I loved this book and enjoyed the story moving between the present and the past. The war story was told sensitively and showed the horror which London went through in the Blitz and the personal tragedies which took place.

The present showed the kindness of people but also how tragedy can happen at any time and it's people who can help and you should always let people in to help. The stories were interwoven and I had other suspected links which weren't to be too!

Another highly enjoyable read from Kerry Barrett as the writer presents a dual timeline set in the Second World War and present day.

I must say that I cannot read too many books about the Second World War because I find they start to read quite similarly. Therefore, I did approach Barrett’s novel with a degree of trepidation, despite really enjoying another book by this author twelve months ago. However, my concerns were immediately dispelled as I was quickly pulled into a narrative that was heart-warming, saddening, emotional and very enjoyable.

The two females in this story are very similar, fighting their own battles and trying to make a difference. In 1940, Elsie is realising she didn’t actually know what a busy nursing shift was until she experienced nursing in the Blitz. With daily swarms of patients, Elsie is surrounded by different degrees of injuries. Seeing some airmen not recover prompts Elsie’s idea of a book of final letters, notes, drawings etc, that could then be passed on to loved ones, should the worst happen. I loved the idea of this book of remembrance, and, as the characters said, it was a fantastic way of recording history as the war was unfolding.

The book of letters proves very popular and heads all around the hospital. Yet, this is not a symbol of morbidity, but of hope and remembrance. It seems to be cathartic for patients to write final messages, providing a sense of peace should they not leave hospital alive. At the same time, it also becomes a tool for Elsie to discover that one of her patient’s has feelings for her.

Stephanie works at Tall Trees, the hospital that once was. The discovery of this lost book prompts Stephanie to become involved in a mural project. Working alongside historian Finn, Stephanie feels inspired to paint once again and find more about Elsie’s experience of the Second World War. Therefore, whilst the present day narrative is about Stephanie overcoming personal demons, it is also furthering readers understanding about Elsie, therefore merging the two timelines together.

This was a really poignant story, particularly regarding Nelly and Stephanie’s grandmother. It is a reminder that life can be taken away unexpectedly and to make the most of the opportunities you are given. I think this is why the book of letters became so popular for Elsie, as patients realised that life during the war was so unpredictable. It’s a charming yet old-fashioned way of communicating and I think this is one of the reason why Stephanie’s patients are more reluctant to write their own messages.

I enjoy Barrett’s writing because not only is it historical and interesting, but the characters and plot are as well. I felt equally invested in both time periods and don’t think Barrett used the medical or war themes too heavily. There was a decent balance and this made the story far more immersive to read. Furthermore, Mr and Mrs Gold are an enigma in the book and, whilst I suspected the true nature of their characters, loved the mystery surrounding them, especially how they help Elsie towards the end of the story.

Although there are some sad scenes in this novel, I really enjoyed the plot and happy ending. I love the fact that this is inspired by a true story and the concept of lost letters really brought the historical element alive. I can’t wait to read more by this author in the future.

With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A story told through a dual timeline in the present and during WW2. Based in a care home which was used as a hospital during the war. A chance to say goodbye in written form. Based on a true story and very emotional. Beautifully written.

This is one of those books that once you start reading you cannot put down, it held me throughout as it was such a wonderful read.
The story is written on a dual timeline & was inspired by an incredible true story.
A story of love, loss & impossible choices that can stay with you forever.
Elsie a nurse during ww11 tries to help patients by sending a letter to their loved ones as they can't do it for themselves due to injuries.
She then gets an idea to start a book of memories & last letters should the unforseen happen so people get a chance to say a final goodbye.
One particular message has a life changing request & will alter the course of Elsies's life.
In present day Stephanie is working in a care home that used to be a hospital during the war & is also where her nan resides in the dementia ward.
She also holds down another job working in a bar to make ends meet since she had all her money stolen by her twin brother & she lost the ability to draw & paint as the trauma of it all leaves her with debilitating anxiety.
A book of lost letter has been discovered in the basements of the home where she works & she gets the chance to read it.
She gets the chance to use her artistic talents again &wants to base it around the book but will her deep set anxiety get in the way of achieving this.
A brilliant gripping read that will keep you burning the midnight oil as you need to keep turning the pages to find out what happens.
A beautiful emotional rollercoaster read that will keep you spellbound, I absolutely loved it from the beginning to the very end.

