What do you think?
Rate this book
Letters to My Father
Forty-three-year-old Wiletta Jayne is a God-loving woman in the midst
of a spiritual drought. Her strong relationship with God has been
disrupted by her chaotic lifestyle, and she feels lonely and lost. She
decides to take some time off from work and visit the beach, where she hopes to
reconnect with God’s voice.
On the way, Wiletta feels a strong pull to visit a garage sale, where she finds a
small stack of letters for sale. Knowing they are meant for her, she buys them and
begins reading through them while on her vacation. In the letters, Wiletta discovers personal stories of despair, loneliness, joy, and more. God then instructs her tofind the authors of the letters, so she reaches out to her best friend, Faith, who is a private investigator. Together, Wiletta and Faith set out to find these people, help them to know God’s love, and heal their hearts so they can seek him again.
This novel tells the story of a woman led by God to a collection of letters
written by strangers and the journey she takes with a friend to find and help
the letters’ authors.
of a spiritual drought. Her strong relationship with God has been
disrupted by her chaotic lifestyle, and she feels lonely and lost. She
decides to take some time off from work and visit the beach, where she hopes to
reconnect with God’s voice.
On the way, Wiletta feels a strong pull to visit a garage sale, where she finds a
small stack of letters for sale. Knowing they are meant for her, she buys them and
begins reading through them while on her vacation. In the letters, Wiletta discovers personal stories of despair, loneliness, joy, and more. God then instructs her tofind the authors of the letters, so she reaches out to her best friend, Faith, who is a private investigator. Together, Wiletta and Faith set out to find these people, help them to know God’s love, and heal their hearts so they can seek him again.
This novel tells the story of a woman led by God to a collection of letters
written by strangers and the journey she takes with a friend to find and help
the letters’ authors.
- GenresContemporary
102 pages, Paperback
Published September 25, 2019
2 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Crissie Ann Leonard
3 books7 followersGod found me when I wasn't looking for Him. At first, I ran from him but he continued to pursue me. After a few years, I found myself in a difficult and dark season. I wasn't saved at that time but God met me there. He spoke of a better life that he had for me. He provided the light to illuminate that dark season. Years later, I gave my life to God and promised to follow Him wherever He wanted to take me.
He called me to use the pain and the journey through the dark season as my message. He often spoke of writing as a way to reach others on their own difficult paths. I always loved to write stories in different genres.
One night, during a thunderstorm, an idea for a horror book took hold of me. I eagerly grabbed my notebook and pen. I prayed and began to write. After many hours of writing, I was too exhausted to form another word and went to sleep. The next day I eagerly awoke to read the story. I was shocked to see that the words didn't portray anything resembling a horror story.
Instead the pages spoke of people crying out as they lived through their painful seasons. That is when Letters to My Father was born.
I write Christian fiction books to show people God's presence in their lives and all around them.
He called me to use the pain and the journey through the dark season as my message. He often spoke of writing as a way to reach others on their own difficult paths. I always loved to write stories in different genres.
One night, during a thunderstorm, an idea for a horror book took hold of me. I eagerly grabbed my notebook and pen. I prayed and began to write. After many hours of writing, I was too exhausted to form another word and went to sleep. The next day I eagerly awoke to read the story. I was shocked to see that the words didn't portray anything resembling a horror story.
Instead the pages spoke of people crying out as they lived through their painful seasons. That is when Letters to My Father was born.
I write Christian fiction books to show people God's presence in their lives and all around them.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 26, 2021
I was so excited when I began this novel to join Wiletta on her journey—because from the first moment I saw the title of this book, I knew it would be a lovely, inspiring story full of Jesus, and I was right! But what I didn’t expect was for it to be so gripping!
Letters to My Father was a smoothly written story that was both unique and engaging. The events flowed so well—from Wiletta discovering the letters to meeting up with all of the writers—and the pacing was even and balanced. It was well developed, even being only 88 pages, and the story kept my attention throughout!
I absolutely loved how full of Scripture and how very uplifting and touching this story was! Leonard didn’t shy away from the Word or from tackling tough issues from a biblical perspective, and I appreciated that. Not everyone’s story ended with a happily ever after, but others in their lives came to know Christ on a deeper level and Wiletta and her friend Faith were also touched by their stories in a way that was inspiring and realistic.
