secret Diary'. I would not hesitate for a second to recommend Anna’s latest novel to all who enjoy exceptional dual timeline stories. For it is a heart-warming, beautifully written tale of strong women— that will linger with you long after the last page. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Many thanks to publisher Bookouture and Netgalley for an ARC to review.

'A Letter from Pearl Harbor' by Anna Stuart centers around 98 year-old Ginny McAllister’s last wish - for her two granddaughters to complete a treasure hunt containing clues to her past. As one of the first female pilots at Pearl Harbor, Ginny has kept a devastating World War II secret from those she loved the most. Her granddaughters, Robyn and Ashleigh, are curious to learn more about their grandmother and this missing link in history, so they embark on her treasure hunt around Pearl Harbor and Hawaii. This was a heart wrenching and unforgettable story, and I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and the plot.

"A Letter from Pearl Harbor" is the story of two sisters discovering the wartime exploits of their grandmother in Hawaii. The letter of the title is in sections which have to be located by solving the clues in a treasure hunt. As the sisters carry out their task they come to a new understanding and their relationship changes. Disability and what the disabled can achieve is also an important element of the story.

The historical strand of the book highlights the short sightedness of the wartime authorities who could have made better use of fully qualified female pilots earlier in the war. In fact Britain was ahead of the USA in this so that a number of American pilots, as well as other nationalities, joined the ATA.

Of course there is also romance in both strands but also the contrast in attitudes to women at work.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this book.

A Letter from Pearl Harbor is the second WWII/present day story by talented author Anna Stuart I have read and focuses on the struggles women aviators had getting to use their talents during WWII. Rather than tell her story directly, Robyn and Ashleigh’s now deceased grandmother sends them on a treasure hunt to find the letters she’d written to them…the reasons will become obvious as characters and events are revealed. Ms. Stuart seamlessly interjects historical persons into her work and it’s obvious that she has researched the topic well. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommend.

Wow! I'm at a loss to describe the feelings I'm having after reading this book.
I used to have an obsession, let's say,  related to WWII books, and after the raw feelings exposed by some of those books (like The Nightingale and The Bronze Horseman), I took a break of about two years.
I don't regret one bit of asking this ARC. I knew so little about the Pearl Harbour events and now my heart hurts once again for the lifes lost in that tragic war.
Good work of the author on the documentation done for this book. The result it's a beautiful and heart breacking mix of fiction with true events.
I loved all the characters, both main and secondary.

5+ stars

~ I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own ~

WoW!!! I can't thank Bookouture, NG and Author enough for this outstanding book!
For an honest review!

I loved The Berlin Zookeeper by Stuart! So when I seen ALFPH I had to request it!
I just have to add I never ever read a historical fiction book until Bookouture Pub came into my life!
And its been on like donkey Kong ever since!. So thank you my friends at Bookouture for expanding my genre beyond thrillers! 😘
Because now I love a good HF novel! And they have had some of the best!
Back to the review.... Sorry! 😊

This book starts out with a 98 year old grandmother Ginny requesting her last wish to her granddaughter Robyn to go on a treasure hunt with clues from her past. These clues reveal grandmas life as one of the first female pilots at Pearl Harbor.
Robyn will also learn about the heart wrenching World War Two secret.
The choices Ginny makes back in 1941 while flying her yellow plane above the seas will have some crazy consequences.
Now 2019 Robyn is heartbroken from the death of her strong willed grandmother who basically raised her.
She finds a letter from her grandmother on details for a treasure hunt. She used to do these hunts when she was a little girl.... But this hunt is different. These clues are all over the place in the amazing beautiful island of Hawaii!
Still grieving but. very much interested in this hunt as she goes on this adventure and follows this trail of letters.
Robyn's world is flipped when she discovers a lifetime of secrets, that could also change her own life in the process!

Another 5 Star Book!
This was such a powerful book and Anna does it again by sucking me into another one of her amazing historical fiction book! I was hooked. I couldn't stop reading.
A Letter From Pearl Harbor is rich in detail, beautifully written and hugely absorbing for those who enjoy good historical fiction.

I will post to my platforms closer to pub day!
Thank you again!

This book is inspired by true events and was a pleasure to read from start to finish.
Ninety-eight-year-old Ginny McAllister’s last wish is for her granddaughter to complete a treasure hunt containing clues to her past. Clues that reveal her life as one of the first female pilots at Pearl Harbor, and a devastating World War Two secret.

