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Until the Next Letter

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When sisters Libby and Rachel open a letter from their late mother, they discover that it’s the first of five. Each letter asks them to scatter their mother’s ashes in a different place, and travel together to the carefully chosen locations.

What begins as an act of remembrance soon becomes a journey into the past. With every trip, the sisters uncover unsettling truths about their family. As questions mount, Libby and Rachel are forced to confront what they thought they knew about their mother, and about themselves.

Along the way, grief gives way to connection, laughter and unexpected romance. Old wounds are reopened, but new bonds are formed, offering the chance of healing and hope.

Until the Next Letter is a warm, uplifting novel about sisterhood and the courage it takes to face the truth. One letter, and one journey, at a time.

297 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 28, 2026

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Hannah Claire

2 books2 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for Sheila.
3,749 reviews154 followers
July 5, 2026
I received a free copy of, Until the Next Letter, by Hannah Claire, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Libby and Rachel's mother passed away from Cancer, they never really knew her mother, she kept secrets from them. This was such a good and emotional read.
Profile Image for Melissa.
155 reviews8 followers
July 19, 2026
I fear I’m in the minority with my opinion on this book. I did not like it at all, and I’m so sad because this had everything to be such a perfect read for me. The characters read incredibly mature and I was shocked when I found out Rachel was 41 and Libby was 28! They read like 18-20. The selfishness of the mother to withhold all this information from her children was crazy..like beyond crazy. I would get one secret but by the end of the book their mother basically never told them the truth ever? Like their mom literally said “hmmm I could tell these grown women about my past and their family..or I could send them on a vague scavenger hunt where they’ll figure out FOUNDATIONAL INFORMATION but I’ll be dead and they can’t ask me about it. Just be sad, hurt, and confused.” Wtf

I also didn’t care for the love story, it felt forced and unnecessary and took away from what could’ve been a sweet story about sisterhood and grief, with more time focused on the journey their mother’s letters sent them on and the rekindling of their relationship as sisters. But instead it tried to tackle so. many. topics. that they all felt water downed and flat.

Overall the whole book read YA and none of the storylines felt fleshed out, and the mom lowkey sucked.

Thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Reading Hive.
25 reviews4 followers
July 12, 2026
This book left me with mixed feelings.

What it absolutely got right was its characters. They were warm, easy to root for, and the light-hearted moments genuinely made me smile. It has that comforting, feel-good energy that makes you want to keep turning the pages.

But I walked into this book expecting to feel completely wrecked emotionally.

The premise promised a story filled with grief, healing, and emotional turbulence. I was ready to cry, to sit with the characters' pain, to feel the weight of what they were going through. Instead, the emotional beats stayed on the surface for me.

I also found some of the themes and conversations becoming repetitive, which took away from their impact. Rather than deepening the emotions, they often felt like they were circling the same ideas.

I kept wishing the characters had been pushed a little further emotionally. There was so much potential for more vulnerability, more conflict, and more depth than what ultimately made it onto the page.

I still enjoyed reading it, especially for its warmth and the relationships between the characters. I just closed the book wishing it had trusted its own premise enough to dive deeper into the grief it promised.
Profile Image for Chantelle Nelson.
22 reviews15 followers
August 27, 2026
It was okay! It was a beautiful story, found family, two sisters, all the warm hearted-ness. Unfortunately I just found myself a little bored, but it was a fine read.
8 reviews
Read
July 6, 2026
ARC Review | Until the Next Letter by Hannah Claire ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to the author/publisher for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Some stories ask what we leave behind after we're gone. Others ask what we never found the courage to say while we were here. Until the Next Letter quietly asks both.

At the heart of this story are sisters Libby and Rachel, whose lives are turned upside down after the death of their mother. Rather than leaving behind only memories, she leaves something far more unexpected: five letters, five jars of ashes, and five destinations. Each letter becomes another carefully placed breadcrumb leading the sisters deeper into a past they never truly knew, uncovering family secrets that had remained hidden for decades.

