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My Lola’s Love Letters
College junior Natividad “Nat” Torres feels like her life isn’t going anywhere. The ex who still takes her breath away keeps breaking her heart and the high school she teaches in reassigns her because she isn’t living up to her potential (or so they say). But one day, when clearing out her lola’s dusty basement, Nat chances upon letters from her lola’s sister, the one she was named after. The one she has always been fascinated by. The one she has never met. These letters were written when Lola Natividad was in her twenties in the 1950s, when the world was completely different from the world young Nat now lives in. In these letters, Nat not only finds the painfully romantic story of her lola’s past, but the courage to become the strong, courageous woman she used to doubt exists inside her. Alongside her family, friends, and a very cute boy named Luis, Nat learns that the best place to find herself is with family—thanks to her lola’s love letters
- GenresRomance
228 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 2024
About the author
Ines Bautista-Yao
21 books157 followersReading and writing are close to Ines Bautista Yao's heart ever since she was a child. She graduated from the Ateneo de Manila University with a degree in AB Communication Arts. She has been a teacher at the Assumption College San Lorenzo and the Ateneo de Manila University's English department.
Her debut novel One Crazy Summer was first penned in 2007 when she was pregnant with her first daughter Addie. Being a mother has taken much of Ines' time so she was only able to write 13 pages of her novel. She completed her story in April 2011, while three-year-old Addie was sleeping and inspiration struck her again. Two months later her story was complete. After eight months, her dream of publishing her own book came true. The book was only launched last January 26, 2012, but Ines is already writing her second novel.
Most readers can remember Ines as the former editor-in-chief of K-Zone Magazine and Candy Magazine . At present, Ines is working as an editor of Summit Books. She is also married to photographer Marc Yao, whom she says she consults whenever she's stuck in the middle of a story she's writing.
Sources:
One Crazy Summer Author Ines Bautista Yao on Juggling Writing and Motherhood by Belle Yambao
Spotlight on Filipino Authors: Ines Bautista-Yao
Her debut novel One Crazy Summer was first penned in 2007 when she was pregnant with her first daughter Addie. Being a mother has taken much of Ines' time so she was only able to write 13 pages of her novel. She completed her story in April 2011, while three-year-old Addie was sleeping and inspiration struck her again. Two months later her story was complete. After eight months, her dream of publishing her own book came true. The book was only launched last January 26, 2012, but Ines is already writing her second novel.
Most readers can remember Ines as the former editor-in-chief of K-Zone Magazine and Candy Magazine . At present, Ines is working as an editor of Summit Books. She is also married to photographer Marc Yao, whom she says she consults whenever she's stuck in the middle of a story she's writing.
Sources:
One Crazy Summer Author Ines Bautista Yao on Juggling Writing and Motherhood by Belle Yambao
Spotlight on Filipino Authors: Ines Bautista-Yao
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 16, 2025
the story and twist behind those "love letters" was pretty interesting. nat, the main protagonist, was really unlikeable at first but character development was pretty early than i thought so that's a plus for people who get easily irritated like me 😆 you should have expected that the character will come of as childish to you as this is young adult and coming of age
August 29, 2026
4.5 stars The ending tugged my heart and made me cry. It reminded me of my Lola 🥲
June 30, 2024
I hope that someday, Filipino authors can get to share their novels to the world, that big publishing houses in the US will take a chance.
From Summit Books in the early 2000s, I have enjoyed these releases. Happy to have another one. A tad predictable but a new angle to look at. Coming of age, fear of the unknown, discovering love.... to be young and be full of idealism and hopes 🤣.... good luck in the real real world.
From Summit Books in the early 2000s, I have enjoyed these releases. Happy to have another one. A tad predictable but a new angle to look at. Coming of age, fear of the unknown, discovering love.... to be young and be full of idealism and hopes 🤣.... good luck in the real real world.
April 29, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It resonated with me on many levels, feeling incredibly close to home. From the grandmother's secrets to the strong bonds within the family and with friends, as well as the experiences of breakups and new love, it all struck a chord with me. I'm particularly close to my grandmother, so it really hit home.
April 4, 2025
This is one of those things that you read when you don’t want to think too much, or just want a break from dark and depressing stories. How I wish to be like Nat who is surrounded with love and her only problem is discovering what she wants to do and maybe get a boyfriend. Overall it’s a light and easy read.
I bought this because of the cover and it’s worth it even if it’s predictable.
I bought this because of the cover and it’s worth it even if it’s predictable.
May 1, 2024
KUNG SAKALING NASA PANGALAN MATUTUKOY ANG TUNAY NA PAG-IBIG
Isang Personal Book Rebyu para sa nobelang YA na My Lola's Love Letters ni Ines Bautista Yao
Hindi lahat ay fan ng mga aklat na pumapaksa ng romance, pero masasabi natin na malaki rin ang populasyon ng mga mambabasang kumokunsumo nito. Tama kayo, isa rin ako sa kanila. Sa totoo lang, nagsimula ang pagbabasa ko sa mga kuwento ng pag-ibig, bago ako maging bukas sa iba't ibang uri ng panitikan at genre, lubog na lubog ako sa mga kuwento tungkol sa pag-iibigan, kaya kahit siguro nasa ganitong estado na ako ng aking pagkatao, hindi ko pa rin maiwasang bumalik sa pagbabasa ng mga aklat ng pag-ibig. Ang My Lola's Love Letters ni Ines Bautista Yao ang isa sa mga aklat ng Ateneo Press na unang kita ko pa lang sa kanilang facebook page, itinatwa ko na sa bato, magkakaroon ako ng kopya nito. Akala ko, baka by the end of the year ko pa siya mababasa, pero dahil naging mabait ang mundo sa anyo ni Sir Ricky Lee, nabili ko ang kopya ng nobela noong Philippine Book Festival 2024, bonus pa na nakilala ko ang manunulat at nakapagpapirma ako ng aklat. Binahagi ko sa kaniya ang excitement ko na mabasa ang aklat, at masasabi ko ngayon, hindi nga ako binigo ng aklat.
Tungkol ba saan ang nobela, ang nobelang ito ay nakapokus sa ating 19 years old heroine na si Natividad "Nat" Torres, at mayroon siyang beef sa kaniyang pangalan. Ipinangalan kasi siya sa kanilang Greataunt, kaya iniisip niya, iyon din ang dahilan kung bakit may unfortunate event na nangyayari sa buhay niya, especially ang pang-ghost sa kaniya ni Gabe na taong gusto niya bukod pa roon, parang sinasabi rin ng universe sa kaniya na wala siyang direksyon sa buhay (na sobrang relate ako as reader) kaya kanino niya ulit iyon isisisi? Sa pangalan na bitbit niya. Pero things will eventually change nang pumasok sa buhay niya si Luis na mayroong personality na maging superhero kahit kanino at makita ni Nat ang isang kahon na naglalaman ng mga sulat na isinulat ng taong ipinangalan sa kaniya. Sa ngayon, sana naipaliwanag ko nang maayos ang premise ng nobela.
Ang gaan-gaan niya basahin sa totoo lang, ang dali-dali rin sakyan ng mga eksena. Naiisip ko nga, while reading this, sana ma-pick up ng Netflix Philippines ang rights nito to make a mini series. Gusto kong makita si Nat alive and in flesh, kasi sa utak ko, buhay na buhay sila. Nagustuhan ko rin ang pagtatangka na ilangkap ang authenticity ng experience ng mga sulat sa nobela. Yung mga sulat din ang isa sa mga paborito kong bahagi, tulad ng mga karakter sa nobela, super invested ako sa kasunod na mangyayari, hanggang dumating ako sa bahagi na napamura ako (hindi ko sasabihin dahil spoiler), ganyan ang epekto sa akin ng nobela. Sa totoo lang, natatakot ako magtunog OA o nag-exagerate ng karanasan ko sa pagbabasa, pero trust me, super na-enjoy ko siya basahin. Pinipilit kong ibaba yung aklat para harapin ang ibang gawain, pero hindi puwedeng hindi ako magbabasa ng isa pang kabanata...na naging dalawa...na naging tatlo---hanggang sa ibinaba ko na talaga para humarap sa ibang gawain.