Using a true story as her inspiration, this is a beautifully written dual timeline book, set in London during 1940’s and in present time.

Elsie Watson is a nurse at the South London District Hospital, she and her friend Nelly Malone have just finished their training when it’s turned into a causality clearing station during the Blitz. Elsie feels sorry for her patients, many ask her to write letters to their family to let them know what’s happened to them and this gives her an idea. She starts a scrapbook of memories, patients can write or draw a message to their loved ones, it gives them a way to express their feelings and some can say a final goodbye.

A wounded pilot called Harry Yates makes Elsie feel rather flustered, she's never had a boyfriend and isn’t sure if he feels the same way? The war causes people to do things they wouldn't normally consider right, Elsie has to make a difficult decision and she’s not sure if she has the strength follow through with it.

Stephanie Barlow wanted to help people using art therapy, until her twin brother Max committed a crime and she lost her ability to draw and paint. She works as a carer at an aged care facility called Tall Trees and where her beloved Nan is a patient in the dementia ward. Stevie is kind, all the residents like her and she goes out of her way to make sure they feel special and valued.

Finn Russell is a historian, he’s very interested in World War Two and he’s working in a small office space at the home. An old scrapbook is found by contractors in the damaged basement of Tall Trees, where the operating theatre used to be during the war and it belongs to a nurse called Elsie Watson. Finn and Stevie try to find out what happened to Elsie, they know she left the hospital in 1941 and that's it!

Stevie’s given the opportunity to use her artistic talents to pay tribute to the patients and staff of the causality clearing station. Stevie has to overcome her debilitating anxiety, insecurities, and she’s supported by her friends Finn, Tara and Micha. She wants to continue the tradition, she starts a scrapbook for the residents at Tall Trees, however someone is sabotaging her project and surely they wouldn't have links to Elsie?

I received a copy of The Book of Last Letters from NetGalley and HQ Digital in exchange for an honest review, Kerry Barrett has done it again and with a compelling narrative about war, loss, heartbreak, love, friendship, loyalty, sacrifice and secrets. I highly recommend this book if you like poignant and emotional dual timeline historical fiction and have a box of tissues handy and five stars from me.

4.5 stars
This dual timeline story takes place between 1940/41 and the present day. Elsie is the main character in the 1940’s and I found her to be very engaging. The atmosphere of this time was certainly created by the author. The work ethic and the conditions people found themselves in seemed all too real. There is a romance, some very sad events and danger from an unwanted suitor. This was quite an emotional read, at times. The link between the two times is the book of letters.
The main character in the present day is Stephanie, known as Stevie by her friends. Stevie comes from a very dysfunctional family and has no one to guide her. She is a hard working person but luckily has found a good friend and advisor in her employer, Tara. There is a romance in this time as well. There is a slight mystery but I must say I had worked it out from the beginning but it was good to read how it all panned out. I did enjoy this book and found it to be an entertaining read. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book is written from the perspective of two women: Elsie and Stevie. The former is set in London during the Blitz, and the latter in the present.

It’s 1940 and Elsie is 21 years old. Recently her brother Billy died on the front line whilst in Dunkirk. She lives with her friend, beautiful and bold Nelly, and both women work as nurses. Nearby lives Jackson, who takes a fancy to Elsie and keeps appearing out of nowhere, insisting on walking her home.

One day at work, Elsie is asked to write a letter to one patient’s children on her behalf. Soon, other patients, including airmen from Biggin Hill want to leave messages for their loved ones had anything happened to them. Elsie’s neighbour, Mrs Gold, who treats Nelly and Elsie like her daughters, gifts her a scrapbook so patients can write their messages.

