Friday, March 24, 2017

Review: Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer

Title: Letters to the Lost
Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Series: Stand Alone
Published By: Bloomsbury Children's (April 4, 2017)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Contemporary
My Rating: 5 Stars!

Book Description:
Juliet Young always writes letters to her mother, a world-traveling photojournalist. Even after her mother's death, she leaves letters at her grave. It's the only way Juliet can cope.

Declan Murphy isn't the sort of guy you want to cross. In the midst of his court-ordered community service at the local cemetery, he's trying to escape the demons of his past.


When Declan reads a haunting letter left beside a grave, he can't resist writing back. Soon, he's opening up to a perfect stranger, and their connection is immediate. But neither Declan nor Juliet knows that they're not actually strangers. When life at school interferes with their secret life of letters, sparks will fly as Juliet and Declan discover truths that might tear them apart.









The Elemental Series, Kemmerer's debut, was an almost instant hit for me and when the series ended I was so sad that it was over. I was so eager to get something, anything else from her. I missed her writing style and her unique quirky characters and the hidden messages about family, strength and staying true to who you are in every book. 

And even though I didn't have much luck with her last stand alone novel, when I saw Letters To The Lost and read its description, that fire, that passion, flared up again and I was once again eager to read one of her stories.

I won't lie and say I went into this without any apprehension because truth be told I did but after the first chapter, I knew I shouldn't be worried, this was classic Kemmerer. The author I had come to know and love and I dove right into the deep end and happily didn't come back up for air until the very last page was read.

There are stories that you love because they just call to you. Touch some part of you in a way that you didn't expect. They bring out emotions and feelings and you can't control how much they are impacting you or how much you have completely fallen for them and Letters to the Lost was one such story. It called to me heart and soul and so many times I found myself just feeling. Tearing up and smiling, and overjoyed. It was both terrible and completely wonderful and I wouldn't change a moment of it.  I connected with it like I haven't with this genre lately and it truly was amazing.

This is such a heartfelt coming of age story. One about moving on, dealing with loss and becoming who we truly are and were meant to be. 






*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*

58 comments:

  1. I love the cover! It's great to know that the story is as great as the cover. I'll definitely check this one out. Great review​!

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  2. I have books by this author. I need to try one day...

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  3. I have seen all great reviews for this one. Glad you enjoyed it so much. Great review!

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  4. I'm so glad you loved it. I've heard great things about Kemmerer.

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  5. I've been hearing so many wonderful things about this! I'm glad you enjoyed it too! It really sounds like a heartfelt read. Lovely review!

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    1. It really was and a nice change of pace for me from all the PNR and UF that I've been reading lately.

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  6. Awe there is no better hero than a bad boy with a big heart :) Yes Please!

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  7. I haven't read anything by this author but I'm glad you gave her another chance. It sounds like you really enjoyed this story.

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  8. I'm so glad you loved this one. I've never read anything by the author but I really like the premise of this book.

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    1. I bet you would like her YA series, it was a lot of fun.

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  9. This book sounds really good. Great review!

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  10. I remember seeing this one at some point and thinking it looked really good! That's awesome it hit such a high note for you after the last not quite doing it. Always exciting when that happens :)

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  11. This sounds like a well done coming of age story Ali. I am so happy it delivered all the things you love about this author.

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    1. Thanks Kim, I really was happy as well. It's nice when that happens. ;)

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  12. Ahhh this sounds so good, Ali! I'm so bummed that I got declined on NG. *sobs* I can't wait for its release!

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    1. Ah man that does suck, I hate it when that happens. Hopefully you can get a copy soon.

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  13. I haven't read that author but that does sound like a good book.

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  14. I loved every word of this book too, Ali. It was just fantastic in every way. I completely agree with you. This was Brigid at her best, and I'm so happy that people are loving this one. I also can't wait for Rev's story. It will no doubt be amazing!

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    1. Yes! I can't wait to read it too Nick. I'm so happy so many are loving this too, it really deserves it.

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  15. I also loved the Elemental series and the Merrick brothers will always have a special place in my heart. I didn't read her first standalone after reading lots of lackluster reviews. I'm thrilled that people are loving this one. I couldn't get to it on Spring Break but it's on the top of my reading list.

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    1. Yes definitely! I hope if you pick this up, you end up liking it as well.

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  16. I was suppose to read this now :( but now I don't think I can for a while

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    1. That's too bad. I do think you will really like it. ;)

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  17. Oh that really sounds like a good story.

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  18. Dammit! I should've grabbed this. I read one of her books, but didn't care a whole lot for it, so I decided against this one. Blah!

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  19. This one sounds really good! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

    Simply Angela

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  20. I have great things about this book. I really need to check it out. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. I hope you do read it and that you like it as well.

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  21. Oh wow! This sounds brilliant! I so need to add this one to my wishlist!

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    1. Yay! I really hope that you do and that you love it too. :D

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  22. This sounds fantastic and I'm glad you connected with it so much. I just adore stories like that. Wonderful review! ❤️

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    1. I really do too. Thanks so much and it's good to see you! :D

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  23. This one sounds really good. Thanks for sharing your great review!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by and checking it out. ;)

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  24. Great review! I have to get this one, I keep seeing totally amazing reviews for it!

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  25. This sounds like such a good book! I put this on my TBR list. Thanks for the great review.

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  26. I'm really looking forward to picking up this book! I've read so many reviews now that say this is a book that really stays with you long after the last page is turned! Can't wait to read this for myself - great review!

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    1. Thank you and I really hope you love it as well!

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  27. I never did finish the elemental series. I loved it though. She is always a good time.

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  28. I seen this book a few times and I couldn't decide whether or not I wanted to read it, but I think you may have finally convinced me. Nice review!

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    1. I really hope you do, it really was good. ;)

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  29. I have this book on my tbr-list, and now I want to bump it up. Thanks for such amazing review!

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    1. I'm excited to read you say that becayuse I think you are going to love this one too!

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  30. I've seen several raving reviews for this and so I've put a hold on a copy from the library. I, too, enjoyed her YA fantasy series, so I definitely want to give this a go. Wonderful review! :)

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    1. I really hope you try it and love it as well!

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