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Letters From Lima
Collin Allweather, a hard-drinking expat and Lima local, struggles to cope with his divorce and depression, but everything changes when he meets another Chicago native. Carolyn Grant, an ambitious young executive, barges into his life while searching for her grandmother's treasured possessions. Her journey reveals a dark family secret and unleashes a chain reaction that transforms their lives forever.
Their search to uncover the truth takes them through the awe-inspiring natural wonders and incredible anthropology of Perú. Letters From Lima engages with the spirituality and mysticism of ancient Inkan culture and demonstrates how the harsh realities of life weave into a tapestry of transformation.
“I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to friends and family. There is something in it for everyone—romance, mystery, death, traveling, and immersion in new and exciting situations and places.” —Maya S.
“I love the sense of humor both Collin and Carolyn have. Several of their conversations had me giggling from the witty banter.” —Haley H.
“I would absolutely recommend this book. I thought it was a joy to read; it was incredibly emotionally poignant and moving, and it was full of lifelike characters who came alive at every turn. I couldn’t tear myself away from it. Letters From Lima has a strong sense of place, and it’s rooted in Inkan and Peruvian culture in a way that makes it unlike other literature of its type. I also think it could appeal to a wide range of audiences. While it is in some ways a romance, it’s also a story of discovery, loss, grief, and love. It’s not women’s fiction; it’s a standout piece of literary fiction that deserves a spotlight. I would recommend it to anyone and everyone. I loved it!” —Quinn A.
Shaun Randall’s authorial voice in Letters From Lima is reminiscent of Marisha Pessl and her best-selling thriller Night Film. He shares an intricate grammatical kinship with Sue Grafton. In this work of literary fiction, Shaun’s expressive complexity and tonal quality harken to the award-winning Jodi Picoult and her #1 New York Times best-selling novel House Rules.
Their search to uncover the truth takes them through the awe-inspiring natural wonders and incredible anthropology of Perú. Letters From Lima engages with the spirituality and mysticism of ancient Inkan culture and demonstrates how the harsh realities of life weave into a tapestry of transformation.
“I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to friends and family. There is something in it for everyone—romance, mystery, death, traveling, and immersion in new and exciting situations and places.” —Maya S.
“I love the sense of humor both Collin and Carolyn have. Several of their conversations had me giggling from the witty banter.” —Haley H.
“I would absolutely recommend this book. I thought it was a joy to read; it was incredibly emotionally poignant and moving, and it was full of lifelike characters who came alive at every turn. I couldn’t tear myself away from it. Letters From Lima has a strong sense of place, and it’s rooted in Inkan and Peruvian culture in a way that makes it unlike other literature of its type. I also think it could appeal to a wide range of audiences. While it is in some ways a romance, it’s also a story of discovery, loss, grief, and love. It’s not women’s fiction; it’s a standout piece of literary fiction that deserves a spotlight. I would recommend it to anyone and everyone. I loved it!” —Quinn A.
Shaun Randall’s authorial voice in Letters From Lima is reminiscent of Marisha Pessl and her best-selling thriller Night Film. He shares an intricate grammatical kinship with Sue Grafton. In this work of literary fiction, Shaun’s expressive complexity and tonal quality harken to the award-winning Jodi Picoult and her #1 New York Times best-selling novel House Rules.
- GenresFiction
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 19, 2022
14 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 2, 2023
Ex-pat Collin Allweather is sitting on a stool in his favorite bar in Lima, Peru, his daily daily routine of spending time with Javier, his friend and the bartender, and getting drunk, to which he is well on his way. Along comes a young, gregarious executive from Collin’s native Chicago who sits at the same bar. The sparks and conversation fly between them. Seems Carolyn Grant is in Lima to find her Great-Uncle Dan, at her beloved grandmother’s request, to retrieve an heirloom jewelry box and pendant she left behind when she left Peru with her brand new husband to start her married life from scratch in the United States. After connecting at the bar and over the next several days of seeing the sights of Peru, she asks Collin to accompany her. However, before they can meet with Tío Dan, Carolyn’s mother calls with the devastating news that her grandmother has suffered a massive stroke and is not expected to survive. She returns home to Chicago for a while to see and speak with Abuela María one last time before she passes away. Carolyn returns to Lima and Collin with a mission: the last thing Abuela María told her was to ask Tío Dan for the letters she wrote to her sister Isabella many years ago. The trek takes them to Dan’s palatial estate, and while he gives her the box and pendant, he does not have the letters from María to Isabella; Isabella has them at her home in Lake Titicaca. The trek takes Carolyn, Collin, Javier, his girlfriend Jennifer, Carolyn’s cousin Namash, and his cousin Puma over the landscape, architecture, archeology, waters, and fauna of the gorgeous country of Peru.
