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Sam's Letters to Jennifer
Grief-stricken by a recent tragedy, Jennifer returns to the resort village where she grew up to help her beloved grandmother. There, Jennifer will discover new meaning in life and experience not one, but two of the most amazing love stories ever.
263 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1991
620 people are currently reading
50001 people want to read
About the author
James Patterson
938 books355k followersOfficial US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead
James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead
James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,926 reviews
May 5, 2008
Gag. Every cheesy, tearjerker plot ever conceived is contained in this one novel. Among them: .
Also, I was expecting this book to be about a man writing love letters to a woman but Sam is the grandmother.
Also, I was expecting this book to be about a man writing love letters to a woman but Sam is the grandmother.
April 30, 2013
Yes. I am a fan of James Patterson. Not because of his crime series. Not because of literary forms. It is because, no matter how hard I try, I am still a matronic reader. I invest tears in a book, especially if it is a story worth crying for.
Call this corny or cheesy or plain stupid, I wouldn't care. I cried in coffee shops, in libraries, in quiet rooms, and most especially, in my bedroom where it all lingered. And in this take, we see how special love transcends from one generation to another.
Let's see if another bucket of tears will be resulted from this novel...
(After 8 hours of reading)
I CRIED. Please let me shed a tear as I reflect on the life lesson Sam imparted to Jennifer. :)
After months of seeing this review, I cannot put justice to the creation. But I can make you feel the wonder by looking at this picture:
Call this corny or cheesy or plain stupid, I wouldn't care. I cried in coffee shops, in libraries, in quiet rooms, and most especially, in my bedroom where it all lingered. And in this take, we see how special love transcends from one generation to another.
Let's see if another bucket of tears will be resulted from this novel...
(After 8 hours of reading)
I CRIED. Please let me shed a tear as I reflect on the life lesson Sam imparted to Jennifer. :)
After months of seeing this review, I cannot put justice to the creation. But I can make you feel the wonder by looking at this picture:
January 13, 2024
Jennifer is summoned back to her hometown in SAM’S LETTERS TO JENNIFER, where she was raised by her grandmother. Her grandmother Samantha, is very ill after having a heart attack and is in a coma in the hospital. When she arrives at Sam’s house and goes to her old room, she finds a pack of letters that is going to change her life and make her rethink everything she thought she knew about her grandmother. Sweet and hopeful, and with a very special ending that fills the heart, this is almost a throwback story from another era.
I cannot say too much about this book without spoiling it, but I can say that the story really delivers…Jennifer has asked for years to hear her grandma’s story, and the letters tell Sam’s story. Throughout Jennifer’s stay, she reads these letters. It is shocking to her in the first one to read that her grandma never loved her grandpa. Reading SAM’S LETTERS TO JENNIFER, I could feel the love she had for her granddaughter and for the love of her life. You have to definitely read the epilogue… WOW. A perfect ending to a perfect romance.
There are surprises, tragedy, and lessons to be learned. The most important lesson: Don’t take life for granted, live each day as if it were your last. I do not want to go into anything that could remotely give the story away, but I will say that this goes above and beyond in good story telling with an ending that is not predictable. Be sure to keep the tissues close by as you are reading SAM’S LETTERS TO JENNIFER. You are definitely going to need them!
I cannot say too much about this book without spoiling it, but I can say that the story really delivers…Jennifer has asked for years to hear her grandma’s story, and the letters tell Sam’s story. Throughout Jennifer’s stay, she reads these letters. It is shocking to her in the first one to read that her grandma never loved her grandpa. Reading SAM’S LETTERS TO JENNIFER, I could feel the love she had for her granddaughter and for the love of her life. You have to definitely read the epilogue… WOW. A perfect ending to a perfect romance.
There are surprises, tragedy, and lessons to be learned. The most important lesson: Don’t take life for granted, live each day as if it were your last. I do not want to go into anything that could remotely give the story away, but I will say that this goes above and beyond in good story telling with an ending that is not predictable. Be sure to keep the tissues close by as you are reading SAM’S LETTERS TO JENNIFER. You are definitely going to need them!
September 8, 2008
Oh I just could not stand it! If I could have given it zero stars I would have! I am not a big fan of overally emotional books, where you feel manipulated by the author in order to have a certain reaction. I just felt like the whole story was over-the-top. Too much. I love books and when I purchase a book (which isn't often, I usually get them from the library) I keep it. I disliked this book so much that I couldn't stand to have it on my bookshelf. I donated it to a charity. In a nutshell: unrealistic, predictable, melodramatic, way too sappy. Does that help Kim?
June 14, 2025
What a beauty! Bitter-sweet, sad and sensitive, like a late autumn afternoon.
Jennifer is a young lady in trouble, Sam is her grandmother and there is a strong bond between them. More to be said, Jennifer will learn some precious facts about life, which are available for any of us.
PS: I had to see for the author more than twice, as I couldn't see Mr. Patterson able to born such a magnificent product, head and shoulders above all his books I have read.
Jennifer is a young lady in trouble, Sam is her grandmother and there is a strong bond between them. More to be said, Jennifer will learn some precious facts about life, which are available for any of us.
PS: I had to see for the author more than twice, as I couldn't see Mr. Patterson able to born such a magnificent product, head and shoulders above all his books I have read.
February 7, 2016
Sam's Letters to Jennifer is heartwarming and bittersweet.
This book definitely gave me more than I expected. The cover, so Nicholas Sparks-ish did not lure me in. Actually it made me question was this a book I really wanted to read. The bittersweet sappy theme usually doesn't draw me in. It usually pushes me away. Too nice sometimes is too boring. There's a repetitive formula to these types of books that I have a hard time buying. But I said why not and decided to give it a try. I assumed it would be a woman reading letters from some long lost love but this story was not about that at all.