What I loved most about this novel was its emotional honesty. Their mother's final act of love isn't simply saying goodbye; it's finally finding the courage to tell the truth. Through every letter, she reveals the choices she made, the regrets she carried, and the parts of herself she kept hidden for so many years. It raises a question I found myself thinking about long after I finished reading: How well do we ever really know our parents?

As Libby and Rachel unravel their mother's history, they're also forced to question their own. Were they raised on truth, or on carefully constructed versions of it? Watching both sisters process those revelations felt incredibly authentic. I especially appreciated that neither woman was expected to grieve "correctly." When they were angry, they were allowed to be angry. When they cried, there was no shame attached to it. Too often grief is portrayed as something quiet and graceful, but this novel embraces the messier reality—that grief is confusing, contradictory, and deeply personal. That honesty made me fall in love with the story even more.

One aspect I particularly enjoyed was how differently Libby and Rachel remembered and understood their mother. The novel beautifully highlights that siblings can grow up in the same family yet experience completely different relationships with the very same parent. Those subtle differences added another layer of realism to an already heartfelt story.

There is also a gentle romantic subplot that adds warmth without ever overshadowing the heart of the novel. I appreciated that the focus remained firmly on the sisters, their relationship, and the emotional journey of following their mother's final wishes. While the overall direction of the plot is fairly predictable, the writing is warm enough that I never minded knowing roughly where it was heading. Sometimes the comfort comes not from the destination, but from travelling alongside the characters.

On a personal level, this book left me reflecting on what I would say if I knew my own time was running short. Would I leave letters behind for the people I love? Would I want to guide them through my memories, my mistakes, my hopes for their future, so they didn't feel quite so lost without me? Few books leave me asking those kinds of questions, and I think that's one of this novel's greatest strengths.

Ultimately, Until the Next Letter is a tender story about grief, family, friendship, secrets, forgiveness, new beginnings, and enduring love. Hannah Claire explores these themes with warmth and compassion, creating a novel that feels intimate, comforting, and deeply relatable. It reminds us that love doesn't simply end with death—it changes form. Sometimes it arrives later, tucked inside an envelope, sealed with truth, and waiting patiently until we're finally ready to read it.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

If you're looking for a cosy, emotionally driven family drama filled with heartfelt relationships, long-buried secrets, and a journey that will keep you turning the pages, Until the Next Letter is well worth picking up. It is a gentle reminder that the people we love often leave us with far more than memories—they leave us with the courage to keep moving forward.
Profile Image for Paula  Phillips.
5,848 reviews357 followers
Review of advance copy
June 27, 2026
There are some books that don’t just tell a story , they settle around you like a warm blanket on a quiet evening, and Until the Next Letter by Hannah Claire is exactly that kind of read. If you loved Cecelia Ahern’s PS I Love You, then this book will feel like coming home again to those same emotional, letter-driven vibes. It also reminded me of Steena Holmes’ Dear Abby series, where family secrets and emotional journeys are gently unravelled one page at a time.

At the heart of this story are sisters Libby and Rachel, whose world is turned upside down when their mother passes away and leaves behind a series of letters. These aren’t just sentimental notes of love and goodbye ,each letter is a carefully crafted breadcrumb leading them into their mother’s hidden past. As they follow her instructions, they begin travelling through the countryside, uncovering truths that were never meant to be spoken aloud while she was alive.

What makes this story so compelling is the emotional honesty woven through every revelation. Their mother, in her final act of love, is finally brave enough to share the parts of herself she once buried ,choices made, regrets carried, and truths withheld. It raises a deeply human question: how well do we ever really know our parents?

As Libby and Rachel piece together their mother’s history, they are also forced to confront their own identities. Were they living a life built on truth, or carefully constructed illusions? And more importantly, are they ready for the emotional fallout that comes with knowing everything?

This book is tender, reflective, and quietly heartbreaking in places, but it also carries hope. It makes you think about the messages we leave behind for the people we love and whether words can truly heal when we are no longer here to speak them.

