Divine Rivals

Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross | 357 pages | 2023

After centuries of sleep, the gods are warring again. But eighteen-year-old Iris Winnow just wants to hold her family together. Her mother is suffering from addiction and her brother is missing from the front lines. Her best bet is to win the columnist promotion at the Oath Gazette.
To combat her worries, Iris writes letters to her brother and slips them beneath her wardrobe door, where they vanish—into the hands of Roman Kitt, her cold and handsome rival at the paper. When he anonymously writes Iris back, the two of them forge a connection that will follow Iris all the way to the front lines of battle: for her brother, the fate of mankind, and love.
(Synopsis from Goodreads)

Ross writes such a beautiful story, and this book is no exception. I loved the idea of writing anonymous letters back and forth, and Iris and Roman's relationship was so sweet. It's the first in a duology and I'm eager to start the next one!

84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff

84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff

97 pages

★★★★★

This charming classic love story, first published in 1970, brings together twenty years of correspondence between Helene Hanff, at the time, a freelance writer living in New York City, and a used-book dealer in London at 84, Charing Cross Road. Through the years, though never meeting and separated both geographically and culturally, they share a winsome, sentimental friendship based on their common love for books. Their relationship, captured so acutely in these letters, is one that has touched the hearts of thousands of readers around the world.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows, 291 pages

"January 1946: London is emerging from the shadow of the Second World War, and writer Juliet Ashton is looking for her next book subject. Who could imagine that she would find it in a letter from a man she's never met, a native of the island of Guernsey, who has come across her name written inside a book by Charles Lamb...

As Juliet and her new correspondent exchange letters, Juliet is drawn into the world of this man and his friends—and what a wonderfully eccentric world it is. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society—born as a spur-of-the-moment alibi when its members were discovered breaking curfew by the Germans occupying their island—boasts a charming, funny, deeply human cast of characters, from pig farmers to phrenologists, literature lovers all.

Juliet begins a remarkable correspondence with the society's members, learning about their island, their taste in books, and the impact the recent German occupation has had on their lives. Captivated by their stories, she sets sail for Guernsey, and what she finds will change her forever."

This well-known book has been on my TBR for many years and resurfaced recently due to the Netflix movie. I wish I would have read it sooner. What an absolutely wonderful read. Written as correspondence after WWII, these friends come together to make a life and the journey we get to follow them along is fantastic. Highly recommended.
 

Happily Letter After by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward

 Happily Letter After by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward -- 299 pages

My love story all started with a letter.
Only it wasn’t from the man I’d eventually fall in love with. It was from his daughter.  A sweet little girl named Birdie Maxwell who’d written to the magazine that I worked for. 

You see, once a year, my employer fulfilled a few wishes for readers. Only that column didn’t start up again for months. So I fulfilled some of her wishes myself. It was harmless…so I thought. Until one day I took things too far.

While anonymously granting yet another of Birdie’s wishes, I got a look at her father. Her devastatingly handsome, single dad father. I should have stopped playing fairy godmother then. I should have left well enough alone. But I just couldn’t help myself.  I had a connection to this girl. One that had me acting irrationally. Like showing up on their doorstep.

Daddy-Long-Legs by Jean Webster

Daddy-Long-Legs by Jean Webster - 185 pages

Jerusha "Judy" Abbott, an orphan from the John Grier Home, is sent to college by an anonymous trustee.  He wants her to be educated to be an authoress.  The only stipulation is that she must write a letter each month to him about her studies.  

This book is composed entirely of the letters written by Judy other than the prologue that sets the story up.  It's interesting to see what college life was like in the 1900s for women.  It was also interesting to see how the one-sided relationship through letters changed over the course of the four years of college.  The book was also made into a movie starring Fred Astaire.

 

Dear Girls: Intimate Tales, Untold Secrets, & Advice for Living Your Best Life by Ali Wong

Dear Girls: Intimate Tales, Untold Secrets, & Advice for Living Your Best Life by Ali Wong -- 224 pages

In her hit Netflix comedy special Baby Cobra, an eight-month pregnant Ali Wong resonated so heavily that she became a popular Halloween costume. Wong told the world her remarkably unfiltered thoughts on marriage, sex, Asian culture, working women, and why you never see new mom comics on stage but you sure see plenty of new dads.

The sharp insights and humor are even more personal in this completely original collection. She shares the wisdom she's learned from a life in comedy and reveals stories from her life off stage, including the brutal singles life in New York (i.e. the inevitable confrontation with erectile dysfunction), reconnecting with her roots (and drinking snake blood) in Vietnam, tales of being a wild child growing up in San Francisco, and parenting war stories. Though addressed to her daughters, Ali Wong's letters are absurdly funny, surprisingly moving, and enlightening (and disgusting) for all.

Selected Letters of Laura Ingalls Wilder

Selected Letters of Laura Ingalls Wilder

By William Anderson

395 pages

Many children and adults treasure the Little House book series written by Laura Ingalls Wilder between the years of 1932 to 1943. Although her readers know extensively about Laura’s childhood, this publication dives into Laura’s life as a mature and aging woman. This is accomplished by a selection of letters preserved by her daughter, Rose Lane Wilder, her publisher, and her young and old fans alike.  

The Only Girl in School by Natalie Standiford

The Only Girl in School by Natalie Standiford - 214 pages

Claire is not looking forward to her fifth grade year now that she is the only girl in the entire school.  She knows she is going to be out of place with all those boys.  It turns out to worse than she expected as her former best friend now won't have anything to do with her and the other boys all pick on her as the only girl.  Will she be able to survive the school year?

This was an interesting story.  While it is completely unbelievable that a school would have 70 boys and only one girl, it was a good look at gender relations of kids.  It was a very easy read and I think both boys and girls would enjoy this story.

Daddy-Long-Legs by Jean Webster

Daddy-Long-Legs by Jean Webster - 219 pages

Jerusha Abbott has grown up in the John Greer Orphan Asylum.  She's about to graduate high school and have to make her way in the world when an anonymous trustee decides to send her to college.  The only stipulation is that she must write monthly letters on her academic progress.  Other than the first chapter, the entire story is told through letters.

I had read this book as a teen and absolutely loved it so when I found out we had a copy of it on audio I decided to listen to it again.  I still really enjoyed the story.  The narration was excellent.  The narrator put so much emotion into the reading without over-emoting.  I would recommend this to anyone who enjoyed Little Women or the Anne of Green Gables series.

Regarding the Trees by Kate Klise

Regarding the Trees by Kate Klise - 145 pages
Book 3

Principal Wally Russ is going to be evaluated and he is determined that his school should look its best.  That means the weeping willow behind the school needs to be cut down and the other trees trimmed.  So he asks Flo Waters to see if she is up to the job.

This is the story in the Regarding series by Kate Klise.  It includes subplots about gender wars, family history, and romance.  A great addition to the series.

Regarding the Fountain: A Tale, in Letters, of Liars and Leaks by Kate Klise

Regarding the Fountain by Kate Klise - 138 pages

Dry Creek Middle School needs a new drinking fountain.  Flo Waters has been contacted about replacing the old drinking fountain.  She's delighted to take the job and asks for input from the fifth grade class on what they would like the drinking fountain to be like.  And so starts a school year full of letters between the students and Flo.

This was a fun read.  The story is told completely through letters, memos, and postcards.  It was fun to piece together the story.  It was a little dated in places -- for example, the kids record interviews using a cassette recorder.  However, it doesn't detract from the story any.

Dear Miss Breed by Joanne F. Oppenheim

Dear Miss Breed: True Stories of the Japanese American Incarceration During World War II and a Librarian Who Made a Difference by Joanne F. Oppenheim - 288 pages

Dear Miss Breed tells the story of one librarian who made a difference to dozens of children incarcerated against their will during World War II.  Miss Breed, as the children's librarian at San Diego Public Library, was disappointed when the U.S. government moved the West Coast Japanese to internment camps.  Doubly so since most of the children who were avid readers and visitors at her branch were young second- and third-generation Japanese Americans.  So when they could no longer come to the library, she sent the library to them.  Throughout the time of internment, Miss Breed loyally wrote her "children" and sent them donated and discarded books to read as well as other necessities.  And they always wrote back, sometimes sending gifts or money to request purchases, and always requesting more books.

The format of the book makes it conducive to learning.  The book opens to a "portrait of the era."  Then it moves into a format where each chapter opens to the history of the months it covers, followed by the stories of Miss Breed and the children during the same period.  It ends with a follow up on everyone's life.  In the latter half of the chapters and the follow-up, many primary sources are included.  We can read excerpts from articles Miss Breed wrote on her efforts, letters the children wrote to her, relevant excerpts from Eleanor Roosevelt's My Day column, and oral history interviews the author conducted.  Sadly, none of Miss Breeds letters survived the harsh conditions of the camp.

A Secret Gift: How One Man’s Kindness – and a Trove of Letters – Revealed the Hidden History of the Great Depression

A Secret Gift: How One Man’s Kindness – and a Trove of Letters – Revealed the Hidden History of the Great Depression

By Ted Gup

364 pages

The Christmas of 1933 was a trying time for many families. America was in the midst of the Great Depression. The economy had grinded to a halt. Unemployment appeared to be everywhere. However in Canton Ohio, a newspaper ad offered a glimpse of hope in a small financial gift, to families in need. The sponsor called himself, Mr. B. Virdot. An alias, so the benefactor could remain anonymous.

These letters written to Mr. B. Virdot has surfaced after seventy-five years. In these letters are stories of suffering and grief as residents of the city and surrounding area wrote to Mr. B. Virdot hoping and praying for some relief.

The author, Ted Gup, is the grandson of the sponsor, Sam Stone. Ted was given the hidden letters by his mother in 2008. Ted investigated each family who received a five dollar check from his Mr. B. Virdot and wrote an inspiring account of these ordinary people during an era full of hardship.

MSCHMITT--- Max and Milo the Mixed up Message by Heather and Ethan Long 29

MSCHMITT--- Max and Milo the Mixed up Message by Heather and Ethan Long 29

Max and Milo are at it again! Milo interrupts Max as he is writing a letter- he pesters Max until he discovers he is writing it to Molly, the Molly Green. Milo quickly informs Max that he cannot simply write her a note he must do something extraodinary like bake her a cake or build her a roller coaster! Overwhelmed Max gives up and throws away his latest attempt with the others in the trash. Milo refuses to let him give up, he fishes through the garbage and pastes together the perfect yet wacky message for Molly Green from Max!

To Sir Phillip, With Love by Julia Quinn

To Sir Phillip, With Love by Julia Quinn - 261 pages

It all started with a note of sympathy from Eloise Bridgerton when Sir Phillip Crane's wife died.  What followed was a year of correspondence between the two before Phillip suggested meeting to see if they would suit in marriage.  So Eloise runs away to spend a couple weeks at Phillip's house.  Unfortunately, Phillip neglected to tell her he had two children who were very unruly.  Also, Eloise didn't count on her four brothers showing up and insisting that now she had to marry Phillip as her reputation is ruined.  What else could possibly go wrong?
This is the third novel in the Bridgerton series that I've read.  This one was fun to read, but not as filled with humor as the other books.

Love in the Afternoon by Lisa Kleypas

Love in the Afternoon by Lisa Kleypas - 339 pages

Beatrice Hathaway has fallen in love with a man who despises her.  It started innocently enough with her answering a letter to a soldier at war for a friend.  But then she kept writing under her friend's name.  Now he's come back home from the war determined to marry the girl he thought wrote the letters.  What will he do when he discovers the deception.
This is the final book in the Hathaway series and probably my favorite.  I enjoyed the sniping comments between the characters and the realistic portrayal of returning soldiers from war.

Last Days of Summer: A Novel by Steve Kluger

Last Days of Summer: A Novel by Steve Kluger - 353 pages

The impossible happens when Boston kid Joey Margolis writes to Giants third baseman Charlie Banks.  He writes back.  They start sending letters back and forth to each other -- eventually meeting and changing each others' lives.
I really enjoyed this book.  I loved the idea that a preteen boy could be so annoying that he could actually get a star to write him back, meet him, and become a fixture in his life.  It was a little disconcerting at first to read Banks' letters as they were filled with spelling errors, but it quickly just became part of the character.

The Mislaid Magician, or, Ten Years Later by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer

The Mislaid Magician, or, Ten Years Later by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer - 328 pages

Ten years have passed since Kate and Cecelia's adventures.  They have now settled down with their husbands and children.  Then Cecelia and James are asked to investigate a magician / railroad inspector who has gone missing.  They promptly set off after leaving their children with Kate and Thomas.  Between the four of them, they discover kidnapped children, magicians who have been turned into dogs, and ley lines that are being affected by the railroads. 
This is the final book in the Sorcery & Cecelia trilogy.  It's an excellent ending to the series, although I definitely wouldn't mind reading more of their adventures.  This book is told once again through letters - this time including Thomas and James along with Kate and Cecelia.  This is definitely a great series for teens and adults who like magic in their historical fiction.

Sorcery & Cecelia, or, The Enchanted Chocolate Pot by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer

Sorcery & Cecelia, or, The Enchanted Chocolate Pot by Patricia C. Wrede & Caroline Stevermer - 320 pages

Cecelia and Kate, cousins and best friends, have been separated for the summer when Kate goes to London to come out in Society.  Both think the summer will be exceedingly dull without the other there.  However, that's before Kate is nearly killed by an evil wizard trying to capture another wizard and before Cecelia meets the lovely Dorothea who is being used as a pawn by her mother to ensnare all the men around her.  Working together while separated is difficult, but the will find a way to save themselves and their new friends.
I really enjoyed this story.  I wasn't sure I would since it is written entirely in letters between the two girls.  However, it was an interesting way to see the story play out.  It would appeal to teens who enjoy fantasy, adventure, mystery, or romance.

Letters from a Nut, by Ted L Nancy

Letters from a Nut, by Ted L Nancy, 192 pages

This is a pretty entertaining read.  Ted L Nancy (a pseudonym), pens letters to companies and organizations across the country with outlandish requests and comments, and then prints the companies' responses.  They range from asking the Baseball Hall of Fame if they would like a set of Mickey Mantle's toenails clippings (and they do!) to wondering if a Vegas casino could accommodate his lucky shrimp costume that he has to wear when he gambles (alas, they don't).  It's kind of like a fun and harmless precursor to internet trolling.