You see, Sam, is short for Samantha. Sam is Jennifer's grandmother. Jennifer, her widowed granddaughter is called to town because her grandmother is in the hospital in a coma. Jennifer goes to her grandmothers house and finds stacks of letters that her grandmother wrote to her telling her about her life. The first letter begins with a shocking revelation that motivates Jennifer to continue to read all the letters in hopes of learning her grandmothers secrets. While staying at her grandmothers house Jennifer romantically reunites with a childhood friend, Brendan who has a secret of his own.
My thoughts on this book are a little on the fence. On the one hand I'm glad that though certain characters received a second chance at love. Whether it is opening ones self back up to love after grief or love after a bad relationship, there's nothing like being given the opportunity to share in a healthy real love. This is good. On the other hand I don't necessarily agree with the glorification or offhanded romanticism of the extramarital affair. If the relationship was abusive, leave and go be with the new guy but I just found the affair too condoning and romanticized. Even if the bad husband is bad it doesn't make it valid. I did like the parallel between the relationship that was lost to death and how a second chance was given. That was nice.
I'll give this book a 3 1/2 stars. It was surprisingly a good story. I'd recommend it. I may read other books by this author.
This book definitely gave me more than I expected. The cover, so Nicholas Sparks-ish did not lure me in. Actually it made me question was this a book I really wanted to read. The bittersweet sappy theme usually doesn't draw me in. It usually pushes me away. Too nice sometimes is too boring. There's a repetitive formula to these types of books that I have a hard time buying. But I said why not and decided to give it a try. I assumed it would be a woman reading letters from some long lost love but this story was not about that at all.
You see, Sam, is short for Samantha. Sam is Jennifer's grandmother. Jennifer, her widowed granddaughter is called to town because her grandmother is in the hospital in a coma. Jennifer goes to her grandmothers house and finds stacks of letters that her grandmother wrote to her telling her about her life. The first letter begins with a shocking revelation that motivates Jennifer to continue to read all the letters in hopes of learning her grandmothers secrets. While staying at her grandmothers house Jennifer romantically reunites with a childhood friend, Brendan who has a secret of his own.
My thoughts on this book are a little on the fence. On the one hand I'm glad that though certain characters received a second chance at love. Whether it is opening ones self back up to love after grief or love after a bad relationship, there's nothing like being given the opportunity to share in a healthy real love. This is good. On the other hand I don't necessarily agree with the glorification or offhanded romanticism of the extramarital affair. If the relationship was abusive, leave and go be with the new guy but I just found the affair too condoning and romanticized. Even if the bad husband is bad it doesn't make it valid. I did like the parallel between the relationship that was lost to death and how a second chance was given. That was nice.
I'll give this book a 3 1/2 stars. It was surprisingly a good story. I'd recommend it. I may read other books by this author.
May 7, 2025
”Please don’t shut out love- it’s the best thing about life.”
The world works in mysterious ways, friends. And I believe in that saying now more than ever.
I say this because I do not understand how any agent, editor, or publisher would allow such an abominably written book to be published.
Jennifer has always had a close relationship with her grandmother, Sam. So, when Sam falls into a coma after a freak accident, Jennifer rushes to be by her side. While there she discovers a bundle of letters that Sam had written to her about her life and a few little secrets she’s been keeping from everyone. While reading those letters, Jennifer begins to discover a while new side to her grandmother and gains a whole new lease on life, which entails learning to love again after her husband passes away.
A friend described this book as ‘trashtastic’ and at first, I disagreed with her. I wasn’t expecting quality literature with this book. I was just expecting a nice, sweet love story to fly through as a quick, mindless read. And in the beginning, that’s what I got; a nice sweet story.
But then apparently the author’s editor decided to take a vacation or not work for Patterson or something, because the writing was absolutely atrocious. Extremely bad. My seven-year-old niece could write a book better than this. How on earth, I wondered to myself, could this book have been written by James Patterson? Isn’t he supposed to be this famous, best-selling author who has been around a while and written about a gazillion books? If that’s the case, shouldn’t his writing be better than this? The writing was so bad that it made my eyes roll into the back of my head. If I had to proofread the entire book with a red pen in hand, the pages would be so red George R.R. Martin would have to write The Red Wedding, 2.0. Grammar wise and punctuation wise, this book was awful.
But wait; it gets better. Because it’s not just the basic grammar and punctuation that’s bad; the entire plot of the book feels incomplete. This may have something to do with the fact that there are so many plot holes in this book that it looks like a slice of Swiss cheese. For instance, we know that Jennifer’s husband passes away, and Patterson tells us when and where. But he doesn’t tell us why. He just goes to Hawaii and then, poof! He’s gone. What happened to him? Did he drown in the ocean? Get eaten by a shark? Fall into an erupting volcano? WHAT HAPPENED??!! Patterson does this a lot; he vaguely writes about tragic events that happen, but never fleshes them out in detail. I mean, I know we as readers aren’t stupid, but the whole fade to black approach isn’t that great either.
The entire plot of the book was more akin to a Lifetime or Hallmark movie than an actual book. Everything moved rather fast with little to no answers provided to the reader. The plot is pretty simplistic, which makes it a mindless read, but when it’s coupled with the fact that it’s cheesy as hell; well, it makes for a torturous read. Some professional reviewers compared this book to Nicholas Sparks’ writing, but that would be an insult to Nicholas Sparks himself. I never thought I would say this, considering how famous (and infamous) Sparks is, but his novels are far superior than this book ever hopes to be.
