This is a cool concept, but the execution didn't totally work for me. It was fascinating to read about the various correspondants, and the notes written for context were very interesting, but I found myself wanting more from the actual letters. It really was less than a line apiece--sometimes just a word or two. I would loved to have seen a bit more from the actual text, even though the focus was on just these small parts of the letter. It was great to get such a unique perspective on history and these relationships, I just craved more!

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

I don't want to say this book was a disappointment; but, this book was a disappointment. I'm guessing that, in print, it's a delightful little gift book for people who enjoy quotations. I don't want to give this book a bad review. I enjoy Quotabelle's Instagram. They follow me, for goodness sake. But this book is unnecessary. The chapter headings ("with moxie," "with high drama," etc.) were promising but what follows are just terribly, teasingly brief lines (often just salutations) from letters between famous people. Read "Letters of Note" and "More Letters of Note" compiled by Shaun Usher--those are amazing collections of letters and their backstories. This is a printed Instagram account. The best part is the bibliography. The compilers have read Usher's collections, too!

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of Signed & Sealed.

I loved this book!

Letter writing is a lost art form, and the letters included in Signed & Sealed reflect the wit, humor, sarcasm, honesty and love between letter writer and recipient.

I thought the book was going to contain long letters or brief paragraphs; instead, the authors cleverly provided historical background to add context to the brief lines they did cull from the letters, which made for more fascinating reading.

I love history, and this book sated my appetite with brief historical accounts of the letter writers and their relationship to the recipients receiving the letter.

I learned so much!

I didn't know Katherine Wright, sister to the famous Orville brothers, was their spokesperson and PR manager.

How hilarious that the reason the 19th amendment was ratified was because the lone politician with the deciding vote was reminded to be good from a letter by his mom.

The lines from the letters are poignant, sometimes snarky, hilarious, dark, somber, and honest, revealing how the letter writer felt at that time whether it be joy, sorrow, or annoyance.

There are letters from all kinds of women from all walks of life; famous women, everyday women like the one who sent her letter via hot air balloon, women forgotten in history; explorers, scientists, politicians, artists, women of color, everyone is represented here.

My only caveat: I wanted more!

I love the premise. Letter writing is definitely a lost art to the times. When reviewing this document, I am having trouble seeing what the letters would be? I only see the accompanying passage explaining the context, no letters? I changed the view in Adobe reader a few different ways but still haven't problems. Otherwise, cool idea.

Signed & Sealed by Pauline Weger and Alicia Williamson is a fascinating book. It's a jaunt into history because when the author has formatted the book in the most delightful way.

First, the book highlights the authors of the letters and to whom. Then it's categorized by the type of letter, such as sorrow, condolences, congratulations, romantic, etc. Each one is very short, two pages maximum. I was so taken by Eleanor Roosevelt's story about her personal physician and their close relationship.

This compelling book would be a wonderful gift book and also a book for a nightstand or coffee table. Its cover is beautiful, (loved the wax seal front, and the contents intriguing. I want t read another and another of the beautiful writing of the letters with how the author has made them short but so much is said is such little space.

I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher, Running Press for the opportunity to read and review this wonderful book.