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Letters From Home

Kristina McMorris (Goodreads Author)

3.84 · Rating details · 2,971 ratings · 440 reviews

A Goodreads Choice Awards Semifinalist for Best Historical Fiction by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kristina McMorris

Chicago, 1944. Liz Stephens has little interest in attending a USO club dance with her friends Betty and Julia. She doesn't need a flirtation with a lonely serviceman when she's set to marry her childhood sweetheart. Yet something happens ...more

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Kindle Edition, 357 pages

Published February 28th 2011 by Kensington Books (first published January 1st 2011)

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Jan 03, 2011 Tatiana rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: wwii

In our age of email, text messaging, and high-tech cell phones that condense entire lives into tiny gadgets formerly reserved for spies, Kristina McMorris’ debut novel, Letters From Home, is a welcome dose of nostalgia, a love letter in itself for a simpler time, when patience truly was a virtue and a hand-scrawled note was treasured above all else.

The novel chronicles the radically diverse wartime adventures of four individuals: roommates Liz Stephens, Betty Cordell, and Julia Renard, and In our age of email, text messaging, and high-tech cell phones that condense entire lives into tiny gadgets formerly reserved for spies, Kristina McMorris’ debut novel, Letters From Home, is a welcome dose of nostalgia, a love letter in itself for a simpler time, when patience truly was a virtue and a hand-scrawled note was treasured above all else.

The novel chronicles the radically diverse wartime adventures of four individuals: roommates Liz Stephens, Betty Cordell, and Julia Renard, and Private Morgan McClain. WWII, encapsulated by the romance of spontaneity, the rise of female independence, and the tragedy of loss, serves as backdrop to misunderstandings of the heart suffered by each character as they wade through the high waters of doubt and pain to the shores of self-discovery. For some, strength and healing awaits them; for others, unlikely yet fervent love formed out of deception. At its core, Letters From Home expounds on the belief that love is a blind endeavor, a leap of faith, because looks can deceive as much as signatures, but genuine feelings are hopeless to disguise.

While I am a sucker for all things WWII, I was surprised at this novel’s grace. A slight historical inaccuracy toward the middle derailed my interests momentarily, and I called all but one aspect of the underrated Julia’s narrative. But those minuscule hiccups I could easily overlook because the story as a whole, with its old-fashion charm and quaint dialogue, was absorbing and lovingly crafted (the plot was partly based on the author’s grandparents’ correspondence of courtship during the war).

Throughout, a lyric to an Arcade Fire song repeatedly came to me: It may seem strange / how we used to wait / for letters to arrive / But what’s stranger still / is how something so small / can keep you alive. Judging how our society hangs on the approval of the digital universe and derives self-esteem from Facebook updates, it’s evident that we’ve come far only in technology. It doesn’t matter if it’s 1944 or 2011; we’re still relying on human connection, in some form or another, to keep us going.
...more

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Jul 09, 2012 Melissa Snider rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Let me start this off by saying I read this book front to back in 2 days. It was that good. I found myself staying up until 2 am both nights because I just needed to know how the story unfolded. I tried to read it about a year ago, got a few pages in, and put it down. This time I was fresh off reading "Next to Love" by Ellen Feldman and wanted another historical fiction (romance) set during WWII. Truth is, I will pick up any book concerned with our Greatest Generation...

What I particularly loved Let me start this off by saying I read this book front to back in 2 days. It was that good. I found myself staying up until 2 am both nights because I just needed to know how the story unfolded. I tried to read it about a year ago, got a few pages in, and put it down. This time I was fresh off reading "Next to Love" by Ellen Feldman and wanted another historical fiction (romance) set during WWII. Truth is, I will pick up any book concerned with our Greatest Generation...

What I particularly loved about this novel, aside from the obvious (storyline... military love story, etc) was that the story is told from different perspectives. Each chapter is told from one of the 4 main character's POV. Books like this I can become more engaged in - they give me a better sense of the story and the character's lives/thoughts/feelings.

That said, I felt a deep sense of connection with the characters. I don't know why this is, but I felt like the main character Liz could have been one of my friends. Maybe because I myself am an Army wife, maybe because I know what it feels like to long for the one you love. This may be silly but they all became a part of my life for a few days. They felt real. Then the book ended, and I felt a sense of loss! Not many books have that affect on me. I found myself crying on 3 separate occasions while reading this book. Not many books have that affect either.

The story-line isn't groundbreaking by any means. It's another story of a "doomed love affair" really. This one was different for me however. I couldn't help myself from rooting for Morgan and Liz from the first chapter. Morgan was just so dang lovable, how could you not root for his happiness!?

I think the reason I felt the connection I did with this book is because I actually fell in love with my husband long distance via phone (thanks again, Army!), Skype and email. I'm not comparing situations, as that is apples and oranges. However, this book truly made me cherish the fact that I have several means of communication during his deployments! I could not imagine going months without contact, and constantly worrying my mail might be returned with "DECEASED" stamped on the back.

All in all, if you like historical fiction, this book is for you. If you like the WWII era, this book is for you. If you like a good love story, this book is for you. ...more

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Mar 23, 2011 Nancy rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, epistolary, 20th-century, war, midwest-us, romance

Although this isn’t a true epistolary novel (one that is written as a series of documents, usually letters), the plot is driven in an epistolary sense as the narrative is built around a series of letters. Most of the correspondence takes place between Liz, a female college student and Morgan, a young soldier she meets briefly at a USO dance in Chicago during WW II. They form an instant mutual attraction, but through a series of misunderstandings, she ends up writing to him under the guise of her ...more

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Apr 14, 2017 Kelsey rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: ya-teenager, fiction, wwii-fiction, history

What a sweet, sweet story.

I enjoyed this immensely, and if I hadn't read Bridge of Scarlet Leaves before this, I probably would have given it 5 stars. However, I gave it 4, because while I loved it, I know that McMorris can write even better, and base her stories in more reality.

The story focuses on three young women, Betty, Liz, and Julia, who are best friends going to college. Betty wants to be a singer for the USO, Liz is engaged to Dalton, an up and coming politician, and Julia wants to What a sweet, sweet story.

I enjoyed this immensely, and if I hadn't read Bridge of Scarlet Leaves before this, I probably would have given it 5 stars. However, I gave it 4, because while I loved it, I know that McMorris can write even better, and base her stories in more reality.

The story focuses on three young women, Betty, Liz, and Julia, who are best friends going to college. Betty wants to be a singer for the USO, Liz is engaged to Dalton, an up and coming politician, and Julia wants to make a name for herself in the fashion industry, but constantly chooses her fiance, Christian, over her dreams. One night, at a dance, Liz meets Morgan, who's being shipped to Europe with his brother, Charlie. Liz and Morgan have an instant connection, but when she goes to the bathroom and comes back to see Betty dancing with Morgan, she figures that she's imagined everything, and leaves. Betty is beautiful and knows it, and persuades Morgan to take a picture of her, promising that she'll write to him. Instead, she forgets about him and decides to sign up for the WAC, and asks Liz to write in her place to Morgan. Through the letters, Liz and Morgan fall in love, except, Morgan thinks it's Betty. When the war ends, all four of these characters have to deal with the changes that it's brought, and how to live their lives in accordance.

This story is campy at times, and touching in others. I found Betty's story to be the most interesting, but I think that's because she, out of all the girls, goes through the biggest change in life and character. Perhaps my favorite thing about the book was that it truly felt like it was set in the 1940s. That's something I'll always give McMorris credit for. She knows how to use language to that advantage. There were certain wordings and descriptions throughout the book where you could exactly picture the era, and it was, all in all, fun. I hate when you read a contemporary book that's set in a past era, but characters speak like people do now. McMorris never does that, and it's refreshing.

The book is humorous, too, which I also loved. There were many times I laughed out loud while reading conversations between the army boys. I also liked the fact that McMorris even threw it in, because a lot of the conversations they had were about women and sex. In today's day and age, we like to think of that generation as "pure" and respectful, but, in all actuality, they did talk about sex, and swore all the time, and the military did in fact hand out a bunch of condoms, a detail McMorris throws in, because they knew that the men would want to enjoy themselves, but were terrified of all the STDs that the soldiers could get.

What's also clear is that she puts in an extensive amount of time doing research about WWII and the time period. It feels real, and certain things, like battles and guns and ammo she writes about, are all factual. I also like that it's not just centered on one theater of the war, either. You have some characters in America, some in France, some in Germany, some in what was then Dutch New Guinea, so you also get a wide view of the war, instead of the story just being told from one focused spot. There have been countless times where I read a book set in WWII where certain things like that would be wrong, but McMorris makes sure to get all the details correct.

Though the writing isn't perfect, and the story wraps up almost too nicely, I still am a huge fan of McMorris, and would recommend her.

Also, McMorris gave a nod to Captain America, which gets a bonus point from me. He's my fave. ...more

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Dec 04, 2018 Cat Tutt rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

A very touching historical fiction. I loved all the characters and thought the storyline was riveting, finding myself unable to put it down for the last 100 pages or so. Highly recommended for lovers of historical fiction/historical romance.

*5 Stars

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Mar 23, 2019 Terri rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Review also found at https://kristineandterri.blogspot.com...

This book has been sitting on my to be read shelf for a really long time. As I have been focusing on reading ARCs for a long time, I thought it was about time to try to get through some of the unread books that have been "dusting up my shelves".

This is not a new book, in fact it is eight years old. As a result I figure most people who are going to read it, probably already have unless like me, have read all other works by McMorris and Review also found at https://kristineandterri.blogspot.com...

This book has been sitting on my to be read shelf for a really long time. As I have been focusing on reading ARCs for a long time, I thought it was about time to try to get through some of the unread books that have been "dusting up my shelves".

This is not a new book, in fact it is eight years old. As a result I figure most people who are going to read it, probably already have unless like me, have read all other works by McMorris and are working through the rest of her library. Everything to be said has already been said so instead of a literal review, I am going to tell a story about how I discovered Kristina McMorris.

My sister and I share a love of books, hence the reason for the blog. About once a month or so, she would come pick me up and off we would head to spend an afternoon at Chapters. Armed with our caramel latte's in hand, we would spend hours browsing through the aisles, randomly picking up books to see what prizes we would be leaving the store with. No worries in the world, no time limits, just us, our lattes, and thousands of books to choose from. No researching websites, Goodreads or any other web platform to help us choose. If my pile of books got too big, she would take some and vice versa. No cares in the world, just the feeling of peace and pure relaxation knowing we were in our happy place. We would linger until we felt we had accumulated enough books to last us a while until we did it all over again.

On one of these trips, our first of many, I stumbled across Bridge of Scarlet Leaves. I had never heard of it nor of McMorris. I had just randomly picked it up from the shelf, thought it sounded interesting and took a gamble. And so begins my love affair with the work of Kristina McMorris

Why tell this story you ask? It is because this book made me feel much like those outings did. The writing of McMorris is my happy place. I know that whenever I pick up one of her books that I am guaranteed to be 100% satisfied with the experience. I don't need to read what the story is about before diving in because I can count on her to deliver a consistent and satisfying read. That and the fact that she is linked to some of my favorite memories.

To be honest, I loved this story and I am a little mad at myself for leaving it on my shelf so long. So no, I am not going to discuss the plot. I say if you are fan of historical fiction, Kristina McMorris, well written books or just books in general, just pick this up and read it. you won't be disappointed. ...more

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Feb 17, 2011 Jodi rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I got swept away by the what ifs of this book. What if you met and lost your true love on the same day? What if you really weren't the person you'd been pretending to be? What if you wanted to change but no one else wanted you to change? And of course the World War II era just added to the romance.

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Feb 11, 2011 Peggy rated it really liked it · review of another edition

The book takes place during World War II.It is the story of three women who have been friends since childhood.The story is through letters and each of the three womens' points of view. It takes you from the trenches of war,to a field hospital in Dutch New Guinea to high society Chicago.

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Feb 24, 2011 Ing rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

My Synopsis:
Liz Stephens is at a crossroad in her life. She has been in a relationship with her childhood friend, Dalton Harris. For the most part, Liz is content in this relationship. During a chance meeting at a USO dance, Liz meets Morgan McClain an enlisted soldier who will be shipped off to war the next morning. In that brief moment in time, Liz feels such a strong connection with Morgan that will shake her up and make her question her relationship and all that she knows. A My Synopsis:
Liz Stephens is at a crossroad in her life. She has been in a relationship with her childhood friend, Dalton Harris. For the most part, Liz is content in this relationship. During a chance meeting at a USO dance, Liz meets Morgan McClain an enlisted soldier who will be shipped off to war the next morning. In that brief moment in time, Liz feels such a strong connection with Morgan that will shake her up and make her question her relationship and all that she knows. A misunderstanding leads her to believe that Morgan's affection lies elsewhere.

Morgan and his brother Charlie are shipping off to war the next morning. Morgan has been looking out for Charlie his whole life. Charlie wanted to enlist and go off to war. Morgan also enlists and finds a way for them to be in the same unit so he could keep an eye out for his younger brother. On their last night before they are shipped off, Morgan meets and feels a huge connection with Liz. Before he could get her last name and find out more about her, Liz departs to clean up after a drunk soldier spills a drink down the side of her dress. Morgan loses sight of her while helping a damsel in distress.

Betty Cordell is trying to find her way in this world. She is beautiful and has the curves in all the right places. She's not as book smart as her roommates, but she's a fighter. Betty is singing at this dance and has captivated many of the soldiers there that night. She is rescued by Morgan when a drunk soldier doesn't take no for an answer. Betty is searching for Mr. Right and thinks she might have found it in Morgan.

Julia Renard has a decision to make. She's been offered a prestigious internship at Vogue. She would love to jump at this chance but she loves her fiance Christian more. Julia decides her time would be better spent at home as a wife when Christian returns from the war. Julia is confident in her decision and continues to plan her wedding. An encounter with Christian's older brother Ian will leave her questioning her path.

Each friend will take her own path leading her on a journey that will change her life.