Look, there’s just no nice way to put it; this book was awful. It was so bad I can’t really quite wrap my head around the fact that this book got published. By a major publishing house. It managed to go through the rounds of editors, agents, and general goddamn proofreaders and it STILL, somehow, managed to be published. Not only that, it was one of the top 10 published best-selling books the year it was published. I will never be able to explain how, since the writing is atrocious, the dialogue laughable, and the entire plot missing so many key points that it’ll probably fall into a black hole. Patterson usually writes books with a co-writer and let me tell you; I hope they’re better than this book. Because so far, Patterson solo is a complete and utter disaster.
The world works in mysterious ways, friends. And I believe in that saying now more than ever.
I say this because I do not understand how any agent, editor, or publisher would allow such an abominably written book to be published.
Jennifer has always had a close relationship with her grandmother, Sam. So, when Sam falls into a coma after a freak accident, Jennifer rushes to be by her side. While there she discovers a bundle of letters that Sam had written to her about her life and a few little secrets she’s been keeping from everyone. While reading those letters, Jennifer begins to discover a while new side to her grandmother and gains a whole new lease on life, which entails learning to love again after her husband passes away.
A friend described this book as ‘trashtastic’ and at first, I disagreed with her. I wasn’t expecting quality literature with this book. I was just expecting a nice, sweet love story to fly through as a quick, mindless read. And in the beginning, that’s what I got; a nice sweet story.
But then apparently the author’s editor decided to take a vacation or not work for Patterson or something, because the writing was absolutely atrocious. Extremely bad. My seven-year-old niece could write a book better than this. How on earth, I wondered to myself, could this book have been written by James Patterson? Isn’t he supposed to be this famous, best-selling author who has been around a while and written about a gazillion books? If that’s the case, shouldn’t his writing be better than this? The writing was so bad that it made my eyes roll into the back of my head. If I had to proofread the entire book with a red pen in hand, the pages would be so red George R.R. Martin would have to write The Red Wedding, 2.0. Grammar wise and punctuation wise, this book was awful.
But wait; it gets better. Because it’s not just the basic grammar and punctuation that’s bad; the entire plot of the book feels incomplete. This may have something to do with the fact that there are so many plot holes in this book that it looks like a slice of Swiss cheese. For instance, we know that Jennifer’s husband passes away, and Patterson tells us when and where. But he doesn’t tell us why. He just goes to Hawaii and then, poof! He’s gone. What happened to him? Did he drown in the ocean? Get eaten by a shark? Fall into an erupting volcano? WHAT HAPPENED??!! Patterson does this a lot; he vaguely writes about tragic events that happen, but never fleshes them out in detail. I mean, I know we as readers aren’t stupid, but the whole fade to black approach isn’t that great either.
The entire plot of the book was more akin to a Lifetime or Hallmark movie than an actual book. Everything moved rather fast with little to no answers provided to the reader. The plot is pretty simplistic, which makes it a mindless read, but when it’s coupled with the fact that it’s cheesy as hell; well, it makes for a torturous read. Some professional reviewers compared this book to Nicholas Sparks’ writing, but that would be an insult to Nicholas Sparks himself. I never thought I would say this, considering how famous (and infamous) Sparks is, but his novels are far superior than this book ever hopes to be.
Look, there’s just no nice way to put it; this book was awful. It was so bad I can’t really quite wrap my head around the fact that this book got published. By a major publishing house. It managed to go through the rounds of editors, agents, and general goddamn proofreaders and it STILL, somehow, managed to be published. Not only that, it was one of the top 10 published best-selling books the year it was published. I will never be able to explain how, since the writing is atrocious, the dialogue laughable, and the entire plot missing so many key points that it’ll probably fall into a black hole. Patterson usually writes books with a co-writer and let me tell you; I hope they’re better than this book. Because so far, Patterson solo is a complete and utter disaster.
Read
March 1, 2008The story of a grown woman who feels she has lost everything in her life. her best friend; her grandmother just fell into a coma while the love of her life died a couple years back, partly because it was her fault. She spends restless days within the shadow of blame and regret towards herself while the anouncment of her grandmothers condition is discovered. The grandmother, sam, has left her letters in order to let her understand things in her life that no one else has. She begins to understand how sam and her are very similar especailly on how they had given up on love. While sam describes her story, jennifer meets a man from her past and....well the story continues from there.
I loved the book. it was extremely hooking and draws you into this vivid image of the setting and all the events. it was as if you felt what the characters were feeling and James Patterson did an amazing job on that. I cried at the random moments even though the plot is close to that of a cliche. It's something that seems to have derived from an oscar winning movie and if it doesnt become one, i'd be extremely disappointed. Reminds me of the notebook because of the similarites although they have 2 very different morals, plots etc. I learned that if you want happiness, you shouldnt shut out things in your life that make you happy. You shouldnt give up on life and love even if you hit rock bottom. I recommend this book to those who love reading about romance, or simply the relationships between individuals.
I loved the book. it was extremely hooking and draws you into this vivid image of the setting and all the events. it was as if you felt what the characters were feeling and James Patterson did an amazing job on that. I cried at the random moments even though the plot is close to that of a cliche. It's something that seems to have derived from an oscar winning movie and if it doesnt become one, i'd be extremely disappointed. Reminds me of the notebook because of the similarites although they have 2 very different morals, plots etc. I learned that if you want happiness, you shouldnt shut out things in your life that make you happy. You shouldnt give up on life and love even if you hit rock bottom. I recommend this book to those who love reading about romance, or simply the relationships between individuals.
