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The Lost Letters of Playfair Street
THE LOST LETTERS OF PLAYFAIR STREET
Winner of the ARRA 2020 Favourite Contemporary Romance Award.
A lover’s game. A chest of clues.
Come find me... I’ll be waiting…
1929: On the night of her engagement to austere banker Floyd Clark, Charlotte Greene meets enigmatic Sydney Harbour Bridge engineer, Alexander Young.
Their encounter is brief, but their attraction instant.
During a second-chance meeting, Alex invites Charlotte to play a game with him, one of daring clues and secret meeting places. She accepts and they embark on a thrilling lover’s chase across the city.
But with her arranged marriage to Floyd looming, will she have the strength to let Alex go?
Present Paige Westwood is helping her boss establish a publishing company in his newly-purchased Playfair Street house in The Rocks, Sydney. In the attic, she discovers a chest of old clues that lead the reader on a journey across the city.
Paige contacts the former owner, Ryan Greene, who explains the clues belonged to his great-aunt Charlotte, who once lived in the house, but who mysteriously disappeared in 1929.
Together, they follow Charlotte and Alex’s clues to unravel a fascinating tale of lies and intrigue, of two lovers bound by hope, but also by deceit. Can they solve the mystery of Charlotte’s disappearance or has all hope been lost to the past?
Winner of the ARRA 2020 Favourite Contemporary Romance Award.
A lover’s game. A chest of clues.
Come find me... I’ll be waiting…
1929: On the night of her engagement to austere banker Floyd Clark, Charlotte Greene meets enigmatic Sydney Harbour Bridge engineer, Alexander Young.
Their encounter is brief, but their attraction instant.
During a second-chance meeting, Alex invites Charlotte to play a game with him, one of daring clues and secret meeting places. She accepts and they embark on a thrilling lover’s chase across the city.
But with her arranged marriage to Floyd looming, will she have the strength to let Alex go?
Present Paige Westwood is helping her boss establish a publishing company in his newly-purchased Playfair Street house in The Rocks, Sydney. In the attic, she discovers a chest of old clues that lead the reader on a journey across the city.
Paige contacts the former owner, Ryan Greene, who explains the clues belonged to his great-aunt Charlotte, who once lived in the house, but who mysteriously disappeared in 1929.
Together, they follow Charlotte and Alex’s clues to unravel a fascinating tale of lies and intrigue, of two lovers bound by hope, but also by deceit. Can they solve the mystery of Charlotte’s disappearance or has all hope been lost to the past?
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2020
55 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Montebello
19 books237 followersMICHELLE MONTEBELLO is a writer from Sydney, Australia where she lives with her family.
She is the internationally bestselling author of The Quarantine Station, The Lost Letters of Playfair Street and The Forever Place.
Her books have won numerous accolades. The Quarantine Station won the 2023 International Book Excellence Award while The Lost Letters of Playfair Street won the 2020 ARRA Award for Favourite Historical Romance. The Forever Place was a 2022 ARRA and RWA RuBY Award finalist.
Michelle has been shortlisted three times for ARRA Australian Author of the Year.
For all Michelle’s book news, subscribe to her newsletter at www.michellemontebello.com.au.
Reach out to Michelle on social media:
Facebook: https://bit.ly/2JA6EsB
Instagram: https://bit.ly/2HzdOeP
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2LzG4Aj
She is the internationally bestselling author of The Quarantine Station, The Lost Letters of Playfair Street and The Forever Place.
Her books have won numerous accolades. The Quarantine Station won the 2023 International Book Excellence Award while The Lost Letters of Playfair Street won the 2020 ARRA Award for Favourite Historical Romance. The Forever Place was a 2022 ARRA and RWA RuBY Award finalist.
Michelle has been shortlisted three times for ARRA Australian Author of the Year.
For all Michelle’s book news, subscribe to her newsletter at www.michellemontebello.com.au.
Reach out to Michelle on social media:
Facebook: https://bit.ly/2JA6EsB
Instagram: https://bit.ly/2HzdOeP
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2LzG4Aj
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
November 28, 2020
Paige Westwood had fled Albury after heartbreaking news, preparing to establish her boss, Xavier’s new publishing business in the old rundown home he’d bought on Playfair Street, The Rocks in Sydney. As Paige surveyed the mess the old home was in, her delight in preparing it for business was foremost. Exploring the place, she was astounded at the things in the attic. And when she found a chest of letters – love letters – belonging to Charlotte Greene from 1929, she felt the tingle of excitement rise in her. Ryan Greene lived in London, and it was he who had organized the sale of Playfair Street. She would get in touch with him to tell him of her find.
In 1929 Charlotte Greene was eighteen years of age. She was at her engagement party to Floyd Clark, a man many years her senior, a man she didn’t know, wasn’t sure she even liked – but her father and Floyd had organized it for the betterment of the Greene Steel company which was supplying steel for the build of the new and exciting Sydney Harbour Bridge. When Charlotte met the engineer for the job who was also at the party, Alexander Young, the attraction between the two was immediate. But Charlotte was engaged – she was taken…
Charlotte was Ryan’s great-aunt and the mystery which had followed through generations was that she and her father, Walter had disappeared in 1929, vanished from the face of the earth. Charlotte’s brother James had been unable to find them; no one knew what had befallen them. The clues, the letters and notes in the chest, were the only lead Ryan and Paige had. But would they be able to decipher them, find the answers to the decades old mystery?
The Lost Letters of Playfair Street is the latest offering by Aussie author Michelle Montebello, and it was unputdownable! The two timeframes – 1929 with Charlotte and present day with Paige – were done extremely well. I enjoyed the history of the 1929 period with the building of the Bridge; the Depression and workers destitute; the desperation to do anything to survive – a tragic time well written. The present day was intriguing as I followed along with Paige and Ryan as they worked to solve the mystery. I loved The Quarantine Station when I read it; this one certainly didn’t disappoint. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for my honest review.
In 1929 Charlotte Greene was eighteen years of age. She was at her engagement party to Floyd Clark, a man many years her senior, a man she didn’t know, wasn’t sure she even liked – but her father and Floyd had organized it for the betterment of the Greene Steel company which was supplying steel for the build of the new and exciting Sydney Harbour Bridge. When Charlotte met the engineer for the job who was also at the party, Alexander Young, the attraction between the two was immediate. But Charlotte was engaged – she was taken…
Charlotte was Ryan’s great-aunt and the mystery which had followed through generations was that she and her father, Walter had disappeared in 1929, vanished from the face of the earth. Charlotte’s brother James had been unable to find them; no one knew what had befallen them. The clues, the letters and notes in the chest, were the only lead Ryan and Paige had. But would they be able to decipher them, find the answers to the decades old mystery?
The Lost Letters of Playfair Street is the latest offering by Aussie author Michelle Montebello, and it was unputdownable! The two timeframes – 1929 with Charlotte and present day with Paige – were done extremely well. I enjoyed the history of the 1929 period with the building of the Bridge; the Depression and workers destitute; the desperation to do anything to survive – a tragic time well written. The present day was intriguing as I followed along with Paige and Ryan as they worked to solve the mystery. I loved The Quarantine Station when I read it; this one certainly didn’t disappoint. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for my honest review.
February 23, 2022
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The Lost Letters of Playfair Street by Michelle Montebello. (2020).
1929. On the night of her engagement to banker Floyd, Charlotte meets enigmatic Sydney Harbour Bridge engineer Alex. Their attraction instant, when they meet again they begin to play a game of daring clues and secret meeting places. But with her arranged marriage looming, can she let Alex go?
Present day. Paige is helping her boss establish a publishing house in an old terrace home in Sydney. In the attic she discovers a chest of old clues that lead to locations across the city. Paige contacts the former house owner, Ryan, who explains the chest may belong to his great-aunt Charlotte, who mysteriously disappeared in 1929. Together they follow the clues to unravel a fascinating tale of lies and intrigue...
I have been waiting what seems like forever to read this novel after loving a previous novel by the same author (The Quarantine Station). I am so glad I persevered in obtaining this novel because it was a 5 out of 5 star read for me. I really enjoyed both timelines, and both leading ladies. In Charlotte's storyline I felt transported back in time, when a female wanting to choose her own partner and even go to university was considered outrageous; I adored Charlotte and Alex's developing relationship while playing a cheeky little game of clues and secret meetings. With Paige I admired her journey to realising she deserved a partner who appreciated her and was willing to go the extra mile. The storylines were a great mix of mystery and romance - it made for very engaging reading.
Overall: I have zero hesitation in recommending this fantastic novel, I intend on reading anything by this author because I think she is an amazing storyteller.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
The Lost Letters of Playfair Street by Michelle Montebello. (2020).
1929. On the night of her engagement to banker Floyd, Charlotte meets enigmatic Sydney Harbour Bridge engineer Alex. Their attraction instant, when they meet again they begin to play a game of daring clues and secret meeting places. But with her arranged marriage looming, can she let Alex go?
Present day. Paige is helping her boss establish a publishing house in an old terrace home in Sydney. In the attic she discovers a chest of old clues that lead to locations across the city. Paige contacts the former house owner, Ryan, who explains the chest may belong to his great-aunt Charlotte, who mysteriously disappeared in 1929. Together they follow the clues to unravel a fascinating tale of lies and intrigue...
I have been waiting what seems like forever to read this novel after loving a previous novel by the same author (The Quarantine Station). I am so glad I persevered in obtaining this novel because it was a 5 out of 5 star read for me. I really enjoyed both timelines, and both leading ladies. In Charlotte's storyline I felt transported back in time, when a female wanting to choose her own partner and even go to university was considered outrageous; I adored Charlotte and Alex's developing relationship while playing a cheeky little game of clues and secret meetings. With Paige I admired her journey to realising she deserved a partner who appreciated her and was willing to go the extra mile. The storylines were a great mix of mystery and romance - it made for very engaging reading.
Overall: I have zero hesitation in recommending this fantastic novel, I intend on reading anything by this author because I think she is an amazing storyteller.
October 17, 2022
Set in two timelines, 1929 and present day Australia, this is a well paced romantic mystery filled with some very adventurous and even heart-stopping moments that will have you eagerly turning the pages for more.
Paige Westwood’s boss, Xavier, has big plans to establish his publishing firm in an elite area of Sydney’s city known as The Rocks.
He has bought an old neglected terrace house in Playfair Street in the heart of The Rocks, to refurbish and run his business from.
However, his moving plans are being stalled a bit as his partner is reluctant to leave their country hometown of Albury for a new life in the big city.
Meanwhile Paige is nursing a badly broken heart and wants to make a fresh start, away from constant reminders of a failed relationship.
She sees this as the perfect opportunity to make that move and agrees to move to Sydney ahead of her boss and start the renovation and set up processes.
The newly purchased terrace house turns out to be in need of quite a bit of cleaning, painting and removalist’s work, so Paige makes the decision to buy a few things and make a temporary set up for herself in one of the bedrooms upstairs. This will have the benefits of saving her money on expensive accommodation in the city, plus have her available to oversee the works being done, and she can work from there, collaborating with Xavier by phone and internet.
Paige gets straight to work planning tradesmen to do the necessary big jobs while she sets up a temporary work space.
She soon discovers an attic upstairs which is perfect for storage, but it is full of old bits of furniture and packed boxes that she will need to have removed. She looks for some clues as to who the previous owners were in case they want to claim these things…some of which turn out to be a carved wooden box full of apparent love letters.
In seeking out the previous owners, Paige gets in touch with the former owner, Ryan Greene who lives in England and tells her that the letters and other items belonged to his Great Aunt who mysteriously vanished in 1929.
He is eager to see if there are any clues there to indicate what might have become of her.
Ryan and Paige embark on a long distance sleuthing exercise until Ryan decides to dive in deeper.
This was a thoroughly absorbing read which I could not put down! So clever!
So well thought out and delivered, I am in awe of this author’s ability to build such a uniquely complex set of [literal as well as metaphorical] puzzles and then have the pieces fall into place with such considered timing.
I have become a big fan of Michelle Montebello’s writing and have no hesitation in recommending her books for any reader.
Her writing is always so evidently well researched and her attention to detail is admirable, it shows she takes great pride in her work…and that is what makes it such a pleasure to read.
5⭐️💫s!
November 25, 2021
An enjoyable two timeline historical mystery/romance set in The Rocks in Sydney. Paige, in the modern timeline arrives at the Victorian terrace on Playfair Street on behalf of her boss/friend Xavier who is opening an business to be run from the building. It’s fairly rundown and needs work but also has an attic full of old furniture where she finds a chest full of letters belonging to Charlotte Greene, an ancestor of the previous owners of the building (who live in London). After contacting Ryan Greene, he turns up in Sydney and with Paige, they start looking into the mystery of what happened to Charlotte. The historical timeline tells Charlotte’s story, in 1929 she lived in the house with her father, and she is engaged to an old banker (arranged by her father to save his steel business) but falls in love with a young engineer working on the building of the Harbour Bridge.
Sydney in the twenties is an excellent backdrop for the story, the building of the bridge central to it, but also The Rocks, the hungry mile, the trams and other Sydney landmarks in the lead up to the financial crash and the Great Depression. The current timeline was less successful for me. The couple, particularly Ryan weren’t as appealing to me but still a great read.
Sydney in the twenties is an excellent backdrop for the story, the building of the bridge central to it, but also The Rocks, the hungry mile, the trams and other Sydney landmarks in the lead up to the financial crash and the Great Depression. The current timeline was less successful for me. The couple, particularly Ryan weren’t as appealing to me but still a great read.
December 14, 2020
4.5⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
What a great read this was, I have several of Michelle Montebello's novels on my shelf and after reading her newest release, I really need to read them sooner rather than later.
While I was really enjoy this novel, it was the second half of the book that completely drew me in and had me reading until 1 am to finish it after telling myself at 11pm that I would only read one more chapter.
I do love a good mystery, especially one with lots of twists and turns and this novel definitely had them. It also had plenty of romance, both in the present day timeline and in the historical timeline.
I liked all four of the main characters, Paige and Ryan in the present day and Alex and Charlotte in 1929. I enjoyed exploring Sydney, especially The Rocks area and while I have been there a couple of times myself, I have never been to many of the places the characters get to visit.
In 1929, Charlotte and Alex's clandestine romance seems doomed to fail, with a father who wants to save his business, who has practically 'sold' his daughter to Floyd, the banker in charge of his loans, there seems to be no way out of this highly unpleasant arrangement. Floyd was a very unlikeable character, he had no redeeming features at all, and while I started out liking Charlotte's father Walter, his behaviour certainly had me despising him as time went on, he did however redeem himself near the end, but it was touch and go. Charlotte's friend Estelle, hmmm now she was a character I just was not sure about and she turned out to be one of the many twists that happened in this story.
Present day Paige and Ryan's romance could also be doomed seeing as they live on different sides of the world, but while they are trying to uncover the mystery of Charlotte and are working together, I really enjoyed their relationship and hoped it could lead to something more.
With todays technology, Paige and Ryan were able to discover a lot of information in regards to the matters surrounding the mystery, along with of course 'The Lost Letter's' and other finds that came to life in the house on Playfair Street.
A thoroughly enjoyable and engaging read.
Thanks to Beauty and Lace Book Club and Michelle Montebello for a digital copy of this novel.
What a great read this was, I have several of Michelle Montebello's novels on my shelf and after reading her newest release, I really need to read them sooner rather than later.
While I was really enjoy this novel, it was the second half of the book that completely drew me in and had me reading until 1 am to finish it after telling myself at 11pm that I would only read one more chapter.
I do love a good mystery, especially one with lots of twists and turns and this novel definitely had them. It also had plenty of romance, both in the present day timeline and in the historical timeline.
I liked all four of the main characters, Paige and Ryan in the present day and Alex and Charlotte in 1929. I enjoyed exploring Sydney, especially The Rocks area and while I have been there a couple of times myself, I have never been to many of the places the characters get to visit.
In 1929, Charlotte and Alex's clandestine romance seems doomed to fail, with a father who wants to save his business, who has practically 'sold' his daughter to Floyd, the banker in charge of his loans, there seems to be no way out of this highly unpleasant arrangement. Floyd was a very unlikeable character, he had no redeeming features at all, and while I started out liking Charlotte's father Walter, his behaviour certainly had me despising him as time went on, he did however redeem himself near the end, but it was touch and go. Charlotte's friend Estelle, hmmm now she was a character I just was not sure about and she turned out to be one of the many twists that happened in this story.