On a personal note, it had me wondering what I would say if I knew I was running out of time. Would I leave letters behind for my loved ones, guiding them gently through my memories and mistakes, just so they wouldn’t feel lost without me?

Until the Next Letter is a beautiful reminder that love doesn’t end with death ,it simply changes form, often arriving later in envelopes sealed with truth.
Profile Image for Spandy.
334 reviews
July 3, 2026
Thanks to Netgalley and The Book Guild for the ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

**SERIOUS SPOILERS AHEAD**
I am very sorry to say this, but this book was not for me. I honestly believe this book is for white people because some plot points were so absurd that my brain couldn't fathom them happening in a POC family. Examples ahead.

1. If your mother is missing on your wedding day, not answering any calls, and is completely MIA, as a daughter who had a good relationship with her until then, you would honestly abandon the wedding and organize a search party instead of getting angry at her for showing up late to the reception and almost making you lose your honeymoon flights. Especially when she arrives with her dress ripped in several places.

2. Making the children never visit their father's grave and giving some bullshit excuse like "it was exam season" is also diabolical.
3. Making the kids run around on a scavenger hunt with the most annoying, barely half-complete clues instead of the mom just saying what she wanted to say, while also giving the mom the most rollercoaster of a life and keeping it all a secret like she's some high-class spy, was another thing that really irritated me.

Honestly, it was a struggle to get through this book without wanting to rip my hair out. The writing was also not something I connected with. It honestly felt like I was reading a textbook. I mean, who says, "Let's go to the next chapter," while talking about something as serious as the reason why their mom missed her daughter's wedding?

And don't even get me started on emotional suppport love interest. And the ending was far too Hallmark-y for my taste.

So, all in all, this book was not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for J.C. Wing.
Author 33 books223 followers
August 24, 2026
When Rachel and Libby's mom passes away, they are heartbroken. They find a letter that she wrote and left for them, then realize it's the first letter of five. With each letter they read, they learn more about their mother's past, and they uncover some heavy secrets that neither one of them ever suspected.

I'll be honest, I struggled with Linda, the mother who died, a little bit. The girls uncover so many things they had no idea about, and in many instances, I felt as though it would have been much better for her to have just had a conversation with her daughters. By coming clean after her death, she released herself of the outcome of all the truths the siblings were flooded with. She didn't have to deal with the aftermath of what she had revealed. She didn't have to watch her children come to terms with a new reality because of secrets she'd kept from them.

Still, there's no denying that this is a very sweet novel. It's filled with a lot of love, and the idea that families can be made in a million different ways. Libby was a very likable character. I wasn't sure about Rachel at first, but I grew to like her in short order. The relationship between the siblings, while not terrible to begin with, really bloomed while they took these letters one at a time and fulfilled their mother's wishes. There's romance here, too, and I really liked the obvious love Rachel's husband, Ivan, has for his wife.

This book kept me intrigued throughout. Ms. Claire did a wonderful job of creating characters readers could connect with. I would recommend this novel and am happy I came across it myself.
Profile Image for Meena Kumari.
28 reviews13 followers
June 25, 2026
Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

This book was such an emotional read.

Libby and Rachel’s mother has passed away after she was ill for a long time. Before she passes away in hospital, Linda asks her daughter Libby to find a letter in her bag after she’s gone and not to think badly of her.

Following the funeral, the girls, still grieving the loss of their mother read the first letter. Their mother informs them of how she wants her ashes scattered, in five different places. She also mentions that there are five more letters and they are to scatter her ashes within a time period.

From the first letter, secrets are revealed to the girls about the places where Linda lived and are surprised that she kept them a secret, but wonder why.

But, there are two big secrets that come to light, which will shock them both. There is one person who knows the truth regarding one of the big secrets, but will he reveal what he knows?

At the school where Linda worked, Libby goes to give the donations that people made at the funeral and Josh informs that her mother started the process to build an area for a farm, to house animals which will help the children at the school learn more about them and nature in general. Libby asks him if she can help set it up.

There is a lot happening in the story, happy moments as well as sad. You will need tissues.

The story is about loss, friendship, secrets, new beginnings and love. It will keep you turning the pages to find out what happens next.

I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Mo Chapter.
569 reviews69 followers
June 28, 2026
An emotional journey of family, forgiveness and hope
Some books capture your attention with an intriguing premise, while others tempt you in with a beautiful cover. Until the Next Letter managed both, and from the moment I discovered it I knew it was one I wanted to read.
At its heart, this is a beautifully heartfelt story about family, grief, forgiveness and the relationships that shape us. Hannah Claire explores these themes with warmth and compassion, creating an emotional journey that feels both intimate and deeply relatable.
I loved the way the story unfolds. Each letter gradually reveals another piece of the past, allowing both the reader and the sisters to discover the truth together. Rather than relying on dramatic twists, the novel focuses on the emotions behind every revelation, making each one feel authentic and deeply moving.
Alongside the more poignant moments there is warmth, humour, hope and the promise of new beginnings. The relationships that develop throughout the story bring lightness to balance the heartbreak, creating a novel that never feels overwhelmed by sadness despite its emotional subject matter.
By the final page I felt as though I had travelled every mile alongside Libby and Rachel. Their journey of discovery, healing and understanding is one I became completely invested in, and one I won't be forgetting any time soon.
A moving and uplifting novel that celebrates sisterhood, family and the courage to face the past.
You can read my full, spoiler-free review over at MoMoBookDiary.
Profile Image for Helen.
522 reviews24 followers
July 4, 2026
I was kindly sent a free copy of this book by the publishers as part of a book tour in exchange for an honest review. This was very reminiscent of a Cecelia Ahern book, and I’ve read almost all of her stories, so this one really captured me. This book is an emotional rollercoaster of a read - a beautifully written, heartfelt journey that really tugs at your heartstrings. I loved the two sisters at the centre of this story as they follow the letters left for them that lead them on a journey their late mother wished for them to go on together in memory of her. There are some upsetting revelations after they scatter each of the 5 jars of their mothers ashes in various locations, but the bond between the two sisters was so strong and hopeful it really carried the story and brought the narrative to life. We walk with them as they uncover their mother’s past and the secrets she’d hidden from them all of their lives and they support one another as some upsetting lies are uncovered that shatter their very core ideas about themselves. The focus stays on the emotional responses throughout, making us really feel involved and invested in the journey and equally desperate for all the secrets to come out. There is some romance as well but it takes very much a back burner in the story and this is more of a celebration of sisterhood and family. Not one I’m likely to reread but certainly not one I will forget anytime soon either. It made me cry so it’s earned itself the full 5 stars.

Profile Image for Patrice Gotting - #prdgreads.
420 reviews13 followers
June 28, 2026
My Thoughts: I went into this one knowing it was going to be an emotional one, I was fully prepared and ready for it, the writing was beautiful, the story was perfect, I just loved everything about it!


Libby and Rachel were never afraid to confront the hard emotions, if they felt anger it was shown, if they were crying it was without feeling ashamed or guilty, it’s the side of grief that is never really shown either in real life or in books & that in a way made me fall in love with the book even more.

All that being said I’m not sure if I read this book at the right time or the wrong time, we’re very close to the anniversary of losing my dad, so everything feel heightened.

Their mums letters made me cry, every single one, their reactions made me feel the emotions with them & don’t even get me started on how I felt when they were scattering the ashes, complete emotional mess!

But it all added together & meant that I just couldn’t put this book down, it was so captivating.

There was so many happy moments in this book too, between all the secrets that were being uncovered I think both Libby and Rachel found a new lease of life, a new reason to keep going.

The overall feeling of this book is hope & not being afraid to move on and discover new things.

Absolutely one of my top books of the year!

🐧🩷
Profile Image for Amanda C.
49 reviews4 followers
July 14, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this.

Until the Next Letter by Hannah Claire is a heartfelt story about grief, family, forgiveness, and the unbreakable bond between sisters.