August 28, 2010
There is something about a guilty pleasure book -- a quick read that is entirely predictable but still tugs at your heartstrings. This is how I would classify Sam's Letters to Jennifer.
I was a bit skeptical about reading this book, considering I had read Sundays at Tiffany's earlier this year and was wasn't too impressed with it. But, the dust jacket intrigued me, and I could tell it'd be a quick read like Sundays at Tiffany's, so I gave it a shot.
Being a Minnesotan, I really enjoyed how the book was set in the Midwest. In a culture where all of us either own a lake home or know someone who does, having a majority of the book take place in Lake Geneva was a real treat, especially since I read it in the last days of summer.
While a simple book, Patterson does a good job of establishing strong bonds between Jennifer and her grandmother, Sam. Getting to know Sam's life in the midst of Jennifer dealing with her own after much heartache was enjoyable, light reading.
Of course, a guilty pleasure book like this can't be without its predictability: tragedy causing main characters to not open up immediately, love developing between childhood friends, and a baby being the ultimate symbol of true love. Sometimes, though, it's not so bad reading the formulaic cheesiness. After all, most people want to believe that no matter what kind of troubles you've had in your life thus far, you are still capable of falling in love and living happily ever after. In this book, Patterson keeps that dream alive.
I was a bit skeptical about reading this book, considering I had read Sundays at Tiffany's earlier this year and was wasn't too impressed with it. But, the dust jacket intrigued me, and I could tell it'd be a quick read like Sundays at Tiffany's, so I gave it a shot.
Being a Minnesotan, I really enjoyed how the book was set in the Midwest. In a culture where all of us either own a lake home or know someone who does, having a majority of the book take place in Lake Geneva was a real treat, especially since I read it in the last days of summer.
While a simple book, Patterson does a good job of establishing strong bonds between Jennifer and her grandmother, Sam. Getting to know Sam's life in the midst of Jennifer dealing with her own after much heartache was enjoyable, light reading.
Of course, a guilty pleasure book like this can't be without its predictability: tragedy causing main characters to not open up immediately, love developing between childhood friends, and a baby being the ultimate symbol of true love. Sometimes, though, it's not so bad reading the formulaic cheesiness. After all, most people want to believe that no matter what kind of troubles you've had in your life thus far, you are still capable of falling in love and living happily ever after. In this book, Patterson keeps that dream alive.
July 14, 2015
Another excellent novel from Patterson. He's a writing machine.
December 25, 2022
You never know what a gem you’ll find at a free little library and this one certainly fits the bill!! A wonderful heart warming story that will make you smile, laugh and maybe shed a tear or two. Loved it!!!
April 13, 2015
Jennifer was summoned back to her hometown where she was raised by her grandmother. Her grandmother Samantha, took very ill with a heart attack and is in a coma in the hospital.
When Jennifer arrives home there, she discovers a pack of letters which have been addressed specifically to her by Sam. In every letter, her grandma reveals many sad memories of her past. She speaks of her late husband Charles, who beat her over the years, and the affair she had been carrying on the side with a man, Doc, of whom she fell deeply in love. Jennifer is shocked to discover this as she reads on in her grandma's story.
Also, she runs into Brendan, the kid she nicknamed Scout when they were kids and played together. They discover a newfound love, and have a summer romance. Jennifer doesn't realize though that Brendan, is hiding a terrible secret of his own, and is devastated when she finds out that he is very very ill.
Her grandmother may rally, and Brendan may have a miracle operation which either cures his illness, or will make him much worse. So in the end he has to make a difficult decision; die, or maybe live a little longer.
A wonderful novel, and one you don't lay down until the end.
When Jennifer arrives home there, she discovers a pack of letters which have been addressed specifically to her by Sam. In every letter, her grandma reveals many sad memories of her past. She speaks of her late husband Charles, who beat her over the years, and the affair she had been carrying on the side with a man, Doc, of whom she fell deeply in love. Jennifer is shocked to discover this as she reads on in her grandma's story.
Also, she runs into Brendan, the kid she nicknamed Scout when they were kids and played together. They discover a newfound love, and have a summer romance. Jennifer doesn't realize though that Brendan, is hiding a terrible secret of his own, and is devastated when she finds out that he is very very ill.
Her grandmother may rally, and Brendan may have a miracle operation which either cures his illness, or will make him much worse. So in the end he has to make a difficult decision; die, or maybe live a little longer.
A wonderful novel, and one you don't lay down until the end.
May 3, 2016
I happened upon this book when I needed something to read and it was readily available on overdrive. I also wanted something light and easy as I had just finished the Goldfinch and the Nightingale... and my poor heart could not handle any more weight. I probably should have researched this a little more because it was not light at all, but it was a very easy read. A classic case of judging a book by its cover, or in my case, its title. The relationship between Jennifer and Sam was beautiful. Sam's letters were wonderful, sometimes sad, and full of unexpected information. This is certainly not a book that is representative of my overall taste or style, but it was pleasant enough. A solid three stars for a decent book.
February 15, 2015
This emotionally driven story will take you on highs and lows and leave you breathless. It conveys the beauty and power I love, new beginnings and second chances. Love never dies.
October 30, 2024
The whole basis of the story is an unhappy woman who has a secret affair for years and after her husband dies, she marries him, secretly. Sam writes letters to her granddaughter, Jennifer, and details the relationship. My problem with it is that the author glamorized the relationship, like she was to be admired because she didn't leave her husband.
The best part of the book is this quote: "For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin--real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be got through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life." --Father Alfred D'Souza
The best part wasn't even written by the author. This book was written by the same author as Sundays at Tiffany's, which I liked.
The best part of the book is this quote: "For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin--real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be got through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life." --Father Alfred D'Souza
The best part wasn't even written by the author. This book was written by the same author as Sundays at Tiffany's, which I liked.
April 26, 2008
This is by far the worst book I've ever read in my entire life... technically I listened to it with my best friend which was the only saving grace because we could make fun of it together. The writing was awful and the characters were so pathetic they were comical. I would give it less than one star if I could.
July 24, 2018
Beautiful story about hope, faith and the great victory of true love
January 10, 2011
I read this book because I kept hearing that it's similar to the novels of one of my favorite authors, Nicholas Sparks. However, after reading it, although I guess I can see where that comparison came to mind, I just can't bear the thought of putting this book in the same category as The Notebook and The Choice. What I appreciate about Sparks' work is that it's poetic and romantic without being pretentious or overly wordy. This was my first experience reading Patterson's work, and while the story is quite romantic (Oh, don't let me try to fool you! I cried!), I felt like the words themselves didn't quite sit right with me at times. I hate to sound nit-picky or stuck-up, but I just have to be honest. It's not something I can quite put my finger on, but there were just times where I would be reading and think, "Hhmm....I feel like my little brother wrote that sentence." Again, it wasn't the plot itself that bothered me, just the lack of poetic beauty in the way it was sometimes told. Then again, some people may find that more relatable. Hopefully, at least ONE other person can relate to what I'm trying to say. Hahah!
October 11, 2023
A beautifully written choreographed dance of love, inspiration, with a touch of mystery shared by letters from Samantha (Jennifer’s grandmother) to her granddaughter - True, lasting, yearning love, will never give up - and the love and secrets to be revealed will last a lifetime.
Audio book narration by Jane Alexander and the late Anne Heche - is superb.
Audio book narration by Jane Alexander and the late Anne Heche - is superb.
November 11, 2017
"O Amor nunca morre."
Acredito que muitas vezes a opinião acerca de um livro depende da nossa própria experiência de vida.
Este livro fala de amor, principalmente do amor incondicional entre a avó, Sam, e a neta, Jennifer.
Eu também tive uma avó que amava muito, ou melhor, que amo muito (porque o amor nunca morre), e também conheço o sentimento de aproveitar o dia de hoje, de tentar ser feliz HOJE e colocar de lado o receio do futuro.
Jennifer fechou-se para o amor depois de ter perdido o marido prematuramente, e a avó decidiu, através de cartas, revelar grandes segredos do seu passado, a sua verdadeira história de amor para que Jennifer percebesse que vale sempre a pena amar apesar do sofrimento, que deve abrir o seu coração e permitir-se amar, que não há nada mais gratificante do que o verdadeiro amor. E o amor não precisa ser perfeito, precisa apenas de ser verdadeiro!
Acredito que muitas vezes a opinião acerca de um livro depende da nossa própria experiência de vida.
Este livro fala de amor, principalmente do amor incondicional entre a avó, Sam, e a neta, Jennifer.
Eu também tive uma avó que amava muito, ou melhor, que amo muito (porque o amor nunca morre), e também conheço o sentimento de aproveitar o dia de hoje, de tentar ser feliz HOJE e colocar de lado o receio do futuro.
Jennifer fechou-se para o amor depois de ter perdido o marido prematuramente, e a avó decidiu, através de cartas, revelar grandes segredos do seu passado, a sua verdadeira história de amor para que Jennifer percebesse que vale sempre a pena amar apesar do sofrimento, que deve abrir o seu coração e permitir-se amar, que não há nada mais gratificante do que o verdadeiro amor. E o amor não precisa ser perfeito, precisa apenas de ser verdadeiro!
January 8, 2016
I found this book doing the one thing you're not suppose to do with books, I was judging by the cover.
I was hungry for a shameless-tear-jurking-romance novel, the story line looked right up my alley, the writer was well known and celebrated for being talented, and the cover art was pleasant. Being a big fan of Nicholas Sparks I am a seasoned veteran in wading through cliché girly mush that would make normal people vomit (and love every minute of it) Sparks novel's reduced me to sobbing quietly in my room over the last pages by the glow of the lamp on my nightstand, and always led to a little bit of emotional devastation at the hands of a paperback for a few weeks afterwards, but this book actually hurt me, and not in the good heartache way you want a novel like this to, it hurt me because of the many brain cells I lost to this mind numbing horrible novel.
I bought his book used on Amazon for a penny, and I want my penny back.
ATTNETION SPOILERS WILL TAKE PLACE FROM HERE FORWARD:
First of all, the story about a girl rushing to the side of her sick grandmother who raised her, is a little cheap in my mind, but whatever, I can roll with it. What made me laugh throughout the story was that after Jennifer meets her little boyfriend, notice how many times she goes and sees her grandmother? Like, a handful. Maybe. That's fine, Granny the ill woman who raised you is just rotting on her death bed in a hospital, by all means go have some fun with your boyfriend. She'll wait. DUMB.
Two: The idea of a childhood friend who she rekindles a love with, again, cheap story line that is WAAAAY over done, but okay, I can deal with it. But the idea that through this love that they share, that he would just get up and leave in the middle of the night to never be found again, only to learn that he has a rare brain cancer that is taking his life and that he doesn't want the even rarer brain surgery that could save him, and he vanishes out of thin air because he loves her too much to hurt her, made me want to hurl this book out my bedroom window like that scene from Silver Linings Playbook, because its so dumb. This is the same twisted logic men have been using on women to abandon them and still look like the good guy. "I left you high and dry because I was afraid of what I was feeling" No you're a self centered jerk. Please ladies, don't by this crap. If a man really wants to be with you, he'll be with you, hell or high water. Noah wrote Ali 365 letters, this dude can't even stick a post it on the door saying bye? The fact that Jennifer went rushing to his side, let alone even gave this douche the time of day after that makes her a doormat of a girlfriend, and if there is one thing I cannot stand is weak, spineless women in a story. Ugh.
