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A Letter to Keep You Safe
The new novel from Rachaele Hambleton, Sunday Times bestselling author of A Different Kind of Happy.
'Perfect for... those looking for a story that lingers long after the last page' My Weekly
"A powerful, compassionate read that stays with you" Anne Carter, Random Things Through My Letterbox
Reader
'Heartbreaking'
'Brilliant, loved this and couldn't put it down'
'I could not stop listening.. A beautifully emotional story, full of love, loss and everything in between. The ending took my breath away! Grab your tissues'
'It is very beautifully written from the heart'
'A powerful, compassionate read that stays with you. Highly recommended'
A story of heartbreak, love and hope.
Lou has had more than her fair share of heartbreak but she has always managed to keep going...until now.
When her friend Martha ends up in hospital after a brutal attack at the hands of her ex-partner, Lou is struggling to see a way through.
Lou has been a good friend to Martha but she has been keeping secrets. Secrets she has kept to herself for a long time. If Lou had shared more of her story maybe Martha wouldn't be in hospital now.
Wracked with guilt, Lou decides she must write a letter. A letter to tell her truth once and for all. A letter to show Martha that with friends, family and people you love around you there is a way through the darkness. A letter to keep Martha safe.
Praise for A Different Kind of
'A powerful story of family, hope, growth and second chances' Anna Mathur
'Perfect for... those looking for a story that lingers long after the last page' My Weekly
"A powerful, compassionate read that stays with you" Anne Carter, Random Things Through My Letterbox
Reader
'Heartbreaking'
'Brilliant, loved this and couldn't put it down'
'I could not stop listening.. A beautifully emotional story, full of love, loss and everything in between. The ending took my breath away! Grab your tissues'
'It is very beautifully written from the heart'
'A powerful, compassionate read that stays with you. Highly recommended'
A story of heartbreak, love and hope.
Lou has had more than her fair share of heartbreak but she has always managed to keep going...until now.
When her friend Martha ends up in hospital after a brutal attack at the hands of her ex-partner, Lou is struggling to see a way through.
Lou has been a good friend to Martha but she has been keeping secrets. Secrets she has kept to herself for a long time. If Lou had shared more of her story maybe Martha wouldn't be in hospital now.
Wracked with guilt, Lou decides she must write a letter. A letter to tell her truth once and for all. A letter to show Martha that with friends, family and people you love around you there is a way through the darkness. A letter to keep Martha safe.
Praise for A Different Kind of
'A powerful story of family, hope, growth and second chances' Anna Mathur
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 27, 2026
The story is basically a letter — Lou writing to her friend Martha, who’s in a coma after a violent attack. And yeah, it sounds heavy (because it is), but it’s also really human and honest in a way that feels… close. Like someone just sitting next to you and telling you their story.
Lou talks about everything — friendship, guilt, love, the messy parts of life, and what it actually means to keep going when things fall apart. It doesn’t feel polished or distant, it feels real. There were moments where I had to pause a bit, not because it’s hard to read, but because it hits a little too close sometimes.
What I really appreciated is how it handles the idea of speaking up. It doesn’t push it in your face, but it gently reminds you that silence isn’t always the safe option, and that sharing things — even the difficult ones — matters more than we think.
It is a slower, more introspective read, but it makes sense for the kind of story it’s telling. This isn’t a “binge in one night” kind of book, it’s more of a “read a bit, think a bit” experience.
And the ending… it’s not a perfect, everything-is-fixed kind of ending. But it gives you something better — a bit of hope.
Lou talks about everything — friendship, guilt, love, the messy parts of life, and what it actually means to keep going when things fall apart. It doesn’t feel polished or distant, it feels real. There were moments where I had to pause a bit, not because it’s hard to read, but because it hits a little too close sometimes.
What I really appreciated is how it handles the idea of speaking up. It doesn’t push it in your face, but it gently reminds you that silence isn’t always the safe option, and that sharing things — even the difficult ones — matters more than we think.
It is a slower, more introspective read, but it makes sense for the kind of story it’s telling. This isn’t a “binge in one night” kind of book, it’s more of a “read a bit, think a bit” experience.
And the ending… it’s not a perfect, everything-is-fixed kind of ending. But it gives you something better — a bit of hope.
August 28, 2026
A fictional story written by someone who has experienced domestic violence. A difficult read, but one through which I have learnt a lot about a world I am lucky to never have experienced. A valuable reading experience.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This novel explores themes of love, friendship, guilt, and the consequences of silence. Through Lou’s voice, the author explores the difficulties of surviving heartbreak while still trying to be there for the people you care about. The premise of the story is that Lou is writing a letter to her friend Martha after a brutal act of domestic violence, and this sets the tone for an emotionally challenging narrative.
What makes this book stand out is its raw honesty. It doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of its themes, particularly around abuse and trauma. It’s difficult to read at times, not because of the writing, which is beautifully crafted, but because of how real it feels. The author's prose captures the chaos of human emotion.
The emotional impact is huge. This isn’t a book you can easily distance yourself from. I found myself reflecting and recognising aspects of myself and others I know. Its real strength lies in making you feel seen, while also encouraging empathy.
Importantly, the novel looks at the massive importance of discussing difficult experiences. It reinforces how silence, even when it feels protective, can have unintended consequences. The message is clear but never heavy-handed: speaking up, reaching out, and supporting one another can quite literally save lives.
While the pacing occasionally feels slow due to its introspective nature, it ultimately suits the story being told. A Letter to Keep You Safe isn’t meant to be rushed.
A powerful, compassionate read that stays with you. Highly recommended.
What makes this book stand out is its raw honesty. It doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of its themes, particularly around abuse and trauma. It’s difficult to read at times, not because of the writing, which is beautifully crafted, but because of how real it feels. The author's prose captures the chaos of human emotion.
The emotional impact is huge. This isn’t a book you can easily distance yourself from. I found myself reflecting and recognising aspects of myself and others I know. Its real strength lies in making you feel seen, while also encouraging empathy.
Importantly, the novel looks at the massive importance of discussing difficult experiences. It reinforces how silence, even when it feels protective, can have unintended consequences. The message is clear but never heavy-handed: speaking up, reaching out, and supporting one another can quite literally save lives.
While the pacing occasionally feels slow due to its introspective nature, it ultimately suits the story being told. A Letter to Keep You Safe isn’t meant to be rushed.
A powerful, compassionate read that stays with you. Highly recommended.
March 29, 2026
This is a beautiful story, but it is very hard to read. It’s a book after Domestic Violence and at times was fairly graphic. I mostly read with teary eyes.
This is a book about survivors who will not let themselves be victimised by their abusive partners. Louise survived her abusive husband, she has a new life, actual friends and happy children. When she gets the news her friend is in hospital fighting for life after her ex-partner found her and beat her, Louise sets about writing a letter to Martha to read when she is better. It tells of what life is like for those who are left to pick up the pieces and how they help Martha recover.
This is truly heartfelt and devastating, especially knowing the authors past and realising how real this is for some women. I carried on reading as I have two daughters and hope they never have to live this reality.
It is very beautifully written from the heart 💕
This is a book about survivors who will not let themselves be victimised by their abusive partners. Louise survived her abusive husband, she has a new life, actual friends and happy children. When she gets the news her friend is in hospital fighting for life after her ex-partner found her and beat her, Louise sets about writing a letter to Martha to read when she is better. It tells of what life is like for those who are left to pick up the pieces and how they help Martha recover.
This is truly heartfelt and devastating, especially knowing the authors past and realising how real this is for some women. I carried on reading as I have two daughters and hope they never have to live this reality.
It is very beautifully written from the heart 💕
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Martha is in a coma.
Martha is in a coma because Craig attacked her with a brick.
How can you find words after that ?
The author does. Via Louise, Martha's friend. Because finding words is important, so so important.
Louise shares her words with Martha. Words about her life, as a woman, as a mother, as a survivor. To show Martha that surviving is possible. That violence is not a fate.
The author is an excellent storyteller.
This is a deeply emotional and immersive story. I think nobody can read this with a dry eye.
This book doesn't end with an HEA, it ends with a bit of hope at the end of the tunnel.
Martha is in a coma because Craig attacked her with a brick.
How can you find words after that ?
The author does. Via Louise, Martha's friend. Because finding words is important, so so important.
Louise shares her words with Martha. Words about her life, as a woman, as a mother, as a survivor. To show Martha that surviving is possible. That violence is not a fate.
The author is an excellent storyteller.
This is a deeply emotional and immersive story. I think nobody can read this with a dry eye.
This book doesn't end with an HEA, it ends with a bit of hope at the end of the tunnel.
Review of advance copy
Such a beautifully written, and heartbreaking read that delves into domestic violence and abuse, that is such a difficult and hard hitting subject but does so with tenderness, understanding and empathy. I don’t really enjoy novels that are written in letter format, but I found it an engaging and emotional read. A tender read that I will sure will resonate and help so many that are going through it themselves.
March 27, 2026
a story of survival written by a survivor
A heartbreaking story of abuse and survival. Written from the heart by an author who has put her real life experiences into words to help raise awareness of domestic abuse
A heartbreaking story of abuse and survival. Written from the heart by an author who has put her real life experiences into words to help raise awareness of domestic abuse
May 1, 2026
What an amazing book, I enjoyed reading the story from the point of view of Lou (having been introduced to her in the first book). The subject matter is hard-hitting, but so well written, I hope we get to hear more from these characters......
March 26, 2026
I could not stop listening.. A beautifully emotional story, full of love, loss and everything in between. The ending took my breath away! Grab your tissues 🥹
March 28, 2026
Devastatingly beautiful.
October 13, 2026
An emotional read. A letter style story about the effects of domestic violence and the impacts on family and friendship.
October 26, 2026
Couldn’t stop reading it. Incredible
Review of advance copy
3.5 ⭐️
It took me a while to finish this book as I needed a break at times as it brought back memories and feelings that’s I needed to manage. So be careful with your triggers and make sure you in a good place to deal with this when you read it. I would recommend it.
It felt like you were listing to someone tell you their story. It was sad and hard hitting at times but also moving and brings a sense of joy and peace. And most of all Hope.
It felt unfinished to me which is probably how it’s meant to feel. But i personally prefer when a book feels complete whether that be a happy or sad ending.
But it still gave hope for better things.
It took me a while to finish this book as I needed a break at times as it brought back memories and feelings that’s I needed to manage. So be careful with your triggers and make sure you in a good place to deal with this when you read it. I would recommend it.
It felt like you were listing to someone tell you their story. It was sad and hard hitting at times but also moving and brings a sense of joy and peace. And most of all Hope.
It felt unfinished to me which is probably how it’s meant to feel. But i personally prefer when a book feels complete whether that be a happy or sad ending.
But it still gave hope for better things.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews