The Lost Letters of Aisling: A Novel

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars | 19,773 ratings

Price: 2.49

Last update: 08-01-2024


About this item

A woman faces the past she fled in a heart-stirring novel about unforgettable love and indomitable courage by the Amazon Charts bestselling author of The Lighthouse Keeper.

Rainey’s grandmother makes a startling request: Take me home. To Ireland, the country she fled post–World War II. Though they’re inseparably close, Rainey knows few of her grandmother’s secrets. Until they arrive at Aisling—the majestic estate on the southern coast of Ireland where her grandmother was raised—and Rainey discovers a collection of seventy-year-old letters in a trunk.

Dublin, 1945. The Germans surrender, celebrants crowd the streets, and fourteen-year-old Evie meets her best friend, the spirited Harding McGovern. Years on, they are more like sisters when rumors begin that Harding works in the black market trade—a source of wealth that could give her a dream life in America but could also cause great danger. Evie is uncertain of the truth but will stand by Harding, whatever the cost.

As Rainey uses the letters to reunite her grandmother with the past, what unfolds is a never-forgotten story of family, friendship, and love, and the healing that comes from letting go of secrets.


From the Publisher

A woman's legacy of love, secrets, and courage that spans decades.

Top reviews from the United States

KWP
5.0 out of 5 stars Such a great read!
Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2024
This novel was such a great read! The story evoked so many emotions and was so well written! The characters were interesting and sympathetic, and the storyline really kept me reading and anticipating what would happen next. And with a little romance in a foreign country thrown in, what's not to love? Not to be cliche, but I actually read this novel while at the beach - so I have to say it's a great beach read!
Sarah McKay
4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful and moving
Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2024
This is the first novel I’ve read by Ellingsen and I’m looking forward to more. The story takes place in 1950’s Ireland, post Emergency, and present day told through the perspectives of Evie and her granddaughter, Rainey. The character development was brilliant, the writing style was expressive and moving, and the plot was surprising and the ending was unpredictable. If you’re looking for a read that weaves history with fiction and leaves you feeling all the emotions, this is the book!
JCM
5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books I have read in quite some time
Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2024
From the first chapter I was enthralled with all of the characters. It took a hot minute to discern which direction the friendship between Evie and Harding was going as in was it to be a crime or simply a friendship. Learning more about Ireland was interesting. As it moved to present day it became fascinating to learn of the connections between the past and present. The story moved along at a good pace. It was simply one of the best I have read in quite some time and one I did not want to end.
I'm hopeful that perhaps this author has others just as good.
I won't say more so as not to spoil it for new readers.
jan
5.0 out of 5 stars Heartwarming page turner. Excellent
Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2024
This book would make a great mimi series. I couldn't put it down. the story was easy to follow even though it went from then to now. There are many heartbreaking parts and suspenseful parts. My only critque is the part about why Evie's mother left her alone so much. The explanation didn't ring true. Even though she had a "good" reason, she still didn't show her any attention when she was home. I was also dissappointed with the ending regarding Alby.
Pamela B
4.0 out of 5 stars Soft and sweet
Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2024
An easy read, some interesting twists. There are several storylines with several possible paths. I enjoyed it and give a thumbs up.
Susan's Niche
5.0 out of 5 stars heartwhelming
Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2024
First time reading book by this author - really enjoyed the story, characters and insights on family and friendships. Resolving issues in life is very important for peace with family and friends - great, enjoyable read,
E. Piper
5.0 out of 5 stars A GOOD READ
Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2024
This is the first book I have read by this author and I absolutely loved it and her writing style. It is a story about family love and family secrets with the action shifting between present day Ireland and the period right after WWII. The characters are likeable and the reader "lives" the story through the eyes of characters in the two different time periods. It was a tender love story as well as a tear jerker and I don't want to say more than that for fear I will spoil the story for others.

I will be reading more of Cynthia Ellingsen's work in the future and am so happy that I found her books. She is a gifted writer and I certainly recommend this historic novel.
tami danielson
5.0 out of 5 stars Truly magical!
Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2024
Absolutely love this story from start to finish. Cynthia Ellingsen has woven a tale of intrigue, full of love. As always, I fell in love with the characters, and the location. We'll done!!

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