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The Lost Letters of Aisling
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.
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.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,032 reviews
March 3, 2024
This is a book told in 2 separate timelines: a story of a grandmother and her granddaughter. Her grandmother’s dying wish is to go back to Ireland, where she is from with her granddaughter.
While there, the granddaughter uncovers that her grandmother has kept a lot of secrets about her past. There is a lot of mystery throughout the book that kept me reading as fast as I could. A lot of heartbreak.
Be aware: this book involves r*pe, murder, assault, and death of a loved one.
There is also 2 love stories, stories of great friendship, and community. It made me want to move to Ireland.
I didn’t like the ending and felt we should have gotten more information about what happens to the granddaughter in the end. I felt it was abrupt and that we needed 1 or 2 more chapters. But I enjoyed the rest.
Read for free from Amazon First Reads.
While there, the granddaughter uncovers that her grandmother has kept a lot of secrets about her past. There is a lot of mystery throughout the book that kept me reading as fast as I could. A lot of heartbreak.
Be aware: this book involves r*pe, murder, assault, and death of a loved one.
There is also 2 love stories, stories of great friendship, and community. It made me want to move to Ireland.
I didn’t like the ending and felt we should have gotten more information about what happens to the granddaughter in the end. I felt it was abrupt and that we needed 1 or 2 more chapters. But I enjoyed the rest.
Read for free from Amazon First Reads.
March 17, 2024
Kindle First Read for March 2024
I like historical fiction, and enjoy this type of novel that toggles back and forth between the present day and history. I would say that the balance between the two, and the way the chapters were linked worked well here. So far so good.
I enjoyed the story (no spoilers!) and learned more than I knew about Ireland during WWII (which they called, "The Emergency."). The descriptions are enticing, making a good case for tourism in Ireland! (It's only a coincidence that I'm writing this review on St. Patrick's Day.)
But there are some inconsistencies that create anachronisms and some jarring text. The story is set both in the "present day" and in the years following WWII (1945-1949? or so). The Irish characters don't "sound" Irish at all. I would expect a somewhat different cadence and vocabulary among the historical characters (keeping their different social classes in mind). There's almost zero dialogue difference between them and the present-day characters. Keep in mind that in the late 1940s, there was much less exposure to American slang, sentence structure, and so on, especially in small villages. (Yes, Hollywood films were shown at the time, but access was limited.) So when an Irish character (I think it was Evie) says, "It's okay," in the late 1940s, it sounds wrong to me. There are quite a few examples of these Americanisms or 21st-Century-isms.
Here's another thing that bugged me. In the 1940s story, Evie is out at night and hears some noise. She assumes it could be raccoons. Really? Raccoons are native to North America, and maybe a bit in northern South America. So I googled this question. Apparently, raccoons began appearing in Ireland in 2011, due to animal exchanges, like zoos. Not in the 1940s. The writing has a very American-centric flavor, even as it's set in Ireland. Where was the editor?
And another thing that bugged me: The attraction that Rainey develops towards Grady is based almost entirely on what he looks like. We hear about his chest, shoulders, hair, again and again. Physical appearance drives her feelings, and is much more important than any emotional, personal or intellectual connection.
Finally, (okay, small spoiler), So, while I enjoyed reading the book, and the pacing and story structure worked for me, there were enough glitches that resulted in only three stars from me.
I don't regret reading the book, but wish it had presented as more realistic and believable.
I like historical fiction, and enjoy this type of novel that toggles back and forth between the present day and history. I would say that the balance between the two, and the way the chapters were linked worked well here. So far so good.
I enjoyed the story (no spoilers!) and learned more than I knew about Ireland during WWII (which they called, "The Emergency."). The descriptions are enticing, making a good case for tourism in Ireland! (It's only a coincidence that I'm writing this review on St. Patrick's Day.)
But there are some inconsistencies that create anachronisms and some jarring text. The story is set both in the "present day" and in the years following WWII (1945-1949? or so). The Irish characters don't "sound" Irish at all. I would expect a somewhat different cadence and vocabulary among the historical characters (keeping their different social classes in mind). There's almost zero dialogue difference between them and the present-day characters. Keep in mind that in the late 1940s, there was much less exposure to American slang, sentence structure, and so on, especially in small villages. (Yes, Hollywood films were shown at the time, but access was limited.) So when an Irish character (I think it was Evie) says, "It's okay," in the late 1940s, it sounds wrong to me. There are quite a few examples of these Americanisms or 21st-Century-isms.