Present day Paige and Ryan's romance could also be doomed seeing as they live on different sides of the world, but while they are trying to uncover the mystery of Charlotte and are working together, I really enjoyed their relationship and hoped it could lead to something more.
With todays technology, Paige and Ryan were able to discover a lot of information in regards to the matters surrounding the mystery, along with of course 'The Lost Letter's' and other finds that came to life in the house on Playfair Street.
A thoroughly enjoyable and engaging read.
Thanks to Beauty and Lace Book Club and Michelle Montebello for a digital copy of this novel.
November 28, 2020
I loved this story so very much, it was so hard to put down yet I read slowly to savour every word. Set in two time lines it is a story of love, and a game of clues that brings them closer together in the roaring twenties a time of excesses, parties and a time the world changed so much and then now as a secret love is uncovered and there are clues to follow to unravel the mystery. This is the story of Charlotte and Alex and then later Paige and Ryan, a must read, don’t miss this one.
It is 1929 and the night of her engagement party, Charlotte Greene is soon to marry banker Floyd Clark, Charlotte is a very quiet young woman who doesn’t have friends but she does have her books, when she meets Alex Young one of the up and coming engineers of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, there is an instant attraction, it is not long before Charlotte and Alex are playing a game where clues are left and they are sight -seeing all over the Sydney area, as their love grows things are getting harder with Charlotte engaged to Floyd and the economy changing very fast.
Paige Westwood has arrived in Sydney to help her best friend start up a new business, a country girl at heart Paige is looking forward to her new role in The Rocks Sydney, while setting up the house Xavier has bought in Playfair St Paige uncovers a few things stored in the attic, one of them being a chest filled with what appears to be love letters and clues that take the reader on a journey of Sydney. Paige contacts the previous owner Ryan Greene in England, this chest belongs to Ryan’s great aunt Charlotte Greene who mysteriously vanished in 1929.
Ryan is very interested in this discovery and finds himself on a plane to Sydney to check everything out for himself, when he arrives at the house in Playfair St Paige is stunned but is happy to welcome him in and then together they travel on a journey back in time to discover what happened to Charlotte and her lover? This is a journey filled with intrigue, lies, hope and the never failing love and another love is growing fast. There were many tears and smiles as I travelled back in time with Paige and Ryan to get to know Charlotte and Alex.
Alex and Charlotte have so much against them but love is strong, there is heartbreak and joy throughout this story, beautifully written, it pulled me in from page one, I felt a part of the story now and in the past, I loved Paige and Ryan as well and the strength they showed as it seemed so many times they would come to end of the mystery only to discover something more there are a lot of twists and turns as the truth is uncovered.
If you have never read a Michelle Montebello story then pick this one up I can assure you, you will be picking up her past books and loving them as well, she writes beautiful stories filled with emotion and love and intrigue, the research done comes through in the words, I was taken back to the 1920’s and The Rocks, it all came to life and following the clues was so much fun and I did know quite a few of them.
Thank you so much Michelle Montebello for my copy to read and review, I truly loved this one it is brilliant and I can’t highly recommend it enough.
It is 1929 and the night of her engagement party, Charlotte Greene is soon to marry banker Floyd Clark, Charlotte is a very quiet young woman who doesn’t have friends but she does have her books, when she meets Alex Young one of the up and coming engineers of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, there is an instant attraction, it is not long before Charlotte and Alex are playing a game where clues are left and they are sight -seeing all over the Sydney area, as their love grows things are getting harder with Charlotte engaged to Floyd and the economy changing very fast.
Paige Westwood has arrived in Sydney to help her best friend start up a new business, a country girl at heart Paige is looking forward to her new role in The Rocks Sydney, while setting up the house Xavier has bought in Playfair St Paige uncovers a few things stored in the attic, one of them being a chest filled with what appears to be love letters and clues that take the reader on a journey of Sydney. Paige contacts the previous owner Ryan Greene in England, this chest belongs to Ryan’s great aunt Charlotte Greene who mysteriously vanished in 1929.
Ryan is very interested in this discovery and finds himself on a plane to Sydney to check everything out for himself, when he arrives at the house in Playfair St Paige is stunned but is happy to welcome him in and then together they travel on a journey back in time to discover what happened to Charlotte and her lover? This is a journey filled with intrigue, lies, hope and the never failing love and another love is growing fast. There were many tears and smiles as I travelled back in time with Paige and Ryan to get to know Charlotte and Alex.
Alex and Charlotte have so much against them but love is strong, there is heartbreak and joy throughout this story, beautifully written, it pulled me in from page one, I felt a part of the story now and in the past, I loved Paige and Ryan as well and the strength they showed as it seemed so many times they would come to end of the mystery only to discover something more there are a lot of twists and turns as the truth is uncovered.
If you have never read a Michelle Montebello story then pick this one up I can assure you, you will be picking up her past books and loving them as well, she writes beautiful stories filled with emotion and love and intrigue, the research done comes through in the words, I was taken back to the 1920’s and The Rocks, it all came to life and following the clues was so much fun and I did know quite a few of them.
Thank you so much Michelle Montebello for my copy to read and review, I truly loved this one it is brilliant and I can’t highly recommend it enough.
November 29, 2020
Thank you to Michelle for sending us a copy to read and review.
One of my favourite periods of time is the Roaring Twenties, so when Michelle said she was writing about this era, I was screaming for joy inside.
Writing across numerous genres, everything that Michelle touches turns to magic.
1929, Charlotte is set to marry banker Floyd Clark against her own wishes.
She finds him a bore and far too old for her but her father is set on the match.
On the night of the engagement she meets dashing engineer Alex Young and their attraction is immediate and intense.
They begin a lovers game of clues and puzzles to met up until tragedy and the unexplained happens.
Today, Paige Westwood is helping friend and boss, Xavier to create the perfect workplace, a publishing house in the heart of Sydney.
Newly acquired number seven Playfair street in The Rocks is the ideal location.
Whist cleaning out, Paige discovers a chest of papers and clues to a game of love and mystery.
Seeking out the original owners family she meets handsome Ryan Greene who tells her they belong to Charlotte Greene, his great aunt who lived in the home but mysteriously disappeared.
As they begin to unravel the past, secrets and lies are about to be solved and decades old questions will finally be answered.
A historical fiction dual time line tale that is authentic, dazzling and incredibly obsessive.
I admire Michelle’s work so much, it flows beautifully with well crafted compelling characters and the plot has enough intrigue to make it very addictive and to continue reading way into the night.
Michelle has a real talent for writing strong female leads who jump from the pages into your heart.
From the very first page the narrative is shining with the research that’s evident throughout and the writing is so vivid that I actually felt like it was 1929, it was coming to life before my very eyes.
I have no hesitation in recommending, as it’s everything your heart will desire.
The perfect holiday without having to pack a bag or get up from your seat.
One of my favourite periods of time is the Roaring Twenties, so when Michelle said she was writing about this era, I was screaming for joy inside.
Writing across numerous genres, everything that Michelle touches turns to magic.
1929, Charlotte is set to marry banker Floyd Clark against her own wishes.
She finds him a bore and far too old for her but her father is set on the match.
On the night of the engagement she meets dashing engineer Alex Young and their attraction is immediate and intense.
They begin a lovers game of clues and puzzles to met up until tragedy and the unexplained happens.
Today, Paige Westwood is helping friend and boss, Xavier to create the perfect workplace, a publishing house in the heart of Sydney.
Newly acquired number seven Playfair street in The Rocks is the ideal location.
Whist cleaning out, Paige discovers a chest of papers and clues to a game of love and mystery.
Seeking out the original owners family she meets handsome Ryan Greene who tells her they belong to Charlotte Greene, his great aunt who lived in the home but mysteriously disappeared.
As they begin to unravel the past, secrets and lies are about to be solved and decades old questions will finally be answered.
A historical fiction dual time line tale that is authentic, dazzling and incredibly obsessive.
I admire Michelle’s work so much, it flows beautifully with well crafted compelling characters and the plot has enough intrigue to make it very addictive and to continue reading way into the night.
Michelle has a real talent for writing strong female leads who jump from the pages into your heart.
From the very first page the narrative is shining with the research that’s evident throughout and the writing is so vivid that I actually felt like it was 1929, it was coming to life before my very eyes.
I have no hesitation in recommending, as it’s everything your heart will desire.
The perfect holiday without having to pack a bag or get up from your seat.
July 5, 2021
At the height of the Roaring Twenties,
They played a lover's game,
And left behind a box of clues...
Come find me. I'll be waiting...
THE LOST LETTERS OF PLAYFAIR STREET
Out on the 2nd December 2020!
Buy link: https://books2read.com/u/3yzvRl
"Beautifully written, stunningly plotted..." Goodreads
"Be prepared to think you have the story worked out! Michelle is a masterful storyteller..." Goodreads
They played a lover's game,
And left behind a box of clues...
Come find me. I'll be waiting...
THE LOST LETTERS OF PLAYFAIR STREET
Out on the 2nd December 2020!
Buy link: https://books2read.com/u/3yzvRl
"Beautifully written, stunningly plotted..." Goodreads
"Be prepared to think you have the story worked out! Michelle is a masterful storyteller..." Goodreads
November 11, 2020
Michelle Montebello has cemented herself as one of my all-time favourite authors. Everything she writes is exquisite. This book had me hooked from the first page. The dual timelines are perfectly paced. The characters are robust and real... both Paige and Charlotte resonated. There were so many twists and turns, I didn’t think my poor heart could take much more. I adored learning more about Sydney in the 1920s and am booking a walking tour in The Rocks ASAP. Brilliant!
November 26, 2020
This book is another masterpiece from the very beautiful and talented Michelle Montebello. The story is captivating, has twists and turns you would not believe. It will leave you hungry for more. For sure you will stop reading all the other books on your bedside table and submerge into the story of Charlotte, Alex, Paige and Ryan at every given opportunity.
November 7, 2020
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy of The Lost Letters of Playfair Street to read and review.
Michelle Montebello is fast becoming a popular author in the genre of historical fiction / romance. The Lost Letters of Playfair Street is an exquisitely-told, dual narrative historical, set in the Roaring Twenties in The Rocks, Sydney. If you’ve never been to Sydney, this is the book to transport you!
A stunning story of Charlotte who meets Alex just prior to the global stock markets crashing and before the Great Depression hits. They embark on a lover’s game around the city, leading each other to hidden meeting places through delightful, romantic clues!
In the present day narrative, Paige finds this same box of clues in the attic and, together with Ryan, Charlotte’s great-nephew, they follow the clues, unraveling a tragic story of love and deceit.
Be prepared to think you have the story worked out. But think again! Michelle is a masterful storyteller. Her books are full of wonderful twists and turns to keep you guessing.
A stunning, beautiful, Roaring Twenties 5 stars from me!
Michelle Montebello is fast becoming a popular author in the genre of historical fiction / romance. The Lost Letters of Playfair Street is an exquisitely-told, dual narrative historical, set in the Roaring Twenties in The Rocks, Sydney. If you’ve never been to Sydney, this is the book to transport you!
A stunning story of Charlotte who meets Alex just prior to the global stock markets crashing and before the Great Depression hits. They embark on a lover’s game around the city, leading each other to hidden meeting places through delightful, romantic clues!
In the present day narrative, Paige finds this same box of clues in the attic and, together with Ryan, Charlotte’s great-nephew, they follow the clues, unraveling a tragic story of love and deceit.
Be prepared to think you have the story worked out. But think again! Michelle is a masterful storyteller. Her books are full of wonderful twists and turns to keep you guessing.
A stunning, beautiful, Roaring Twenties 5 stars from me!
August 26, 2022
An amazing story that I absolutely loved! It had mystery, it had romance, it had cheering and it had booing at the bad guys. I loved reading about Sydney in the 1920's and although I don’t live in Sydney, it made me feel good that I knew some of the places and things that were written about or I knew I could easily find out more about them. I didn’t want to stop reading - even though I thought I knew the ending and it was going to be sad, I still needed to find out how it all played out. The ending didn’t let me down at all.
January 5, 2021
a split time story set in 1929 and today set against the building of the Sydney Harbour bridge --the start of the great depression it tells the story of Charlotte and Alex in 1929 who leaves notes for each other with clues where to next meet and today Paige and Ryan who finds a chest of love letters in an attic they then set out to find out who wrote them and what happened to them an awsome story
February 22, 2021
One of the reasons I love Michelle's books so much is the incredible research she puts into them. It brings authenticity to the story and this, alongside some amazing characters, really brings magic to her stories. I always look forward to when Michelle releases a new book as I know I'll be whisked away into a wonderful world full of rich characters.
December 3, 2020
A well written, well researched book.
December 27, 2020
I adored this book, Michelle Montebello has a new fan
December 8, 2020
This book is so captivating. I loved every moment of it & yet I loathed the injustice of the 1920s era. The sexism, the not having choices all because you were female. My head was constantly spinning with thoughts of where twists would lead me. I fell in love with Alex on their first meeting. Their love wa one in a million that was so strong, it lasted months separated by sea & other factors. I loathed Floyd, grew to loathe Walter pretty quickly & couldn't make my mind up on whether Mrs Mayfair was trustworthy or not. In other words, I was suspicious of everyone. The book is a true page turner that I found hard to put down & yet knowing I only had just over an hour left to read, I avoided it because I didn't want it to end. Charlotte is a beautiful & intelligent character & just needed that extra encouragement to see what kind of life she could have seeing she had no life if she were to marry the wrong man. Just like the life she was already living by being her father's maid & cook. Alex & Charlotte made a beautiful couple. Ryan & Paige were also meant to be. I think the Greene magic rubbed off onto some of the following generations. That one of a kind love that would never have happened if not for letters being found & a mystery beginning once again & answers needed. I would have done the same as Paige, I'd have gone through everything I found too. Anything historical I love so reading this book & the details that went into the antiques were drool worthy. I have postcards from my Great Grandfather to my Great Grandmother from his time in WW1 & original photos of them my Grandmother let me have. I also have the photos of my Grandparents & their time serving in WW2. I had to laugh at Charlotte's distaste of trying the new Singer sewing machine. I am also lucky enough that my mum gave me her Gran, my Great Gran's White sewing machine with a pedal. White were brought out by Singer & Singer went on to rule that market. I admit, Walter redeemed himself a bit in my eyes but what I found out he did for Charlotte that helped by her time, was pretty impressive. I will miss these characters though but I can't wait for the next book from Ms Montebello yet I bet she can wait for my next series of messages that let me vent my frustrations & theories. Bring on the next ASAP I think
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2023
Book: The Lost Letters of Playfair Street
Read By: Ebook and Signed Book
Author: Michelle Montebello
Genre: Historical Fiction
Recommend: Yes
Spice:🌶️️
< b>Age recommendation: 16-30+ Years
My feelings:
This book was so consuming. Normally im not one to read Historical fiction, but this book popped up on a book signing event that im attending and thought I would give it crack.
I loved it. There is something about finding love letters in the attic that just make you instantly curious. I love how this played in with the building of the Harbour bridge. Anything to do with Australian History always has me addicted!
Highly Recommend
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2021
I loved, loved loved this book. The 1920"s are my favorite times and being hopeless romantic, this novel had me at the first chapters. I could not put the book down , I really wanted to see what would happen to the lovers Charlotte and Alex. I was not disappointed but pleasantly surprised. I wish that the book would have gone on and on.
This is my second book from this author and certainly will not be the last.
Michele Zito
This is my second book from this author and certainly will not be the last.
Michele Zito
December 4, 2020
A beautiful story set in the Roaring 20’s in the very middle of the city of Sydney, Australia. One of the authors best! A book you can buy or gift with confidence.
December 19, 2020
I had not read any of this authors work prior to receiving this ebook through Beauty and Lace Book Club but I’m certainly going to read them now.
I devoured this book. It got me in from the very first chapter. I love a dual time line story! especially one that is set in Australia and has the backdrop of the building of the Sydney Harbour Bridge as the time period (really historically interesting).
The setting of the story is the Rocks in Sydney and the description of the streets and landmarks had me tracing the route in my head. I am very familiar with the area so I felt like it all came to life as I was reading the book.
Without giving too much away Charlotte the 1920s protagonist is the daughter of one of the steel suppliers to the Harbour Bridge. She is engaged to Floyd a financial officer with the Bank of New South Wales. It is an arranged marriage by her father who needs the financial help of Floyd. Charlotte does not love or even like Floyd but is destined to do as her father bids until she meets Alex, a young engineer working on the Bridge construction .
Skip forward to the present day where Paige has left her country town of Albury and moved to Sydney to get over love. Her best friend Xavier is opening a publishing house and Paige is setting it up in the house in Playfair Street that Charlotte grew up in. While Paige is clearing out the attic of Playfair Street she finds a chest that contains ‘love letters’ . Paige contacts the seller of the house, Ryan who is Charlottes great-nephew. Ryan tells Paige of the family mystery which has never been solved. Charlotte and her father disappeared from the face of the earth in the late 1920s. This mystery intrigues Paige and she sets out to uncover what she can about Charlotte and her disappearance.
There is so much to love about this story. It is full of mystery and intrigue and a wonderful social portrayal of Australian history in the 1920’s - the stock market crash, the depression and the lives of those living through the period. It is an obsessive read!
A definite 5/5
July 11, 2021
WOW – this book had me from the outset, the title and cover – if I hadn’t been fortunate enough to receive this copy for review, this book would have flown off the shelves into my arms judged on the cover and title alone, it’s absolutely perfect for the roaring 1920’s.
I was totally immersed in the lover’s game played out around historical Rocks in Sydney, by both Charlotte, and then in later years by Paige, featuring Icebergs at Bondi, the mysterious bricked up steps to nowhere, the building of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the chest of love letters secreted in the attic at the house in Playfair Street.
I loved how Charlotte blossomed over the course of the story from a shy introverted girl to a confident woman. I struggled with the antiquated thinking of both Floyd and Charlotte’s father that University was not becoming of a lady, certainly not an engaged one and had to be put on the sidelines as marital duties were the priority. Astonished, that Charlotte’s father believed that women did not go to University, discuss the Wall Street Stock market or global economy, nor did they run businesses.
I can imagine the fun Michelle had researching this story, if the trams were still running today, I’d have no problem navigating my way around, thanks to Michelle’s in-depth knowledge of Sydney’s massive former tram system. I also enjoyed re-visiting Sydney Harbour Bridge’s Southern Pylon lookout and Museum, and I still remember my trip years ago trudging up all those stairs, which was definitely worth it and viewing the construction photos and archival video footage.
I absolutely savoured every last page of this story and prolonged reading the ending for as long as I could, until the suspense was killing me and I gave in. I LOVE Love, loved this book, and hope this is just the first in a very, very long series, I cannot thank Beauty and Lace ENOUGH for giving me the pleasure of reviewing “The Lost Letters of Playfair Street.”
I was totally immersed in the lover’s game played out around historical Rocks in Sydney, by both Charlotte, and then in later years by Paige, featuring Icebergs at Bondi, the mysterious bricked up steps to nowhere, the building of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the chest of love letters secreted in the attic at the house in Playfair Street.
I loved how Charlotte blossomed over the course of the story from a shy introverted girl to a confident woman. I struggled with the antiquated thinking of both Floyd and Charlotte’s father that University was not becoming of a lady, certainly not an engaged one and had to be put on the sidelines as marital duties were the priority. Astonished, that Charlotte’s father believed that women did not go to University, discuss the Wall Street Stock market or global economy, nor did they run businesses.
I can imagine the fun Michelle had researching this story, if the trams were still running today, I’d have no problem navigating my way around, thanks to Michelle’s in-depth knowledge of Sydney’s massive former tram system. I also enjoyed re-visiting Sydney Harbour Bridge’s Southern Pylon lookout and Museum, and I still remember my trip years ago trudging up all those stairs, which was definitely worth it and viewing the construction photos and archival video footage.
I absolutely savoured every last page of this story and prolonged reading the ending for as long as I could, until the suspense was killing me and I gave in. I LOVE Love, loved this book, and hope this is just the first in a very, very long series, I cannot thank Beauty and Lace ENOUGH for giving me the pleasure of reviewing “The Lost Letters of Playfair Street.”
March 7, 2022
Michelle Montebello, you've done it again! What an absolute cracking read this was, full of all my favourite things: historic Sydney, a dual timeline, mystery and a little bit of romance.
It follows the story of reclusive young Charlotte in 1929, the daughter of one of the steel manufacturers with a contract to supply for the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Charlotte's quiet world in The Rocks is upended when she is forcibly engaged to the odious Floyd Clark, a banker with his eye on her father's business. But then she meets sweet and caring Alex and the two set about sending each other secret notes containing lines from the greatest love letters in history together with riddles on where to meet.
Cut to the modern day and Paige arrives in The Rocks to help set up her friend's publishing business in an old terrace on Playfair St. In an attic she finds an old chest filled with romantic notes and what looks like riddles to secret meeting places...
Because I know The Rocks so well, I felt like I was walking the streets with these characters, in both timelines, so authentic did Michelle make her story. I was swept up by Sydney at the tailend of the Roaring Twenties and the impending doom of the Stock Market Crash we all know is coming.
Michelle is a genius at melding together historic fact with a totally engrossing tale wrapped up in mystery. A true five-star read for me.
It follows the story of reclusive young Charlotte in 1929, the daughter of one of the steel manufacturers with a contract to supply for the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Charlotte's quiet world in The Rocks is upended when she is forcibly engaged to the odious Floyd Clark, a banker with his eye on her father's business. But then she meets sweet and caring Alex and the two set about sending each other secret notes containing lines from the greatest love letters in history together with riddles on where to meet.
Cut to the modern day and Paige arrives in The Rocks to help set up her friend's publishing business in an old terrace on Playfair St. In an attic she finds an old chest filled with romantic notes and what looks like riddles to secret meeting places...
Because I know The Rocks so well, I felt like I was walking the streets with these characters, in both timelines, so authentic did Michelle make her story. I was swept up by Sydney at the tailend of the Roaring Twenties and the impending doom of the Stock Market Crash we all know is coming.
Michelle is a genius at melding together historic fact with a totally engrossing tale wrapped up in mystery. A true five-star read for me.
December 17, 2020
This review first appeared on Beauty and Lace: http://bookgirl.beautyandlace.net/boo...
Wow – what a read! I loved this book. This book tells two stories in parallel. One of Paige (modern day) who moves to Sydney after having her heartbroken. When setting up a house as an office for her employer in Sydney, Paige discovers a chest of old letters (with the initials CG). Paige starts the journey of uncovering the story behind the letters.
The parallel story is that of Charlotte Greene (in the 1920s) who is at the centre of the letters. On the night of her engagement to Floyd Clark, Charlotte meets engineer, Alexander Young. They begin a game of clue sharing and secret meetings. With her arranged marriage to Floyd a priority for her Father, will Charlotte be able to let Alex go?
The back and forth between the two stories is done magnificently.
The book also gives an interesting insight into Sydney and the building of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The book took me through all the emotions – love, heartbreak, friendship, trust and deceit with a nice bit of history. It’s my first book by Montebello and I’d be keen to read more after this one.
Wow – what a read! I loved this book. This book tells two stories in parallel. One of Paige (modern day) who moves to Sydney after having her heartbroken. When setting up a house as an office for her employer in Sydney, Paige discovers a chest of old letters (with the initials CG). Paige starts the journey of uncovering the story behind the letters.
The parallel story is that of Charlotte Greene (in the 1920s) who is at the centre of the letters. On the night of her engagement to Floyd Clark, Charlotte meets engineer, Alexander Young. They begin a game of clue sharing and secret meetings. With her arranged marriage to Floyd a priority for her Father, will Charlotte be able to let Alex go?
The back and forth between the two stories is done magnificently.
The book also gives an interesting insight into Sydney and the building of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The book took me through all the emotions – love, heartbreak, friendship, trust and deceit with a nice bit of history. It’s my first book by Montebello and I’d be keen to read more after this one.
December 13, 2020
I COULD’T PUT IT DOWN.....
5incredible stars! The Lost Letters of Playfair Street is a beautifully written, dual timeline historical that has everything – Roaring Twenties decadence and deceit, timeless love letters and two beautiful love stories at the heart of it.
Exquisitely told from dual narratives (Charlotte in 1929 and Paige in the present day), this story will have you guessing until the very end, with many twists and turns. And the Sydney Harbour Bridge construction provides a worthy backdrop, as both timelines interweave, even though they are decades apart.
Perfectly crafted and an original storyline, this stunningly-plotted mystery will have you guessing until the end.
5incredible stars! The Lost Letters of Playfair Street is a beautifully written, dual timeline historical that has everything – Roaring Twenties decadence and deceit, timeless love letters and two beautiful love stories at the heart of it.
Exquisitely told from dual narratives (Charlotte in 1929 and Paige in the present day), this story will have you guessing until the very end, with many twists and turns. And the Sydney Harbour Bridge construction provides a worthy backdrop, as both timelines interweave, even though they are decades apart.
Perfectly crafted and an original storyline, this stunningly-plotted mystery will have you guessing until the end.
February 16, 2021
Welllllllllll, Michelle you did it again.
Not only did The Quarantine Station take place in my mind for weeks after I read it, now The Lost Letters of Playfair Street will be a book to remember.
Love that you decided to base this story here in Sydney, Australia.
To live in the 1920's and witness the Harbour Bridge being built, let alone being Charlotte Greene who fell in love during this time, even though she was to marry another who she didn't love - what an era!
The chemistry between Charlotte and Alex was beautiful and to have a secret way of finding each other in this maze of a city was a genius idea.
Not only did The Quarantine Station take place in my mind for weeks after I read it, now The Lost Letters of Playfair Street will be a book to remember.
Love that you decided to base this story here in Sydney, Australia.
To live in the 1920's and witness the Harbour Bridge being built, let alone being Charlotte Greene who fell in love during this time, even though she was to marry another who she didn't love - what an era!
The chemistry between Charlotte and Alex was beautiful and to have a secret way of finding each other in this maze of a city was a genius idea.
November 22, 2020
I loved this book and read it every opportunity I could. I loved how Ryan and Paige resembled Alex and Charlotte. I loved the setting of The Rocks, Sydney and The Sydney Harbour Bridge. I loved all the twists that had me on edge a lot of the time. Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Michelle Montebello has become my favourite author. I highly recommend reading this book and all of her books.
January 27, 2021
A beautiful guessing game crossing two timelines set in historic, and modern-day, Sydney. Exquisite characters and an intriguing plot are a delight to follow as the two narratives cross and weave each other. Beautifully written, there is plenty of romance and drama as well as some fascinating glimpses into the history of Sydney.
August 16, 2021
A dual timeline book that keeps you engaged with every word. I absolutely adore Michelle's dual timeline stories. I love how she weaves the past and the present. The Lost Letters of Playfair Street has the perfect amount of mystery, history and romance to keep you captivated until the very end!
August 6, 2021
Great!
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