After the death of their mother, sisters Libby and Rachel discover a series of letters she left behind, each sending them on a journey to scatter her ashes in meaningful places. What starts as a final farewell soon becomes an emotional road trip filled with family secrets, unexpected revelations, and opportunities for healing.

I found this to be an enjoyable read, although it was a little slow-paced at times. The story gradually unfolds, revealing several twists surrounding the family’s past that kept me interested and eager to see how everything would come together. While I would have liked the pacing to be a bit quicker, the emotional journey and character development made it worthwhile.

The strongest part of this novel is the relationship between the sisters. Watching Libby and Rachel navigate their grief, confront old hurts, and slowly rebuild their connection was touching and authentic. The themes of sisterhood, family, love, and second chances are beautifully woven throughout the story.

If you enjoy emotional family dramas with plenty of heart, sisterhood, and secrets that unravel one chapter at a time, Until the Next Letter is definitely worth picking up.
Profile Image for Karen.
408 reviews3 followers
July 19, 2026
After the passing of Libby and Rachel’s mother, they find they are the recipients of five letters written from their mother requesting they scatter her ashes in five separate places that she held dear during her life.
Whilst carrying out their mother’s wishes the sisters come to realise there is a lot they didn’t know about their mum and the secrets she held.
After reading this book I ended up really feeling sorry for the sisters and how their mother kept them in the dark about her past, especially when it came to Rachel as she was a lot older - 41yo to Libby’s 28yo). I do think a lot of what was kept secret caused unnecessary tension and hurt when it could have been avoided just by telling the truth. Although the writer says they ended up understanding why their mother kept her secrets from them, I found this hard to fathom. Unfortunately I found it un-motherly to give your children these breadcrumbs of information and then leave it to other people to fill in the blanks and try to explain her history.
Apart from my feelings towards their mum, overall I enjoyed Until the Next Letter very much. The relationship between the sisters and how they worked together was lovely and the growing friendship between Libby and Josh was very cute.
Thank you to Netgalley and The Book Guild for the arc for review.
38 reviews2 followers
August 28, 2026
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the early review copy.

This was such a warm and emotional read. I really liked the premise, and I thought the story did a lovely job of balancing the sadness of grief with plenty of hope, love and lighter moments. I enjoyed slowly uncovering the secrets alongside Libby and Rachel and finding out more about their mother’s past.

For me, the best part of the book was the relationship between the two sisters. Libby and Rachel have very different memories and feelings about their mother, and I really enjoyed watching them grow closer as they worked through everything together. Their journey wasn’t just about uncovering their mother’s secrets; it was also about understanding each other and finding a way through their grief.

The story is cosy, heartfelt and full of themes of family, forgiveness, love, loss and new beginnings. There’s a romance woven in too, but I liked that it didn’t overshadow the relationship between the sisters, which felt like the real heart of the story.

Overall, Until the Next Letter was a lovely and comforting read, I really enjoyed the warmth of the story and its message that even after someone is gone, the things they leave behind can still help us understand them and find a way forward.

A lovely choice if you enjoy emotional family stories, long-held secrets, sisterhood, and a little romance.
Profile Image for Cozy.
12 reviews
July 4, 2026
Until the Next Letter completely surprised me in the best way. It's a heartfelt story about love, loss, forgiveness, and finding hope when life doesn't go the way you planned. The letters woven throughout the novel added such a personal touch and made the emotional moments hit even harder.

The characters were easy to care about, and I found myself rooting for them from the beginning. Their journey felt genuine, and I appreciated that the romance developed alongside each character's personal growth rather than being the sole focus of the story. There were several moments that genuinely made me emotional, and the themes of healing and second chances were handled with a lot of warmth.

The only reason this wasn't a full five-star read for me is that the middle section felt a little slower than the rest of the book. I also guessed one of the major developments before it happened, but that didn't take away from the overall experience.

Overall, this was a beautifully written, uplifting story that left me with a smile by the end. It's emotional without feeling overly dramatic, and it's the kind of book that reminds you of the power of kindness, faith, and human connection. If you enjoy character-driven romances with plenty of heart, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a try.
Profile Image for Amy Kaplan.
35 reviews2 followers
August 22, 2026
This was a wild roller coaster ride!