1941, Pearl Harbor: On the morning of December 7th, Ginny is flying her little yellow plane above the sparkling seas when she spots an unknown aircraft closing in on her. She recognises the red symbol of the Japanese fighter planes almost too late. Somehow, she manages to land unscathed but the choices she is forced to make in the terrible hours that follow have tragic consequences…

2019, Pearl Harbor: Heartbroken Robyn Harris is reeling from the death of the strong, determined grandmother who raised her. Her only comfort is a letter written in Ginny’s distinctive hand which details a treasure hunt, just like the ones she used to set for her as a little girl. Except this time, the clues are scattered across the beautiful island of Hawaii. Despite her grief, Robyn finds herself intrigued as she follows the trail of letters, revealing the truth about Ginny’s service during the Second World War.

But Robyn’s whole world is turned upside down when she’s faced with a shocking secret which has the power to change the course of her own life…I loved the emotions this book puts the reader through. Stunning absolutely stunning!

A wonderful treasure of a read. 1941 and Ginny is working as an air instructor at Pearl Harbour Hawaii. She has made new friends whilst there and also has the support of her brother Jack. 2019- Ginny's two granddaughters always loved Ginny's treasure hunts and now following her death she has set them one last one. Robyn coincidentally is living and working in Pearl Harbour. Her sister Ashleigh was left in a wheelchair after a cycling accident and is rather bitter about the fact, despite it being no-one's fault. Ginny wants to tell the two of them of her time at the historic sight and leaves them a trail of letters as there is something she couldn't say in person.
I loved this- one of those reads where you wanted to find out what happened but didn't want it to end. Three strong female leads and a story of determination in many guises- this is led by true events from the time alongside the barriers that women faced back then- far more of a misogynistic society than today. Women served in the forces but were very much undermined and not appreciated- something we easily forget today. A book of being who you are and being true to yourself whilst perhaps staring fear in the face and getting on with things. Of determination and tenacity that being against all odds often brings. A truly wonderful book, terrific characters and an inspiration. Loved it.
#blog tour

A Letter from Pearl Harbour by Anna Stuart, was a very enjoyable dual timeline story about Ginny Harris during World War II and her two granddaughters; Robyn and Ashleigh Harris in 2019. Ginny was a pilot and flight instructor who moved to Hawaii in the summer of 1941 to be close to her brother Jack, who was stationed there, in the hopes of getting a job as a flight instructor. The book starts in 2019, with Robyn, who was living in Hawaii, returning to England, where Ginny and Ashleigh lived, to say goodbye to Ginny. Robyn and Ashleigh, who had not been as close as they once were, following Ashleigh being injured in an accident 6 years earlier, quickly learned that Ginny had big plans for them, as upon her death, she was sending both girls to Hawaii to complete a treasure hunt. This treasure hunt was Ginny’s way to confess the secrets or so-called mistakes of her past or more aptly a way for Ginny to tell her granddaughters about the impact the attack on Pearl Harbour had on her life.

This book is about the importance of women and particularly women pilots in WWII, treasure hunts, sisterhood - both biological and chosen, as well as facing and moving forward from your past mistakes.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC of this book, in exchange for which I chose to provide an honest review,

A Letter From Pearl Harbor by Anna Stuart is a wonderful dual timeline historical fiction novel that incorporates the tragic and unforgettable events surrounding the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.

This book has it all: history, strong female characters, mystery, suspense, and kept me on edge the whole time. I devoured this book in one day!

This book weaves between 1941 Pearl Harbor with Ginny and her granddaughter Robyn in present-day (2019) Hawaii.

The things I enjoyed most about this book:

-the incorporation of so many fascinating facts, details, and historical inspirations from Pearl Harbor and the civilians and military heroes that took part.

-the complicated relationship between Robyn and Ashleigh and how through trauma, loss, grief, and time they were able to not necessarily forget, but forgive and strengthen their friendship and sisterly love for one another despite the past

-the strong female characters. Ginny, Lili, and their comrades were so fierce, strong, passionate, fearless when needed despite the risks and losses, and were also selfless when need be. Imperfect? Sure, but the bravery is still astounding.

It is frustrating to see all of the obstacles that were placed in front of the women during WWII that wanted to fly and fight for their country. Yes there were private individuals, WAAFs and ATA in the UK, and the WASPs in the US, but they were underserved, under appreciated, and denied their true responses after the war and if they were injured during. Still, these brave and amazing women fought on.

I loved the way the author created a mystery that slowly unfolded within the dual timelines and it added another wonderful layer of complexity to the novel.

I also loved, loved, loved the ending!!!!!

The author’s note, historical notes and context, along with the timeline and further background on so many fascinating people was so informative. I learned so much from this novel and am grateful for the author for this opportunity to learn while I enjoyed the story.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Bookouture for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.