The Letters (Wheeler Large Print Book Series) [Large Print]

By Luanne Rice

Book Overview

Is there any mystery greater than those we love the most? In this remarkable collaboration, New York Times bestselling author Luanne Rice and Joseph Monninger combine their unique talents to create a powerfully moving novel of an estranged husband and wife through a series of searching, intimate letters. By way of a correspondence so achingly real you'll forget it's fiction, they trace the history of a love affair and of a family before, and after, the moment that changed the course of two people's journey forever. Sam and Hadley West are both trying in their own ways to survive after the unthinkable loss of their only son in Alaska. For Sam, a sports journalist, acceptance means an arduous trek by dogsled across the bleak and beautiful arctic wilderness to find the place where Paul died. For Hadley, it means renting a benignly haunted, salt-soaked cottage off the Maine coast where she begins to paint again. Now, at opposite ends of the country, waiting for their divorce to be finalized, they begin to exchange letters by post, missives filled with longing and truths they've never before voiced, as they recall their marriage--its magic moments and its challenges--and begin to rediscover the reasons they fell in love in the first place. As Sam risks his life to reach the remote crash site, Hadley begins an equally hazardous inner journey to a rendezvous with the mad grief of a mother's heart. At the place where all else is lost, they will meet again....

• Format: Hardcover
• Large Print: Yes
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1597228605
• ISBN13: 9781597228602
• Release Date: January 1
• Publisher: Thorndike Press
• Length: 389 Pages
• Weight: 1.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 1.0" x 5.8"

Customer Reviews

very touching

This was a very touching, poignant love story.Each author brought their own style and emotions into this book,for an inside look into their characters' marriage.

A Great Love Story

I was surprised when I saw the average ratings for this book. At first I didn't buy it because of the ratings, but I am glad I did. I thought it was fantastic. I am a big fan of Luanne Rice, and while this is somewhat of a departure from her usual writing style, I found myself rapidly turning the pages to find out what happened next. The main part of the story is set in the wilderness of Alaska, a place that is mystical, beautiful and at times harsh. I enjoyed getting to know the back story of the two main characters, a husband and wife, going through a difficult time in their marriage. As in all good marriages, communication is one of the most important tools to keep the relationship healthy. I felt like I was a dear, close member of their family, reading their intimate thoughts and feelings. The honesty depicted in the book is precious. There are times in a marriage where a traumatic event can either make you stronger or break you, and this book was a good reminder for me, to treasure my loved ones every day.

The Letters Moved Me

I was unable to put this book down. It was very riveting. I have a daughter teaching in Alaska and it brought even more of her newly adopted State to life for me.

Sweet and Sentimental

This book is sweet and an endearing. It is sentimental and that's not an insult. It reminds us that relationships are hard work and that we all make mistakes. It also reassures that, if we want to, we can find our way back to the one we love.

engaging look at grieving

Sam and Hadley West are stunned to learn their beloved adult son Paul died in a plane crash in a remote part of the Alaskan Arctic wilderness. Instead of helping each other through the grief process, the Wests go their separate ways, each coping alone. As they file for divorce, Sam feels a deep need to visit the exact spot where Paul died; while Hadley runs away to a Maine barrier island turning to painting for catharsis. Thousands of miles apart, they exchange letters telling the other what they could not explain in person. Each looks back at their long marriage with fondness and love. Sam is nearing the end of his trek, but the most arduous journey begins as he uses a dog sled to go from the last outpost Laika Star to the crash site. Hadley believes her Sam deserted her on a fool's errand until the letters keep on coming explaining his obsession while she responds explaining her obsession. Soap operish as at times too overly emotional, readers will still relish this engaging look at grieving the loss of a son. Interestingly the tale works because the lead couple comes across as shallow with Sam only thinking of himself and Hadley angry and acrimonious. Over the course of the letters, readers understand what distress and agony can do to caring loving people as grief is a singular journey of the mind and heart. Harriet Klausner