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SYNOPSIS: Murder mystery writer Garin Carter surrounds herself with shadows and secrets for a living. But when the mystery leaves the page and puts her life and others at risk, can she trust a stranger with an unspeakable or will the contents of the letter seal her fate? Multimillionaire Alex Mathews has the world at his fingertips when a letter arrives. Will its contents rip at the very fabric of his existence or will it bring him a happiness he’s never known?
Reviewer: Susan Plummer | Rating: A
REVIEW: Sometimes happiness is forged from adversity and A Letter from Yesay by Stephanie Freeman illustrates this perfectly. Abuse victim, Yesay Matthews’ life is a series of misfortunes leading up to her murder. Her estranged brother Alex Matthews is devastated to discover, after years of searching for her, that Yesay is dead. Alex travels to the place Yesay called home only to discover she has left behind an infant, Brianna, in the care of a woman, Garin Carter, who frustrates and fascinates him. Garin and Yesay forged an unbreakable friendship as two runaways; fleeing abusive homes. Garin is convinced Yesay did not take her life but was murdered and is determined to find her friend’s killer. Together Alex and Garin sift through the chaos surrounding Yesay’s last days to find her killer and along the way discovery a love that defies time and space. Yesay may be gone but she’s left Alex a wonderful gift of love; Garin.
The story starts off with a cryptic letter that immediately garners attention and is a fast paced read from this point on. Alex Mathews is every breathing woman’s dream. He’s gorgeous, rich and intelligent. There is a hardness to him that dissipates when he meets Garin. Garin Carter appears fragile on the outside but hardship and abuse has honed her into a woman with an impenetrable interior. It is only Alex’s love and gently coaxing that allows her to trust and love again. Alex and Garin’s feelings are so genuine and touching that they really seemed made for each other. Many other characters, such as Garin’s family and Alex’s friends assist in making this a memorable book.
A LETTER FROM YESAY is set in Baltimore, Maryland, where Yesay called home until her death. Alex is so committed to Garin and Brianna, he eventually sets down roots in Maryland as well. The dialogue is very interesting and especially the interaction between Alex and Garin, and Garin and her mother. Many things are implied rather than stated outright then later revealed as the plot progressed.
A LETTER FROM YESAY is not your typical romance novel but provides much more. The book has an undertone of suspense and danger that heightens its overall enjoyment. The plot is multilayered and readers will enjoy a story that provides more than the average straight-forward, contemporary romance.
Great review. It expresses everything readers feel but may not be able to verbalize. There are many layers to “A Letter From Yesay,” and this reviewer touched on most of them.
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