I know a lot of reviewers have said the concept was unrealistic, and while it probably hasn’t occurred yet, I have no doubt that it could through God’s divine intervention, and that’s what makes the concept of Letters to My Father that much more interesting! I appreciate Leonard taking a chance with the premise and writing a story that didn’t seem strange or speculative at all—merely pure and impactful.
On top of that, the story was very well-written, and Leonard did great with the first-person POV. I didn’t find a single mistake or typo, and her writing style was uniquely her own.
To be honest, this was definitely outside of my genre, so I probably wouldn’t have chosen to read this book, but I’m certainly glad I got the chance to! It’s a true gem!
All in all, Letters to My Father is a must-read for those struggling in life, those simply in need of a refreshing dose of Christ—like Wiletta—and those who are looking for a short but encouraging book!
Disclaimer: A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the author, and I received compensation for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Letters to My Father was a smoothly written story that was both unique and engaging. The events flowed so well—from Wiletta discovering the letters to meeting up with all of the writers—and the pacing was even and balanced. It was well developed, even being only 88 pages, and the story kept my attention throughout!
I absolutely loved how full of Scripture and how very uplifting and touching this story was! Leonard didn’t shy away from the Word or from tackling tough issues from a biblical perspective, and I appreciated that. Not everyone’s story ended with a happily ever after, but others in their lives came to know Christ on a deeper level and Wiletta and her friend Faith were also touched by their stories in a way that was inspiring and realistic.
I know a lot of reviewers have said the concept was unrealistic, and while it probably hasn’t occurred yet, I have no doubt that it could through God’s divine intervention, and that’s what makes the concept of Letters to My Father that much more interesting! I appreciate Leonard taking a chance with the premise and writing a story that didn’t seem strange or speculative at all—merely pure and impactful.
On top of that, the story was very well-written, and Leonard did great with the first-person POV. I didn’t find a single mistake or typo, and her writing style was uniquely her own.
To be honest, this was definitely outside of my genre, so I probably wouldn’t have chosen to read this book, but I’m certainly glad I got the chance to! It’s a true gem!
All in all, Letters to My Father is a must-read for those struggling in life, those simply in need of a refreshing dose of Christ—like Wiletta—and those who are looking for a short but encouraging book!
Disclaimer: A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the author, and I received compensation for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 14, 2023
Facebook ✩ Twitter ✩ Pinterest ✩ Spotify ✩ Bookbub ✩ My Blog
I cried reading this book! Totally unexpected, but Letters to My Father is a real gem.
Even if you only read the blurb, you will already be able to see what a unique book this is, and the content proved to be just as good as the premise.
The five letters to God that the main character found were heart-wrenching: one from the lonely boy of a single mother, one from a woman grieving multiple miscarriages, one from a lost daughter with a dad who abandoned her, one from a broken man with an eating disorder, and the last one from a husband with an unhappy marriage and an addiction to p*rnography.
The main character, Wiletta, prayed over all of the letters. Many years had passed since the writers had penned their words, but Wiletta was determined to find the original five people and learn what happened to each. Not every ending was a happy one, but as readers, we are able to see the beauty through the pain.
Liberal recommendation for readers 15+ // Conservative recommendation for readers 17+, due to serious themes on grief, depression, infidelity, p*rnography, eating disorders, and death.
To all those who need encouragement, who have past traumas, who feel far away from God...This is the book for you. <3
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions expressed are completely my own, and I was not required to leave a positive review.
Crissie Ann Leonard, please write more books because I love your stories!
I cried reading this book! Totally unexpected, but Letters to My Father is a real gem.
Even if you only read the blurb, you will already be able to see what a unique book this is, and the content proved to be just as good as the premise.
The five letters to God that the main character found were heart-wrenching: one from the lonely boy of a single mother, one from a woman grieving multiple miscarriages, one from a lost daughter with a dad who abandoned her, one from a broken man with an eating disorder, and the last one from a husband with an unhappy marriage and an addiction to p*rnography.