My Thoughts:
Where to start? Let me start by telling you how I discovered this book. I was stalking the Rhapsody Book Club site and saw this book in their coming soon section. I saw the cover and fell in love with it. Yes, it doesn't have any eye candy (my normally visually appealing senses can appreciate non eye candy covers every once in awhile it happens..lol) but the combination of the letters and flower evoked an emotion in me. What emotion I couldn't tell you, but I knew I needed to find out more about this book. I read the synopsis and was sold. I checked out Kristina's website and totally fell in love. It's like stepping back into days gone by. I found out Kristina was a new author and this was a debut book. Stalked Kristina and told her I wanted to pimp her book and get her on my blog. I took a chance with an author I've never read before and a genre (Women's Fiction) that I'm picky about and rarely read, but something in my gut told me that I was going to like this book. Let me tell you, that I love it when my gut is right! :)

Kristina has written a captivating novel that will take you on a journey from the home front of America during WWII to the middle of the battlefields fought across the seas! With her poetic writing and descriptive words you will feel as if you've stepped right into the 1940's during an era that was dominated by an ugly war! Kristina wonderfully wove three different stories into one book seamlessly. The journey that each lady, Elizabeth, Betty, and Julia takes was written in a way that I was equally interested and eager to find out their fates.

The letters that are exchanged between Liz and Morgan, two people who spent just a moment together one night, conveyed their journey beautifully from strangers to soul mates. Julia's decision to give up her dreams to be a wonderful wife to her fiance fighting in the war will leave you heartbroken. Betty's road to discovering her place in the world and meeting the one man she think could be the one in the Pacific will keep you turning the pages. The moments with Morgan, his baby bro Charlie and their fellow soldiers will provide laughter, tears, hope and the realities of war.

This book worked in every way for me. The characters were all developed and layered nicely to give me the reader a sense of who they are at the beginning and who they become by the end of the book. Not one moment while reading this book did I feel bored. I was engrossed from the beginning until the final pages. My only complaint which really isn't a complaint is the fact that I wanted more after the last page. I didn't want the book to end. I did not want to leave these characters behind.

So if you can't tell...I loved this book. No sexing and I still loved it! :) I would highly recommend this book. If you love stories during the 1940's with three romances with different outcomes, beautiful letters, friendship, war and laughter, this is the book for you.
...more

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Feb 21, 2011 Karen rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I enjoyed Kristina McMorris's book very much. Here is my review:

Set during World War II, from Chicago to the battles waging in Europe, from a USO club to a military field hospital, Kristina McMorris has created a moving story in LETTERS FROM HOME. This narrative was inspired by the true love story of her own grandparents’ romance and how their correspondence during the war resulted in their eventual loving union. Revolving around three female characters, LETTERS FROM HOME will grab you from the I enjoyed Kristina McMorris's book very much. Here is my review:

Set during World War II, from Chicago to the battles waging in Europe, from a USO club to a military field hospital, Kristina McMorris has created a moving story in LETTERS FROM HOME. This narrative was inspired by the true love story of her own grandparents’ romance and how their correspondence during the war resulted in their eventual loving union. Revolving around three female characters, LETTERS FROM HOME will grab you from the first page and not let you go until you have finished by looking at the wonderful “war time” recipes McMorris has included in the back of the book.

Liz Stephens, Betty Cordell, and Julia Renard were roommates in Chicago back in 1944. Each with a different goal in mind, the story follows these women as their lives entwine and they strive to reach those goals. Along the way, they find that no matter what they planned, life happens and some of their journeys end in a much different place than originally intended. Liz starts out fully expecting to marry Dalton Harris, a friend since they were children who is now a young, local politician. Betty is set on marrying a man of means, unlike her mother, while Julia’s dream is heading in the right direction now with a chance to intern for a very famous fashion design team. However, Julia is also engaged to Christian Downing, who is already overseas and while she waits for his return, knowing decisions will need to be made, his brother Ian returns from war, a changed man. Julia feels sorry for him but before she realizes it, those feelings begin to change to something more intense.

Enter the rest of the male characters with Morgan McClain, who with his brother Charlie, is enjoying a last hurrah at the Chicago USO Club before shipping out. Although Morgan would have been quite happy to continue his life at home, he thought it best he sign up to watch over his brother Charlie as he had done for most of his life given that Charlie could be rather impetuous. When Morgan and Liz meet at the USO, there is immediate chemistry, but when Morgan, always the good guy, goes to help Betty, Liz leaves thinking she had probably imagined it. What could she be thinking anyway when she is destined to be with Dalton?

One thing leads to another and Betty begins to write to Morgan overseas but feels she is inadequate in her writing skills and asks Liz for help. With Betty’s persuasive personality, Liz agrees and soon Morgan and Liz are writing meaningful, deep letters with Morgan picturing Betty while it is Liz he is really falling for. Betty makes a sudden patriotic, but possibly dangerous decision to join the Woman’s Army Corp and in doing so, finds a real romance of her own.

