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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 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. Thus, when Betty asks her to ghostwrite a letter to Morgan, stationed overseas, Liz reluctantly agrees.
Thousands of miles away, Morgan struggles to adjust to the brutality of war. His letters from "Betty" are a comfort, their soul-baring correspondence a revelation to them both. While Liz is torn by her feelings for a man who doesn't know her true identity, Betty and Julia each become immersed in their own romantic entanglements. And as the war draws to a close, all three will face heart-wrenching choices, painful losses, and the bittersweet joy of new beginnings.
Beautifully rendered and deeply moving, Letters from Home is a story of hope and connection, of sacrifices made in love and war—and the chance encounters that change us forever.
Advance Praise For Letters From Home
"Letters from Home is an absolutely lovely debut novel filled with endearing characters and lively descriptions. Fans of World War II romantic fiction will definitely enjoy this fast-paced story." —Kristin Hannah, New York Times bestselling author
"Nothing magnifies the intense passion and anxiety of romance and love so much as being in a time of war. Kristina McMorris admirably captures not only these emotions but the atmosphere of World War II in this page turning and enchanting novel." —Lois Battle, author of Bed and Breakfastt
"An intimate, touching, and romantic story of the Greatest Generation." —Jill Barnett, New York Times bestselling author
"Letters from Home is an insightful portrait of the communion between the soldiers who fought for our country and those they left behind. A gripping and memorable story, it is a timeless lesson in love and loss and the moments that shape our lives." —Pam Jenoff, author of The Kommandant's Girl
"A tender and heartfelt glimpse of a time long past. While wholly original, it's filled with characters as beloved as your own grandparents. Propelled by the epic sweep of world war, yet warmed by intimate human moments, this story will linger in the reader's memory long after the last page is turned." —Susan Wiggs, New York Times bestselling author
"A romantic, charming debut that evokes the World War II time period in wonderful detail. The likable characters and their varied intrigues kept me happily devouring pages until the end." -Ellen Baker, author of Keeping The House
"A great read. From beginning to end, Kristina McMorris spins a compelling tale of chemistry, love, deception, and the labyrinth of emotions that leads to the human heart." —James Michael Pratt, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Valentine
"An absolutely lovely debut novel." —Kristin Hannah, New York Times bestselling author
Silence in the idling Cadillac grew as suffocating as the city's humidity. Hands clenched on her lap, Liz Stephens averted her narrowed eyes toward the open passenger window. Chattering ladies and servicemen flocked by in the shadows; up and down they traveled over the concrete accordion of entrance steps. The sting of laughter and music drifted through the swinging glass doors, bounced off the colorless sky. Another holiday without gunpowder for celebration. No boom of metallic streamers, no sunbursts awakening the night. Only the fading memory of a simpler time.
A time when Liz knew whom she could trust.
"You know the Rotary doesn't invite just anyone to speak," Dalton Harris said finally. The same argument, same lack of apology in his voice. "What was I supposed to do? Tell my father I couldn't be there because of some dance?"
At his condescension, her gaze snapped to his slate gray eyes. "That," she said, "is exactly what you should've done."
"Honey. You're being unreasonable."
"So it's unreasonable, wanting us to spend time together?"
"That's not what I meant." A scratch to the back of his neck punctuated his frustration, a habit that had lost the amusing charm it held when they were kids. Long before the expensive suits, the perfect ties, the Vitalis-slickening of his dark brown hair.
"Listen." His square jaw slackened as he angled toward her, a debater shifting his approach. "When I was asked to run my dad's campaign, we talked about this. I warned you my schedule would be crazy until the election. And you were the one who said I should do it, that between classes and work, you'd be—"
"As busy as ever," she finished sharply. "Yes. I know what I said." With Dalton in law school and her a sophomore at Northwestern, leading independent but complementary lives was nothing new; in fact, that had always been among the strengths of their relationship. Which was why he should know their separate activities weren't the issue tonight.
"Then what's the problem?"
"The problem is, anything else pops up, campaign or otherwise, and you don't think twice about canceling on me."
"I am not canceling. I'm asking you to come with me."
Liz had attended enough political fund-raisers with him to know that whispers behind plastered smiles and greedy glad-handing would be highlights of the night. A night she could do without, even if not for her prior commitment.