Elsie finds herself attracted to one of the patients, an airman called Harry. Is the feeling mutual? And what of Jackson? How will he take the news?

Weaved in between Elsie’s story is Stevie’s account. She is estranged from her family apart from her Gran who is a resident in a local care home, where Stevie works. When Stevie isn’t at the care home, she works in a pub to pay off the debts that her brother amounted in her name. Stevie used to be an aspiring artist, but she lost her mojo after her brother ended up in prison.

When Stevie discovers that the local council is offering £10,000 in community grant money for an art project ‘Presents from the Past’, she is tempted. Around that time, Stevie meets Finn, a local historian, who presents her with an old scrapbook full of messages, poems, and drawings… Can Stevie take the plunge and apply for the grant?

I loved this book, I found it uplifting and heart warming. I liked the idea of how a scrapbook from the past can have a positive impact on someone else’s life eighty years later.

I thought the dual timeline was cleverly written and I was itching to find out what happened to Elsie – her story was my favourite. I found her actions brave and compassionate. I can’t even begin to imagine the ordeal she has been through. In the current times Jackson, the most despicable character in this story, would have been brandished ‘a stalker’, but back then people thought of him as ‘unsettling’. I found him creepy and I am glad he got his comeuppance.

I also loved Stevie’s caring nature and how she was toward the residents of the care home. There were some quirky characters in there, that’s for sure!

Overall, it is a great book. It will make you laugh, but at times it will make you cry.

I definitely recommend it.

A dual time-frame novel of love, loss and courage. In 1040s London, nurse Elsie decides to start a book of messages from seriously ill soldiers, so that their relatives can have a personal last letter from their personal war heroes. In present day London, Stephanie discovers this book, with its stories of love and courage. One particular story sparks her interest. Heart-warming and emotional.

The Book of Last Letters is set across two time lines. One in 1940 in London where a nurse – Elsie – creates a book within which wounded soldiers can write messages to loved ones. The second in present day London where Stephanie discovers Elsie’s book, which inspires her to revisit her love of art and start her own book at the nursing home where she works. Along the way we learn more about Elsie and a devastating decision she had to make, uncovered by Stephanie as she strives to learn more.
I found this book to be intriguing and emotional, with strong character building and a brilliant way of leaving you vividly picturing every scene. I felt the fear of war time London in 1940, and found Elsie to be incredibly brave and likeable. I enjoyed the present day chapters but not as much, and I found Stephanie less endearing – I wasn’t quite convinced by the ‘fear’ she felt about taking risks and moving her life forward.
Overall, I found the story very heart warming, and very emotional in parts, a book that can generate such strong emotion is clearly well written and if you like historical fiction, then I’d recommend it.

What a heartwarming story. It absolutely took my breath away.
The book is set in two timelines.
London in the 1940's and London in the present day.
The main characters in the 1940's is Elsie Watson her best friend Nelly and a couple who live below them the Golds oh and not forgetting Tim Jackson.

Elsie and Nelly are both nurses at the London District Hospital during the blitz, life is hard and as more and more patients arrive they have little time to themselves.
London 1940.

When one patient asks Elsie to write a letter home just incase he doesn't make it, it give Elsie an idea of keeping a book of letters, memoirs and hope for the patients.
When a group of RAF patients arrive after a bombing at Briggin Hill airbase. Elsie meets Harry and is instantly smitten but never having had a boyfriend before she is not sure if he feels the same. But when a secret message is left for her in the notebook she soon realized that it was from Harry.
With encouragement from Nelly she starts to return the messages.
What happens next with Elsie, Nelly, Harry, Mrs Gold and Jackson will shock you.

Present day.

