Today I am thrilled to be hosting the blog tour for The Letter by Eliza J. Scott. Thank you to the author and Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me to take part.
The Letter – Kitty’s Story
Thirty-four-year-old Kitty Bennett is trapped in a loveless marriage to criminal barrister, Dan, who’s gradually isolated her from her family and friends. Until the day she (literally) bumps into her first love, the handsome and easy-going Ollie Cartwright – someone she’s done her best to avoid for as long as she can remember. Looking into Ollie’s eyes awakens feelings for him she thought she’d buried deep years ago, and he clearly feels the spark, too. As she walks away, Kitty can’t help but wonder what might have been…
Dan senses that his marriage is on shaky ground and knows he needs to win his wife round. He turns on the charm, skilfully using their two children, Lucas and Lily, as bargaining tools. But Kitty’s older brother, Jimby, and her childhood best-friends, Molly and Violet, have decided enough is enough. For years they’ve had to watch from afar as Kitty’s been browbeaten into an unrecognisable version of herself. They vow to make her see Dan for what he really is, but their attempts are no match for his finely-honed courtroom skills and, against her better judgement, Kitty agrees to give her husband one last chance. But, all-too-soon, a series of heart-breaking events and a shocking secret throw her life into turmoil…
Will she stand by Dan, or will Kitty be brave enough to take the leap and follow her heart to Ollie?
Life is anything but peaceful in the chocolate-box pretty village of Lytell Stangdale, where life unravels, and hearts are broken. Full of heart-warming moments, this book with have you crying tears of joy, laughter and sadness.
My Review of The Letter
Kitty’s story is unfortunately not an uncommon one and at times this was a difficult read because it was so true to life. Dan wasn’t just the typical controlling husband, his cruelty went much deeper than that. He took over Kitty’s life, belittled everything she did and yet could swan off with some floozy knowing his children were being raised by a doting, caring mother. I have no words for men like Dan and the book brought out some powerful emotions.
Kitty was a free spirit, weighed down by her bullying husband, but still able to have fun with friends and family. She had a good support network behind her in the form of her brother Jimby and friends Violet and Molly. They provided some light-hearted elements to the book in contrast to the darker side of the abusive marriage.
I liked the book cover but the idyllic thatched cottage and rolling countryside lead me to believe that the book would be a much lighter read. On closer inspection, you notice that all is not right with the lonely, monochrome figure sitting under the tree.
I really wanted Kitty to escape her toxic relationship and find happiness with her childhood sweetheart Ollie I couldn’t rest until I found out how her life would progress.
The blurb says you will be ‘crying tears of joy, laughter, and sadness‘ and it doesn’t disappoint.
Thank you to the author and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy which I have reviewed honestly.
Author Bio – I live in a village in the North Yorkshire Moors with my husband, two daughters and two black Labradors. When I’m not writing, I can usually be found with my nose in a book/glued to my Kindle, or in my garden. I also enjoy bracing walks in the countryside, rounded off with a visit to a teashop where I can indulge in another two of my favourite things: tea and cake.