"I already told you," she said, "I promised the girls weeks ago I'd be here." The main reason she'd agreed, given her condensed workload from summer school, was to repay Betty for accompanying her to that droning version of Henry V last week—just so Dalton's ticket hadn't gone to waste. "Why can't you make an exception? Just this once?"
He dropped back in his seat, drew out a sigh. "Lizzy, it's just a dance."
No, it's not. It's more than that. I have to know I can depend on you! Her throat fastened around her retort. Explosions of words, she knew all too well, could bring irreversible consequences.
She grabbed the door handle. "I have to go." Before he could exit and circle around to open her side, she let herself out.
"Wait," he called as she shut the door. "Sweetheart, hold on."
The sudden plea in his voice tugged at her like strings, halting her. Could it be that he had changed his mind? That he was still the same guy she could count on?
She slid her hand into the pocket of her ivory wraparound dress, a shred of hope cupped in her palm, before pivoting to face him.
Dalton leaned across the seat toward her. "We'll talk about this later, all right?"
Disappointment throbbed inside, a recurrent bruise. Bridling her reaction, she replied with a nod, fully aware her agreement would translate into a truce.
"Have a good time," he said, then gripped the steering wheel and drove away.
As she turned for the stairs, she pulled her hand from her pocket, and discovered she'd been holding but a stray thread. The first sign of a seam unraveling.
In the entry of the dance hall, Liz stretched up on the balls of her feet to see over hats and heads. Her gaze penetrated the light haze of smoke to reach the stage. There, uniformed musicians played from behind star-patterned barricades of red, white, and blue. Flags and an oversized USO banner created a vibrant backdrop, Americana at its finest. In front of the band, her roommate Betty Cordell and two other women shared a standing microphone, harmonizing the final notes of "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree."
The audience broke into applause.
"Swell." Liz groaned. She'd missed Betty's entire debut.
Correcting her presumption, the trio jumped into another jingle.
"Thank God." Though not a particularly religious person, Liz figured it never hurt to offer a small token of appreciation to the Almighty.
Now to find her other roommate, Julia Renard. Despite the teeming room, it took only a moment to spy the girl's fiery, collar-length curls, her ever-chic attire.
Liz wove through the sea of military uniforms and thick wafts of Aqua Velva. Ignoring a duet of catcalls, she slid into the empty chair next to her friend. "I'm so sorry I'm late."
"Let me guess," Julia ventured in her honey-sweet voice. "Mr. Donovan lost his dentures, or Thelma refused to take her pills, convinced you're trying to poison her."
Liz edged out a smile.
"You know, it wouldn't kill you to get off work at a decent hour. You're making the rest of us look bad." She used her thumb to wipe something off Liz's cheek. "So, is Dalton parking the car?"
Liz tried for a casual shrug. "A political thing came up at the last minute." Again trailed her statement as the unspoken word.
"Oh," Julia replied. Not even her glowing smile could hide the sympathy invading her copper eyes.
"It's fine," Liz insisted. "I can't stay long anyway. I've got an essay on Hawthorne due Friday."
Julia nodded, then detoured from the awkward pause. "Hey, I think I still have notes on Hawthorne from last semester. Want to borrow them?"
"Sure, thanks," Liz said, before considering the source. "Unless you've got doodle designs covering the actual notes."
Julia scrunched her mouth, pondering. "Well, there might be a few...."
Liz couldn't help but giggle. If past lives existed, Julia had to have been an elite fashion designer with a permanently attached sketchpad. A keen knack for sewing served as further proof, as showcased by their roommate's new dress.
"Speaking of which." Liz motioned toward Betty. "You've really outdone yourself, Jules." In the center of the crooning trio, the blonde sparkled in the form-fitted garment matching her ocean blue eyes. The fabric and buttons were so dazzling, Julia had obviously purchased the materials herself. No doubt the dress was already Betty's favorite. From the exquisite sweetheart neckline to the elegant flow around her hips, every stitch perfectly flattered her hourglass curves. "Rita Hayworth?" Liz guessed at the inspiration.
"Yep," Julia said proudly. "From the gown in Blood and Sand. Except I shortened it to the knee, and improved on the sleeves."
"You're amazing." Too amazing to waste your talent solely as a homemaker, she wanted to say. But there was no need traversing that well-covered territory.