Stephanie (Stevie) Barlow works at Tall Trees residential Home and also at The Ivy pub.
But life hasn't been easy for Stevie with absent parents and her brother Max in prison she also has her nan to worry about who has dementia and lives in Tall Trees.
After having to give up being at artist since her brother was taken to prison Stevie has been suffering from panic attacks.
But when an opportunity arises to paint a moral on the outside of Tall Trees Stevie takes on the challenge but is it to much for her to take on?
By chance Stevie bumps into historian Finn Russell who is researching the history and people of Tall Trees which only used to be the London District Hospital during the Blitz.
Finn has found Elsie's book and once Stevie starts to read it she is determined to find out exactly what happened back in 1940.

What a wonderful and beautifully written novel.

The Book of Last Letters by Kerry Barrett is a heartwarming, heartwrenching, dual timeline story, Beautifully written, this story will have you mesmerized in it’s simplicity.

What would you write if you had a book that you could pour your thoughts out and either say the things you wish you’d said or to say goodbye to someone you love? This story takes place during WWII and the present day. You will be swept away by Elise’s story and Stephanie’s story as they are intertwined in this book.

Thank you to #netgalley and #HQ/HQDigital for the opportunity to read the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed above are my own.

I enjoyed this book but wish it was longer, at least on the “past” side. It definitely feels like there could have been a lot more to tell. Some parts of it seemed rushed.

The Book of Last Letters is a dual timeline novel set in London in 1940 and the present day.

Elsie is a nurse who wishes she had the chance to send one last message to a loved one and when she is asked for help by an injured woman to send a letter to her children she realizes that there are many others who could benefit from being helped send their thoughts to those they love. She buys a book and takes it to the hospital so that wounded soldiers can write down a message for a loved one and find comfort in the knowledge that it would be sent should they not make it.

In London in the present day artist Stephanie (Stevie) is struggling to deal with her issues with her brother who wrongly blames her for where he is in life and also trying to cope with her nan whose dementia is worsening. It's been a long time since she created anything. A close friend suggests she enter a community competition but Stevie struggles to come up with a fitting concept. She meets historian Finn who tells her about a newly discovered book of letters found during renovations at the retirement home where she works and inspired by the book and the woman behind it Stevie becomes fascinated to learn more about Elsie.

This is a book about friendship, love, loss and hope. I loved both timelines equally. This beautifully written book made me smile and cry and I couldn't put it down. It is the first book I've read by Kerry Barrett but it certainly won't be the last.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher HQ for an arc copy of this book in return for an honest review.

This was such a heart-warming story, full of wonderful characters and a compelling plot that kept me turning the pages long into the night.

Dual timelines tell us the story of Elsie and Stevie, two women who never knew one another, but whose lives will intertwine and Elsie's story will inspire Stevie and change the course of her life forever.

I love Historical fiction, I love books based on true stories and I love a writer that can express the feeling of the time and of the person(s) involved. This is most certainly one of those books and I just couldn't put it down,

The story of a nurse who wants the final words of victims of war to be heard by the families. She writes a book and this book is later found by Stephanie in present day London. This is a dual time-line book that weaves a tale and grabs at your heart and entwines the lives of the three main characters.

There is mystery, secrets, love and heartbreak. It starts slowly and gently and builds as it goes along, all the while pulling you in and making you want to read more. I loved it and highly recommend this wonderful book.

I loved this book! It is a novel told in two timelines - present day and 1940/41 during the height of the blitz in London.

Elsie is a nurse working in a London hospital during the worst of the blitz. Her shifts are hectic. When a mother is brought in after being injured in a bombing, Elsie helps her write a letter to her children that were evacuated so they would know where to find her. This gives her the idea to have other patients write letters home, in case the worst happens, and so the idea for The Book is born. The Book circulates through all the wards of the hospital and patients add to it.

Stevie works in a care home… a former South London hospital. When the care home was adding on to the building they cleared some rubble and found an amazing book that appeared to be written by patients of the former hospital. Stevie becomes intrigued by Nurse Elsie and her story and is determined to find out what happened to her.

I really enjoyed both storylines in this book and how they were linked together through the Book created by Elsie. I fell in love with all the main characters, but especially Nurse Elsie. Some of the unimportant bits seem a bit far-fetched - like why would a teenage boy be hanging out with the twenty-something girl who lives above his parents garage? Overall though, if you are looking for a feel good story about London during the blitz years this is a great one to pick up!