Here's another thing that bugged me. In the 1940s story, Evie is out at night and hears some noise. She assumes it could be raccoons. Really? Raccoons are native to North America, and maybe a bit in northern South America. So I googled this question. Apparently, raccoons began appearing in Ireland in 2011, due to animal exchanges, like zoos. Not in the 1940s. The writing has a very American-centric flavor, even as it's set in Ireland. Where was the editor?
And another thing that bugged me: The attraction that Rainey develops towards Grady is based almost entirely on what he looks like. We hear about his chest, shoulders, hair, again and again. Physical appearance drives her feelings, and is much more important than any emotional, personal or intellectual connection.
Finally, (okay, small spoiler), So, while I enjoyed reading the book, and the pacing and story structure worked for me, there were enough glitches that resulted in only three stars from me.
I don't regret reading the book, but wish it had presented as more realistic and believable.
March 1, 2024
I loved this book. With the never ending stories out about World War II, it’s intriguing to learn about the lingering after effects of the war on a neutral country like Ireland, and how choices people made during that time ripple through the lives of their families for generations. I never realized the hardships of shortages and tangled loyalties impacting Ireland after the war, which fueled “The Troubles” to come.
When Rainey’s grandmother Evie becomes ill, she asks to return to her home country of Ireland, insisting that she must find some mysterious letters. Rainey travels with her, leaving behind her own mess of a start-up biochemical company, and her busy mother who seems happy to leave Evie in Rainey’s care.
Their journey reveals secrets that have impacted three generations of her family, and show how the bonds of female friendships can become as close as family.
Cynthia takes us on a journey to Ireland that felt both surprising and inevitable, with the characters emotions resonating with my own feelings around grief and secrets families hold. And the ending is just beautiful.
When Rainey’s grandmother Evie becomes ill, she asks to return to her home country of Ireland, insisting that she must find some mysterious letters. Rainey travels with her, leaving behind her own mess of a start-up biochemical company, and her busy mother who seems happy to leave Evie in Rainey’s care.
Their journey reveals secrets that have impacted three generations of her family, and show how the bonds of female friendships can become as close as family.
Cynthia takes us on a journey to Ireland that felt both surprising and inevitable, with the characters emotions resonating with my own feelings around grief and secrets families hold. And the ending is just beautiful.
March 13, 2024
good but…
I just could never really get into it. Interesting plot but one or two twists just seemed weird. The younger version of the grandmother always seemed too naive and gullible which was also irritating
I just could never really get into it. Interesting plot but one or two twists just seemed weird. The younger version of the grandmother always seemed too naive and gullible which was also irritating
March 6, 2024
I liked the book, but I had so many questions that never got answered.
Plus that ending 😭
Plus that ending 😭
March 8, 2024
I really enjoyed the story. I have a special place in my heart for Ireland (which is honestly the reason I chose it).
Not sure if this will be considered a spoiler so you might want to end it here. I admit I knew the plot for the ending, however, I did not like how the book just stopped. Unless there is more to the story, there could have been an epilogue because the ending left a lot of the characters just hanging.
Not sure if this will be considered a spoiler so you might want to end it here. I admit I knew the plot for the ending, however, I did not like how the book just stopped. Unless there is more to the story, there could have been an epilogue because the ending left a lot of the characters just hanging.
April 11, 2024
Captivating, rich, and absorbing!
The Lost Letters of Aisling is predominantly set in Ireland during the early 1950s, as well as present day, and is told from two different perspectives. Rainey, a young woman who journeys to Ireland to honour her grandmother’s wishes to return to her homeland to finally confront the past, and Evie, a young woman whose platonic love for her best friend will ultimately change her destiny and life forever.
The prose is eloquent and expressive. The characters are troubled, determined, and endearing. And the plot is a moving tale about life, loss, love, emotion, betrayal, family, friendship, heartbreak, guilt, grief, hope, and regret.
Overall, The Lost Letters of Aisling is a heartwarming, alluring, compelling tale by Ellingsen that highlights the enduring passion, loyalty and power of love and is a wonderful choice for anyone who enjoys a dual timeline story with both a sliver of mystery and a touch of romance.
Thank you to Firefly Distributed Lines for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Lost Letters of Aisling is predominantly set in Ireland during the early 1950s, as well as present day, and is told from two different perspectives. Rainey, a young woman who journeys to Ireland to honour her grandmother’s wishes to return to her homeland to finally confront the past, and Evie, a young woman whose platonic love for her best friend will ultimately change her destiny and life forever.
The prose is eloquent and expressive. The characters are troubled, determined, and endearing. And the plot is a moving tale about life, loss, love, emotion, betrayal, family, friendship, heartbreak, guilt, grief, hope, and regret.
Overall, The Lost Letters of Aisling is a heartwarming, alluring, compelling tale by Ellingsen that highlights the enduring passion, loyalty and power of love and is a wonderful choice for anyone who enjoys a dual timeline story with both a sliver of mystery and a touch of romance.
Thank you to Firefly Distributed Lines for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 12, 2024
The ending left me wanting more
March 10, 2024
This historical fiction is surprisingly different with it being told on the very day that World War II ends and a dual storyline told in the present day with emphasis on being grateful and embracing what matters most.
April 5, 2024
Add this to my DNF list. It read like it was written by ChatGPT and didn’t feel authentic.
April 14, 2024
This book had a lot of my favourite things-grandmother/granddaughter relationships, dual timelines, family secrets, castles, and Ireland. The only thing I wasn't sold on was the lukewarm romance.
An Amazon Reads Pick in March.
Goodreads review published 14/04/24
An Amazon Reads Pick in March.
Goodreads review published 14/04/24
March 5, 2024
Heartwarming story
Such a beautiful story about love, loss and forgiveness spanning over a life time. The story grabs you from the beginning and makes you feel like you’re actually in Ireland. A must read.
Such a beautiful story about love, loss and forgiveness spanning over a life time. The story grabs you from the beginning and makes you feel like you’re actually in Ireland. A must read.
July 17, 2024
The Lost Letters of Aisling was my first novel by Cynthia Ellingsen. The synopsis and title drew me in. This one has two time frames--the present with Rainey and the past with Evie. Evie is Rainey's grandmother. Rainey is asked by her dying grandmother for her to take her home to Ireland. Ireland holds a mystery to Rainey and her mom because her grandmother refused to discuss life before she came to America. But grandmother is begging to go home and find the letters. Rainey discovers secrets of her grandmother's life once she arrives in Ireland--her history so vibrant revealed through the letters and the people who live there and know her grandmother's history.
She also finds out a lot about herself. And learns what home means.
There is a lot of intrigue. There is an unusual view of WW2 from Ireland point of view--calling it "the Emergency". And the riots that followed.
The story peels back like an onion. I just didn't love it. I liked it though. And it kept my attention. So i'm giving it 4 stars.
She also finds out a lot about herself. And learns what home means.
There is a lot of intrigue. There is an unusual view of WW2 from Ireland point of view--calling it "the Emergency". And the riots that followed.
The story peels back like an onion. I just didn't love it. I liked it though. And it kept my attention. So i'm giving it 4 stars.
March 6, 2024
An interesting story set in Ireland with revelations of family secrets from the past. I thought it suffered from lack of character development and rather average writing.
April 20, 2024
Evie has kept a secret for 70 years. A secret she has held close in her heart. A secret about Evie's past that she has never shared with her daughter or granddaughter. A secret that transformed her life and made her into the woman she is today. A secret that had its origins on a day different from any other. It began in Dublin on May 7, 1945, when Evie was 14. Evie has never returned to Ireland after she left for America. It is time.
I love novels written in dual timelines, connecting the present to the history of the past. In this beautifully written novel, time alternates between present-day and post-WWII Ireland. Individuals impacted by events of the period, relationships never forgotten, and oft as heart-wrenching as heartwarming, revealing the light of kindness, friendship, love, hope, and forgiveness, and the darkness of experiences wrapped in fear, cruelty, loss, survival, and secrets.
Thank you to Cynthia Ellingsen, NetGalley, and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read an eARC of this novel.
I love novels written in dual timelines, connecting the present to the history of the past. In this beautifully written novel, time alternates between present-day and post-WWII Ireland. Individuals impacted by events of the period, relationships never forgotten, and oft as heart-wrenching as heartwarming, revealing the light of kindness, friendship, love, hope, and forgiveness, and the darkness of experiences wrapped in fear, cruelty, loss, survival, and secrets.
Thank you to Cynthia Ellingsen, NetGalley, and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read an eARC of this novel.
April 18, 2024
3,5 stars rounded up
A good story, told in alternating timelines, about a young woman & her grandmother. Although it starts in Ireland at the end of WWII & touches a bit on rationing, it is much more of a women's fiction book than historical fiction. Would have loved an epilogue...
A good story, told in alternating timelines, about a young woman & her grandmother. Although it starts in Ireland at the end of WWII & touches a bit on rationing, it is much more of a women's fiction book than historical fiction. Would have loved an epilogue...
March 4, 2024
I am so glad I chose this book!