"It was nothing." Julia blushed, waved her off. "You want something to drink?"
Liz only intended to stay for three songs, four tops. But some coffee to ripen her brain for a long night of reading wasn't a bad idea. "A cup of joe would be great."
"Coming right up."
As Julia headed toward the snack table by the stage, Liz settled in her seat. She massaged the tension out of her palms and returned her attention to Betty. In a seasoned motion, the girl tossed her finger-waved mane off her shoulders. The bounce of her hips succeeded as a diversion from her moderate singing ability, evidenced by the front line of awestruck troops, her ideal audience.
Leave it to Betty. Up there, living carefree, without regrets. No academic pressures, no parents' expectations looming overhead—
Jealous souls will not be answered. The passage interrupted Liz's thoughts, one of many Shakespearean quotes she had memorized from her father's personal tutorials.
"One quote for every sun kiss," he would say during the lessons that ended far too soon.
Now, glancing down at the constellation of freckles on her arms, Liz recalled those long-gone days. She considered the morals her father had passed along, and wondered how different their lives would be if only she'd abided by them.
"What the hell are you up to now?" Morgan McClain demanded as his brother ducked behind his back.
"Don't move. Need you to cover me." Charlie raised his shoulders to his sandy blond crew cut.
When Morgan glimpsed the silver flask in his brother's hand, he shook his head. Charlie wasn't the only enlisted man at the dance calling for "liquid reinforcement," just the only one daring enough to dip into his supply ten feet from the volunteers' snack station. Luckily, the herd of GIs standing around them at the foot of the stage offered plenty of khaki camouflage. Or at least Morgan clung to that hope as his brother choked on the drink. Whiskey, from the smell of it.
"Hurry up, will ya?" Morgan told him. Typically, he would have voiced his disproval, but with Charlie's tension over tomorrow's departure vibrating the air, he decided to let it go. So long as the kid didn't get carried away.
"Ahh, much better," Charlie rasped, emerging from the protective shadow. He stepped up behind a couple of GIs from another outfit, both of them wolf whistling at the platinum blond singer on stage. "Sorry, fellas"—Charlie clapped them on the back—"but she's already agreed to mother my fourteen children."
"Don't fool yourself, shorty," the tall guy spat out. "You wouldn't know how to use it even if you could find it."
Charlie straightened, adding a few inches to his compact stature. "Hey, at least I have one, spaghetti bender."
"What'd you say?" The Italian GI angled his head over his wide shoulder.
"You heard me." Charlie took a step back. He rocked from side to side, dukes raised like Jack Dempsey.
As usual, Morgan would have to shut him up before a bigger guy's right hook beat him to it. "Zip it, Charlie," he ordered, then regarded the Italian. "Don't pay him any mind. It's his first day out of the loony bin." Not a stretch to believe, considering the mismatched challenge.
The GI's mouth twitched, from either amusement or agitation. To be safe, Morgan gestured to the stage and said, "Don't look now, but I think that red-hot tomato's got her eye on you, pal." The sentence launched the soldier's attention back to the bombshell, where it stuck like glue.
Problem handled.
Except for the instigator.
"So help me, Charlie," Morgan muttered, "if you weren't ... my ... if ..." The lecture dissolved at a vision beyond his brother's shoulder. Across the room a petite beauty sat alone, swaying to the music. Strands of chestnut brown hair slipped from the knot at the nape of her neck, a frame for her heart-shaped face. Creamy skin, feminine curves, full, rounded lips. Each feature was no less than eye catching, but it was the way she moved—like wheat in a summer breeze—that mesmerized him.
"Hey, you okay?"
Morgan heard the question but didn't realize it was directed at him until a fluttering object broke the trance: a wave of Charlie's fingers.
"Huh? Uh, yeah. Yeah, I'm fine."
Charlie swept a glance over the room, tracing the distraction. Soon a gleam appeared in his hazel eyes. "Aha, I see ..." He twisted around and declared, "Gentlemen, we've located our primary target. We're goin' in."
Before Morgan could object, his brother began pressing him through the crowd like a restive racehorse into the starting gate. GIs whooped, whistled, and hollered "attaboys" in his direction. If he retreated now, the razzing would only worsen.
He pulled a deep breath. Adjusting his tucked necktie, he imagined introducing himself; he got as far as his name when a red-haired woman joined the brunette's table. A growing audience. His shoes turned to cinder blocks. He raised an arm to stop his brother, who swooped under and pounced into place, blocking the women's view of the stage.
"Pardon me, ladies," Charlie said. "We're in dire need of your assistance."
"Why? You lost, soldier?" the redhead teased.
"Not anymore." He grinned, sporting his dimples. "Now that I've found my way to your heart."
When the gals exchanged incredulous looks, Morgan considered sneaking away, preserving his dignity while the possibility remained. But the mere sight of the brunette's profile locked his knees. Unbelievably, she was even prettier up close.
"Wait a minute," Charlie went on. "I think we've met you girls before. You're Gor and Geous, ain't ya?" Their lack of response didn't faze him. "All right, what are your lovely names, then?"
Nothing. Just blank stares.
"Afraid I'm not going anywhere till I know." Charlie crossed his arms and waited, a rare showing of following through.
The brunette released a sharp sigh. "Fine. I'm Liz, this is Julia, and you're leaving."
Morgan pressed down a grin.
"Leaving?" Charlie repeated. "How could I, after finding the two prettiest gals in the city?"
Julia shook her head. "Has any of this actually worked on a girl before?"
"She means a human girl," Liz added.
"Ouch!" Charlie stumbled backward as though her insult had struck more than his ego. "You sure know how to hurt a guy." For the pathetic come-on alone, Morgan could think of a worse punishment.
"Goodness me," Liz exclaimed, hand on her chest. "Where are my manners?"
"Not to worry, apology accepted." Charlie's assurance drove straight through her sarcasm, arching her brow. "Besides. I owe you an apology as well, for not introducing myself properly."
The situation was deteriorating. But it wasn't too late. If Morgan moved now, blended into the crowd, he just might escape the quicksand of humiliation. His brother could find his way back on his own.
"My name's Charlie," he said as Morgan edged away, "but good friends and peachy gals like you call me Chap. And this dashing gentleman over here is my brother, Staff Sergeant Morgan McClain."
Staff sergeant? Morgan bristled at the lie, and found himself trapped by their gazes. He held his breath, arms at his sides, as if preparing for Saturday inspection.
Liz stretched her neck over her shoulder, curiosity forcing a peek. With Morgan's charcoal black hair and olive complexion, she questioned if he and the fair-skinned knucklehead were actually brothers.
"Evening," Morgan said, the word barely audible. A fitted service shirt outlined his broad build. His facial features were of the average sort, but he had an allure about him, an unnamable quality Liz couldn't dismiss.
"Hi," she replied as Charlie continued.
"Honestly, ladies, here's our situation." His serious tone implied a change in strategy. "You see, me and Morgan, we're leaving for war soon. As two of the U.S. Army's finest, we'll be fighting on the front lines. So without much time left to live, I've got just one thing I'm wishin' for." He knelt, presenting Julia his palm. "To dance with this red-haired knockout before I go."
"Sorry, Casanova, but I'm already spoken for." She held up her left hand to display her engagement band. Daily polishing, since her fiancé's fleet shipped out a month ago, kept the gold shiny as new.
"Well, then ..." The gears clearly cranked away in Charlie's mind. "How 'bout a dance to celebrate your engagement?"
Liz replied for her. "How 'bout we celebrate when your squad tosses you overboard?" She heard Morgan quietly laugh, a second before his brother directed his plea to Liz.
"C'mon," he said. "Is this how you thank a man who'll be risking his life for your freedom?"
She felt a smile threatening to surface. "If you got these lines out of a book from the drugstore, you should really get your nickel back."
"Hey, I'm just trying to save your friend Julie, here, from years of guilt. Imagine the headlines: 'Soldier denied a final dance ... dies for his country ...'"
(Continues...)