I’d like to begin by saying that author Shaun Randall can really turn a phrase! His writing is by turns funny, deep, scathing, sarcastic, descriptive, emotional, and real. I learned more about the beauty, history, and geographical content of Peru from “Letters From Lima” than I ever learned in the classroom. Peru is now proudly a part of my bucket list. I felt every emotion I was meant to feel, including happiness, and the dialog was real, funny at times, and honest, almost like a memoir. There was a spirituality to the book that was not overtly religious; it was more of a way to thank the Universe and all of creation. The novel felt like a heartfelt love letter to Peru from Randall, and I was fully immersed the from first sentence to the end; and since the end was a bit of a cliffhanger, I can only hope that the author will hear my plea for the sequel!
I’d like to thank ReedsyDiscovery, Shaun Randall, and Unbinded Publishing for the ability to read and review this ARC.
I’d like to begin by saying that author Shaun Randall can really turn a phrase! His writing is by turns funny, deep, scathing, sarcastic, descriptive, emotional, and real. I learned more about the beauty, history, and geographical content of Peru from “Letters From Lima” than I ever learned in the classroom. Peru is now proudly a part of my bucket list. I felt every emotion I was meant to feel, including happiness, and the dialog was real, funny at times, and honest, almost like a memoir. There was a spirituality to the book that was not overtly religious; it was more of a way to thank the Universe and all of creation. The novel felt like a heartfelt love letter to Peru from Randall, and I was fully immersed the from first sentence to the end; and since the end was a bit of a cliffhanger, I can only hope that the author will hear my plea for the sequel!
I’d like to thank ReedsyDiscovery, Shaun Randall, and Unbinded Publishing for the ability to read and review this ARC.
May 21, 2023
A mixture of travel guide and telenovela. Liked it but still hoped for a diffetent ending. (Not telenovela at all)
January 18, 2023
This book is so up my alley, since letter writing is such a massive part of my life. Spoiler: it's about two people who fall in love over correspondence unexpectedly. Colin from Peru and Carolyn from the States. Not only is a beautiful love story filled with the raw realities of life, but it's also full of mystery as in the process many dark family secrets are unveiled about Carolyn's family. It is such a lovely story and I am really happy that I came across it, with my love for letter writing, and who doesn't love a great romance?
January 29, 2023
well done from an author with a great beard
Beautiful story and very well put together. The storyline behind this was very well researched, I am impressed with the effort put in by the author. You can tell he has studied the craft of storytelling and made great strides for this masterpiece.
Beautiful story and very well put together. The storyline behind this was very well researched, I am impressed with the effort put in by the author. You can tell he has studied the craft of storytelling and made great strides for this masterpiece.
August 16, 2023
Poorly written, stupid plot. Redeemed only by some info on places to go in Peru.
January 27, 2023
Explicit
The setting in Perú and exceptionally entertaining characters are like nothing you’ve read before. Your heartstrings will be pulled in all the directions!
The setting in Perú and exceptionally entertaining characters are like nothing you’ve read before. Your heartstrings will be pulled in all the directions!
January 15, 2023
The Review
The author did an incredible job of layering this story with a rich culture and powerful imagery that really hit the reader early on. The setting of Peru was truly memorable, as the story found a natural way to explore the diverse culture and history of the land and its people through both a familial and a metaphysical lens. The emotional depth of this novel helps elevate the tone and atmosphere of the narrative, keeping the reader invested in the story overall.
To me, the heart of the novel rested on the shoulders of the two protagonists, Carolyn and Collin. The happenstance way they cross paths at such pivotal moments in their lives and the way they just instantly mesh with one another brought a heavy dose of romance and intrigue into the story and elevated the emotional journey that they go on as they deal with their respective backgrounds.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, captivating, and engaging, author Shaun Randall’s “Letters to Lima” is a must-read metaphysical mystery and romance novel. The emotions and depth of culture and rich settings the story employs here will have readers hooked, and the connection between the two main characters helps drive this story forward in a way that draws the reader in further and further as it evolves.