4.5 stars

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

This book is set in two different timelines.

1940, Elsie who is a nurse, for her soldier patients begins a book of last letters, somewhere they can leave messages, in case they don’t recover and she can pass on to their families.

In the present, Stephanie finds Elsie’s book and this starts her journey.

It was interesting to see how both storylines continue and entwine. Elsie and Stephanie were tough as they overcame their struggles.

I loved the romance section in both timelines, and really wanted for both to have their happy ending.

The two main characters and others were likeable.

Recommend this book.

THE BOOK OF LAST LETTERS is the first book by this author I have read, and it won't be the last!

Based on a true story, you get dual-timelines of Elsie in 1940/1 and Stephanie in the present time. Both sides of the story get me gripped! Fantastic characters also appeared in both times although one I disliked (as I was supposed to). In the past, the Golds were a great pair and I would love to know more of them. Nelly, ah, Nelly. You made my eyes leak! But so many of them deserve a mention because they were written so well. In the present time, you have Stevie's friends - Micah, I'm looking at you - but also those she cares for in the home. Oh my, but I loved them! Spreading rumours as they did had me laughing out loud.

An amazing story told of loyalty, friendship, and love in difficult times that kept me turning the pages and left me with a warm, fuzzy glow.

Absolutely recommended by me.

If I could only recommend one Historical Fiction that takes place in England this year, The Book of Last Letters would be the one. I was expecting a WW2 historical fiction that would tell me more about what accorded in war torn England. I got so much more. I didn't expect the story to be filled with suspense, but I was happily wrong. I didn't expect it to be blown away by the unexpected twists. The dual time line did an amazing job of tying the past and present together to reveal how the past influences the present.

Elsie was a nurse during WW2 working at South London Hospital. When huts are erected on the site to house injured soldiers. Helping a soldier write home turns into the Book of Last Letters. There were no rules. Messages to family were great. Drawings decorated some of the pages. Jokes filled spaces. Written words told what happened to the injured, what the saw, how they felt. As she collected stories she fell in love with Harry.

Sylvie's life has been chaotic. She has lost everything but her Nan living at Tall Trees, a place that used to be South London Hospital. She even lost her drive to paint until a series of fortunate events. Finn, a historian, is working with in the confines of the hospital researching a book found in the rubble of a basement. Thanks to Finn, I learned so much more about WW2 as he and Sylvie delve into the stories.

Sylvie's love of painting is rekindled after she enters a contest to paint mural illustrating the past influences the present. The Book of Last Letters pays a major part in her design. With the help of the residents of Tall Trees, Sylvie continues to solve the mysteries behind the letters and those that wrote them.

Sylvie might have been able to answer questions with research. But as a reader I got to follow along as Elsie lived out her days during the Blitz. The author had me ducking as bombs dropped. I dusted off my cloths after a direct hit. I sat in the dark and damp Anderson Shelter listening to planes fly overhead. My mind went crazy trying to figure out who Mr. and Mrs. Gold were. If you figure it out, please let me know.

Grab The Book of Last Letters. Experience the war through the eyes of the nurses, soldiers and residents in South London. Understand the past through this book to help understand the present and not to repeat it in the future.

This is the first book I’ve read by Kerry Barrett, certain there will be more!
Set in a dual timeline between 1940s and present day. Stephanie was an artist who loses her mojo when family issues change her feelings towards painting. Struggling to make her money stretch she gets the chance to apply for a grant to paint a mural “A Present from the Past. Stephanie works in a care home for the elderly where her Nan lives and this leads her to follow the story of Elsie who was a nurse who worked in the care home when it was a hospital during The Blitz.
The Book of lLast Letters was a beautifully written story of love and friendship that kept me guessing what the outcome was going to be.
I loved every page can’t wait to read more by Kerry.
Thank you HQ and NetGalley for an early copy of this lovely book.