I've never been to Ireland but this novel really makes me want to go! This is such a tender story. A young lady goes with her grandmother back to her hometown in Ireland in search of some letters she left behind a very long time ago. The whole book is written from 2 points to view, Evie's point of view from her younger years and her granddaughter's current point of view. The granddaughter's name is not given but it's easy to tell what is coming from her view. She learns a lot about her grandma and all the secrets she left behind when she left Ireland to go to America.
I usually delete the "first reads" books after I read them but I am definitely keeping this one. I can definitely see myself reading it again and I would most definitely recommend it to my friends!
I've never been to Ireland but this novel really makes me want to go! This is such a tender story. A young lady goes with her grandmother back to her hometown in Ireland in search of some letters she left behind a very long time ago. The whole book is written from 2 points to view, Evie's point of view from her younger years and her granddaughter's current point of view. The granddaughter's name is not given but it's easy to tell what is coming from her view. She learns a lot about her grandma and all the secrets she left behind when she left Ireland to go to America.
I usually delete the "first reads" books after I read them but I am definitely keeping this one. I can definitely see myself reading it again and I would most definitely recommend it to my friends!
September 7, 2024
Honestly this was such an amazing book! I enjoyed the story being told in two story lines. It was a book that really made you think about the things that are important in your life and being there for those that really matter to you. So I suppose it’s meant to be that I’m at a friend’s wedding reception today!!!!
April 13, 2024
3.25 stars (Kindle). Not exactly sure how I feel about this one. While some tears were shed, the story just felt FLAT. I was never totally invested in the characters or their dilemmas, + I really wanted more descriptions of Ireland. Not terrible/not great.
July 12, 2024
One of the best books I’ve read this year. Here are some of my favorite quotes:
“Life will try to take things from you, to see how strong you are. Don’t let it. Find what you want, take it with two hands and don’t let go.”
“With the right information, it’s possible to fix almost anything.”
“Don’t bother with anger if someone speaks their mind. Listen to the words spoken, then make your own opinion, and say it.”
“Fear is the greatest weapon people used to get you to do what they want. It can be a powerful thing.”
“Sleep on it, then. Your worries will always be there, waiting for you in the morning. Better to greet them with a clear head.”
“Life has a way of testing friendships, but a true friend will be there forever.”
“Life will try to take things from you, to see how strong you are. Don’t let it. Find what you want, take it with two hands and don’t let go.”
“With the right information, it’s possible to fix almost anything.”
“Don’t bother with anger if someone speaks their mind. Listen to the words spoken, then make your own opinion, and say it.”
“Fear is the greatest weapon people used to get you to do what they want. It can be a powerful thing.”
“Sleep on it, then. Your worries will always be there, waiting for you in the morning. Better to greet them with a clear head.”
“Life has a way of testing friendships, but a true friend will be there forever.”
May 15, 2024
Loved in so many ways.
OMG, this novel had me from start to finish. The tears are still wet in my eyes. This was such a believable story of love and lives lived. Not one I want to go into details as I feel that strongly about you reading it yourselves. What a great telling of the past to current. Ellingsen did a great job of describing the characters and bringing out their stories. I highly recommend this book.
OMG, this novel had me from start to finish. The tears are still wet in my eyes. This was such a believable story of love and lives lived. Not one I want to go into details as I feel that strongly about you reading it yourselves. What a great telling of the past to current. Ellingsen did a great job of describing the characters and bringing out their stories. I highly recommend this book.
June 6, 2024
Overall, a great romance novel with a mystery. I enjoyed the side-by-side unfurling of the grandmother's and the daughter's stories. And Ireland as a setting! A win for me! This was a delightful little treat!
May 18, 2024
I have a kindle unlimited reading subscription. I have been able to find many good authors that I have not read. For me the book started out slow, then became more enjoyable. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I plan to find other books from this author.
March 4, 2024
This is a book you do not want to put down until you find out what is the final outcome even if it means you miss yr bus,train and/or meals! Rainey and her best friend Tia are in a business together that looks like it could be on its way to big thins when Rainey gets a call re: her grandma who is not doing well while at the same time finding out a prototype they submitted was rejected. She does not tell Tia and is on the next flight she can get out with her grandma to Ireland to set somethings right.The life stories that follow are so full of love and anguish as well as doubt and misunderstandings that the reader frantically races through the book to find out whats what-one hecka of a ride!!!!
April 3, 2024
4.5 stars
This was my Amazon First Reads choice for March, and I chose it because of the Irish background story for this month. The book is written between two timelines. One follows Evie as she grew up in Ireland and the other follows Rainey, who is her granddaughter in the present timeline.