The author did an incredible job of layering this story with a rich culture and powerful imagery that really hit the reader early on. The setting of Peru was truly memorable, as the story found a natural way to explore the diverse culture and history of the land and its people through both a familial and a metaphysical lens. The emotional depth of this novel helps elevate the tone and atmosphere of the narrative, keeping the reader invested in the story overall.
To me, the heart of the novel rested on the shoulders of the two protagonists, Carolyn and Collin. The happenstance way they cross paths at such pivotal moments in their lives and the way they just instantly mesh with one another brought a heavy dose of romance and intrigue into the story and elevated the emotional journey that they go on as they deal with their respective backgrounds.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, captivating, and engaging, author Shaun Randall’s “Letters to Lima” is a must-read metaphysical mystery and romance novel. The emotions and depth of culture and rich settings the story employs here will have readers hooked, and the connection between the two main characters helps drive this story forward in a way that draws the reader in further and further as it evolves.
January 4, 2023
In this book, the author presents a story of two characters who cross paths in the most unexpected ways and change each other's lives for good. They're witty and fun together and both have a lingering past. It's dramatic, romantic, tragic, and yet interesting throughout. Collin and Carolyn, are the protagonists and their chemistry weaves a beautiful plot as the story progresses. It's a gripping read and engulfs you in a whole new world of adventures and stunning locations. You're bound to love it. I would definitely recommend this one!
January 4, 2023
Letters from Lima is a book with an extremely intriguing plot that starts when el señor Collins meets la señorita Carolyn in a bar and she reveals that she was chosen to travel to Lima to meet her extrange uncle who keeps a box with a very important object for the family in it. Since the first time he met Carolyn, Mr. Collins has been mesmerized by her allusions to a well-known book. Of course, Javier, a hilarious character, is also important to mention.
I find it to be a very funny, romantic, suspenseful book with wonderful dialogue.
I find it to be a very funny, romantic, suspenseful book with wonderful dialogue.
December 29, 2022
A Beautiful Love Story
This was more than just a beautiful love story (which in some ways includes several love stories within the story when delving into some of the family history). This story takes an introspective look at love and relationships and how our minds can sometimes cause unnecessary conflict in our hearts as we get in in our own way. The location of the story provides a rich cultural background full of beauty and wisdom. A must read for anyone who enjoys a good love story.
This was more than just a beautiful love story (which in some ways includes several love stories within the story when delving into some of the family history). This story takes an introspective look at love and relationships and how our minds can sometimes cause unnecessary conflict in our hearts as we get in in our own way. The location of the story provides a rich cultural background full of beauty and wisdom. A must read for anyone who enjoys a good love story.
February 9, 2024
Too Much Eating in Restaurants
If you want to read a book about people eating and drinking lots of alcohol in various restaurants and bars then this is the book for you! But I had thought this book would explain what living in Peru is actually like: the sights, the sounds, what is over there...but instead the majority of the book is about these two people who just go from restaurant to restaurant. And they take drugs too. Truthfully it was boring beyond belief!
I have absolutely no interest in reading about these two people drinking alcohol for countless pages. Or eating who knows what. I mean very literally the first 54 pages was only eating and drinking.
That is not what I had wanted to read at all.
There is a bit of a plot mentioned about old letters and a jewelry box but the story is mainly about Collin and Carolyn traveling from one restaurant to another! With a bit of drama added in. Then in one scene Carolyn gets bitter and angry so the planned trip to the famous historical site is cancelled. These two characters are very annoying and cardboard like. The story can be read very fast as lots of it is conversation.
The end was totally not believable. Suddenly he is a millionaire??
What were flamingos doing on the same beach \ coastal area as penguins?
If you want to read a book about people eating and drinking lots of alcohol in various restaurants and bars then this is the book for you! But I had thought this book would explain what living in Peru is actually like: the sights, the sounds, what is over there...but instead the majority of the book is about these two people who just go from restaurant to restaurant. And they take drugs too. Truthfully it was boring beyond belief!