Excerpted from Letters From Home by Kristina McMorris Copyright © 2011 by Kristina McMorris. Excerpted by permission of KENSINGTON BOOKS. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
crystal_fulcher
Posted March 21, 2011
The first thing I have to say about this book is the fact that it really felt like I was in the 1940s in the midst of WWII. Ms. McMorris does a fabulous job of setting the tone and setting of the book. I felt like she really did her research from the way the characters talked to the various settings, they just felt right. No accidental usage of current slang to take me out of the moment. The era is the book is wonderfully done. Next is the characters. I love Liz and Julia and Betty grew on me. Betty seemed a little stuck on herself at first but as I read more about her I started liking her more and more. Liz seems to be the star of this book while still having storylines involving Julia and Betty. I am in hopes that more books will follow and will tell the continuing stories of Julia and Betty. In this book Liz is engaged, but then she meets Morgan the night before he heads off to serve in the war. Then she sees him with Betty and gives up on the feelings she felt. Then the curveball is thrown when Betty asks Liz to write to Morgan for her since she doesn't know what to say. A relationship grows through the letters and leads to the main storyline of the book. I found the letters fascinating and a wonderful way to get to know the characters. The letters are interspersed with accounts from each of the characters lives and it's a great way to get to know all the main players in the book and also to see life on the home front and on the front lines. The focus is on the characters though and how they grow and change during the book because of the way they affect one another. The book is beautifully written and completely captivating. I hated putting it down to do other things and was anxious to pick it back up. I could read it in a busy room with no problem, that was how engrossed I would become in the book. The romance is sweet, the end is great, the tension building is wonderfully done and I just can't gush enough about this book. This is Ms. McMorris' debut and I can't wait to see what she writes next.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.JEM36
Posted April 10, 2011
Heart warming. Could not put down until finished.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged._Rc
Posted February 17, 2011
Letters From Home takes us back to 1944 where, amid the heartache of WWII, three young women explore issues of friendship, honesty, loss and the need to follow one's heart. Told with uncompromising attention to historical detail; McMorris successfully blurs the line between fact and fiction. Beautifully written with rich characters and a touch of romance; this timeless tale will touch readers from 18 to 108.
This book opened up discussions with my parents about their own postcard courtship! It is a good story for pulling generations together. Good to share with family or reading groups.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted April 18, 2013
I could not stop reading this book!!! Such a wonderful story in the midst of a war!!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted July 13, 2012
This book was great! the romance was so cute! I was instantly sucked into the story. The characters were so believable and the story line was excellent. I would definitely recommend this book.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted March 15, 2012
This was a wonderful love story and so much more, set during World War II. My parents were sweethearts during this time so I knew how important letters to each other while separated. I never really though about all of the ramafications the war caused. And most veterans that I have known never wanted to relive their experiences by talking about it. This novel kept my attention throughout and I couldn't put it down as I wanted to know what the ending would be. I was sad to see the novel come to a close. It kept me thinking long after what was to happen with Julia, Betty, Liz and Morgan. I highly recommend this.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 21, 2012
Reminds me of the feeling of waiting for that special someone to mail you a letter, something our kids will never understand in this world where we are all connected constantly by cell phones, computers, etc...
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.This book was amazing!! Truly amazing!! Makes me wish I lived back in that time, it was nice to see Betty grow up and mature while in the WAS and it was nice to see Liz and Morgan fall in love, the simplicity of relationships back then, and how it did not take forever for someone to know true love, I have that with my husband but nowadays that is a very rare thing. Was sad to see Charlie pass on, but as with any good story someone must meet a tragic end. I wish that Julia and Ian would have maybe helped each other heal over Christians death, they had a very good chemistry. Loved this book, and I would recommend it to everyone!!!!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Kristina McMorris has hit a home run out of the ball park with this, her debut novel. Letters From Home centers around three female friends who are all out for the evening at a USO club in Chicago in 1944. Liz who is almost engaged to her childhood friend Dalton, has her life mapped out; Julia who is engaged to sailor Christian and who gives up a shot at being a fashion editor for Vogue; and Betty the blonde bombshell singer at the USO who is every guy's fantasy but who is searching for more to her life than slinging hash at a neighborhood diner. Enter the McLain brothers, Morgan and Charlie, who are shipping out the next morning. At first glance Morgan falls for the sedate brunette Liz but ends up 'saving' Betty by pretending to be her fiance. As a thank you, Betty gives him her photo with her address on it and invites him to write to her. Unbeknownst to anyone