As LETTERS FROM HOME goes on, switching from battle fields to the home front, from the men to the women, McMorris writes with a personal touch that really keeps the reader “in the moment” and waiting to see which direction each character will go next. When the war ends, each of the women now has to come to terms with decisions they have made. What will happen when the men come home? Will Julia follow her dream or continue along the path she has started on? Will Liz be married safely to her childhood friend or take a chance on someone she thinks she has feelings for as a result of those letters? What will become of Betty and who will she finally wind up with, if any? And what IF all the men don’t come home? The ending stayed with me as it is one that left me thinking about each character and the choices they made for quite a while. Was I surprised, you might ask? I will say this, war can change people and sometimes we have to ask if we really knew that person to begin with. The fact that Kristina McMorris has written with such depth and emotion, reflected in her characters, the ending, and the story overall. I think you will only know what I mean by reading LETTERS FROM HOME by Kristina McMorris and make your own judgment.

...more

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Mar 15, 2011 Stephanie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: review-book, wwii, reviewed, historical, favorites

It’s 1944 in Chicago, in the midst of World War II. Three young women Liz, Betty, and Julia, friends and roommates, are each coming to a crossroads in their lives. Liz is supposed to marry her childhood sweetheart, Dalton, but now she’s not so sure, especially after she meets Morgan, a soldier, at a USO dance, and feels an immediate connection… but he’s being shipped out the next day. Julia’s meant to marry the love of her life, Christian, who’s also overseas, but is offered a prestigious It’s 1944 in Chicago, in the midst of World War II. Three young women Liz, Betty, and Julia, friends and roommates, are each coming to a crossroads in their lives. Liz is supposed to marry her childhood sweetheart, Dalton, but now she’s not so sure, especially after she meets Morgan, a soldier, at a USO dance, and feels an immediate connection… but he’s being shipped out the next day. Julia’s meant to marry the love of her life, Christian, who’s also overseas, but is offered a prestigious fashion internship at Vogue due to her immense talent, and feels that if she takes it, it will mean sacrificing her relationship. Betty, a bombshell, is out in the world searching for herself when she meets Morgan, right after Liz leaves the dance, and decides to write to him while he’s overseas. Knowing that her writing skills are less than stellar, she enlists Liz to ghostwrite these letters to him. Liz is apprehensive, but knowing Dalton is in the background, she agrees, allowing Morgan to believe the letters that he loves are really written by Betty. Who will find love, and where will it come from, for these three women?

On the front cover is a blurb from Kristin Hannah saying that this is “an absolutely lovely debut,” and I really couldn’t agree more. If I could use just one word to describe this story, that would be it: lovely. If I could use two, I would also throw in delightful. Each chapter is told from alternating viewpoints, shifting between Liz, Betty, Julia and Morgan. I wasn’t expecting this after reading the back cover. I thought it would mainly be about the Liz/Morgan scenario, but was pleasantly surprised to find several other stories going on at once, concerning all three friends. All of the characters were developed extremely well, and had their own distinct personalities, dreams, and inhibitions.

I was also pleasantly surprised when I found myself really engrossed in the novel because I’m not usually into historical fiction, but this had a really nice balance in that while it certainly implemented the historical aspect, it could have easily been a modern love story too. Regardless, I found myself getting really drawn into the war portion of the story too, and have found myself thinking about WWII now after finishing the book and becoming more interested in it. The story made me feel like I was right there with the girls living through what they were living through. It also had a coming-of-age and finding one’s self aspect as well, which I can always relate to, as I’m in that stage of life myself.

This book is beautiful and touching. It’s a really enjoyable and lovely story that I’d strongly recommend to fans of historical fiction, romance, and women’s literature.

Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. ...more

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Oct 22, 2011 Glenda rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: books-read-in-2013

Liz Stephens has little interest in attending a USO club dance with her friends Betty and Julia. She doesn't need a flirtation with a lonely serviceman when she's set to marry her childhood sweetheart. Yet something happens the moment Liz glimpses Morgan McClain. They share only a brief exchange--cut short by the soldier's evident interest in Betty--but Liz can't forget him. Betty asks Liz to pen a letter to Morgan for her and then she leaves to join the WAC and forgets all about him. Liz ...more

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Dec 31, 2010 Kathleen Kelly rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This story is inspired by the author's own grandparents. It takes place primarily in 1944-45 in Illinois, Dutch New Guinea and France. Brothers Morgan and Charlie McClain who are in Chicago, before shipping out to France, go to a club and there they meet Liz, Betty and Julia. Each chapter is told in a different characters voice and we learn more about each of them. A lot of this story is told in letter format between "Betty" and Morgan. Betty had originally asked Liz to pen a letter to Morgan ...more

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Sep 14, 2011 Cari rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, romance

Letters from Home's premise of three female roommates and their relationships to each other, the War and the men in their lives was great. I wanted to like this book and there were moments in it that I really enjoyed and made me keep reading. However, I found the characters to be flat. Maybe it was that the author tried to do too much with too many characters so I wasn't captivated by any of them. I found Liz to be somewhat boring an predictable. I think the stories surrounding Julia and Betty ...more

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Jul 17, 2018 Joan Bash rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I read Ms. McMorris' second novel "Bridge of Scarlet Leaves" first, and just finished "Letters from Home." I loved both novels, and now that I've seen that both are excellent, I would be happy to read anything by this author. The characters are believable and genuine, and the author pulls you right into the story. I'm definitely a fan!