I have absolutely no interest in reading about these two people drinking alcohol for countless pages. Or eating who knows what. I mean very literally the first 54 pages was only eating and drinking.
That is not what I had wanted to read at all.
There is a bit of a plot mentioned about old letters and a jewelry box but the story is mainly about Collin and Carolyn traveling from one restaurant to another! With a bit of drama added in. Then in one scene Carolyn gets bitter and angry so the planned trip to the famous historical site is cancelled. These two characters are very annoying and cardboard like. The story can be read very fast as lots of it is conversation.
The end was totally not believable. Suddenly he is a millionaire??
What were flamingos doing on the same beach \ coastal area as penguins?
December 31, 2022
Filled With a Tale of Wonder!
With the amount I read on average, not many books can make me pull up the dictionary in search of a word. I was pleasantly surprised when a few places tripped me up and did just that, that's how you know a book helps you grow. Every culture has a fascinating facet, getting to see this side of Peru along with an insight into Ancient Inkan's through Collin and Carolyn's eyes was fascinating! There were so many nuggets of humor, history, a wife range of emotions and everyday life that I could have missed out on otherwise. No matter what general mood or genre you prefer, I'd say this book appeals to most of them. So even if it might be an unusual choice, that's only because it's an unusual treasure in and of itself.
With the amount I read on average, not many books can make me pull up the dictionary in search of a word. I was pleasantly surprised when a few places tripped me up and did just that, that's how you know a book helps you grow. Every culture has a fascinating facet, getting to see this side of Peru along with an insight into Ancient Inkan's through Collin and Carolyn's eyes was fascinating! There were so many nuggets of humor, history, a wife range of emotions and everyday life that I could have missed out on otherwise. No matter what general mood or genre you prefer, I'd say this book appeals to most of them. So even if it might be an unusual choice, that's only because it's an unusual treasure in and of itself.
January 3, 2023
Loved this story! A beautiful love story set in the picturesque backdrop of Peru. A story of love, life and modern romance with a number of plot twists along the way.
Letters from Lima tells a story of a two people from different worlds who meet, by chance and fall in love, almost from the start. It is a tale of love and destiny with twists and turns that leads to the discovery of long kept secrets within the family. A heart-warming story in a very beautiful setting, this story is sure to keep you smiling as you let it transport you to a beautiful hacienda in Peru. I seriously couldn’t put this one down! Highly recommend.
Letters from Lima tells a story of a two people from different worlds who meet, by chance and fall in love, almost from the start. It is a tale of love and destiny with twists and turns that leads to the discovery of long kept secrets within the family. A heart-warming story in a very beautiful setting, this story is sure to keep you smiling as you let it transport you to a beautiful hacienda in Peru. I seriously couldn’t put this one down! Highly recommend.
December 31, 2022
Really enjoyed this one!
Shaun Randall did a good job with this story and offering a depiction of Lima, Peru.
I love how the story draws you in at the beginning with Collin’s life being pretty much down in the dumps. But then it turns into a beautiful love story. Colin and Carolyn meet by chance and quickly become penpals. One thing leads to another, and we are wrapped up in the lives of the pair trying to navigate healing and a family secret. But it isn’t all serious though, I really enjoyed the comedic relief throughout the story. I’m glad I read this over the holidays!
Shaun Randall did a good job with this story and offering a depiction of Lima, Peru.
I love how the story draws you in at the beginning with Collin’s life being pretty much down in the dumps. But then it turns into a beautiful love story. Colin and Carolyn meet by chance and quickly become penpals. One thing leads to another, and we are wrapped up in the lives of the pair trying to navigate healing and a family secret. But it isn’t all serious though, I really enjoyed the comedic relief throughout the story. I’m glad I read this over the holidays!
January 3, 2023
Wow. This novel really caught me by surprise. I’m not sure what I had been expecting in the beginning maybe another story of someone wanting to explore places they’ve only heard/read about. Not at all; The love story between Colin and Carylon is so genuine and pure yet so real. While people can seem perfect we’ve all hit some sort of roadblock throughout our lives. Moments that we are ashamed to speak of and it might go much deeper than what’s on the surface. This novel will take you through most emotions and I’m sure you can find yourself somewhere in it. Highly recommend.
January 4, 2023
This book was recommended to me by a friend who swore I would love it and they were absolutely right.
The author of this book has successfully incorporated the romance, mystery, and history wrapped with a comedic turn over. Glancing into Colin and Carolyn's lives and how they interact with each other in the cutest most chaotic manner while also trying to uncover carolyn's family's deeply buried secret and assist Colin on his healing journey. this was a fun book to read and it has a lot of re-read potential.
The author of this book has successfully incorporated the romance, mystery, and history wrapped with a comedic turn over. Glancing into Colin and Carolyn's lives and how they interact with each other in the cutest most chaotic manner while also trying to uncover carolyn's family's deeply buried secret and assist Colin on his healing journey. this was a fun book to read and it has a lot of re-read potential.
December 28, 2022
Really impressed with this book. This is the first time I’ve read anything from Shaun Randall and I must say he’s an expedition Al writer. The plot is very good, fast moving with a bit of everything in the story. I loved the humor that was scattered throughout the book as well as the deep emotional moments which made you stop reading momentarily. I’m sure most people would agree with me that this is a wonderful book.
December 28, 2022
The author of this book has successfully incorporated the romance, mystery, and history wrapped with a comedic turn over. Glancing into Colin and Carolyn's lives and how they interact with each other in the cutest most chaotic manner while also trying to uncover carolyn's family's deeply buried secret and assist Colin on his healing journey. this was a fun book to read and it has a lot of re-read potential.
January 22, 2023
This book is like a bowl of hot soup which you will need after a tiresome cold day, guaranteed to make you feel warm.
It is about two characters Collin and Carolyn each of them from different worlds yet having same root. The plot is about Carolyn and Collin's hunt for long lost letters belonging to Carolyn's grandmother. The story has elements of romance,spirituality, philosophy, humour and lot of mystery. It kept me engaged through out since the characters felt so real.
It is about two characters Collin and Carolyn each of them from different worlds yet having same root. The plot is about Carolyn and Collin's hunt for long lost letters belonging to Carolyn's grandmother. The story has elements of romance,spirituality, philosophy, humour and lot of mystery. It kept me engaged through out since the characters felt so real.
December 27, 2022
A beautiful love story about two people from different worlds who meet by chance and fall in love. It is a story of love and fate with twists and turns that lead to the discovery of long-held secrets within the family. i couldn’t stop reading more.
December 28, 2022
A beautiful story of adventure, passion, and the meaning of life.
This was a wonderful piece that stirred emotions about fulfilling ones meaning in life. This story takes the reader on adventures while defining the most thought provoking adventure in ones life, their purpose of being. A wonderful selection to read. I recommend this book.
This was a wonderful piece that stirred emotions about fulfilling ones meaning in life. This story takes the reader on adventures while defining the most thought provoking adventure in ones life, their purpose of being. A wonderful selection to read. I recommend this book.
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February 27, 2023A delightful story
Shaun Randall has written a lyrical love story that explores parts of the world many aren’t familiar with. Collin and Carolyn are characters who are both complex and engaging.
Shaun Randall has written a lyrical love story that explores parts of the world many aren’t familiar with. Collin and Carolyn are characters who are both complex and engaging.
December 27, 2022
It was really interesting to read. I enjoyed reading this fabulous love story. It's really good when they meet each other and fall in love. Recommend to all my friends.
December 27, 2022
Wow It's interesting story with great characters. It's fast-paced and engaging. I like its witty banter and dialogue too. The cover is interesting too. Looking forward more from the author.
December 27, 2022
A story full of romance, mysteries, adventures and death. The authors writing skill is apt. The story will hold you up in a grip until you have finished it. I highly recommend
December 28, 2022
Absolutely amazing story Written by Shaun Randall. Such an great love story.
December 28, 2022
Love this story. I’m Peruvian so while reading it I felt like I was in Lima, Peru. It was great: sarcastic, passionate, powerful, and even mysterious!
December 28, 2022
A beautiful love story. The story will hold you up in a grip until you have finished it. I highly recommend
December 28, 2022
It was awesome. It's fast-paced and engaging. I like its witty banter and dialogue too. The cover is interesting too. Looking forward more from the author. Highly recommended
December 31, 2022
Just read few pages and It's really good. I'm going to read more. Thanks
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews