For the Love of Emma

by Starr Ayers

"I dreamed of Noah last night. He was going to ask me to marry him..."

A rose-covered grave, seventy-nine letters, and a scribbled note unearth buried emotions and the timeless beauty of first love.

When Caroline Myers discovers a box of letters in her deceased mother's trunk, she's captivated by the romance that unfolds between her mother, Emma Rose Walsh, a nineteen-year-old waitress, and Noah Anderson, a handsome young soldier.

Determined to read between the lines, Caroline and her sister, Kate, set out on a search that leads them to the North Carolina foothills and the padlocked gate of the Anderson family cemetery. Will the one who holds the key keep them from unearthing long-buried secrets and fulfilling a request their mother tucked inside the box sixty-four years earlier? Will they find closure--or encounter a surprising revelation that plunges them deeper into the past?

Based on a true story from the author's family.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction

336 pages, Paperback

Published December 26, 2020

Reviews

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another perfect time slip novel where past meets present.
Again this new to me author has done an excellent job in weaving these two things together that I feel like you don't really notice it.
This book is perfect example of what true love and family should be about.
I devoured this book in a couple of hours it was so good!
Ayers has done her job in keeping my attention throughout this beautiful and sweet story that I didn't want it to end!
I loved how she described the scenery. Sort of reminds me of the Waltons.
The diner scenes reminds me of Happy Days.
Such wonderful characters that I hated saying goodbye to Noah, Emma, Alice.
My heart went out to Noah because he's one of those people pleasers and wears his heart on his sleeve.
He's a good guy.
I wish that Emma was more into the story than she was. I feel like she got shorted so to speak.
In my opinion I really loved the past part of the story if that makes any sense. I think it's because I feel like their lives were more interesting than ours is today.
I will still give this book 5 stars. Simply because of the beautiful writing and I love Southern novels.
I highly recommend this sweet story.
I received this book from Revell/Baker publishing. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[J.D. Wininger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't wait for the Hallmark movie...

Imagine this. You just witnessed what happens when you cross "The Bridges of Madison County" with "Romeo and Juliet." That’s exactly what I experienced in reading "For the Love of Emma." As is almost always the case, the book is better than the movie; and while I don’t know if this book will ever be made into a Hallmark (or other) movie, I’d pay to go watch it—twice! The fact that this novel was written by someone who loves to read was evident throughout. The fast read grabs the reader instantly, pulls you in, and never lets you go. From the budding relationship of a young depression-era couple to Miss Priddy’s transformation, the author leaves you spellbound with each chapter. In the words of Mama T, “It’s so good, I hated to turn the last page.” Don’t wait for the movie, you’ll want to fall in love with "For the Love of Emma today."

[Jeanette-Marie Mirich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starr Ayers takes the reader on an emotional journey rich in southern charm in her debut novel, For the Love of Emma. This time slip tale begins with the discovery of love letters written by a man named Noah. A man no one knows. The letters lead two women into the mountain areas of North Carolina and to a 1938 world where the dark clouds of war are rising. One moment the sisters are intrigued, the next puzzled and fearful. What happened to Noah and Emma’s love?
This tender, mystical love story weaves together a tale of love hidden for a generation, the threads of loss, and of sacrifice. As the pre-World War II tale evolves from the protagonist meeting the girl to falling in love, so does the mystery of what happened to their love story.
The author coaxes her audience to see the small diner where the heroine works, to feel the pulse of a country on the cusp of war, and to smell one of Mama T’s fresh baked pies. This is a book rife with characters you’d like for neighbors—from the heroine’s compassionate boss at the diner, to an elderly neighbor lady who offers more than a cup of tea.
Reminiscent of Fried Green Tomatoes, Ayers’ lovable characters and descriptions of the Tidewater area to the Blue Ridge paints a picture of a unique time and a place where the culture cares for the ‘least of these’.

[Phyllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming debut novel!

My rating is 4.5 stars

It's amazing how even knowing the end of a story before you start reading it doesn't make the journey any less fascinating!

In For the Love of Emma, it is clear from the beginning that Noah is Emma's first love - but not her last. Yet the mystery of the matter is who Noah is and what happened. Piecing together what they can from newly discovered letters from Noah to their mother, Kate and Caroline seek answers to these questions. Told via a split-time narrative, we see the journey to discover Noah's identity and the events that transpired between Emma and Noah.

Debut author Starr Ayers dreamed up this story after discovering letters from an unknown man named Noah while cleaning out her mother's things after her death. As the author set about discovering the answers to who Noah was, For the Love of Emma was born. I love that the contents of the letters are the same as those her mother had received, even though the remainder of the details are all fiction.

Emma and Noah's story is so beautiful and tragic, filled with surprises and challenges.

Noah was so charming - I loved his intensity. He never seemed to do things halfway. Especially loving Emma. Their courtship was rapid and so very sweet despite being wrapped in hardship and sadness.

Emma had wonderful women of faith around her, encouraging her through hard times with prayers and wisdom from the Scriptures. They taught her to keep her eyes on Jesus and to trust Him always, even when things look bad.

Don't be misled by the mention of hardships. This is not a depressing story by any stretch. There is plenty of hope and faith and romance to warm any heart.

I was surprised to see this is the first book in a new series after I had finished reading it. The ending is satisfying and matters are wrapped up neatly. And yet, it appears that Emma's story will continue. I'm looking forward to learning more when it comes out next year!

Readers who enjoy Christian fiction with some romance will want to read For the Love of Emma.

Originally Reviewed on Among The Reads

I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.

[Edward Arrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this dual-time story that was set in our neighboring state. The story involves Noah and Emma just prior to World War II and the daughters of Emma in recent years after the death of their mother. I have to wonder if Emma kept all the letters from Noah so someday they could be shared with her children and grandchildren. Or maybe she put them away and forgot she still had them. Reading the story makes we question what earthly reason there is for any of us to stash away so many memories and never look at them again. Without a doubt, I found several surprises as I read, which will not be disclosed here for fear of spoiling the book for other readers. The great part about being set in North Carolina, which is just south of my home, is that they are real places that I have either been to or have at least heard of over the years. Quite an unusual thing occurred only a few hours before I finished reading the story. An earthquake struck about thirty miles northwest of Jonesville where Noah spent most of his life. Most likely, the story will stick with me for a long time to come because of that event in nature happening so near one of the key settings for the book and so close in time to my reading it. As I read the letters from Noah to Emma, I liked the way he always included the words, Dream of Me, in his closing. I never thought of that when I used to write letters to my sweetheart. This was an enduring love story that was not mushy romance. I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the Love of Emma.
By Starr Ayers. 🌹


🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

This story is written in 2 different timelines.. I happen to love stories like this.. This one is written off what happens to be a story that was true.. Names and such have been changed for the story.. so it intrigued me to read this the author is an absolutely wonderful person.

Based on a true story from the authors family.


2012.
Caroline Myers,
Daughter of Emma.. Finding letters after the death of her mother..
Putting together her mothers
Life and love letters 💌
So many Letters.

1938.
Noah, The love of Emma's life..
Would do anything for Emma but what happened.. When things took a turn and everything changed in Emma's life.


Sometimes things don't always turn out as one thinks they will..
But in the end a happy life. Is all anyone can ask for..

Truly and absolutely wonderful story and I can't wait for a book 2 to come out which I have preordered I'm ready for coming April 5th 2022.

[Deborah Sprinkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starr Ayers debut novel, "For the Love of Emma", is a beautiful time-slip love story set in present day and around the beginning of WWII. Based on her own true story, her characters have that 3-dimensional feel that pulls us in and keeps us there. She moves from one time frame to the other seamlessly with each contributing a vital part of the story. A wonderful book that will leave you wanting more from this author.

[Melissa Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars is not enough for this beautiful story. From beginning to end, I was immersed inside the lives of Emma and Noah. A truly amazing relationship filled with strong love and dedication. I cried while reading about their journey. I paused and thought of my own family history and how there are some stories that will never have the expected and hoped for ending. Yet, love prevails always, in one way or another. Excellent story. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.

[Bonnie Beardsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Make sure you have a box of tissues nearby. What a beautiful love story Starr Ayers wrote. She has such a way with words that make you feel as though you are in the Rainbow Diner, enjoying a shake.
I really can't wait for her next book to come out.

[~Amber~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a time slip story from past to present. This story is actually based on a true story from the authors family which I found so interesting.

A very slow burn, but one that leads to such a heartbreaking and heartwarming story revolved around Noah a soldier and Emma a waitress in the past, and Emma’s daughters Caroline and Kate in the future. This story just goes to show that life truly is precious and love is everlasting. Please make sure to read the epilogue by the author and there are even some pictures showing Noah, and the Rainbow restaurant where Emma worked.

[Deena Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful debut novel by this author. I was intrigued by the secret letters that led two sisters to search out the truth about their deceased mother's first love. Their search led them to discover Noah, a man their mother loved in the 1930's but never married.

I was drawn into the story and enjoyed the dual timeline aspect. I loved it even more when I learned the story was based on the author's personal experience.

If you enjoy Christian dual-timeline romance novels, check it out!

[Karen Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a terrific book. I loved how the author switched from 1939 to the present-day. It made a beautiful story. I liked the use of a bit of history in this love story. I will definitely read the 2nd book. Can hardly wait!

[Breny and Books]

DNF- The writing and plot were quite nice tbh, but the romance between the main characters was so unreal and too cheesyyyyy 🙈🙈🙈

[Marguerite Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love deposits Emma on the brink of an ideal future, showing her all she could have. A true love founded on trust and hope. Will a box of letters reveal the true story or leave more unanswered questions?
I'll be journeying with Emma again soon. Bravo, Starr Ayers

[Patricia Tiffany Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an intriguing story concept. What if we had a love that was somehow missed or kept from reaching fruition? Would we go back and change the past? The author writes a compelling dual-time story filled with flashbacks in the form of love letters discovered by family later in their mother’s life. This novel made me wonder what my children would learn about me in my old age or after my death. Thought-provokingly poignant. A wonderful story!

[Joy Kidney · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you found love letters, from a young soldier who did not become your father, among your mother's keepsakes after her death, what would you do? Read and ponder them, of course. That's what really happened to Starr Ayers and her sister. The contemporary story about the sisters trying to find the young soldier is woven with imaginings of what things were like between them in1938. A fascinating story, although my favorite part (as always) is at the end where the author reveals what's true and what she created for this novel.

[Bobbie Frazier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes you come across a book that you just can’t put down. It pulls you through the pages as you devour each chapter. You slow down when the end is near. It can’t end. As you read the last sentence you slowly close the book and hold it close. A beautiful story. A tribute to a special love that was waiting to be shared.
This book “FOR THE LOVE OF EMMA” is one of those books.
Thank you Starr for the sharing the beauty of the love of Noah and Emma.

[Phyllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in my 70s & an avid reader. “For the Love of Emma” by first-time author Starr Ayers is one of the best books I have read. No violence, vulgarity, sex, etc., just a very nice story based on the love letters of the author’s mother. A real page turner! It was recommended for our book club—excellent choice! I would love to see Lifetime, Hallmark, or UPtv turn this into a mini-series or a movie. Can’t wait for the next Emma book—“Emma’s Quest”.

[Debra Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starr Ayers has penned a beautiful, heart-wrenching love story based on actual events in her mother’s life. Romance masterfully blended with drama and faith make Emma’s and Noah’s story one you will remember long after you’ve read the last page. I call this debut, time-slip novel a must-read and I eagerly await Emma's Quest, book two in the series.

[Anne Wolters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Upon the death of their mother, Emma, Kate and Caroline find a packet of old love letters from their mother's first love, a man named Noah. Neither of them had every heard of Noah. The year is 2012, and the letters were written in 1939. Their mother had never mentioned Noah, however, they were determined to find out more about him. The story takes us back to 1939, where Emma, worked as a waitress, and met Noah, in the Army, stationed at Ft. Bragg near Fayetteville, North Carolina. It was love at first sight! This beautifully written story goes back and forth, from 1939, and the story of Emma and Noah, to the present time where Kate and Caroline continue their search after having found Noah's niece and nephew. This is a feel-good kind of story that you'll think about for awhile after turning the last page.

[Crickett Keeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this new release from Starr Ayers, based on true events. From the first page, I was hooked and quickly drawn into this complicated, but endearing love story. There are twists and turns that catch you off guard, and I just wanted to keep reading at the end of every chapter. I felt like I went on this journey with the author to find out who this mysterious man was in her mother’s life. I can’t wait till the next book comes out that continues the story. Highly recommend this book! I couldn't put it down.

[Ben Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a remarkable story. I am not one to read much fiction. It has to grab me. Well this one sure does. Can you imaging trying to piece together a mystery in your family after uncovering a box of letters you found in your mom's things after her passing? Those letters are just pieces in the puzzle that Emma left for her daughters.

The writing, especially the details of the 1938's, take you back to the sites, sounds, and smells of life back then. Starr Ayers uses her gift of crafting her book to answer some questions that we all deal with. "Why do bad things happen to good people." The salvation message can come to those with years of hardening their hearts.

I think once you crack open the cover of "For the Love of Emma" you are not going to be able to put it down. Well done for your debut novel! I can't wait until someone turns this one into a movie!

[Sandra Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nostalgic. Mysterious. Ayers’ skillful weaving of the 1930s realistic characters living in the brink of World War II with the contemporary story snagged my interest from the first chapter.

The characters were believable and likeable. There is more than one man worthy of a good woman in this story. The intrigue of finding out what happened to their romance made this a page turner for me.

I can’t wait to read the second book in the series! Definitely recommend.

[Theresa Lorenzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely story with just the right touches of love and happiness mixed with sadness and tears. The tears were mine. This is just the book for those of us who are romantics at heart.

I can only say I recommend this book for the story line, the characters (you will fall in love with them) and the writing. Ms. Avery weaves two time periods into one seamlessly and well.

Hopefully you will enjoy it as much as I did.

[Courtney Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

This tells a sweet story of romance and forgiveness through a split time format that has ties with the author’s real life: the heroine is fashioned after her mother, and most of the letters included in the story are taken from her life. I was a little confused near the beginning as the historical timeline was jumping around.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy. This is my honest review.

[Michelle Welch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following Emma’s daughters as they unraveled the mystery of their parents was quite the journey. Every page revealed another tidbit of Emma’s life. It was a beautiful story of love and friendship, filled with so many tender moments. It didn’t hurt that I lived the the city the book was set in so I could picture each place as I read. This is a must read and definitely a candidate for a movie!

[Pamela M. Sisson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Historical Novel

For the Love of Emma is based on the author’s mother’s love letters found after her death. Fascinating read you don’t want to miss that takes place right before WW2 in North Carolina.

[Brittney Hallenbeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a page turner. Emma and her daughters are so likeable and relatable. Within the first few chapters I had already laughed and cried. This book takes an interesting twist, and I can't wait for the second one to come out!

[Connie Cortright · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pleasant book to read two separate stories of past and present. Ayers combined both time lines very well, keeping the reader involved in both plots. I heartily recommend this book to historical fiction lovers.

[Annette Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good read

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this captivating love story between Emma and Noah. Many times I was tempted to jump ahead just so that I could find out why they did not have their "happy ever after."