And the Cancer card is over played. Did James Patterson have even one half original thought while writing this book? Cause I wasn't able to locate a single one.
Three: Possibly my biggest problem with the entire book, DID ANYONE ELSE READ THE PART ABOUT HIM GIVING HER CAT CPR?! Did anyone else laugh actually audibly out loud like I did?
"Oh, you're cat electrocuted itself by chewing on some wires and has been lying here dead for only God knows how long, but let me wrap my mouth around his nose and blow and press on his side and BAM magic, cat is alive."
SMDH.
Just bad writing, as bad and awful as I've ever seen. The publishing company should be ashamed that they allowed that in print.
Blah Blah Blah, she talks him into getting the surgery (surprise) He lives (Damn it) they go on to happy ever after. Granny dies (probably cause you left her high and dry in the hospital you selfish person you) and whaddya know at the end of it all she announces she pregnant and there naming it after the Grandma (who had an affair on her husband, btw, best role model ever) and everyone cheers and happy days ensue.
But you know, out of all the awful that this book is, I am thankful for it for one thing, I now I have something to stoke my fireplace with on snowy winter days.
I sincerely hope Mr. Patterson's thriller/mystery stories are better than his love stories, because if they're not I'm quitting my job today, running off to New York and becoming a writer, because any half baked idea I write in my sleep will be better than this.
I still want my penny back.
I was hungry for a shameless-tear-jurking-romance novel, the story line looked right up my alley, the writer was well known and celebrated for being talented, and the cover art was pleasant. Being a big fan of Nicholas Sparks I am a seasoned veteran in wading through cliché girly mush that would make normal people vomit (and love every minute of it) Sparks novel's reduced me to sobbing quietly in my room over the last pages by the glow of the lamp on my nightstand, and always led to a little bit of emotional devastation at the hands of a paperback for a few weeks afterwards, but this book actually hurt me, and not in the good heartache way you want a novel like this to, it hurt me because of the many brain cells I lost to this mind numbing horrible novel.
I bought his book used on Amazon for a penny, and I want my penny back.
ATTNETION SPOILERS WILL TAKE PLACE FROM HERE FORWARD:
First of all, the story about a girl rushing to the side of her sick grandmother who raised her, is a little cheap in my mind, but whatever, I can roll with it. What made me laugh throughout the story was that after Jennifer meets her little boyfriend, notice how many times she goes and sees her grandmother? Like, a handful. Maybe. That's fine, Granny the ill woman who raised you is just rotting on her death bed in a hospital, by all means go have some fun with your boyfriend. She'll wait. DUMB.
Two: The idea of a childhood friend who she rekindles a love with, again, cheap story line that is WAAAAY over done, but okay, I can deal with it. But the idea that through this love that they share, that he would just get up and leave in the middle of the night to never be found again, only to learn that he has a rare brain cancer that is taking his life and that he doesn't want the even rarer brain surgery that could save him, and he vanishes out of thin air because he loves her too much to hurt her, made me want to hurl this book out my bedroom window like that scene from Silver Linings Playbook, because its so dumb. This is the same twisted logic men have been using on women to abandon them and still look like the good guy. "I left you high and dry because I was afraid of what I was feeling" No you're a self centered jerk. Please ladies, don't by this crap. If a man really wants to be with you, he'll be with you, hell or high water. Noah wrote Ali 365 letters, this dude can't even stick a post it on the door saying bye? The fact that Jennifer went rushing to his side, let alone even gave this douche the time of day after that makes her a doormat of a girlfriend, and if there is one thing I cannot stand is weak, spineless women in a story. Ugh.
And the Cancer card is over played. Did James Patterson have even one half original thought while writing this book? Cause I wasn't able to locate a single one.
Three: Possibly my biggest problem with the entire book, DID ANYONE ELSE READ THE PART ABOUT HIM GIVING HER CAT CPR?! Did anyone else laugh actually audibly out loud like I did?
"Oh, you're cat electrocuted itself by chewing on some wires and has been lying here dead for only God knows how long, but let me wrap my mouth around his nose and blow and press on his side and BAM magic, cat is alive."
SMDH.
Just bad writing, as bad and awful as I've ever seen. The publishing company should be ashamed that they allowed that in print.
Blah Blah Blah, she talks him into getting the surgery (surprise) He lives (Damn it) they go on to happy ever after. Granny dies (probably cause you left her high and dry in the hospital you selfish person you) and whaddya know at the end of it all she announces she pregnant and there naming it after the Grandma (who had an affair on her husband, btw, best role model ever) and everyone cheers and happy days ensue.
But you know, out of all the awful that this book is, I am thankful for it for one thing, I now I have something to stoke my fireplace with on snowy winter days.
I sincerely hope Mr. Patterson's thriller/mystery stories are better than his love stories, because if they're not I'm quitting my job today, running off to New York and becoming a writer, because any half baked idea I write in my sleep will be better than this.
I still want my penny back.
August 11, 2023
Tikras ssldainiukas meilės romanų mylėtojams. Šioje knygoje tiek visko daug, t.y daug visokių klišių, kurios kažkodėl šiam kūriniui tiko, susiskaitė per daug nevartant akių. Gražu nuo pradžių iki galo.
July 7, 2025
Not sure how this ended out on my list, but it was just the right thing when I came to read it.
Sometimes we don't know all we think we know about the people we love - so often we know more about strangers than the closest people we've lived with in our time here. Having interviewed so many of the elder members in my family, it is amazing what a person looking over the fence at life after this one finally decides to let go of and talk about. Sometimes, sadly, because they aren't convinced anyone they care about will even pay attention to their secrets. Sometimes, though, they know there is someone, maybe ONLY some One that needs their wisdom. . .
Sam's letters to her granddaughter had special meaning for me having done a lot of those questions in my youth. What I wouldn't give to re-d0 that as a person of the age I am now. . .the questions are very different at this end of life.
Bottomline, Jennifer is young, and has had challenging experiences young. She's very close to her grandmother and finds comfort from her, and so Sam has filtered her stories through a certain lens she knows brings comfort to Jennifer. (If your kiddo loves Cinderella, then you tell stories in that vein, right? It's hard to find the right time to introduce Goblin & Trolls.)
A tale that ends well, despite all the difficult life events that occur. Leaves a reader to ponder on their own experiences, and a yen to pick up the phone and call that elderly family member who most comforts them. Not a bad way for a book to end, eh?
Sometimes we don't know all we think we know about the people we love - so often we know more about strangers than the closest people we've lived with in our time here. Having interviewed so many of the elder members in my family, it is amazing what a person looking over the fence at life after this one finally decides to let go of and talk about. Sometimes, sadly, because they aren't convinced anyone they care about will even pay attention to their secrets. Sometimes, though, they know there is someone, maybe ONLY some One that needs their wisdom. . .
Sam's letters to her granddaughter had special meaning for me having done a lot of those questions in my youth. What I wouldn't give to re-d0 that as a person of the age I am now. . .the questions are very different at this end of life.
Bottomline, Jennifer is young, and has had challenging experiences young. She's very close to her grandmother and finds comfort from her, and so Sam has filtered her stories through a certain lens she knows brings comfort to Jennifer. (If your kiddo loves Cinderella, then you tell stories in that vein, right? It's hard to find the right time to introduce Goblin & Trolls.)
A tale that ends well, despite all the difficult life events that occur. Leaves a reader to ponder on their own experiences, and a yen to pick up the phone and call that elderly family member who most comforts them. Not a bad way for a book to end, eh?
February 20, 2025
Patterson is a near guarantee of 4-5 *. Thrills, chills, laughs, yes, tears. This was not for me.
Reminds me of film & Sparks book Walk to Remember, that soaked many tissues.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phoEev...
My own battles with fatal diseases, survival, learning to walk again, to live again, death, secrets, love -- may, just may -- have colored my views at the time. Or not.
"Love never dies".
Is the loved one dying? Have affairs, consummate quick, and fatal illnesses will be cured. Also, too often, babby equals happy ever after.
Her gran Sam, for Samantha, is in a coma. She left letters for Jen about a secret affair with Doc (nickname). I don't like secrets, affairs, and even more, dislike fiction that glorifies such betrayal and dishonesty.
When Sam falls into a coma, Jen, telling us the story, reads the letters. Meanwhile, she gets entangled with a summer childhood pal Brendan Kellar, who has moved nearby. He's handsome, kind, funny.. Guess what's next? Sickly sweet. I skipped faster and faster to hit the high points.
Reminds me of film & Sparks book Walk to Remember, that soaked many tissues.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phoEev...
My own battles with fatal diseases, survival, learning to walk again, to live again, death, secrets, love -- may, just may -- have colored my views at the time. Or not.
"Love never dies".
Is the loved one dying? Have affairs, consummate quick, and fatal illnesses will be cured. Also, too often, babby equals happy ever after.
Her gran Sam, for Samantha, is in a coma. She left letters for Jen about a secret affair with Doc (nickname). I don't like secrets, affairs, and even more, dislike fiction that glorifies such betrayal and dishonesty.
When Sam falls into a coma, Jen, telling us the story, reads the letters. Meanwhile, she gets entangled with a summer childhood pal Brendan Kellar, who has moved nearby. He's handsome, kind, funny.. Guess what's next? Sickly sweet. I skipped faster and faster to hit the high points.
November 2, 2012
Mais uma vez não estava à espera de gostar tanto de um livro como gostei desse.
Aliás, foi a primeira vez que me aconteceu ter pegado num livro às 10h30 da manhã e terminá-lo às 13h15 do mesmo dia... menos de 4 horas para ler um livro de 208 páginas.
Desde o inicio do livro que notámos uma leveza na escrita que se torna difícil de resistir a ler uma e mais uma página...
Essa é a história de Jennifer e Sam, a sua avó e melhor amiga. Jennifer é escritora de crónicas para o Jornal Tribune de Chicago e vive sozinha, após ter perdido o seu marido Danny à um ano e meio. Vive sozinha e recolhida na sua própria dor. A única que a conforta e alenta é a sua avó. Num dia Jenny recebe a noticia de que a avó sofre uma trombose e encontra-se em estado de coma.
Ao chegar a casa da avó, Jennifer depara-se com um molhe de cartas que lhe vão ajudar a abrir o seu coração e a conhecer e a entregar-se a um amigo de infância.
No entanto, as dores para jennifer ainda não tinham terminado.. Após ter confessado o seu amor por aquele homem sorridente de olhos azuis, Jennifer descobre que também ele está prestes a partir por ter uma doença em estado terminal...
Nesse livro, James Patterson, dá-nos uma lição de vida ao tentar transmitir-nos aquela sensação de que devemos lutar até ao fim e até não haver mais nenhuma saída.
Recomendo !!
Aliás, foi a primeira vez que me aconteceu ter pegado num livro às 10h30 da manhã e terminá-lo às 13h15 do mesmo dia... menos de 4 horas para ler um livro de 208 páginas.
Desde o inicio do livro que notámos uma leveza na escrita que se torna difícil de resistir a ler uma e mais uma página...
Essa é a história de Jennifer e Sam, a sua avó e melhor amiga. Jennifer é escritora de crónicas para o Jornal Tribune de Chicago e vive sozinha, após ter perdido o seu marido Danny à um ano e meio. Vive sozinha e recolhida na sua própria dor. A única que a conforta e alenta é a sua avó. Num dia Jenny recebe a noticia de que a avó sofre uma trombose e encontra-se em estado de coma.
Ao chegar a casa da avó, Jennifer depara-se com um molhe de cartas que lhe vão ajudar a abrir o seu coração e a conhecer e a entregar-se a um amigo de infância.
No entanto, as dores para jennifer ainda não tinham terminado.. Após ter confessado o seu amor por aquele homem sorridente de olhos azuis, Jennifer descobre que também ele está prestes a partir por ter uma doença em estado terminal...
Nesse livro, James Patterson, dá-nos uma lição de vida ao tentar transmitir-nos aquela sensação de que devemos lutar até ao fim e até não haver mais nenhuma saída.
Recomendo !!
March 20, 2008
This book was the sole reason I started to read books on a daily basis. I used to hate to read until I was given this book. I read it in one day and cried through the entire story. I lived with and took care of my Mommom for 4 1/2 years while she was sick. Mommom was my best friend in the whole world. This book touched every crevice of my heart and soul. The relationship that Sam and Jennifer had, was one similar to my Mommom and me. I felt the loss and pain and heartache that Jennifer felt as if it was happening to me. Which, unfortunately, it did a couple years later.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2018
Uma história cativante sobre afetos, a importância do amor, da amizade e dos laços que unem as pessoas. Mas sobretudo é a história do amor, de como este muda as pessoas e permanece vivo mesmo quando se morre... Vale a pena amar, é o lema deste livro.
October 7, 2020
Jennifer ha dovuto patire tanto, ha avuto parecchie disgrazie una dopo l'altra e alla fine fortunatamente è riuscita a riscattarsi. Le lettere che riceve da sua nonna Sam sono il punto focale del racconto in quanto lo scrittore le sceglie per descrivere l'importanza che ha avuto per lui una lettera che gli ha cambiato la vita, e questa scelta mi è piaciuta molto.
March 25, 2024
A very touching and emotional book about a couple and their relationships. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will continue to be a Patterson fan.
November 5, 2012
Tantas coisas eu poderia dizer acerca deste livro. . . seriam poucas para descrever os sentimentos que nele contém.
É sobretudo uma história de amor.
É sobretudo uma história sobre o amor incondicional entre uma avó e uma neta.
A cumplicidade existente entre elas está perfeitamente descrita. Elas são as melhores amigas.
Praticamente todo o livro se passa no lago Genebra, em que o próprio lago e a casa da Sam (avó) são personagens.
Jennifer (neta) já passou por muita coisa mas tem encontrado as forças necessárias na avó, que é daquelas pessoas que tem uma força inacreditável e para quem tudo está bem. Daquelas pessoas que sofre injustiças mas que mesmo assim tem sempre um sorriso na cara.
Mas, como avó que é, sofre as agruras da idade. . . e Jennifer. . . tem que enfrentar novo desafio. . .
Sam é hospitalizada e "comunica" com Jennifer através de cartas que lhe foi escrevendo, para que esta, um dia as possa ler e assim. . . saber a verdadeira história da avó. . . aquela que nem mesmo Jennifer conhece. . .
São essas cartas que vão dar novo alento e que vão permitir a Jennifer apaixonar-se de novo e viver profundamente as alegrias dum novo amor. . . Será?
Este livro é cheio de relações de amor enternecedoras e acolhedoras, no sentido em que, nós leitores somos transportados para os lugares e vivemos o que as personagens vivem. Vemos o que elas viram. . . Sentimos. . .
É uma história bonita e triste ao mesmo tempo. . . claro que não faltaram as lágrimas teimosas. . . porque afinal. . .
"O AMOR NUNCA MORRE"
É sobretudo uma história de amor.
É sobretudo uma história sobre o amor incondicional entre uma avó e uma neta.
A cumplicidade existente entre elas está perfeitamente descrita. Elas são as melhores amigas.
Praticamente todo o livro se passa no lago Genebra, em que o próprio lago e a casa da Sam (avó) são personagens.
Jennifer (neta) já passou por muita coisa mas tem encontrado as forças necessárias na avó, que é daquelas pessoas que tem uma força inacreditável e para quem tudo está bem. Daquelas pessoas que sofre injustiças mas que mesmo assim tem sempre um sorriso na cara.
Mas, como avó que é, sofre as agruras da idade. . . e Jennifer. . . tem que enfrentar novo desafio. . .
Sam é hospitalizada e "comunica" com Jennifer através de cartas que lhe foi escrevendo, para que esta, um dia as possa ler e assim. . . saber a verdadeira história da avó. . . aquela que nem mesmo Jennifer conhece. . .
São essas cartas que vão dar novo alento e que vão permitir a Jennifer apaixonar-se de novo e viver profundamente as alegrias dum novo amor. . . Será?
Este livro é cheio de relações de amor enternecedoras e acolhedoras, no sentido em que, nós leitores somos transportados para os lugares e vivemos o que as personagens vivem. Vemos o que elas viram. . . Sentimos. . .
É uma história bonita e triste ao mesmo tempo. . . claro que não faltaram as lágrimas teimosas. . . porque afinal. . .
"O AMOR NUNCA MORRE"
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