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Oct 15, 2010 Delilah Marvelle rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

What I loved about this book was that it was more than a love story. It was a friendship story between women trying to be strong in an era that tried to strip them of not only that strength but their identity. Beautifully written, I felt like I was reliving the past as it really might have been.

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Apr 09, 2015 Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Kristina McMorris has quickly become one of my favorite authors. I savor every word. I loved that this story was loosely based on her grandparents, and that it took place during one of my favorite times in history, WWII; when my grandparents were young, too. I highly recommend this book for fans of well-told fiction.

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Feb 24, 2019 Vera Nordic Soul Books rated it liked it · review of another edition

An entertaining and heartfelt novel for the romantics!

"Letters from Home" by Kristina McMorris is a lovely historical novel, which features passionate and inspiring wartime romances, engaging and captivating drama, and the unique challenges of both the warfront and home front during the latter years of WW2. The well-written storyline and dynamic characters offer an entertaining and inspiring read to enjoy.

I recommend to all historical romance lovers! This one is for you!

Cheers, Vera ...more

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Jul 06, 2019 Luchi Rzezak rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Debut novel! ...more

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Oct 23, 2017 Bev Walkling rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: ethical-dilemma, fiction, grief, relationship-issues, romance, war, wartime-setting, history, kindle-book, women-s-lit

4.5 stars

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May 08, 2015 Nolan rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: bookshare

One of the strongest motivations for me to read this book is the memories I have of my parents. They were members of the Greatest Generation, and their quiet but remarkable lives continue to uplift and influence mine constantly although they are no longer alive. So because of their examples, I'm naturally going to gravitate to a book that depicts members of their generation in times of love and war. This book depicts those times powerfully and ever so well.

Liz, Betty, and Julia are roommates in One of the strongest motivations for me to read this book is the memories I have of my parents. They were members of the Greatest Generation, and their quiet but remarkable lives continue to uplift and influence mine constantly although they are no longer alive. So because of their examples, I'm naturally going to gravitate to a book that depicts members of their generation in times of love and war. This book depicts those times powerfully and ever so well.

Liz, Betty, and Julia are roommates in 1944 Chicago. Liz wants to be a professor. Julia loves fashion design, and Betty sings at the local USO club and intends to use her looks to marry someone of wealth. The three young women attend a USO dance one night. Betty sings a bit for the soldiers in attendance, and all of them dance with the boys who are shipping out the next morning. Although she is engaged to an up-and-coming lawyer, Liz dances with a young man who joined the service essentially to keep his brother out of trouble. The two connect palpably on that dance floor, and both recognize that the connection is real and powerful indeed. But a quick trip to the restroom changes everything from Liz's perspective. When she reappears on the dance floor, Morgan, the young man with whom she had felt such a connection only moments earlier, was dancing with her roommate, Betty. Thinking that Morgan wasn't all that interested after all, Liz leaves the dance quietly, leaving Morgan to wonder where she went and why she would leave. Granted, he had danced with her roommate, but only because Betty needed rescuing from an overbearing soldier.

The following day, Betty asks Liz, whom she knows to be a far better writer than she is, to send a note to Morgan in her name. Liz does, and thus begins a remarkable correspondence between two people who fall in love on paper despite thousands of miles of separation and unfathomable uncertainty. Morgan believes he is writing to Betty, and Liz doesn't have the courage to set him straight for a variety of excellent reasons, all of which will become apparent to you if you read this.

McMorris writes brilliantly and well. She skillfully weaves the plots of the three young women into a real work of art that will keep you turning pages and feeling sorrow when you encounter the back cover and realize your time with these people is ended. You'll travel from Chicago to the European theater of war, and to the South Pacific. You'll read about betrayal and about forgiveness and reconciliation. McMorris uses letters to advance the plot, and I was reminded of the immense value of such things as letters and journals.

So gripping is this book that I found myself at one point literally talking out loud as if McMorris could hear me. "If you screw up these characters' lives," I remember exclaiming at one point, "I'll never be able to pick up another book you write." Fortunately for me, Kristina McMorris intuitively figured out how to craft this such that I came away hugely satisfied with the book and pleased that I read it. This is nothing short of a gift of love in memory of the World War II generation. It is well researched, impressively written, and memorable by every measure. ...more

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Apr 09, 2011 Vaughn Roycroft rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Ever Know a WWII Vet? Do you have any relations, living or deceased, who served in World War II? If you think not, are you sure? After all, over 16 million Americans served in uniform during the war. That’s not to mention the millions who worked to arm, equip, transport, or otherwise support them. And this at a time when the population was less than half today’s; about 139 million. Chances are you are recently descended from someone greatly affected by this monumental conflict.

