Liz Stephen's life changes when she meets infantryman Morgan McClain at a Chicago USO club. Liz has long expected to marry her childhood friend, Dalton, yet her instant attraction to Morgan is mutual. But when she misinterprets Morgan's chivalrous rescue of her friend Betty, she flees without explanation. When Betty begins corresponding with Morgan, she asks for Liz's help. Soon, Morgan and Liz, under Betty's alias, are exchanging soul-baring letters. Betty, serving in the Woman's Army Corps, finds unexpected romance of her own, as does Liz's engaged best friend Julia. But as the war ends, each woman faces the repercussions of her choices. Inspired by the true story of her grandparents' epistolary courtship during World War II, Kristina McMorris captures the heartache and sacrifice of love and war in a story that is timeless, tender, and unforgettably moving.
Letters From Home
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Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
This sweeping debut novel, told through letters and alternating points of view, is ambitious and compelling. During the turmoil of WWII, three Chicago roommates discover that matters of the heart cannot be controlled or planned. Betty Cordell hopes to avoid her mother's mistakes by marrying well. Julia Renard rejects a prestigious fashion internship in order to be waiting for her fiancé when he comes home from the war. Liz Stephens begins to question her future as a professor and a politician's wife as she corresponds with a soldier who thinks she's Betty. Deft description and solid research take readers to the trenches in Europe, a field hospital in Dutch New Guinea, and the glittering lights of Chicago society. Though McMorris's flowery prose sometimes teeters on the edge of hokey, this novel will appeal to historical fiction fans hungry for a romance of the "Greatest Generation." (Mar.)
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
From Booklist
During WWII, three young women living together in Evanston, Illinois, are changed forever. Liz and Julie attend Northwestern University, and Betty works as a waitress and sings for the USO. While watching Betty perform, Liz meets Morgan McClain, who is on his way to the front. Having a boyfriend does not diminish the connection she feels with Morgan, until she sees him dancing with Betty. Without saying good-bye, she leaves the dance. Days later, Betty asks Liz to pen a letter to Morgan as a favor, and she reluctantly agrees. Through their correspondence, Liz becomes more attached to Morgan, even though she is still using Betty�s name and now is engaged. Betty joins the WACs and is shipped to New Guinea. Julie is the one who has few doubts about life after the war with her fianc�. McMorris gives readers a poignant and resonant �Greatest Generation� story of love and loss during wartime. --Patty Engelmann
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More About the Author
Kristina McMorris is the recipient of more than twenty national literary awards. A host of weekly TV shows since age nine, including an Emmy® Award-winning program, she penned her debut novel, Letters from Home (Kensington Books, Avon/HarperCollins UK), based on inspiration from her grandparents' wartime courtship. This critically praised book was declared a must-read by Woman's Day magazine and achieved additional acclaim as a Reader's Digest Select Editions feature, a Doubleday/Literary Guild selection, and a 2011 Goodreads Choice Awards semifinalist for Best Historical Fiction. Her second novel, Bridge of Scarlet Leaves (March 2012), has received equally glowing reviews from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and many others. Named one of Portland's "40 Under 40" by The Business Journal, Kristina lives with her husband and two sons in the Pacific Northwest. For more, visit http://KristinaMcMorris.com
Customer Reviews
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Set during World War II, from Chicago to the battles waging in Europe, from a USO club to a military field hospital, Kristina McMorris has created a moving story in LETTERS FROM HOME. This narrative was inspired by the true love story of her own grandparents' romance and how their correspondence during the war resulted in their eventual loving union. Revolving around three female characters, LETTERS FROM HOME will grab you from the first page and not let you go until you have finished by looking at the wonderful "war time" recipes McMorris has included in the back of the book.
Liz Stephens, Betty Cordell, and Julia Renard were roommates in Chicago back in 1944. Each with a different goal in mind, the story follows these women as their lives entwine and they strive to reach those goals. Along the way, they find that no matter what they planned, life happens and some of their journeys end in a much different place than originally intended. Liz starts out fully expecting to marry Dalton Harris, a friend since they were children who is now a young, local politician. Betty is set on marrying a man of means, unlike her mother, while Julia's dream is heading in the right direction now with a chance to intern for a very famous fashion design team. However, Julia is also engaged to Christian Downing, who is already overseas and while she waits for his return, knowing decisions will need to be made, his brother Ian returns from war, a changed man. Julia feels sorry for him but before she realizes it, those feelings begin to change to something more intense.
Enter the rest of the male characters with Morgan McClain, who with his brother Charlie, is enjoying a last hurrah at the Chicago USO Club before shipping out. Although Morgan would have been quite happy to continue his life at home, he thought it best he sign up to watch over his brother Charlie as he had done for most of his life given that Charlie could be rather impetuous. When Morgan and Liz meet at the USO, there is immediate chemistry, but when Morgan, always the good guy, goes to help Betty, Liz leaves thinking she had probably imagined it. What could she be thinking anyway when she is destined to be with Dalton?