Until the Next Letter is the story of two sisters, Libby and Rachel who were given instructions by their mother to disperse her ashes in several locations in form of letters left after her death.

Predictably, this is a tear jerker, that's a given. But nothing prepared me for all the twists and turns the sisters would encounter along the way. I adored the relationship between Libby and Rachel, how their humor helped to release some of the sadness throughout the story and how they worked together to solve the problems encountered. The only complaint is that their relationship felt a bit too perfect and I didn't see much conflict between the two.

There's also a side quest of sorts between Josh, a former coworker of Libby's mother and I felt myself skimming through those chapters trying to get back to the letters. I understand the need for Josh, but perhaps he could have come in closer to the end of the story as that storyline wasn't as exciting as the two sisters.

I loved the author's descriptive writing, talking about the taste and smells happening in the story really helped to put me there.

This book will be great for anyone who loves a good cry, which I obviously do. Get the tissues ready
551 reviews15 followers
July 1, 2026
A story of loss, family secrets and family!

Libby and Rachel are working through the loss of their mum and instead of sitting with their grief they're having an adventure;at the request of their mum in her initial letter to them.

My mum's death was unexpected so there was no preparation and no expression of wishes. I quite like the way Libby and Rachel could work through their grief by sharing the letters and scattering ashes in the places that meant the most to their mum. It seems productive and helps them learn more about their mum who seems to have been burdened by a number of secrets.

The family secrets were huge and I can't imagine the burden of carrying them or the shock of having to process them without their mum being around to explain herself; at least the letters help clarify things.

It all works out well for the sisters in terms of their relationship strengthening and their found family coming together to celebrate their mum's legacy. I like that the story shows the ups and downs of grief. No one's journey is the same as another's and we process loss in a personal way.
Profile Image for Sonja Charters.
3,375 reviews153 followers
July 6, 2026
Having had a run of thrillers and dark romance reads, this book was just what I needed to revigorate and refresh my reading - despite knowing that it was probably going to break me along the way!

 

On her deathed, Libby and Rachel's mother gives them a letter to read...afterwards.

Intrigued, the pair open it to find that there are five letters in total, each one sending them on a trip of remembrance and to scatter their mum's ashes - but with each trip, the sisters discover things about themselves and the family, that they will have to confront and come to terms with.

 

The sisters were obviously going to be going through a period of grieving and if I'm honest, I'm not sure if have the strength to take off on these trips - but the girls do and together, each trip brings about a new connection and their bond strengthens.

 

This was always going to be an emotional one - so do go into this with care - but I think that the writing style was so beautiful and all of the aspects of grieving were dealt with with sensitivity and compassion.

 

I was completely invested in each trip and what new information would come to light and with each step, we see how the girls respond and reflect.

 

This was such a relatable and moving story and I loved that although it was born from grief, this never felt overwhelmingly sad.

There were some beautiful moments of connection and hope and of course the development of new relationships throughout.

 

I think this is my first read by this author, but I know that I'll be looking out for more in the future.
Profile Image for Alexandreya Laney.
77 reviews6 followers
August 4, 2026
4⭐️

Thank you to the author/publisher and Netgalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I actually really liked this book. I didn’t expect to as much as I did, as it’s not usually the type of book I go for, but I had a lot of fun! I really liked the aspect of each trip revealing a new piece of information that they had to sort of decipher! It was a lot of fun and so different from what I usually read.

The characters, Libby and Rachel, were a lot of fun, I just wish they were a bit more, mature? Sometimes I felt like they were a bit child-like in the way they reacted to things, and I found them a bit naive. I really liked them though, and I really liked the addition of their brother, and both of them connecting with their ‘new’ family!

The story is definitely realistic I think in the sense that a lot of people find out things about their family once they’ve passed. I did expect it to be a bit more on the emotional side, and it wasn’t as emotional as I expected, but it was still a fun and enjoyable story nonetheless!
Profile Image for Lizzie.
32 reviews
June 28, 2026
Grieving their mother, Libby and Rachel uncover a series of letters sending them to five different locations to scatter her ashes in places that held significance throughout her life.

Throughout these journeys, long held secrets become unearthed, and the sisters question just how well they knew their mum.

This was a sweet read, and I loved the way the author highlighted how siblings can have such different relationships with their parents.

There is a romantic subplot that is quite charming, and I liked that this aspect didn't overtake the main storyline of the sisters working through the clues left by their mum.

Although the plot follows a fairly predictable path, it's well written and I can see this appealing to readers looking for a cosy family drama to get lost in.

3.5 stars, rounded to 4.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Veronika Jordan.
Author 2 books53 followers
July 3, 2026
Not my usual genre, but occasionally I like to dip into something uplifting and heart-warming instead of yet another serial killer thriller or Gothic mystery. And Until The Next Letter will have you wrapped up emotionally in the lives of the sisters, Rachel and Libby.

Their mother has just died at the age of 62. Libby is devastated. Rachel is too, but also regrets having fallen out with her over her wedding to Ivan. She doesn’t know why her mum missed the ceremony. Maybe the letters will tell her something.

Ah the letters I hear you ask! Well it turns out that there are five of them to be opened in order. Each letter reveals a location where the sisters must go, each one a mini road trip. Something important will be unveiled at each place. There will be revelations and shocks. Their mum had secrets buried so deep that even her own children knew nothing.

In the meantime, Libby is helping at the school where her mum was the special needs coordinator. So far an outdoor classroom has been built – the plan also being to have a farm, complete with goats, ponies and chickens. And Josh, the teacher in charge of the project, just happens to be drop dead gorgeous.

I loved this book, and read it in two days. It was so easy to get involved. The only bit I found hard to believe was something their mother did all those years ago. It just didn’t seem likely. I also found historian Brian Barker’s initial reaction to the sisters a bit odd, considering he knew what he did.

Many thanks to @ZooloosBT for inviting me to be part of this blog tour.
Profile Image for Kristin.
231 reviews2 followers
July 6, 2026
3.5 rounded up. Until the Next Letter was the first Hannah Claire book that I have read. I enjoyed the premise of this book. Two sisters that have a large age gap and have become distant come together after their mom dies to read letters that she has left them. Sometimes what one person things is a big secret and finds difficulty talking about others would understand.

I enjoyed the trips that the sisters had to take to find out what their mom wanted them to know. The growth they had in their relationship and how much closer they became was a large portion of the book. I also enjoyed the relationship that Libby found along the way as well. Parts off the book dragged for me, especially the back and forth between the sisters and Brian. I feel like he knew that they found out what their moms secret was and just kept trying to deny and put other ideas in their heads.

Thanks to The Book Guild for an ARC of Until the Next Letter for an honest review.
Profile Image for Bridget.
43 reviews3 followers
July 8, 2026
I absolutely felt like I could not put my tablet down after I started reading Until the Next Letter by Hannah Claire. This book had me in tears several times, laughing at moments, and constantly questioning what was going to happen next. I love the bond that the sisters share throughout the story and their differences in personalities. I was happy that some non spicy romance was thrown into the story also.

Shortly before Libby Morgan's mother passes, she is instructed to get a letter from her mother's bag. After her mother's funeral, Libby and her sister, Rachel, read the letter together. Her mother wishes for her ashes to be scattered in five different locations and there is a letter that corresponds to each special location.

Libby was very close with her mother, but Rachel had not gotten along with her mom in quite some time. The two decide to fulfill their mother's wishes and learn secrets about their mother and family along the way.

I received a digital ARC on NetGalley
Profile Image for Hannah May Book Reviews.
495 reviews20 followers
July 8, 2026
It’s been a while since I’ve read a sentimental read and I was looking forward to getting my feelings toyed with. I also must comment on the gorgeous front cover too, it’s bloody beautiful.

This was definitely an emotional rollercoaster which I expected, but it was so beautifully written to. We had everything from grief, family secrets and relationships with a touch of heart warming romance.

Having lost a parent myself, I feel the author did a wonderful job and highlighting how grief isn’t black and white, it comes in waves and you learn to grown around it. So welldone to Hannah Claire for this.

The story had characters you could really invest in, I found myself rooting for them throughout and they felt like real people to me at some parts. I did predict some of the plot, but this didn’t spoil anything, I really did enjoy my time with this book, it was a perfect escape from reality.
Profile Image for Jess.
44 reviews2 followers
July 22, 2026
I received an ARC for Until The Next Letter by Hannah Claire through NetGalley. Thank you Hannah for the ARC.

This book follows the story of two sisters fulfilling their mother’s final wishes after she has passed through 5 written letters.

This was such an interesting concept which I really enjoyed reading, it tackles topics of grief and family dramas.

I really enjoyed the sisterly bond and realistic dynamic between Libby and Rachel.

I did feel that the concept of the letters from the mother and the stories that unfolded from them felt unfair and maybe they were too forgiving but then it’s hard to know how you’d handle those situations until you’re in them.

Overall I really enjoyed this book, it was wholesome, hope filled and enjoyable. Obviously there are sad topics and an emotional undertone to the story however all the characters were likeable and I found myself routing for the family.
Profile Image for Kelly.
2,751 reviews131 followers
June 30, 2026
I'm reviewing this as part of a tour with Zooloo's Book Tours.

When Libby and Rachel's mum passes away, they find that she's left a series of letters with instructions for them to carry out. As the two sisters carry out her last wishes together, they find that their mum's last letters have some surprises in store.

This had me tearful from the first chapter. I appreciated the sisterly bond between Libby and Rachel, and I think I identified with Libby more than with Rachel, though I liked them both.

I felt the story spoke to the fact that grief is a journey, and sometimes the journey is about new beginnings more than endings.

This book was definitely a tearjerker, but it left me with a warm feeling and made me smile.

Thank you to Zooloo's Book Tours, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
Profile Image for Mouza.
169 reviews
July 11, 2026

I really loved the concept behind Until the Next Letter. A mother, knowing her time is limited, leaves a series of letters for her two daughters, guiding them on a journey long after she’s gone. It was such an emotional premise with so much potential.

The story explores family bonds, grief, forgiveness, and the complicated relationships between sisters. While I appreciated these themes, I unfortunately didn’t connect with the characters as much as I had hoped. The writing felt a little too shallow for the emotional depth the story was aiming for, which made some of the moments less impactful.

Overall, I enjoyed the heart behind the story and its message, but I felt the execution didn’t quite live up to the beautiful idea. Even so, if you enjoy emotional family dramas centered around healing and second chances, this may still be worth picking up.
Profile Image for Sarah.
49 reviews
July 17, 2026
4.25 ⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Until the next letter was such a lovely, incredibly sweet read. I truly loved every single page of it.

What completely won me over was the central concept of the letters. I have always had a deep love for letter-writing because it brings a wonderful touch of old-school charm to a story. In a world where everything happens so fast behind phone screens and on social media, exchanging letters forces us to slow down. It allows the characters— and us as readers — to truly take the time to notice things, to appreciate the little moments, and to capture a specific snapshot in time.

It is a comforting, gentle story that stays with you. I highly recommend it if you are looking for a cozy, heartwarming read that reminds you of the beauty of taking your time.
198 reviews5 followers
July 7, 2026
When Libby and Rachel open a letter from their late mother, they never expected it to lead into 5 other letters asking them to spread her ashes in 5 different but very special places. With each trip, they learn more about the past and some family truths and questions come up. Throughout this journey, they’ll question everything they knew about themselves and their mother.

This was a beautiful read! A book that covers grief, connection, laughter and unexpected romance and I didn’t want to stop reading. Rachel and Libby are like chalk & cheese, which reminded me slightly of myself and my own sister. I loved reading their reactions to each letter, their trips to various locations and trying to figure out what it was all going to lead to & the meaning behind what was going on. This truly was the uplifting book I was needing right now and I loved it!
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