Postcards

by Elizabeth Maddrey

Turns out, my sister was serious about everything she said in that phone call.

The cancer.
The leaving.
The postcards.

So I was already struggling to figure out just what God thought He was doing. And then my boss introduced me to the guy who would be taking over the new project.

My project.

Sure, Owen’s hot. And so what if he has the world’s most impressive resume? He’s not getting my job without a fight.
And my job isn't the only thing I'm not going to surrender.

I'm also not going to let Owen take over my heart.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

294 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 17, 2022

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Elizabeth Maddrey is a semi-reformed computer geek and homeschooling mother of two who lives in the suburbs of Washington D.C. When she isn’t writing, Elizabeth is a voracious consumer of books. She loves to write about Christians who struggle through their lives, dealing with sin and receiving God’s grace on their way to their own romantic happily ever after.

Reviews

[Chautona Havig · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has so many delightful layers, that I can't figure out where to start.

Maybe with the fact that this book was written in first-person, and I don't care? Yeah. That. I mean, it wasn't in present tense, so there's that. But I don't think I've ever read a book where a complicated character stayed so utterly consistent with her character... even in her character arc growth.

Near the end, I got an idea that created such a huge, amazing twist that, had the author been doing that and had made it work, would have ensured this book made it to the top of my 2022 list and nothing could have knocked it off.

She didn't do that, unfortunately, but it would have been crazy hard to make believable, so I don't blame her for it at all. I mean, some things just aren't possible or plausible, but man... now I want to know what it would take to make something like that happen.

My only real complaint about the book was Owen. I get that we needed what happened with him to make everything work, but surely there could have been some other way. It didn't fit him. Or, perhaps if we'd seen that side of him BEFORE it happened, it would have felt more plausible. Either way, it's my only disappointment (and I usually like WHAT happened... it needed to... just not how because there was nothing to connect it with the characters. How's that for ambiguous?).

Recommended for lovers of feel-good, bittersweet fiction. Since the book has a big movie vibe, I'll add that it's recommended for lovers of movies like "You've Got Mail" or Jimmy Stewart's "Pot of Gold." Not recommended for folks who want only happily-ever-after without real life in there. You'll be disappointed, and that's not Maddrey's fault.

[Lyndon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful stand-alone that touches themes of grief, loss, uncertainties, and insecurities all undergirded by faith in God, a foundation of friendship, and the hint and promise of romance, love, and a brighter future. One of Maddrey's best.

[Trudy Cordle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, wow! This book is sooooo good! Cecily is so far out of her comfort zone! Her sister is dying from cancer, and takes off to travel, leaving Cecily to come to terms with things on her own. Then, her boss hires someone to take over the project that Cecily worked hard to get for the company. Owen would be perfect for her, if she was only looking for a man and a relationship. Will Cecily be able to get out of her own way and let God have control, and if she does, will things work out for her and Owen?? The postcards from her sister come, and then they stop, six months later. What will Cecily do now? This book is written in first person, so we get all of it from Cecily's perspective. How we each process things that happen in our lives, and process our relationships with others and God, we're all unique, and it's fun to see Cecily grow as she adds friends.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.

[Jaycee Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh my heart

I can’t tell you how much empathy I had for Cecily from page one. I loved her voice, especially with more than one socially awkward to the Nth degree and borderline neurodivergent person in my life. She’s a refreshing character, unique and true from beginning to end. And while maybe I could have used a bit more there at the end, it worked. And I felt so much on every page.

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic story!
This overtly Christian story is packed with emotion. There are some sad moments, but also a few sweet and fun ones.

Cecily is dealing with a lot. Her load is heavy while she carries it alone. When she finally opens up to friends... Well, the load is still there, but carrying it eases a bit.

[Toni Shiloh · Rating 5 out of 5]

review to come

[Margaret Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I laughed, I cried, I held my breath. I wanted to wring Ted’s neck, I wanted to cuddle Gimli the kitten, I wanted to cheer at the end. Maddrey has done an amazing job. It may not be your cup of tea, but I loved it.