One thing leads to another and Betty begins to write to Morgan overseas but feels she is inadequate in her writing skills and asks Liz for help. With Betty's persuasive personality, Liz agrees and soon Morgan and Liz are writing meaningful, deep letters with Morgan picturing Betty while it is Liz he is really falling for. Betty makes a sudden patriotic, but possibly dangerous decision to join the Woman's Army Corp and in doing so, finds a real romance of her own.
As LETTERS FROM HOME goes on, switching from battle fields to the home front, from the men to the women, McMorris writes with a personal touch that really keeps the reader "in the moment" and waiting to see which direction each character will go next. When the war ends, each of the women now has to come to terms with decisions they have made. What will happen when the men come home? Will Julia follow her dream or continue along the path she has started on? Will Liz be married safely to her childhood friend or take a chance on someone she thinks she has feelings for as a result of those letters? What will become of Betty and who will she finally wind up with, if any? And what IF all the men don't come home? The ending stayed with me as it is one that left me thinking about each character and the choices they made for quite a while. Was I surprised, you might ask? I will say this, war can change people and sometimes we have to ask if we really knew that person to begin with. The fact that Kristina McMorris has written with such depth and emotion, reflected in her characters, the ending, and the story overall. I think you will only know what I mean by reading LETTERS FROM HOME by Kristina McMorris and make your own judgment.
Liz Stephens, Betty Cordell, and Julia Renard were roommates in Chicago back in 1944. Each with a different goal in mind, the story follows these women as their lives entwine and they strive to reach those goals. Along the way, they find that no matter what they planned, life happens and some of their journeys end in a much different place than originally intended. Liz starts out fully expecting to marry Dalton Harris, a friend since they were children who is now a young, local politician. Betty is set on marrying a man of means, unlike her mother, while Julia's dream is heading in the right direction now with a chance to intern for a very famous fashion design team. However, Julia is also engaged to Christian Downing, who is already overseas and while she waits for his return, knowing decisions will need to be made, his brother Ian returns from war, a changed man. Julia feels sorry for him but before she realizes it, those feelings begin to change to something more intense.
Enter the rest of the male characters with Morgan McClain, who with his brother Charlie, is enjoying a last hurrah at the Chicago USO Club before shipping out. Although Morgan would have been quite happy to continue his life at home, he thought it best he sign up to watch over his brother Charlie as he had done for most of his life given that Charlie could be rather impetuous. When Morgan and Liz meet at the USO, there is immediate chemistry, but when Morgan, always the good guy, goes to help Betty, Liz leaves thinking she had probably imagined it. What could she be thinking anyway when she is destined to be with Dalton?
One thing leads to another and Betty begins to write to Morgan overseas but feels she is inadequate in her writing skills and asks Liz for help. With Betty's persuasive personality, Liz agrees and soon Morgan and Liz are writing meaningful, deep letters with Morgan picturing Betty while it is Liz he is really falling for. Betty makes a sudden patriotic, but possibly dangerous decision to join the Woman's Army Corp and in doing so, finds a real romance of her own.
As LETTERS FROM HOME goes on, switching from battle fields to the home front, from the men to the women, McMorris writes with a personal touch that really keeps the reader "in the moment" and waiting to see which direction each character will go next. When the war ends, each of the women now has to come to terms with decisions they have made. What will happen when the men come home? Will Julia follow her dream or continue along the path she has started on? Will Liz be married safely to her childhood friend or take a chance on someone she thinks she has feelings for as a result of those letters? What will become of Betty and who will she finally wind up with, if any? And what IF all the men don't come home? The ending stayed with me as it is one that left me thinking about each character and the choices they made for quite a while. Was I surprised, you might ask? I will say this, war can change people and sometimes we have to ask if we really knew that person to begin with. The fact that Kristina McMorris has written with such depth and emotion, reflected in her characters, the ending, and the story overall. I think you will only know what I mean by reading LETTERS FROM HOME by Kristina McMorris and make your own judgment.
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By Robyn C.
Format:Paperback
There comes a time when we each must weigh our obligations and values against our heart's true yearning. For Liz, Julia, and Betty that time is 1944, and the world is at war.
Letters From Home takes us on a journey of the heart. A seamlessly woven timeline reveals the story of three young women struggling with their choices in love and personal expression. Will Julia abandon her heart's calling to marry her soldier? Will Betty overcome her self-judgments and rise to become something more? Will Liz marry her up and coming political beau or lose herself in a romance built on letters from a soldier she barely knows? Through lessons of choice and consequence our friends learn about trust, honesty, obligation, self-worth and sacrifice.
This book does have some heart wrenching scenes in the war trenches and the army hospital; although not graphic in nature they will stir up emotions for anyone who has lost a loved one in war. The romance is light and innocent. This is a good story to share and to open conversations.
Deftly written and rich with detail this story stirs the senses. McMorris tells a tale which will linger in your mind long after closing the cover.
Letters From Home takes us on a journey of the heart. A seamlessly woven timeline reveals the story of three young women struggling with their choices in love and personal expression. Will Julia abandon her heart's calling to marry her soldier? Will Betty overcome her self-judgments and rise to become something more? Will Liz marry her up and coming political beau or lose herself in a romance built on letters from a soldier she barely knows? Through lessons of choice and consequence our friends learn about trust, honesty, obligation, self-worth and sacrifice.
This book does have some heart wrenching scenes in the war trenches and the army hospital; although not graphic in nature they will stir up emotions for anyone who has lost a loved one in war. The romance is light and innocent. This is a good story to share and to open conversations.
Deftly written and rich with detail this story stirs the senses. McMorris tells a tale which will linger in your mind long after closing the cover.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
During the turmoil of WWII, Betty Cordell, Julia Renard and Liz Stephens become roommates in 1944 in Chicago. Each has different dreams about their future.
Betty plans to avoid the mistakes her mom made; she will only marry someone affluent. Julia has a fabulous offer to intern at a renowned fashion design firm, but declines the chance as she waits for her soldier fiancé to come home to marry him. Liz ponders whether she truly wants to be a professor married to a politician after briefly meeting soldier Morgan McClain at the USO; his interest is with Betty; he asks her to exchange letters with him while he is overseas but Liz does it by pretending to be Betty.
This is an engaging historical tale with a strong romantic underpinning. The key to the story line is the various background settings from Chicago to the European battlefields and a combat deployed field hospital in Dutch New Guinea; each brings alive the era in diverse ways. Fans will enjoy this fine WWII drama wondering how Morgan will react if he survives to come home to duplicity when the war is over.
Harriet Klausner
Betty plans to avoid the mistakes her mom made; she will only marry someone affluent. Julia has a fabulous offer to intern at a renowned fashion design firm, but declines the chance as she waits for her soldier fiancé to come home to marry him. Liz ponders whether she truly wants to be a professor married to a politician after briefly meeting soldier Morgan McClain at the USO; his interest is with Betty; he asks her to exchange letters with him while he is overseas but Liz does it by pretending to be Betty.
This is an engaging historical tale with a strong romantic underpinning. The key to the story line is the various background settings from Chicago to the European battlefields and a combat deployed field hospital in Dutch New Guinea; each brings alive the era in diverse ways. Fans will enjoy this fine WWII drama wondering how Morgan will react if he survives to come home to duplicity when the war is over.
Harriet Klausner
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Refreshing Take on Communication
An excellent story of three women who experience WWII in different ways. One sends her fiance off to war, one ghostwrites letters to a soldier for a friend, and one joins the WAC. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Rebecca
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Wonderful Read For Any Time of Year
I picked up this novel on a whim at the library and it ended up being one of the best books I've read in a long time. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Ashley Ferrara
3.0 out of 5 stars
Letters From Home
Betty has a singing gig at a USO dance and her roommates Liz and Julia has promised to come there. During the night Liz ends up dancing with Morgan, who leaves to war the next day. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Elysium
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good, But Could Have Been SO Much Better
Despite the 3 star rating, I really, really liked this story. But I'm not giving it a higher rating because I felt it could have been so much better. Read more
Published 11 months ago by momanem35
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Good Read
I really enjoyed this book, the writing makes you feel you are right in the moment with the characters - I am looking forward to her next one.
Published 12 months ago by Shirley Misener
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Stunning Debut That Left Me In Tears
I cannot find the words to express how much I loved this book. I love WWII historical fiction and while looking for more of that genre to read I had come across this book and... Read more
Published 12 months ago by dpappas
1.0 out of 5 stars
Nice Cover Art
This book was silly, juvenile and amateurish. Should have been in the Teen Section and not in the Old Ladies Who Like A Really Good Book Section.
Published 13 months ago by C. A. Wadley
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great WWII Home front Story!
I must admit, I picked up this book for two main reasons: #1 The cover, isn't it beautiful? #2 After reading the Bungalow by Sarah Jio, I wanted to read another story that took... Read more
Published 14 months ago by MamaK
5.0 out of 5 stars
Endearing Love Story!
LETTERS FROM HOME, published in March 2011 by Kensington Books, is set in 1944 Chicago. The story begins with three roommates, Liz, Betty, and Julia, as women on the cusp of their... Read more
Published 17 months ago by Hallie
5.0 out of 5 stars
Historical Romance at it's best!!
I loved the Letters From Home story line, it was believable and the characters came to life in the authors attention to details. My emotions were all over the place sad or happy. Read more
Published 17 months ago by V.W.
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