Personally, nakaka-relate din ako sa protagonist ng nobela, kay Nat, hindi dahil yung pangalan ko ay galing sa kung sino. Nakaka-relate ako, kasi, nasa edad din ako na hindi ko alam kung ano ba ang career path ko. Bakit pakiramdam ko, I fail on things, na akala ko I can do good. This novel, ipinaramdam niya sa akin `yung hope, na baka I will have my own moment na ma-realize ko kung ano ba talaga ang gusto ko. Hindi lang basta-basta Young Adult Romance ang My Lola's Love Letters katulad siya ng maraming aklat na para sa akin ay magandang naisulat. Umiigpaw ang mga salita sa pahina, higit pa sa kanilang talagang gustong sabihin. Iyon lang, sana sa susunod na makita niyo ang kopya ng aklat na ito ay bigyan niyo ng chance, at basahin. Maraming salamat!
Available ang kopya ng nobela sa Ateneo Press (Physical Store, Shopee, Lazada and their Website)
Isang Personal Book Rebyu para sa nobelang YA na My Lola's Love Letters ni Ines Bautista Yao
Hindi lahat ay fan ng mga aklat na pumapaksa ng romance, pero masasabi natin na malaki rin ang populasyon ng mga mambabasang kumokunsumo nito. Tama kayo, isa rin ako sa kanila. Sa totoo lang, nagsimula ang pagbabasa ko sa mga kuwento ng pag-ibig, bago ako maging bukas sa iba't ibang uri ng panitikan at genre, lubog na lubog ako sa mga kuwento tungkol sa pag-iibigan, kaya kahit siguro nasa ganitong estado na ako ng aking pagkatao, hindi ko pa rin maiwasang bumalik sa pagbabasa ng mga aklat ng pag-ibig. Ang My Lola's Love Letters ni Ines Bautista Yao ang isa sa mga aklat ng Ateneo Press na unang kita ko pa lang sa kanilang facebook page, itinatwa ko na sa bato, magkakaroon ako ng kopya nito. Akala ko, baka by the end of the year ko pa siya mababasa, pero dahil naging mabait ang mundo sa anyo ni Sir Ricky Lee, nabili ko ang kopya ng nobela noong Philippine Book Festival 2024, bonus pa na nakilala ko ang manunulat at nakapagpapirma ako ng aklat. Binahagi ko sa kaniya ang excitement ko na mabasa ang aklat, at masasabi ko ngayon, hindi nga ako binigo ng aklat.
Tungkol ba saan ang nobela, ang nobelang ito ay nakapokus sa ating 19 years old heroine na si Natividad "Nat" Torres, at mayroon siyang beef sa kaniyang pangalan. Ipinangalan kasi siya sa kanilang Greataunt, kaya iniisip niya, iyon din ang dahilan kung bakit may unfortunate event na nangyayari sa buhay niya, especially ang pang-ghost sa kaniya ni Gabe na taong gusto niya bukod pa roon, parang sinasabi rin ng universe sa kaniya na wala siyang direksyon sa buhay (na sobrang relate ako as reader) kaya kanino niya ulit iyon isisisi? Sa pangalan na bitbit niya. Pero things will eventually change nang pumasok sa buhay niya si Luis na mayroong personality na maging superhero kahit kanino at makita ni Nat ang isang kahon na naglalaman ng mga sulat na isinulat ng taong ipinangalan sa kaniya. Sa ngayon, sana naipaliwanag ko nang maayos ang premise ng nobela.
Ang gaan-gaan niya basahin sa totoo lang, ang dali-dali rin sakyan ng mga eksena. Naiisip ko nga, while reading this, sana ma-pick up ng Netflix Philippines ang rights nito to make a mini series. Gusto kong makita si Nat alive and in flesh, kasi sa utak ko, buhay na buhay sila. Nagustuhan ko rin ang pagtatangka na ilangkap ang authenticity ng experience ng mga sulat sa nobela. Yung mga sulat din ang isa sa mga paborito kong bahagi, tulad ng mga karakter sa nobela, super invested ako sa kasunod na mangyayari, hanggang dumating ako sa bahagi na napamura ako (hindi ko sasabihin dahil spoiler), ganyan ang epekto sa akin ng nobela. Sa totoo lang, natatakot ako magtunog OA o nag-exagerate ng karanasan ko sa pagbabasa, pero trust me, super na-enjoy ko siya basahin. Pinipilit kong ibaba yung aklat para harapin ang ibang gawain, pero hindi puwedeng hindi ako magbabasa ng isa pang kabanata...na naging dalawa...na naging tatlo---hanggang sa ibinaba ko na talaga para humarap sa ibang gawain.
Personally, nakaka-relate din ako sa protagonist ng nobela, kay Nat, hindi dahil yung pangalan ko ay galing sa kung sino. Nakaka-relate ako, kasi, nasa edad din ako na hindi ko alam kung ano ba ang career path ko. Bakit pakiramdam ko, I fail on things, na akala ko I can do good. This novel, ipinaramdam niya sa akin `yung hope, na baka I will have my own moment na ma-realize ko kung ano ba talaga ang gusto ko. Hindi lang basta-basta Young Adult Romance ang My Lola's Love Letters katulad siya ng maraming aklat na para sa akin ay magandang naisulat. Umiigpaw ang mga salita sa pahina, higit pa sa kanilang talagang gustong sabihin. Iyon lang, sana sa susunod na makita niyo ang kopya ng aklat na ito ay bigyan niyo ng chance, at basahin. Maraming salamat!
Available ang kopya ng nobela sa Ateneo Press (Physical Store, Shopee, Lazada and their Website)
May 30, 2026
i have a lot of thoughts on this book, so bear with me.
first off, although i've wanted to read this for months now (3 months to be exact!), i didn't really look into what exact genre it fell into... and so imagine my surprise when i realized this was listed under the young adult category! right there and then, i had an inkling i would have trouble connecting with this book despite the fact that i loved the synopsis enough to buy a physical book.
i was right, a few chapters in and i disliked Nat, the protagonist, already. maybe because she whined too much and had problems i couldn't really relate to--but really, they're just normal things a sheltered, upper middle class teenager goes through as she finds herself in college. so it's not like this was a writing issue. it's more of a me-being-too-old-for-the-target-demographic kind of issue. i was rolling my eyes and wanting to beat Nat up for sticking around for *redacted*. but hey, again, she was a teenager. that's not really off base for someone her age to act.
and while the story started slow and grating, i liked it enough to see it through. ngl if you came for the lola's love letters part, you legit don't get to it until halfway so... heads up! not that it's a bad thing, just that it made me impatient lol.
next, there were parts where the author used words which didn't really fit the tone and style of her writing. like, why are you suddenly using highfalutin words out of context? just a tiny editorial comment but it did take me out of the story enough to complain about it lol.
as i was reading, this story slowly made it's way from a solid 3 at the start to a solid 4 stars! i'm glad i stuck with it. it's very filipino, too. there are references and jokes which will hit better if the reader is a filipino. overall, i enjoyed this read! worth the wait despite my initial disappointment. 4/5!
first off, although i've wanted to read this for months now (3 months to be exact!), i didn't really look into what exact genre it fell into... and so imagine my surprise when i realized this was listed under the young adult category! right there and then, i had an inkling i would have trouble connecting with this book despite the fact that i loved the synopsis enough to buy a physical book.
i was right, a few chapters in and i disliked Nat, the protagonist, already. maybe because she whined too much and had problems i couldn't really relate to--but really, they're just normal things a sheltered, upper middle class teenager goes through as she finds herself in college. so it's not like this was a writing issue. it's more of a me-being-too-old-for-the-target-demographic kind of issue. i was rolling my eyes and wanting to beat Nat up for sticking around for *redacted*. but hey, again, she was a teenager. that's not really off base for someone her age to act.
and while the story started slow and grating, i liked it enough to see it through. ngl if you came for the lola's love letters part, you legit don't get to it until halfway so... heads up! not that it's a bad thing, just that it made me impatient lol.
next, there were parts where the author used words which didn't really fit the tone and style of her writing. like, why are you suddenly using highfalutin words out of context? just a tiny editorial comment but it did take me out of the story enough to complain about it lol.
as i was reading, this story slowly made it's way from a solid 3 at the start to a solid 4 stars! i'm glad i stuck with it. it's very filipino, too. there are references and jokes which will hit better if the reader is a filipino. overall, i enjoyed this read! worth the wait despite my initial disappointment. 4/5!
October 29, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. But more than that, reading this made me realize how my relationship was like with my late lola (my mother’s mom).
I came from a multi-generational family, so I grew up close to her but not close with her. I was like Ate Toine growing up — independent so I was always left to my own devices — so I’ve never really bonded with her, and I’ve never really understood her as she already had Alzheimer’s when I started being aware of my surroundings. So I didn’t know what I was signing up for when I picked this book to read yesterday. And quite frankly, I bought this book during the MIBF because the title piqued my interest. I’m glad now that I’ve picked it up.
I think in some ways, Nat and I both have similar and opposite life experiences in the lola department. I grew up with my lola, and she didn’t (not really, anyway); and yet, she was able to draw strength and inspiration from hers, while I didn’t really connect with mine. But reading this book put my mind in a different light. And now I have this tiny regret deep inside, wishing to have connected with my lola, and that Alzheimer’s hadn’t arrived in her life at all. I could only imagine all the stories I would’ve heard of, I bet I would’ve eaten all those up. Especially since I have also always been told that we look alike and that we have the same attitude most of the time, haha.
But life has a different way of letting itself be experienced. And I’m glad that Nat was empowered by her lola’s stories. They truly are inspiring, albeit heartbreaking. I cried a bit when I read the last letter Lola Natividad wrote, I think a part of me broke a little reading that letter. But reading the epilogue made it a little better.
This was a great read. It’s not long so I had fun reading it. I’d even say that this is a light read, and it is a good one.
I came from a multi-generational family, so I grew up close to her but not close with her. I was like Ate Toine growing up — independent so I was always left to my own devices — so I’ve never really bonded with her, and I’ve never really understood her as she already had Alzheimer’s when I started being aware of my surroundings. So I didn’t know what I was signing up for when I picked this book to read yesterday. And quite frankly, I bought this book during the MIBF because the title piqued my interest. I’m glad now that I’ve picked it up.
I think in some ways, Nat and I both have similar and opposite life experiences in the lola department. I grew up with my lola, and she didn’t (not really, anyway); and yet, she was able to draw strength and inspiration from hers, while I didn’t really connect with mine. But reading this book put my mind in a different light. And now I have this tiny regret deep inside, wishing to have connected with my lola, and that Alzheimer’s hadn’t arrived in her life at all. I could only imagine all the stories I would’ve heard of, I bet I would’ve eaten all those up. Especially since I have also always been told that we look alike and that we have the same attitude most of the time, haha.
But life has a different way of letting itself be experienced. And I’m glad that Nat was empowered by her lola’s stories. They truly are inspiring, albeit heartbreaking. I cried a bit when I read the last letter Lola Natividad wrote, I think a part of me broke a little reading that letter. But reading the epilogue made it a little better.
This was a great read. It’s not long so I had fun reading it. I’d even say that this is a light read, and it is a good one.
November 20, 2024
My Lola's Love Letters: A Book That's Like a Hug
My Lola’s Love Letters is a heartwarming story that pulled me in from the first page and kept me rooting for Nat, the main character, all the way to the end. Nat is the kind of protagonist who’s so authentic and sincere that you can't help but cheer her on, even when you’re tempted to give her a gentle bop on the head—just like her best friend, Martin, might want to do sometimes. But her journey of self-discovery and growth makes her a character worth loving, flaws and all.
What I adored most about this story is how everything is deeply rooted in family. It’s not just about Nat’s immediate family but also the intergenerational connections that make her who she is. The love letters from her lola are a beautiful, heartfelt touch, guiding her through questions that so many young people grapple with: Where am I going? What am I good at? Who am I? Without giving away any spoilers, it’s safe to say that the letters weave a moving thread of wisdom and love throughout Nat’s struggles and triumphs.
Amid all the challenges of an identity crisis, there’s something incredibly refreshing about how the story portrays what a healthy relationship looks like. Nat’s growth and realizations, especially with the support of those who love her, felt genuine and uplifting. It’s a journey of learning and understanding, wrapped in a story that’s perfect for anyone who enjoys YA romance and wants a lovely peek into Filipino family life.
I highly recommend My Lola’s Love Letters to anyone looking for a read that warms the heart and brings a smile to your face. Ines Bautista-Yao has created something special here—an honest, hopeful story that stays with you long after you finish the last page.
My Lola’s Love Letters is a heartwarming story that pulled me in from the first page and kept me rooting for Nat, the main character, all the way to the end. Nat is the kind of protagonist who’s so authentic and sincere that you can't help but cheer her on, even when you’re tempted to give her a gentle bop on the head—just like her best friend, Martin, might want to do sometimes. But her journey of self-discovery and growth makes her a character worth loving, flaws and all.
What I adored most about this story is how everything is deeply rooted in family. It’s not just about Nat’s immediate family but also the intergenerational connections that make her who she is. The love letters from her lola are a beautiful, heartfelt touch, guiding her through questions that so many young people grapple with: Where am I going? What am I good at? Who am I? Without giving away any spoilers, it’s safe to say that the letters weave a moving thread of wisdom and love throughout Nat’s struggles and triumphs.
Amid all the challenges of an identity crisis, there’s something incredibly refreshing about how the story portrays what a healthy relationship looks like. Nat’s growth and realizations, especially with the support of those who love her, felt genuine and uplifting. It’s a journey of learning and understanding, wrapped in a story that’s perfect for anyone who enjoys YA romance and wants a lovely peek into Filipino family life.
I highly recommend My Lola’s Love Letters to anyone looking for a read that warms the heart and brings a smile to your face. Ines Bautista-Yao has created something special here—an honest, hopeful story that stays with you long after you finish the last page.
July 6, 2025
At the end of the day, when we truly know what’s in our hearts, that’s more than enough. Everything will be okay… we will be okay.
I didn’t expect to find a young adult book this relatable and delightful at my age. At first, I thought, “I’ve graduated from that phase already.” But reading My Lola’s Love Letters by Ines Bautista-Yao reminded me that stories about figuring out life, identity, and navigating the highs and lows of love, family, career, and friendship — they never really get old.
We (I) sometimes assume that YA books have nothing new to offer us, especially when we’ve already lived through those chapters of our lives. But this one brought me back — back to the joy of nostalgia. It made me relive my high school and college days, when I was still discovering who I was, what I was good at, and learning how to be comfortable in my own skin. It reminded me of lessons I didn’t realize I’d forgotten.
I found myself giving in to all the “awwwws”, “LOLs”, “ayiiis”, and “oh no’s”. And yes, I felt a kind of kilig I didn’t know I needed.
If you’re looking for a heartwarming and cozy read, this one’s definitely worth picking up.
I didn’t expect to find a young adult book this relatable and delightful at my age. At first, I thought, “I’ve graduated from that phase already.” But reading My Lola’s Love Letters by Ines Bautista-Yao reminded me that stories about figuring out life, identity, and navigating the highs and lows of love, family, career, and friendship — they never really get old.
We (I) sometimes assume that YA books have nothing new to offer us, especially when we’ve already lived through those chapters of our lives. But this one brought me back — back to the joy of nostalgia. It made me relive my high school and college days, when I was still discovering who I was, what I was good at, and learning how to be comfortable in my own skin. It reminded me of lessons I didn’t realize I’d forgotten.
I found myself giving in to all the “awwwws”, “LOLs”, “ayiiis”, and “oh no’s”. And yes, I felt a kind of kilig I didn’t know I needed.
If you’re looking for a heartwarming and cozy read, this one’s definitely worth picking up.
September 13, 2026
I blind bought this book through a recommendation that popped up on my fyp—clearly a random day of endless doomscrolling—yet when “that” person stated the contents, how it has been in her tbr for quite some time now, along the lines of planning to buy it right away on mibf '26, I was genuinely intrigued. It just so happened me and my mom were initially having thoughts to participate in that said event, too. What are even the odds, right?
Looking back, it was the best decision I’ve ever made for myself. The book found me (literally and figuratively). Best ₱490 I spent for my first book. I would repurchase this in a heartbeat if I ever lost it I kid you not. I swear.
Overall? This was an incredible piece of hers. Immaculate writing of each character mentioned in which most definitely served their purpose between timeline + main characters itself. You can see their impact. How they really played a role onto shaping the storyline and ofc the readers interest to keep going between pages finished. Kindly hit me in the head, you would do me a favor of giving the chance to read this for the first time again LOL.
Looking back, it was the best decision I’ve ever made for myself. The book found me (literally and figuratively). Best ₱490 I spent for my first book. I would repurchase this in a heartbeat if I ever lost it I kid you not. I swear.
Overall? This was an incredible piece of hers. Immaculate writing of each character mentioned in which most definitely served their purpose between timeline + main characters itself. You can see their impact. How they really played a role onto shaping the storyline and ofc the readers interest to keep going between pages finished. Kindly hit me in the head, you would do me a favor of giving the chance to read this for the first time again LOL.
September 27, 2026
As much as I hate to admit, I’m always been a slow reader, hence my Goodreads bio, but somehow this story ignited something special in me that I finished this in one sitting, I believe in just 4 hours. It was a light but heartwarming read. It wasn’t that hard to sympathize with Natividad, the lola and the apo, even though they are both very distinct characters. They each faced different challenges in life and yet gained the courage to overcome them. Even in times where loving ourselves seems to be impossible, we will find people who remind us how bigger life is and what life could possibly be if only we believe. The relationships between MC and the rest of her family and friends are truly special and one of a kind! Especially between sisters, Nat and her ate Tonie! Definitely reminds me of my sister and I! LASTLY, can we all agree that we deserve a guy like Luis than Gabe?!
October 17, 2026
Sorry hindi ko to gusto. Maybe because I'm a Filipino who'd rather connect with novels written by Filipino writers which tackle what our country really struggles with its crisis; at hindi ng isang teenager na hindi alam ang gagawin sa buhay nya dahil may kaya sila sa buhay. Maganda ung idea na nabasa nya muna ung mga sulat ng lola nya bago nya maintindihan kung anong dapat nyang gawin. hehehhee.
Yeah... I know that kind of smells some inggit. But being an ordinary Filipino who has to deal with the govt bs and reading some teen flick-style book, this ain't for me. May mga time na napapangiwi na lang ako sa eksenang hindi ako makaconnect.
Sa IG cc na nagreco nitong book, sana masarap ulam mo araw-araw.
Yeah... I know that kind of smells some inggit. But being an ordinary Filipino who has to deal with the govt bs and reading some teen flick-style book, this ain't for me. May mga time na napapangiwi na lang ako sa eksenang hindi ako makaconnect.
Sa IG cc na nagreco nitong book, sana masarap ulam mo araw-araw.
March 29, 2025
The book was okay. As always, i’m blindly reading books without checking what it’s about. At first I thought it was focused on the fmc’s love story. However, it tackles something deeper. What do you really want to do in life? I think we all have that phase wherein everything is going wrong and you don’t know how to go about life anymore. At the same time, i would’ve loved more letters from Lola Natividad, focusing on her career so she can inspire and motivate Nat more. The story is going back and forth the romance and the problem. It could’ve been more cohesive. The plot twist was anti climactic. I feel that the ending was rushed.
January 4, 2026
What a way to start the new year! I read this novel in one sitting because I simply cannot put it down. The characters, especially Nat and her sister Toine, are adorable. The plot is giving typical teenage romance on a pre-noontime TV show but when the letters came in the picture, everything just turned out better. I wonder if it was just me because when the plot twist was revealed my jaw literally dropped to the floor and my hands were shaking!!! Lola Nat, you rock, and you ARE my rock for 2026. This is very cute and inspiring. A novel that can be recommended to all types of readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2026
I didn’t expect to fly through this book but I enjoyed it a lot. Except for the annoying female main character and her love problems. I get it, they are teenager. But she’s still annoying. I even thought she redeemed herself. But no. She goes back to the jerk who broke her heart even if she has someone new for “closure”.
Other than that, I love reading all the letters and following Lola Natividad’s story. And I didn’t even expect a plot twist but I saw it coming. Also, this is a very wholesome book. I highly recommend.
Other than that, I love reading all the letters and following Lola Natividad’s story. And I didn’t even expect a plot twist but I saw it coming. Also, this is a very wholesome book. I highly recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2025
at first, i wasn’t sure i’d finish this. it started out slow, and i felt like a lot of the early parts dragged. but when i got to lola natividad’s letters, something shifted. my interest was piqued. although i do wish there had been more historical depth, i respect the author's choice to focus on quiet, simple stories. this is the kind of book that’s easy to read and yes, predictable—but that’s exactly what gives it heart.
May 9, 2026
primarily bought this book because of the adorable cover (there are pink and green versions?? 🤧), and of course, in support of my ENE prof ma’am ines!
what a heartwarming story (also good as a quick summer read)! had the typical YA storyline of a college girl (with the boy troubles that felt like a kdrama at some point lol) but the lores with the grandmothers and their letters kept me wanting to know more xD
what a heartwarming story (also good as a quick summer read)! had the typical YA storyline of a college girl (with the boy troubles that felt like a kdrama at some point lol) but the lores with the grandmothers and their letters kept me wanting to know more xD
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June 24, 2024This one started off a bit slow, and eventually gained its pace midway through. The story took a couple of twists and turns, but still managed to end in a clean and satisfying way. Although I won’t be rating this (due to conflict of interest), I will gladly recommend this book to my nieces and nephews.
December 27, 2025
It’s an easy read and tackles issues that college students often struggle with—love and feeling lost. I especially enjoyed the letters from Lola Natividad. I also liked seeing the contrast between how the sisters communicated in the 1950s compared to now, which is more casual—from letters to text messages!
April 14, 2025
As much as it teaches people to love themselves before materializing their relationships, it also emphasizes the importance of support systems. This book was absolutely adorable and I'm thankful that it's the first YA romance I've ever read.
September 15, 2026
The first few chapters were absolute rage bait. The twist was quite predictable, but I enjoyed witnessing Nat’s character development throughout. I might start reading romance again because this made me so kilig hihi.
November 14, 2024
Just finished and surprisingly enjoyed this so much more than a YA romance. Generational inspiration.
January 5, 2025
It was a cute read. Nat was a little unlikable from the start but you could see her mature side at the end.
June 22, 2025
This one helped to get out of my reading slump. This is a quick read giving you comfort and fluff. I am rooting for Nat's journey in life.
September 11, 2025
lola natividad ur a baddie
March 10, 2026
Short story but took me ages to finish the book. The female lead is so annoying on the first few chapters. Haha.
Goob book. Love the letters!
Goob book. Love the letters!
September 15, 2026
Made me miss Nanay
September 17, 2026
the kind of book that you can't put down
September 22, 2026
This book was recommended by my friend. It was an easy and heartwarming read. I must say tho, Lola Toni was really an incredible woman🫶🏻 Her love for Lola Natividad was incomparable!
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