else, Liz deals with her strong instant attraction to Morgan but quashes it when she spots him in a clinch with Betty. That is where the story begins. Where it gets interesting is when Morgan, now in Europe, writes to Betty. Betty hasn't given him a second thought and is cajoles Liz into writing a return letter for her. Liz caves in, writes the letter, and signs Betty's name. An exchange of letters between Morgan and Betty/Liz ensues for the remainder of the war. The correspondents open their hearts to each other and in time fall in love; Liz with Morgan and Morgan with Betty. The author has woven a time-honored story with well developed characters that we learn to care about from the first page. Her descriptions of war-time events and military hospitals is spot-on. The reactions of the characters to their personal dilemmas makes the reader empathize with their choices and the consequences. Ms. McMorris shifts our attention from the European to the Pacific Theaters of War seamlessly. We are never lost or left hanging. While Ms. McMorris used the real-life correspondence between her own grandparents as inspiration for this story, I found myself comparing her characters to my own parents who were married shortly before my father was drafted. I was drawn into the story and couldn't put the book down - in fact I resented any intrusion on my reading. I heartily recommend Letters From Home to anyone who had relatives in WWII and to readers of historical fiction. I hope to read more from this promising author.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.5706632
Posted August 18, 2011
This is her first book! She has another one coming out next year sometime! So awesome and excited for my cousin! It was a great love story! Wish her the best!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.What a lovely debut novel from Kristina McMorris. Heartwarming and tender, it takes you on an epic journey through World War II, chronicling the lives and loves of four friends. Definitely a must read.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Melania_Tolan
Posted April 16, 2011
This is a wonderful fascinating glimpse into the lives of three young ladies during WW2 and the men who they loved. Each girl had a different story, but all were tastefully weaved together to form a beautiful tapestry of romance, war, hardship, and adventure.
I found myself gripped from the first chapter and found it hard to put it down. I usually do not read WW2 novels, but I found myself completed immersed into the time period. Reaching the last page was a sad event, for I wasn't ready for the story to be over. I reread the last three pages at least five times before finally closing the book. With each reading of the last sentence came the "sigh."
Kristina McMorris has managed to turn me into a WW2 romance novel lover.
5180459
Posted April 13, 2011
A very enjoyable story that is set during world war 2. McMorris made it easy to fall in love with the characters and hard to put down.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.VaughnRoycroft
Posted April 11, 2011
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.
Reading her work, I would not have taken Kristina McMorris for a first-time novelist. Her debut, Letters from Home is historical fiction flawlessly delivered and masterfully told. She transports us back in time a nation in the middle of the harrowing tragedies of World War II, and gives us not only a beautiful love story, but several perfectly woven stories of lives forever changed in myriad ways as they were touched by the war.
Her characters were astonishingly real. I marveled sometimes at the details of this historical period that she knew so well to make each of them come alive. From the soldiers in the field to the women and men trying to live a normal life at home her details were impressive in the life they gave these characters. As these characters explored the meaning not only of love and war, but of family and duty and home itself, I found myself more than once feeling like I had slipped into a piece of my grandparent's lives and aching a little bit, missing them. Missing the parts of them I knew, and the parts of them I never will.
"They were kids back in their dad's Iowa fields, dozing out in the open, naming shapes made of stars in the sky. A sky that offered them promises, futures as limitless as the universe.
A sky that lied." (Ch. 6)
Not only does she give us a sweeping love story, she offers unique stories and perspectives that I wasn't expecting (like as unlikely a soldier as ever in Betty who ends up in a remote army hospital in New Guinea) , she tackles her stories with aching beauty, loss and longing. But not least of all there is a sense throughout the book of innocence being shed, of real people being forced into seeing the world through vastly changed eyes and maintaining throughout it all something miraculous - hope.
Letters from Home easily will remain in my mind as one of my favorite historical fiction of the era. It felt in many ways discovering, accepting and finally coming home. I have no doubt we will see great things from Ms. McMorris in the future.
The Concept:
A missed connection. A correspondence that sustains and changes both of the lovers. Only one of them is not exactly who she says she is. It's a page straight from Cyrano, but it's given so much more meaning and consequence. The historical backdrop and excellent writing transforms and elevates this story into something more human and every bit as romantic.
Note: Review copy provided to me courtesy of author in no way affected my review of this work. This review originally appeared on Aurelia {Lit}
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.
PoCoKat
Posted March 15, 2011
Wonderfully delightful book! Gripping story right from the start! The tears were flowing in many parts. Kristina McMorris's style of writing is so graceful and so powerful and is such a pleasure to read. I had not read an historical fiction novel in quite a while and I had forgotten how enjoyable they can be!
The main story revolves around letters that are exchanged between soldier Morgan McClain and Betty, a beautiful USO singer. The main twist is that he is actually not writing to Betty but to her roommate Liz. He had actually met Liz at the dance and there was a strong connection between them but fate intervened as you will see when you read the story. It is Liz's words that he falls in love with while overseas and her opening up her heart to him through the letters that propel the story forward and provide the potential for disaster once he realizes that he is not writing to Betty.
The three women, Liz, Betty and Julia, who inhabit these pages are all different yet incredibly interesting unique individuals. While this book is a love story it is also a touching story about the friendships between women. Liz, Betty and Julia are all very different women following different paths. All three women find joy and heartbreak in this novel and I felt every emotion right along with them! I felt that McMorris' portrayal of a soldier's life on the western front and the Pacific front to be incredibly realistic and true to history. I found the same for her portrayal of life on the home front.
This book is one of the must read books of the year that everyone will be talking about. You'll laugh and you'll cry! Highly recommend this book!
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 ugl
This is a lovely story and one that is especially heart-warming. It's a story of hope, friendship, sacrifice and love. It's a story about events we encounter that change our lives forever, whether we want them to or not. I thoroughly enjoyed Letters from Home and I expect the author to do very well with this debut novel. Well-written, nicely developed characters, excellent use of research . what more could a reader ask for!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I've always been a huge fan of WWII stories. I truly love the romances between soldiers and the girls' back home. This one, however, was truly surprising. The story was new, fresh, and full of twists and turns that I wasn't expecting.
We begin with Liz Stephens, riding in a Cadillac beside her boyfriend, Dalton Harris. She couldn't be more upset with him if she possibly tried. Dalton is a good man, but spends most of his time working on his father's political campaign; he rarely remembers when Liz asks him to accompany her to various events, and this is one night where she really wanted his company. As always, Dalton kisses her on the head, apologizes, and Liz rushes out of the car, determined to get away from him before she ends up slapping him across the face.
When she arrives at the USO dance that her roommate is making her singing debut at, she finds herself surrounded by the brave soldiers dressed in their clean, crisp uniforms. Betty Cordell, a slightly dumb blonde who wants nothing more than to sing in a USO band is up on stage; while Liz's other roommate, Julia Renard - a girl who's truly in love, has a talent for fashion design, and spends most of her time missing her beloved fiancée who is overseas - is sitting at a table. As Julia and Liz sit and listen to Betty belt out a gorgeous tune from the stage, two young men appear by their side.
Charlie and Morgan McClain are brothers. Like most siblings, they are completely different from each other. Charlie is the "fun" guy with the incredible sense of humor who makes women swoon; while his older brother Morgan is incredibly handsome and extremely shy - especially around Liz who he spotted from across the crowded dance floor and, literally, fell in love with on site. Although Liz is already angry about her boyfriend and snaps at the young soldiers, she also discovers - after a very short conversation - that Morgan McClain is the most genuine and attractive man she's ever met.
Because of a miscommunication of sorts, Liz sees Morgan in Betty's arms during the dance and she can feel her heart break; she actually has no idea why that is, considering they've only just met. But she rushes from the USO dance, never to see Morgan again. Through an even stranger circumstance, Liz becomes a pen-pal to the handsome man, writing him letters overseas - their words bringing them closer and closer.
In the midst of Liz and Morgan having the most amazing relationship through the written word, the author also adds amazingly interesting storylines that deal with Betty and her overwhelming urge to serve overseas; Julia's exciting offer of a life working at Vogue in NYC; and, Morgan and his "unit" who have to go through horrific battles and extreme emotional upheaval in order to get home to the women and families they truly love. There's not one story "thread" that's even remotely boring - every single page of this is a must read.
This new author was inspired to write this heartfelt tale after reading her grandma and Papa's love letters. I can't think of a more beautiful way to get inspiration. My grandparents had the most amazing romance I've ever witnessed. Perhaps that generation knew how to truly find loyalty, love, friendship, and happiness in another person - as well as reciprocate those hard-to-find emotions. This story will have you praying for the author to hurry up and write more!
Overview
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 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. Thus, when Betty asks her to ghostwrite a letter to Morgan, stationed overseas, Liz ...