The main character, Wiletta, prayed over all of the letters. Many years had passed since the writers had penned their words, but Wiletta was determined to find the original five people and learn what happened to each. Not every ending was a happy one, but as readers, we are able to see the beauty through the pain.
Liberal recommendation for readers 15+ // Conservative recommendation for readers 17+, due to serious themes on grief, depression, infidelity, p*rnography, eating disorders, and death.
To all those who need encouragement, who have past traumas, who feel far away from God...This is the book for you. <3
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions expressed are completely my own, and I was not required to leave a positive review.
Crissie Ann Leonard, please write more books because I love your stories!
February 21, 2020
This book has touched my soul in ways I never thought. I HIGHLY recommend!!
July 15, 2021
~I'd like to thank the wonderful author for sending me a free copy in exchange for my honest review!~
Can I tell you a secret? I have never cried while reading a book.
Can I tell you another secret? I felt myself get a tad teary-eyed while reading this book, which is huge.
Written in such a heartfelt way, this book is a masterpiece. Through the stories of each of the characters, you can see how the Lord works in each of our lives, and how what seems like a life's dead end is only a twist in the story, a point where you learn a valuable live lesson.
When I read books like these, I'm always inspired to strengthen my relationship with the Lord, especially with ones as well written as this.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book, and, if you're looking for a potential tear-jerker or an inspirational story, this one's for you!
Highly recommended!
~Full Review To Come~
Can I tell you a secret? I have never cried while reading a book.
Can I tell you another secret? I felt myself get a tad teary-eyed while reading this book, which is huge.
Written in such a heartfelt way, this book is a masterpiece. Through the stories of each of the characters, you can see how the Lord works in each of our lives, and how what seems like a life's dead end is only a twist in the story, a point where you learn a valuable live lesson.
When I read books like these, I'm always inspired to strengthen my relationship with the Lord, especially with ones as well written as this.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book, and, if you're looking for a potential tear-jerker or an inspirational story, this one's for you!
Highly recommended!
~Full Review To Come~
August 19, 2023
This is a short book with huge inspiration! Wiletta is strong in her faith but lately she feels her faith is slipping away due to her busy life. She decides to take some time off to refocus on what is important. On her way, she is compelled to take the next exit, but she didn’t understand the pull until she saw the Yardsale sign. Wi hole looking around she was drawn to a bundle of letters, each written by different people. Once at her hotel she began reading each letter. Each one were written to my father. Each letter was written while the person was in pain. She prayed for each one , but what else could she do? When God lead her to find each person and meet with them. After getting her best friend Faith to help find them and agree to go with her….the journey began. What she discovers is a blessing to them all including Wiletta and Faith. Betrayal, love, addiction, misunderstanding and forgiveness. This book was such a heartfelt story…and remember you can be a cucumber or you can be a pickle…the choice is yours
April 15, 2023
This book title surprised me until I read the first few pages. At that point, I realized what the title meant. "Everyone's Father is the same person."
Each individual who wrote a letter had a unique situation to share. Eventually, we learn how they come to know "Their Father" sent others into their lives at the right time. "Personally Invested" in this book from the beginning, is one way to describe my interest. The story truly makes the reader consider many life choices and the ways it affects the future of those involved.
Each individual who wrote a letter had a unique situation to share. Eventually, we learn how they come to know "Their Father" sent others into their lives at the right time. "Personally Invested" in this book from the beginning, is one way to describe my interest. The story truly makes the reader consider many life choices and the ways it affects the future of those involved.
October 2, 2021
I found this an interesting book which encouraged me to think of God in everyday events. Some of the stories felt a little stretched, but overall they were the sorts of things that go on in real life. Explaining parts of the stories in terms of the meanings of people’s names was a novel approach. It seemed to me that some of the solutions to problems had problems of their own, but overall a thought-provoking book.
January 13, 2024
I really enjoyed this easy layed back read. But get your tissues ready there are some tear jerkers. This book can really teach us how we need to pray for each other and be there for each other the way Wiletta and Faith are in this book. This book shows how our friendships should be along with our relationship with God. For a fiction book, it sure can teach.
Want to read
April 17, 2021Couldn’t tell you about this book. I never read it. I got hacked over a year ago!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews