Dear Missing Friend

Storied Sisters Society #1

by Susan McGuirk

Three hearts. Countless letters. One impossible choice.

Through letters exchanged across oceans and Manhattan streets, Irish immigrant Catherine McGuirk navigates love, ambition, and heartbreak. Torn between her seafaring husband, the suitor she once refused, and her own dreams, Catherine's fate unfolds in an intimate, epistolary saga of passion, resilience, and nineteenth-century life.

Genres: Historical Fiction

268 pages, Paperback

Expected publication May 19, 2026

About the author

I created my blog, The Storied Sister Society, to share stories about our favorite historical fictions heroines. Find it below and on my free newsletter https://susanmcguirk.substack.com/wel.... For lovers of books in the epistolary genre like, "The Correspondent," look for my historical version, "Dear Missing Friend", coming from Sea Crow Press May 19th.

Reviews

[Rae Payette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Years ago I would not have appreciated a book like this, but after frantically flipping the pages of letter correspondence between Catherine and her family and friends- I was consumed by this book.

I felt a part of it. I felt like I had stepped through the pages into the 1800’s and was living along side Catherine every time new correspondence came. These letters evoked emotion in me for the characters- I felt what Catherine felt reading each and every one, and how she felt writing them. I couldn’t wait to read each new letter and find out what was happening. I literally couldn’t read it fast enough; I also wanted to sit and relish it.

There was so much that took place in the pages or rather letters; struggles of immigration, whaling seamen, famine, gold rush, war, marriage, abandonment, survival, loss, love, friendship, family. So many hardships.

But, more than anything this book left me with the absolute importance of connection; as many of these characters wouldn’t have made it through their situations without them.

I must go grieve Catherine now, as she feels like a lost friend.

Synopsis:
Sag Harbor, New York, 1840s: Catherine McGuirk leaves Ireland and a shipboard proposal behind, determined to forge a new life in America. Amid the bustling height of the whaling era, she marries a dashing sailor who vows to give up life on the sea. But when he vanishes westward in pursuit of gold, she is forced to chart her own course as a governess in Manhattan society. Torn between her ambition, the vanished whaleman she married, and the now-wealthy suitor she refused, she must navigate love, loss, and the tides of a changing world.

5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

P.S. Absolutely read the author’s note. This book - while a work of fiction is based on real people and there are pictures and historical data in the author’s note that make this book even more valid and precious.

Side note: People who enjoyed the Correspondent will enjoy this book - and I dare say even more. I LOVED this book, even though I wasn’t a fan of the Correspondent.

I would like to thank NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

[Melissa Blizzard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dear Missing Friend is an open invitation along with inspirational journey to cling onto those we have encountered along our journeys and remind them how much we love them. Written as a series of heartfelt letters to relatives and friends, the author of Dear Missing Friend understood how to allow the readers to connect with these precious characters through a nontraditional source. Letters include addresses and dates-- so readers can easily identify that most of the letters were sent in correspondence throughout the middle 1800's and the characters resided in New York. these characters are a set of immigrants who sailed to America from Gaelic lands such as Ireland. Though I would much have preferred a happier and more poignant ending for these dear characters, who many readers will identify as friends, it still shines through that the author, Susan McGuirk, conveyed their letters, their sentiments, and their messages with dignity, concern, and respect.

[Emma Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

⚠️ Content Warnings:

Readers should approach this narrative with an awareness of its heavy and often harrowing historical themes, which include visceral depictions of terminal illness and the devastating physical toll of the Great Famine. Beyond the immediate domestic tragedies, the story navigates the systemic scars of slavery and the encroaching shadows of war, while maintaining a constant, unflinching focus on the emotional trauma of abandonment, profound loneliness, and the recurring cycles of grief that shape the protagonist’s experience.

Where I got it from:

A massive thank you to StoryGraph for providing me with a review copy of Dear Missing Friend. As soon as I saw the description – historical fiction, three people connected by endless letters across the sea, and a hint of an unexpected love triangle – I knew I had to request it. It was the perfect birthday treat for a reader who loves a deep, emotional connection.

Overall:

Set against the fractured backdrop of 1864, the novel opens with a hauntingly beautiful ‘missing friend’ newspaper notice. – a desperate reach to an Irish woman that immediately sets the stage for an epic emotional journey.

Following the death of her father, our protagonist, Catherine, flees the hardships of Ireland alongside her three brothers. Her initial arrival in New York is a gritty, honest look at the immigrant experience; she quickly realises the bustling city isn’t the right sanctuary for a young Irish girl seeking her own path. It is during her journey to New York that she meets Patrick, but it is her move away from the city that transforms their connection into something far more profound: a “meeting of the minds on paper.”

Patrick’s letters are a masterclass in honest curiosity. In an era of rigid social propriety, his respect for Catherine’s “thoughts and perceptions” feels strikingly modern. She is a spiritual successor to Elizabeth Bennet – independent, witty, and unwilling to settle – a connection the book even rewards with a clever Pride & Prejudice reference.

When Catherine crosses paths with Daniel, he becomes the intoxicating pull of the unknown. As a man of the sea, he carries a reputation as treacherous as the waves; the local whispers warn Catherine that a sailor’s only true sweetheart is the sea.

What follows is a beautifully paced exploration of communication and longing. Susan McGuirk balances the safety of the written word against the unpredictable spark of a physical encounter. This isn’t just a historical romance; it’s a study of a woman finding her footing in a new world while her heart is pulled between a man who knows her soul and a man whose heart belongs to the horizon.

The first third of Dear Missing Friend is a heart-wrenching study of loss. Catherine is a character who has been stripped of almost everything – her home, her marriage, and her child. The moment her wedding band slips from her finger to join her child in the earth is a stunningly eerie piece of symbolism that marks the end of her past and the birth of her future. Through deeply personal letters to those she trusts, we see her grapple with a profound loneliness that makes her eventual move toward a ‘new life’ feel like a desperate, beautiful act of self-preservation.

One of the most authentic elements of the writing is how Catherine uses literature to navigate her internal world. She doesn’t just read these books; she uses them as a lens to understand emotions that might otherwise feel overwhelming. Linking her desire for independence and exploration to the spirit of Pride and Prejudice grounds her ambition in a historical context of female defiance.

Perhaps most striking is her reflection on Moby-Dick. By drawing parallels between Ahab’s obsession and her husband’s commitment to a dangerous, nomadic life, the author illustrates how we often turn to stories to make sense of the “great white whales” in our own relationships. It is a beautiful nod to the way readers often find their own troubles articulated more clearly on a printed page than in their own thoughts.

On a personal level, this section of the book arrived at the perfect moment for my current headspace. There is a specific, quiet power in watching a character ask the same questions I find myself grappling with: Who am I when I strip away the expectations of others? What am I actually capable of achieving if I stop playing the role assigned to me?

The emotional energy of this middle act is both engaging and deeply reflective. It captures that fragile, electric state of being where you decide to stop merely surviving your circumstances and start actively designing your life. For anyone currently in a season of self-discovery, Catherine’s journey into the unknown of New York feels less like a fictional plot point and more like a shared experience.

While the plot itself contains moments that are unexpecte, the emotional core remains tethered to reality. It serves as a profound reminder of why we turn to fiction in the first place: the circumstances don’t have to mirror our own for the feelings to be identical. Whether Catherine is navigating an era-specific social constraint or a high-stakes personal crisis, her internal dialogue feels as contemporary and urgent as my own. It proves that a well-written story acts as a bridge between the “extraordinary” world of the plot and the “ordinary” struggles of the reader.

It is rare to find a book that demands a physical space on your shelf before you have even finished the digital review copy. However, halfway through this journey with Catherine, I have already decided that a physical copy is a necessity for my permanent collection.

There is a distinct difference between a book you read for the plot and a book you keep for the companionship. This story belongs in the latter category. While the ebook is a perfect way to experience the narrative for the first time, I find myself wanting to own the physical pages – to highlight the passages where Catherine finds herself in Pride & Prejudice, and to have a tangible reminder of her determination to move toward her true self in New York. It is the kind of story that feels “shelf-worthy”; a book I know I will reach for again when I need to be reminded of my own capacity for change and discovery.

Ultimately, this book excels at what I call “The Mirror Effect.” It doesn’t just tell Catherine’s story; it provides a framework for the reader to examine their own. By watching her use literature to decode her grief and her husband’s ambitions, I found myself doing something similar with this very book. The relevance to real life is found not in the “what” of the plot, but in the “how” of the emotions. It is a motivating, deeply engaging exploration of what it means to stop being a bystander in your own life and finally start participating as your truest self.

As the narrative enters its final act, the shadow of the Great Famine stretches over every page, turning the Irish landscape into a place of visceral survival. The rising tide of militia volunteers in New York adds a layer of political volatility, making the safety of Catherine’s inner circle feel increasingly fragile.

McGuirk explores the cyclical nature of loss. Just as Catherine begins to find her footing in new employment, the external pressures of a country in crisis force her to confront the ghosts of her past. It is a poignant look at how trauma doesn’t just happen once; it echoes, especially when the world around you is fracturing.

By these final chapters, the sense of foreboding is so thick you can almost feel the desperation of the era. As a reader, you find yourself Bargaining with the narrative – hoping for a sliver of light or some sort of positive turn for Catherine’s family amidst the grim reality of the militia’s growth. It speaks to McGuirk’s ability to make us care deeply for these characters that their potential for happiness feels so high-stakes.

The final chapters offer a stunning subversion of typical historical drama. Instead of a narrative centered on the return or forgiveness of the husband who left, McGuirk brings us to a much more difficult and rewarding destination: Catherine’s forgiveness of herself. It is a powerful reminder that our most significant relationships are often the ones we navigate within our own hearts.

Favourite characters:

Catherine: the heart and soul of this journey. Following the loss of her father, she carries the weight of her three brothers and her own dreams from Ireland to the unknown of America. She isn’t looking for a man to save her; she’s looking for a life where she is allowed to have thoughts of her own. Her growth from a grieving daughter to a woman navigating the complexities of New York and beyond is incredibly moving.

Patrick: rather than being deterred by Catherine’s initial refusal of his hand, he is intrigued by it. He shows a level of emotional intelligence and respect that feels ahead of his time. His letters are vulnerable, honest, and filled with a curiosity that makes him feel like a true partner rather than just a suitor. He proves that intimacy doesn’t always need a physical presence; sometimes, it just needs a pen and an open heart.

Favourite quotes:

“A book is a helpful diversion on deck during the long days at sea.”

“I will see you again. It will not be here, but somewhere else far away. I will come and find you there, wherever it is.”

How it ends:

The resolution is a poignant, heavy-hearted look at the consequences of pride and the fragility of life during the Famine era. It is a story that ends not with a celebration, but with a profound sense of ‘what might have been.’ However, the epilogue provides a breathtaking shift, transforming Catherine’s personal grief into a global legacy. Through her love of books, her voice survives – not just through bloodlines, but through a tapestry of friends and family across the world. It is a hauntingly beautiful reminder that even when we lose the battle against time, our stories can still find their way home.

Favourite part:

There is an unexpected surge of emotional energy as we cross into the second third of this story that took my breath away. We move from the quiet, heavy atmosphere of loneliness into this gritty, beautiful determination. The protagonist’s decision to head to New York isn’t an escape – it’s an arrival. Watching her navigate the tension between who she was expected to be and who she actually is makes for a deeply engaging and motivating read. It’s that pivot point where survival turns into a search for self.

Rating out of 5:

Dear Missing Friend is a thoughtful and emotionally rich piece of historical fiction that shines in its exploration of grief, identity, and self-discovery. Catherine’s journey feels deeply personal, and the way she turns to literature to understand her life adds a beautiful layer of introspection to the narrative.

While the persistent shadow of loss creates a powerful and authentic atmosphere, the emotional heaviness can make parts of the story feel slower and more contemplative than plot-driven. However, the novel’s final act delivers a meaningful and mature resolution, focusing not on romantic closure but on Catherine learning to forgive herself.

Overall, this is a moving and reflective story that lingers long after the final page, earning a strong 4 out of 5 stars.

[Mayda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The year is 1841. Catherine McGuirk sails to America from Ireland in hopes of a better life. She travels aboard a ship with two brothers, leaving the youngest brother in Ireland with an uncle. On the ship, she meets and becomes friends with a young man. He proposes marriage, but Catherine turns him down. Still, they remain life-long pen pals. Later, in America, she meets Michael, a whaler. Her brothers warn her that he will never give up the sea, but he tells her he would, if she would marry him. Catherine has dreamt of being a governess, but perhaps marriage is the better choice. In this epistolary novel, Catherine’s life unfolds in stark reality. Her life is a hard one. At times, she and her brothers scramble for food and lodging, finding it difficult to obtain jobs and to save money for the future. Gold fever hits the east coast and entices the men away from their families, searching for that elusive vein that will make them rich. Catherine suffers mightily, hoping for the home she does not have, for the position she can’t achieve, and mostly, for the child she has lost. As a nurse, she has little status in the home where she works, though the girl she cares for loves her more than she loves her own mother. And when that family leaves for another country, the ties they share are broken. And Catherine must forge a new place for herself. Though unfulfilled dreams and sadness permeates this story, it is still one of courage and resilience. The pages are filled with the struggles of the Irish immigrants, yet these hard times only increased their desire to be strong and persevere through their adversity. Catherine has some difficult decisions to make, and it is only much later that she wonders if she made the wrong ones. This novel is an excellent snapshot of life in the nineteenth century. Through the letters to and from Catherine and her family and friends, we learn what life was like for those newcomers, and how hard it was to achieve any great success. The letters themselves are captivating, and the people come alive through them. It is interesting to note that, though the letters are fictional, the characters are based on the real people, and the main protagonist is an ancestor of the author. This novel is highly recommended to readers of historical fiction.

[Linda Brennen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cathy is a young woman who leaves Ireland with her two older brothers to make a new life in America. On board the ship she befriends a young man who will prove influential throughout all of her days. She is singleminded and has dreams of being a teacher or governess. She also dreams of being a wife and mother. Her dreams are not unrealistic but they are ambitious and somewhat conflicting for the time and place. Difficult decisions, sacrifice, and tragedy define her life.

The real trials and tribulations of young immigrants to New York in the 1800s, especially women, are realized through the fictionalized portrayal of the author’s actual family, their friends and acquaintances.

The story was told in the form of letters to and from the main character Cath. One of the beauties of this method of storytelling was to allow gaps when specifics of the family history were unknown. The second was to provide innermost thoughts and feelings as a fictionalized account of real people.

The book was written beautifully with descriptions that transport the reader to the time and place, include historic events experienced through contemporaneous eyes, and invest you in the character’s lives. I truly enjoyed the book and recommend it to all who love reality based historical fiction.

Thank you Netgalley and Sea Crow Pass for the opportunity to review this ebook before the publication date of May 19, 2026. All opinions expressed are my own.

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[Manikya Kodithuwakku · Rating 5 out of 5]

Atmospheric, well-researched, and unputdownable!

It is difficult to believe that this is a debut - just from how cleverly the story is told. The novel is in epistolary form, and we read letters that the protagonist, Cathy, writes to her family and friends, and their responses. While I was a bit hesitant going into this, wrongly assuming that the characters will end up being flat, I found myself eagerly awaiting particular responses, impatiently reading the letters in-between. Other than a few peripheral characters, every person is well-drawn, and even when we don’t agree with their choices, we understand why they made them. For me, this is a really good guage of characterisation!

Susan McGuirk also captures the sense of the places we move through, esp New York city of the time and its fringes, and even places to which characters travel with the Gold Rush and the world war. It hones in on the limits posed for women at the time, the first pangs of feminist activism, and the moral choices that are caught between them. This is one of those novels that make you feel like you’re walking beside the protagonist, and listening to her tell her life story as an immigrant, woman, teacher, sister, and partner.

The real surprise though was going through the bibligraphy and photos of the places the author has added as an appendix to the novel. Going by the understanding that the novel is based on the story of a grand-aunt of the author, it was a pleasant surprise to find that almost all the characters are referenced. The facts of their life has been woven so seamlessly into the narrative that we end up feeling like we had read the most minute details of real-life people. This is another reason that I find it difficult to believe this is a debut - years worth of research has gone into creating the spine of this story, and the imagined fleshing out is a completely immersive read!

Can’t wait to see more from Susan McGuirk!

Thanks to BookSirens and the author for an ARC!

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an ARC reader for Book Sirens and this is my honest opinion. This book is different to anything I can remember reading. There is no start or finish story in the normal way, it's entirely made up of letters between ancestors of the author. The central "character" , Catherine McGuirk and her two older brothers travel from a village in Ireland in 1841, before the famine but suffering under English rule. Their younger brother and cousin are too young but are saving for their passage. Catherine's childhood friend also joins them. There are other people, both immigrants and friends Catherine met in New York. Running through the book is Walt Whitman's book of poetry, Leaves of Grass, as a commentary before each section. Catherine met him in her early employment in New York.
Some of the family and friends find contentment, even happiness. Catherine herself opens her heart to those closest to her and offers advice to others. She comes over as a strong willed woman who, whilst being disappointed in one way, feels satisfaction in her achievements. The book covers the period of the Irish Famine and the American civil war. Even after Catherine's death there are some poignant letters. Susan McGuirk has included at the end every source she used to piece together her ancestors lives - and added her own imagination to put together this fascinating insight into the lives of Irish immigrants to America in the early decades of the 19th century.

[Katherine Kirkpatrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear Missing Friend is a must-read for fans of 19th-century American historical fiction. In this heartfelt and engaging epistolary novel, a young Irish woman named Catherine McGuirk navigates love, loss, friendship, family duties, earning an income, and dealing with prejudice as an immigrant. Spanning three decades, from 1841 to 1870, Dear Missing Friend is set in lower Manhattan and on Eastern Long Island, featuring real-life characters and events. The protagonist is the author’s second great aunt. Catherine’s correspondents include her three brothers, her sister-in-law, a potential suitor she meets aboard the ship from Ireland to New York, and a handsome, restless sailor with whom she falls in love. Catherine also writes to a friend from Sag Harbor, a Native woman of the Montaukett tribe. Delightfully, Herman Melville and Walt Whitman make cameo appearances in the book. Quotes from Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass enhance the novel’s appeal. New York City history buffs will immediately recognize the 1832 Merchant’s House on East Fourth Street and St. Peter’s Church on Barclay Street. Similarly, Long Island history enthusiasts will enjoy references to the Mulfords of the Mulford House in East Hampton and the St. David A.M.E. Zion Church in Sag Harbor’s Eastville neighborhood. Fans of the Sag Harbor Whaling and Historical Museum will appreciate the local whaling connections. Reading this novel is a great way to explore 19th-century American history.

[Smithers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ARC via BookSirens in exchange for my honest review.

What an interesting book about Irish immigrants in the mid to late 1800s coming to America. Mainly, the book revolves around the McGuirk siblings who come to the US in search of a better life for each of them. We also hear a bit about life during the potatoes famine in Ireland and struggles in the US to make ends meet at a time of shifting work industries.

This book tore at my heart quite often. I really felt bad for Catherine and the situation her husband, Michael, put her in. At the same time, I really felt bad for Michael. Catherine, as much as she was in love with him, she did not really understand him. Otherwise, she would not have asked him to give up his trade of whaling and being on the sea that he loved.

I did find myself angry with Catherine! Her own pride was part of her hardships - not just Michael.

What worked for me was getting to know ancillary characters like Patrick, Pierre, and June. I got other perspectives on Catherine’s life as well as their own.

I feel I would have given this a 5-star rating had some of the maps and pictures been embedded in the book while I was reading. I would have been more immersed and invested in the story than I already was.

Overall this book was a great read and I learned a little history a long the way.

[Mari · Rating 3 out of 5]

This rating is 3.5.

Well-researched story based on the author’s great-aunt’s life. Catherine McGuirk and her two older brothers leave Ireland and journey to New York City in the mid-19th century, just before the Irish Potato Famine. It is a time of many changes for both Ireland and the New World.

This is an epistolary story, told through letters Catherine exchanges with friends and family. I like epistolary novels because the reader can see events through more than one pair of eyes. However, there may be a few too many correspondents here, but it’s a solid story.

The book gets off to a rather slow start, and the pace slows in the middle. Though Catherine has some joyous moments, the mood overall seems to be dysthymic. I sympathized with her but, as I read more, it became evident that her unhappiness was largely due to decisions she made based on hurt and stubbornness.

Nevertheless, the story brings alive the challenges Irish immigrants faced in 19th century New York City and Sag Harbor. At the very end of the book, the author includes photos of actual documents and real places in the story. Readers of historical fiction and epistolary novels would most likely like this book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review: Dear Missing Friend

I really enjoyed Dear Missing Friend, especially the unique letter format. The story unfolds through Catherine’s correspondence, which made it feel very personal and gave a deeper look into her thoughts, struggles, and hopes over time.

Catherine is an easy character to root for. Even during periods of loneliness and difficulty, she keeps moving forward and doesn’t give up on her dream of becoming a governess. I admired her perseverance and determination, especially when things weren’t easy.

I also appreciated the relationships in the story. Catherine’s friendship with Jane was a bright spot and showed how meaningful supportive friendships can be. While her family didn’t always give her the support she needed, it was clear that she was still loved, which added another layer of realism to her journey.

Overall, this was a heartfelt and engaging story about perseverance, friendship, and following one’s dreams.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Donna Satterlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The main character of this book is Catherine McQuirk an 18-year-old woman who leaves her home in Ireland with two of her brothers to settle in America. The time frame is the early to mid 1800's and takes place mostly after settling in the New York city area. The characters are all presented through letters between Catherine and the various family members and friends she develops.

This is the first book I have read written in complete letter format, so I was unsure of what to expect. I am an avid historical fiction reader but found this writing format made the characters and events seemed to stay with me. I didn't miss a word of the various letters and couldn't wait to read about all the characters develop over the years.

This is one of the most beautiful written books I have read and am sure the characters will stay with me for quite some time. I read this very fast as had to know what happened next and was sorry when the concluded.

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting historical fiction

This book, a compilation of letters from the main character, Cath (Catherine) McGuirk, follows her lifetime and relationships from the time that she boards a vessel to travel from Ireland to the US until her death.

In those days, Irish immigrants were thought of as lower class, and therefore only certain jobs would hire them. Some of her relatives turned to farming on Long Island, while Catherine drifted a bit. She marries a man that her family doesn't approve of, and much of her life is spent alone.

While I applaud her courage to stand up as a solitary female in a time when this wasn't acceptable, I did feel that the book was a bit slow moving for my taste. It does provide insight into the immigrant life at that time.

Thanks to the author, publisher and BookSirens from whom I received an advance review copy for free, but I am leaving this review voluntarily and my opinions are my own.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave Dear Missing Friend by Susan McGuirk four stars.

This story unfolds through a series of letters written by Catherine McGuirk, an Irish immigrant, along with correspondence from her husband, family members, and friends. The format made the story feel incredibly personal, like I was stepping directly into their lives and relationships.

What I especially loved is that this book is loosely based on the author’s own genealogical research. As a genealogist, that immediately drew me in, and it added an extra layer of meaning knowing these characters and experiences were inspired by real lives.

The characters were wonderfully done—I found myself genuinely invested in them—and I loved how the story gradually unfolded through their letters. It felt natural, emotional, and intimate without ever feeling forced.

A heartfelt and engaging read that beautifully blends family history with storytelling.

[sniksnak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This debut historical fiction novel is inspired by the author’s great aunt. Set in 1840s Sag Harbor during the whaling boom, Irish immigrant Catherine McGuirk declines a shipboard proposal to pursue her dreams in America. Instead, she marries a sailor who vows to leave the sea until he disappears west in search of gold. This leaves her to become a governess in Manhattan. Torn between her ambition, the disappearance of her husband, and her now wealthy ex-lover, she navigates love and loss through heartfelt letters. This emotional epistolary story explores resilience, heartbreak and self-discovery in a rapidly changing world.
**I would like to express my gratitude to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read this gifted ebook in exchange for an honest review. #ARC #NetGalley
#DearMissingFriend

[Ruth Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for letting me review this book. I loved the epistolary style, and found the plot easy to follow. The author did meticulous research on her family tree, providing documentation and pictures in the pages following the story which were very interesting, and allowed the reader to see that although conversations were fictional, the historical context, and real people (such as Whitman, and Melville) did exist. In other words, the five star review is as a result of the marriage between research and a well written story. My only mild criticism is that the letters seemed to be written in the same voice. I would expect some of the writing to be less polished based on the social status and education level of the character, but in the letters, all seemed about equal. That's a mild critique only. The book was great, so thank you!

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow, I'm writing this right after I finished reading this book and I'm at a loss for words. This was the most emotional and beautifully written book! It's going to stay in my head rent free for a long time, it's so different from any other book I've read! I loved how the author took real letters from her ancestors and pieced together this book, it made it so much more! If you are looking for a very deep emotionally connecting book about the mid 1800s this one is for you! I have always loved reading books about immigrants coming over and starting a new life in New York City especially from Ireland and this one has been my favorite! I would definitely recommend! Thank you NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been long time since I read a novel that was told through written letters. The last one had to be West to Home by Laura Ingalls Wilder.

The author did a smashing job of telling the story and establishing setting and character development through the letters written between characters. I am not sure why I haven't come across many other novels like this, and I have read a lot of them. I would love to read more like this and especially by this author.

If you are a fan of historical and Irish immigration fiction, you will love this one.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Anna Gormley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really excited to read this book as I loved the blurb and thought it would be something I would be really interested in.

However… it just fell completely flat for me. Like I finished this book a couple of hours ago and I couldn’t really tell you anything memorable about the plot already 🙈

Also, the style of writing in this book was absolutely not for me. At times I found the style of writing tedious, boring and confusing!!

What I will say is I really enjoyed some of the characters such as Cathy, Patrick and Jane.

[Susan Lindemulder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm usually not a fan of epistolary novels but I could not put this one down. I truly felt I got to know Catherine so much better by reading the letters (both from her and to her) than I would have had I read the book in traditional novel format. I'll be happy to recommend this book to patrons in my library. Thank you Susan McGuirk, and Library Thing for the book!!!

[Annemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from HiddenGemBooks. This book kept me reading non-stop from the second I started it. I couldn't put it down. I read it in one sitting! The author kept me wanting more and wanting to know what was happening next. I felt as though I was right next to the characters as they were writing letters between them. Great read. You won't be disappointed.

[Mary Fabrizio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow moving tale told thru letters to and from the main character. I didn't completely connect with the characters and felt some could have been flushed out more - Michael in particular. I did feel the author did a good job in depicting the immigrant experience in the 1800's. I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Theresa]

The story of Catherine and her family as told through the letters she wrote and received from family and friends. History takes shape and several notable people add to the story. Very good.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brings history to life and also shows how important the written art of letterwriting is so important. I was so impressed with this book, mainly for the documentation. It is an extremely quick read and full of feeling.

[Bookskee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A poignant and emotional story of Catherine who leaves Ireland with her brothers in hope of a better future.

On the boat she meets a young man with whom she has an incredible connection but because of the unknown future ahead and her inexperience she refuses his proposal. They remain faithful pen-pals, he remains smitten.

She falls in love with a sailor ( against her brother's warnings) This relationship ends up being so many things...beautiful and heartbreaking.

The story shows Catherine's strength, determination, resilience and stubbornness to follow her heart despite her heartbreak and inner turmoil.

I loved her brothers so much and the friendships she made. Just writing this brings up a heap of emotions.

I know very little of this time period including whale hunting and the California gold rush so it was interesting to read and do a bit of research afterwards.

Highly recommend this book if you love Historical Fiction, a book told by letter writing alone, emotional.

This is also a great book for bookclub! So many things to discuss and I also Highly recommend reading the authors note!

I can't wait to get my hands on the physical copy of this book!

Many thanks to Netgalley, author and Sea Crow Press for the opportunity to read in advance and share my thoughts.