Jessica Brockmole's novel LETTERS FROM SKYE is a heartfelt story of love, family and hope which is told in letter format. In 1912 , Elspeth begins corresponding with an American fan of her poetry. These letters alternate chapters in the book with letters written by her daughter, Margaret, in 1940. I read the entire book on a rainy Sunday afternoon. I was drawn into the story by the letters; at first the letters were polite exchanges from one character to another. As the stories progressed, the letters took on new meaning.

I enjoyed reading the letters which the two main characters, David and Elspeth , wrote to each other. The letters were mixed with emotion, angst and heartache during the days leading up to World War I. As I read Elspeth's letters, I connected with her immediately and enjoyed learning of her life as a poet on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. Elspeth's letters are fascinating. She writes about her simple, solitary life on the isle of Skye, her family, hopes and dreams. She writes from the soul. I enjoyed that Elspeth challenged David's beliefs and questioned his behavior during their correspondence.

It took me a bit to warm up to David. At first, his letters were friendly notes from an admiring fan. David's life as a well-to -do college student is a deep contrast to Elspeth's career as a poet on an isolated island in Scotland.. As the story progressed ,David shared his hopes, dreams and failings with Elspeth. I came to admire him as the book progressed.

In 1940, Elspeth disappears after the city of Edinburgh is bombed. Margaret finds a letter from an American written to someone named "Sue" in her Mother's home. With the letter as her only clue, she sets out to find Elspeth. Margaret writes letters to her fiancée which share the details of her efforts locate her Mother. She writes to Elspeth's friends and family members for information as to where her Mother may have gone. Margaret's journey takes her to the Isle of Skye where she uncovers clues about her Mother's 'first chapter" and how it changed her family.

The characters, their letters and their choices during times of uncertainty and war will stay with you after you have finished LETTERS FROM SKYE. This book holds a special place on my keeper shelf.