Have you ever Ever Know a WWII Vet? Do you have any relations, living or deceased, who served in World War II? If you think not, are you sure? After all, over 16 million Americans served in uniform during the war. That’s not to mention the millions who worked to arm, equip, transport, or otherwise support them. And this at a time when the population was less than half today’s; about 139 million. Chances are you are recently descended from someone greatly affected by this monumental conflict.

Have you ever wondered about them, how living scenes we can only imagine when seeing them in the movies really felt? Well, Kristina McMorris, upon discovering a treasure trove of letters between her grandparents, did. And the rest of us are blessed by her curiosity, and the resultant labor of love she crafted in Letters From Home.

The book opens with a simple enough hook: a chance meeting before a soldier ships off to war, a couple feels a spark in one another’s presence, in touching; the simple pangs of love at first sight. Through a simple misunderstanding they are separated before exploring their feelings, or even exchanging surnames, let alone contact information. McMorris’s simplicity is deceptively entangling, for both the couple, Liz and Morgan, and for the reader. Fate intervenes, and Liz is offered a chance to continue her connection with Morgan (Mac), off fighting in Europe, via letters from home. The hitch, thereby the novel’s true hook: to do so, Liz must assume another woman’s identity to keep Mac’s letters coming—and that woman is her friend and roommate.

Do you ever think society is worse off for the disappearance of letter-writing? I’m not talking emails or tweets—I refer to the composing of one’s thoughts and emotions in writing, in ink, specifically to connect with another. If so, you have a second reason to read this book. The language McMorris uses in Liz’s and Mac’s letters is so powerful, so beautifully written, I found myself longing for the next one, just as do Liz and Mac in the story.

The novel is multi-layered, introducing a whole series of era-specific issues via the secondary characters and plots. Issues like women’s changing roles, both in the armed services and on the home front, the shame of battle fatigue, and the dehumanizing and tragic impact of war and death on the psyche of its survivors. McMorris skillfully renders battle scenes, both gripping and heartrending. I consider myself well-read on the war and the era, and found her attention to detail impeccable. The dialog rings true and period-correct, but still relatable to a modern audience.

The final weaving of the various far-flung characters and story elements is masterful. I confess myself the son of a WWII combat vet, which may have some bearing on my feelings. But I found Letters From Home to be a sweeping, romantic, and powerfully moving page-turner. A must read for anyone who ever knew or wondered about a relative who survived or died as a result of one the world’s most arduous trials. They don’t call them The Greatest Generation for nothing.
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Mar 15, 2011 Brenda rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I am a huge fan of historical fiction and when I read that "Letters From Home"was inspired by the love letters of the authors grandparents I was totally hooked.

Set during WWII, the story revolves around three young ladies Liz, Betty and Julia,who have been best friends since they were thrown together as lab partners in freshman science.The three of them live in Elizabeth (Liz) Stephens grandparents home. Each have their own aspirations in life, Liz plans on marrying her childhood friend Dalton, I am a huge fan of historical fiction and when I read that "Letters From Home"was inspired by the love letters of the authors grandparents I was totally hooked.

Set during WWII, the story revolves around three young ladies Liz, Betty and Julia,who have been best friends since they were thrown together as lab partners in freshman science.The three of them live in Elizabeth (Liz) Stephens grandparents home. Each have their own aspirations in life, Liz plans on marrying her childhood friend Dalton, and also becoming a literature professor. Julia is engaged to Christian, who is serving overseas, but she also is great with fashion, and has just been offered a chance at an impressive internship with Vogue. Betty works as a waitress and also sings at the USO, she decides that her life needs a change and makes a quick decision to join the Women's Army Corps.

Morgan McClain and his brother Charlie are getting ready to ship out and are spending their last night at the USO in Chicago. Charlie is anxious to get into battle, he would have enlisted early but his brother Morgan convinced him to wait until he was eighteen, and because Morgan has always looked out for his brother, he signed up as well.When Morgan and Liz meet at the USO they feel drawn to each other, but when Liz goes to the bathroom and comes back Morgan is dancing with Betty, making Liz think that she only imagined the spark she felt. Betty starts corresponding with Morgan but soon convinces Liz to write the letters for her, as the letters fly back and forth Morgan thinks he is falling for Betty, never realizing it is actually Liz he is corresponding with.

The author weaves together the stories of the characters perfectly, pulling you into their lives so completely that I really couldn't put the book down.There are some light humorous moments but also some heart wrenching ones as well. Because the author starts each chapter with the date and location she easily transistions the story between the States and the battlefield.