I loved the story of Evie’s life in Ireland and how meeting Harding changed her in so many ways. There is also some historical references in the story, of what life was like during war time, with rationing and how hard it was for families to survive those hardships. This is also a tie in to Harding’s role in the book.
Rainey’s character was pretty typical for this kind of book, and I found that I was more interested in her grandmother’s story, but she was still a likeable character.
If you love Ireland, a little intrigue, difficult family relationships and a hunky Irish love interest, then you will definitely love The Lost Letters of Aisling.
This was my Amazon First Reads choice for March, and I chose it because of the Irish background story for this month. The book is written between two timelines. One follows Evie as she grew up in Ireland and the other follows Rainey, who is her granddaughter in the present timeline.
I loved the story of Evie’s life in Ireland and how meeting Harding changed her in so many ways. There is also some historical references in the story, of what life was like during war time, with rationing and how hard it was for families to survive those hardships. This is also a tie in to Harding’s role in the book.
Rainey’s character was pretty typical for this kind of book, and I found that I was more interested in her grandmother’s story, but she was still a likeable character.
If you love Ireland, a little intrigue, difficult family relationships and a hunky Irish love interest, then you will definitely love The Lost Letters of Aisling.
March 4, 2024
This was a pretty good novel from Prime. It was a lovely story and I enjoyed it.
March 3, 2024
3.5 stars, but I don’t mind rounding up. This was a quick, easy read that was difficult to put down. I wasn’t in love with Rainey’s side story, but I was swept away with the intrigue of her grandmother’s. Rainey’s romance felt a bit rushed and unbelievable, but I loved Grady.
September 25, 2024
This was a poorly executed mash up of The Nightingale and The Things We Cannot Say and P.S. I Love You
There was so much potential in the premise.
Even though it’s historical fiction, there’s barely any history in the book. All I learned was that WWII was called The Emergency in Ireland. You never learn about Evie’s adult life. There’s supposed to be a twist but it’s incredibly predictable and easy to figure out. Mostly, there’s just nothing. There’s no plot. It’s supposed to be a puzzle figuring out how it all ties together except it’s already built for you.
You don’t get closure on any of the characters. There’s no epilogue. You don’t know what happens to Rainey. The grandma and mom are jerks to each other and reconcile on her deathbed with a million secrets. The useless twist of Evie’s mom being a spy served nothing to the story except why she was such a shitty mom but with a noble reason
Based on the generic descriptions of Ireland, the countryside and the language used by the characters, I wouldn’t be surprised if the author never went to Ireland. The dialects and words used don’t sound appropriate for the 1950s.
There was so much potential in the premise.
Even though it’s historical fiction, there’s barely any history in the book. All I learned was that WWII was called The Emergency in Ireland. You never learn about Evie’s adult life. There’s supposed to be a twist but it’s incredibly predictable and easy to figure out. Mostly, there’s just nothing. There’s no plot. It’s supposed to be a puzzle figuring out how it all ties together except it’s already built for you.
You don’t get closure on any of the characters. There’s no epilogue. You don’t know what happens to Rainey. The grandma and mom are jerks to each other and reconcile on her deathbed with a million secrets. The useless twist of Evie’s mom being a spy served nothing to the story except why she was such a shitty mom but with a noble reason
Based on the generic descriptions of Ireland, the countryside and the language used by the characters, I wouldn’t be surprised if the author never went to Ireland. The dialects and words used don’t sound appropriate for the 1950s.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2024
The Lost Letters bounces between present day and post-WWII Ireland. Evie and her best friend, Harding, enjoy the celebrations of the war being over, going to parties and getting jobs. When Harding is implicated in a black market smuggling trade, things get shady. Things are even shadier when a child becomes involved. In present day, Rainey makes good on taking her dying grandmother, Evie, back to Ireland to visit her childhood home one last time. Old letters are discovered, which tell the tale of what happened to Evie and Harding. Oh, and Rainey meets a man, of course.
This book fell rather flat for me. There were a lot of coincidences and things that didn't really make a lot of sense. For example, Rainey's mother, Evie's daughter, refuses to go with them to Ireland. Spouting some nonsense about being busy with her job or some such, it just seemed extremely odd and unlikely that she wouldn't go with them. And the "punchline" was relatively easy to figure out well before it was stated.
This book fell rather flat for me. There were a lot of coincidences and things that didn't really make a lot of sense. For example, Rainey's mother, Evie's daughter, refuses to go with them to Ireland. Spouting some nonsense about being busy with her job or some such, it just seemed extremely odd and unlikely that she wouldn't go with them. And the "punchline" was relatively easy to figure out well before it was stated.
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