The Journal of Lettice Moore

by Jelina Bertow

The Journal of Lettice Moore is the intimate diary of a quiet woman living in a small English coastal town in 1905.

Each morning, Lettice cycles from the harbour to deliver fresh fish to local households — a simple rhythm that shapes her days. She records a life that appears plain from the outside, yet holds a rich inner world of quiet truth and wisdom.

As she moves from door to door with her fish basket, Lettice notices the moods of the harbour, the arrival of a new clergyman, village gossip, and the small questions that begin to stir in her heart. Her world is outwardly modest, but inwardly alive.

A book that feels like discovering a forgotten journal tucked away in an old wooden drawer.

Lettice’s story did not remain only on paper. Some of her moments later found their way into music, for readers who wish to listen beyond the final page.

126 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 27, 2025

Reviews

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Journal of Lettice Moore completely won me over with its quiet charm and rich sense of place. It feels like opening a real diary from another era and slowly becoming attached to the woman behind the handwriting. Lettice’s daily fish deliveries through a small coastal town may sound simple, but her observations about people, loneliness, hope, and change give the story surprising depth. The seaside setting is wonderfully vivid, and the slower pace lets every detail breathe. If you love gentle historical fiction with warmth and heart, this is a lovely book to sink into.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I love any books having to do with journals, letters, diaries, you know the type. I was really surprised to only find that or was 37 pages. At first the similar structure of every entry was a little off-putting to me, but the book was a super quick read and there was a lot of story in such a short time. I might recommend this to someone who is not an avid reader but would love to get into a book.

[Abigail L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel offers an intimate portrait of everyday life in a 1905 English coastal town through the journal entries of Lettice Moore. The diary format works especially well, creating a personal connection to Lettice as she records the routines, conversations, and quiet emotional shifts of her world. Elegant and memorable.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lettice delivers fresh fish to the local people. She keeps to herself and write in her diary about what she sees around her. It's a short story that makes me wish I knew her. Highly recommend.