As we get the back stories of the characters, I found myself especially drawn to Liz, who felt abandoned by her father, and I really kept hoping that Julia wouldn't give up her chance with Vogue. I was so totally surprised when Betty joined the WAC. I kept wondering what Morgan would do when he found out the truth about who he was actually corresponding with. But most of all I found myself holding my breath, hoping that the men would make it back home alive.

If your looking for a well written story that will transport you back to a simpler time, where the characters stick in your heart and mind long after you have read the last page then you definitely want to read this book!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. ...more

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Sep 21, 2011 Alyce (At Home With Books) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Letters From Home is the story of three girlfriends, their boyfriends, and how the war drastically changes all of their lives. The main characters of the book are Liz and Morgan (a soldier), who are writing letters back and forth to each other. The special twist to the story is that Morgan thinks he is writing to Betty. The story bounces back and forth between the girls at home and Morgan at the front lines. Betty and Julia’s stories are told as subplots, and each of their stories leaves you ...more

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Dec 12, 2011 Hallie Sawyer rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Recommended to Hallie by: Erika Robuck

LETTERS FROM HOME, published in March 2011 by Kensington Books, is set in 1944 Chicago. The story begins with three roommates, Liz, Betty, and Julia, as women on the cusp of their adult lives. Julia is waiting for her fiancé to return from the war, Liz is getting ready to marry her childhood sweetheart, and Betty has her sights set on joining the USO as a singer. However, things in life don't always happen according to plan.

Liz agrees to pen a letter for Betty to a young serviceman, Morgan ...more

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Mar 08, 2012 George rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: lacpl-ebook, nook-st

HISTORY AND NOSTALGIA SERVED WARM WITH SENTAMENTALITY AND A MEASURE OF MUSH.

The inclusion of Book Club “Victory Recipes” at the end of her debut novel should have tipped me off as to the audience at which Kristina McMorris was aiming her prose. Since I’m looking forward to seeing her and hearing her speak at an author’s panel in downtown L.A. in a few months, however, I though it would be nice to have at least read something she had written.

I’d already read and vastly enjoyed books by the other ...more

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Jun 06, 2012 Adriana rated it liked it

Shelves: reviewed-books, 2012

Despite the 3 star rating, I really, really liked this story. But I'm not giving it a higher rating because I felt it could have been so much better. There were essentially four central characters in Letters from Home. Liz, Julia, and Betty, three housemates, and Morgan, the GI they all meet the night before he ships out to Europe. Ms. McAllister gave all three equal time, but I felt the story would have worked better if she had focused on Morgan and the girl he exchanged correspondence with, ...more

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Jun 22, 2012 Connie Cox rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

love, Love LOVE this book.
I've always skittered away from the WWII era. My parents were teenager during that time and my mother talks of it with great nostalgia. She is 81 years old now, and is still taken in by all the propoganda. My Viet Nam era head just couldn't handle her romanticizing, so I avoided that whole significant piece of history.

Until now.....
Kristina McMorris has written a novel of war time emotions that rings of truth, sincerity and bravery for both those who fought and for ...more

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Feb 17, 2011 Robyn rated it really liked it · review of another edition

There comes a time when we each must weigh our obligations and values against our heart’s true yearning. For Liz, Julia, and Betty that time is 1944, and the world is at war.

Letters From Home takes us on a journey of the heart. A seamlessly woven timeline reveals the story of three young women struggling with their choices in love and personal expression. Will Julia abandon her heart’s calling to marry her soldier? Will Betty overcome her self-judgments and rise to become something more? Will ...more

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Dec 03, 2011 Gaile rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: emery-s-2012-challenge-gaile-kenne, wwii, rhfl-2012-challenge, historical-romance, bought

I found this one to be rather slow paced at first. The author shifted POV at the beginning of each chapter. The shifting from character to character made it difficult for me to remember details about each one as it was easy to get them mixed up. Finally I got on track and began to read with enjoyment. The second half was better than the first half.
The story begins in 1944 when a young soldier is about to depart for war. Betty gives him permission to write her but then she asks Liz to write in ...more

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About Kristina McMorris

Kristina McMorris

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KRISTINA MCMORRIS is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. Her novels have garnered more than two dozen literary awards and nominations, including the IMPAC Dublin Literary Award, RWA’s RITA Award, and a Goodreads Choice Award for Best Historical Fiction. Inspired by true personal and historical accounts, her works of fiction have been published by Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, ...more

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Quotes from Letters From Home

“It’s odd, isn’t it? People die every day and the world goes on like nothing happened. But when it’s a person you love, you think everyone should stop and take notice. That they ought to cry and light candles and tell you that you’re not alone.” — 198 likes

“Life is too short not to say how you feel to the people you love.” — 40 likes

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