[Marylin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loss of any kind is hard, but when you lose your parents in a car accident, your sister leaves to go on a trip because she has cancer, next you almost lose your job, and then the only friend you have since your sister leaves decides he’s not talking to you well, that can put you over the top! WOW!
This book brought out all the emotions! I laughed, I cried, I got warm fuzzies, and I wanted to scream at a few characters. This is what makes a GREAT book!
When the author makes the story so relatable that you feel you know the characters and want to get right in there to solve their problems, that’s when you know the author is FANTASTIC!
Elizabeth Maddrey is truly a gifted author. I’ve read a few of her books and series and they always tug at my heart. She has a unique skill of blending words together, so I was blown away by the depth of this story.
It amazed me how each character had something I could identify with and take to heart. It was exquisitely written and flowed smoothly, so smooth that at the end my heart was tumbling all over the place.
One word of warning, you might need tissues while reading this book!
The author also does a wonderful job of weaving God’s truth in such a way it isn’t fake, it’s real.
This book was delightful with its fun moments of movie watching, the texting and banter between characters, the drama, the friendships, and the bits of sweet romance. I highly recommend you pick this book up to read.
I was given this book by the publisher which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

My bedtime suffered tonight because of this book. It is a journey of emotions and definitely worth reading.

[Iola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cecily has just landed a big project for her company and is looking forward to managing her first project when her boss dumps a bombshell: he’s hired Owen Chandler to take over the project. Unfortunately, her sister and sounding board has just left the country after dropping a bombshell of her own: she’s been diagnosed with terminal cancer. She’s even cancelled her mobile, so Cecily can’t even text her. Instead, she finds herself texting the random stranger who now has Leila’s number.

Work improves, and Cecily finds herself hanging out with Owen outside of work – they have the same taste in movies, and go to the same church. But he’s just a friend. After all, everyone who loves her ends up leaving her …

There was so much to like about this novel. To start with, Postcards is written in first person. I know that’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but I love it as a way of getting inside the character’s head.

Postcards has a heroine with the unusual job. The fact she enjoyed her job and was really good at it was a bonus (I love to read about women who are good at things, especially areas such as IT or STEM which are often male-dominated).

And there were other things I loved: The postcards Leila sent as she travelled. The way Cecily investigated the places her sister visited (many of which I’ve visited too). Cecily’s snarky tone (particularly her attitude to exercise). The way Cecily’s Christian faith was intertwined into the novel. Her relationship with her sister.

The fact Cecily isn’t afraid to stand up for herself at work. The fact money wasn’t an issue (I’m not a fan of novels where someone’s financial problems are a major plot points. It’s an unpleasant reminder of some of the systemic failures in our society, and I’m generally reading romance to escape. If I want Big Issues, I’ll choose women’s fiction).

Overall, Postcards ticked all my boxes for contemporary Christian Romance: intelligent heroine, great hero, excellent writing, and a strong Christian thread.

There were also links back to Elizabeth Maddrey’s Operation Romance series, which I read over the Christmas break. It was great to catch up with some of those characters again.

Recommended for Christian romance fans, especially if you’ve already read the Operation Romance series.

[Cathy R Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cicely is alone in the world apart from her sister - so when she gets a phone call from said sister to say that she has terminal cancer and plans to spend her last days seeing the world (oh, and by the way, she'll send postcards), she's shocked and horrified. In fact, she's in denial about it until the postcards start coming. Meanwhile, her boss brings in a newcomer to the company to take over the project she'd worked long and hard to get, and though she manages to reclaim her position as project lead, she now has to work with Owen. Alone in the world other than the one-sided communication of her sister's postcards, and determined not to let her attractive new co-worker steal her heart, will she manage to deal with everything at work and prepare herself for the day she knows is coming - when the postcards will stop coming?

Unusually for this author, I found this book took me a few pages to get into - but once I did, I was hooked. Though not much of a traveller myself, I loved the idea of the postcards, and I really enjoyed watching Cicely and Owen getting to know each other. At the same time, part of me did feel that it was a fairly selfish thing for her sister to have done, giving her no chance to say goodbye, and Owen was a bit of an idiot at times (not to mention Ted!). Fortunately, the other relationships Cicely made along the way did make up for things. All in all, it's an intriguing premise well handled, and I'd definitely recommend this book.

Note that I received a review copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 5 out of 5]

You might know what happens but keep reading

"Good things in life inevitably crashed into horrible endings."

Or so Cecily thinks. Why? Inevitable losses can taint your life: stop extraneous fun,leave you alone in your parents' house...with a sister not known for surprises...

Who surprises you with the news that she's off to see the world vefore she can't... However,she'll send postcards.

Meanwhile, Cecily gets a new manager to train and her old nemesis is out to get her. Surprise again: she moves on to a new job and the friend she became close to kind of drops her and leaves her back ... alone... with the postcards.

Tsking chances leads to heartache... or does it? I really liked this book alot It was sweet, jot sappy ouke some contemporary romances can be. The characters were believable and I like that belief was an active part of life. This will not be the inly Elizabeth Maddrey book I read and I am happy to have discovered a new author. Highly Recommended. 5/5

[Jacquelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elizabeth Maddrey's Postcards was a poignant read. The plot focused on the protagonist's way in which she dealt with loss (her parents, her sister's absence while traveling yet sending postcards, her job, and her friendship with one of her colleagues). Moreover, the plot was filled with spirituality which aided in the protagonist's way in which she dealt with all of her losses. Gimly, a kitten Cecily (protagonist) adopted, added to some of the comic relief. Other times, comic relief (as well as some helpful hints) came from the text messages Cecily had been receiving from her sister's old cell phone. While reading, I laughed and got misty-eyed. Hence, I enjoyed reading the narrative.
I received an advanced copy of this book. I am voluntarily giving my honest review and a 4.5-star rating.

[Irene S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cecily receives two blows in a row. Her sister Leila is leaving town to visit all the places that she wanted to see because she has terminal cancer. Leila has always eased social situations for Cecily. Now her only contact with Leila will be with postcards from the places she has been. The second blow happens when her boss tries to take away the hard-earned project to give it to a new hire Owen. Faith and friendship will help ease her loss and difficulties in life. I received a free copy of this ebook from the author. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. I love that Cecily is so good and professional in her technical management while dealing with a horrible boss. I also love seeing how Owen slowly crept into her life, but he also frustrated me at times. In reading this book, I was soon wrapped up in Cecily's life and didn't want to put it down..

[EmbGram · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different take on dying

This was not my favorite book by Elizabeth Maddrey, but it certainly was a different take on dying and grieving. It is difficult dealing with the loss of a parent and a sibling, but to have both parents die at the hands of a drunk driver and then one's only sibling a few years later to cancer, is beyond what most people could bear.

I guess most of us, if we had the finances and enough time, would at least think about doing the things remaining on our bucket list. We would also remain in touch with our loved ones, with more than a weekly postcard. But, we all grieve differently.

To me the surprising thing was how the home church was not there for their people. With programs like GriefShare, no one needs to mourn alone. I guess it is just to easy to get lost in a mega-church. It makes me sad. 😢

[Gretchen Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cecily is a movie buff and a coder in a job she loves--except for her boss. But her personal life has brought loss upon loss proving (it seems) that eventually, everyone leaves.

If you have a sister, you'll want to read "Postcards" with a box of Kleenex handy. This first person novel is told entirely from Cecily's point of view, with the addition of text messages and (what else?) postcards.

I may have only seen a few of the many movies referenced, but the epistolary aspect of the book (not to mention the gentle nod to the storyline of one of my favorite movies!) puts "Postcards" firmly on my favorites list (even if Kleenex are required).

You'll also want to read Elizabeth's "Operation Romance" series before or after bawling your way through "Postcards," in order to meet some of the supporting characters in Cecily's DC area community.

Trigger Warnings: car accident, cancer, loss.

[Joan Arning · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many emotions! Cecily tells this story in the first person which felt a bit strange. Your heart will go out to Cecily who lost her parents in a car crash and now Cecily's only sibling calls to tell her that she is going on a trip, has cancer and won't be coming back! The sister disconnects her phone and only sends postcards to stay in touch. Top that with Cecily's boss hiring a new guy, Owen, to take over her project! You will wonder how much one person can take! You will also wonder if this Owen is a good guy or not even when he becomes a close friend! I recommend Postcards to others but this is a highly emotional book dealing with grief from several angles. I received a complimentary e-book from the author. This is my honest opinion.

[Mimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Postcards is a story of loss but it's also a story of perseverance. I really like Cecily the main character. She's smart, gutsy and tells it like it is. I love how she doesn't take any stuff from her boss and how she's straightforward with her communications. She's suffered a lot of loss but she deals with it pragmatically. I enjoy reading realistic Christian fiction with imperfect people and while I wasn't expecting this to fit in that category, it actually does. Cecily has a good relationship with God but she's also human and all of this is shown in the story. I loved reading this and it's a fast read that holds your attention.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Postcards is an awesome story of love, loss and romance. Cecily gets a goodbye call from her sister which just adds to the load she carries. Now totally alone, with no one to confide in, her wuss of a boos introduces her to Owen, the new project manager for the project Cecily snagged with several months work. Come on Cecily's journey as she worries about her sister, fights for her job and develops a friendship with Owen. This well written Christian book held me captive from page one until the end!

[Renate Deutsche Oma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This retired high school English & German teacher enjoys reading Elizabeth Maddrey's stories, because they usually have a unique premise. As an avid traveler, I enjoyed traveling the world through postcards. Letter writing is a lost art, which makes this story so very different from most romances. While I am usually not fond of first person narrative, Elizabeth Maddrey weaves a compelling story of loss (parents, sister, job and friendship) and a kitten named Gimly. Travel the world. No passport or jet lag.

[ELMorehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cecily and Owen's Lifetime 💞 📗

In Elizabeth Maddrey's "Postcards", you get a Story similar to the movie "You've Got Mail". This 💎 of Christian Romance, took me on a Poignant and Unforgettable rollercoaster ride of emotions. EM masterfully deals with Grief, Letting Go, Loneliness, and Change. I Highly Recommend You 📖 how God takes Cecily and Owen from Coworkers to Friends to a Lifetime 💞.

So at the end, Cecily can say: "For the 1st time in my life,...I didn't need to have a map with the route highlighted in yellow. I was content to collect the postcards." ❤️📖 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Bethany Aich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful but sad

This book was well-written and interesting. It held my focus the entire way through.

I think I will not reread it, because it’s so sad. While I was interested the entire time, and I guess you could say it ends on a positive note, I think the heroine is maybe a little too forgiving and I can see problems down the road.

Ultimately, I would recommend the book because it was very well done and does kind of have a “happily ever after.”

It’s clean language-wise and romantic-wise. I would have read and probably enjoyed this as a teenager.

[Linda Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written book! It captures the emotional roller coaster of losing a loved one to cancer while trying to maintain your own life.
Written in the 1st person, one gains much insight into the main character and can enjoy her amusing look at life.
The original journey of both sisters has humor, understanding, sorrow and growth. You will want to come along and experience it all for yourself.

[Sue Peacock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phones, Postcards, and Movies

This story of loss and friendship follows Cecily Waters as she copes with her sister's choices, the loss of her parents, and the demands of her job. The only joy is finding her unexpected friendship growing into something more until it doesn't. My only problem with the story was Owen's actions and how long he left her. A great story of her struggle to keep her faith when life is hard and still know that God cares.

[Jannon Fitzpatrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn’t want to put it down!!

I really loved this book! I was hesitant to start reading it because I had a feeling it would be sad and because I tend to like to read series instead of stand alone books, but I’m so glad I read it! It drew me in from the start! The only bad thing is that I was so tempted to put off my own work projects because I just wanted to know what was going to happen next! 😉

[Shirley Shiffert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very good and quite different from others I have read. By being presented in the first person, it made me really feel like I knew Cecily so much that I felt her pain, her discouragement, etc. It was also meaningful to me because I recently lost by younger sister to Covid and shared her pain. This is my first book by Elizabeth Maddrey, but I have since ordered the Grant Us Grace series and am looking forward to reading them. I highly recommend any book by Elizabeth Maddrey.

[Adrianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Postcards is a wonderfully well written book. It was deeply emotional for me, having lost a loved one to Cancer. However, it was worth reading and contains a beautiful ending. I definitely recommend this book, but don’t read it when you need a lighthearted pick-me-up. Save Postcards for those times you need a more serious, nitty-gritty of life kind of book.

[Beth Wong · Rating 4 out of 5]

unexpectedly deep

I enjoy Elizabeth Maddreys writing a lot. But the synopsis of this book didn’t really appeal. Desperate for something good to read I began it though and am so glad I did. The characters are like friends, the storyline, while unusual is not too far fetched and there’s this wonderful reassurance that God is good, despite the bad that happens in life. Fabulous.

[Ursula Nobulali · Rating 5 out of 5]

lovely read

I enjoyed this book, but had a few things that some of the characters did that I’d didn’t understand. I don’t want to spoil it for others so I wasn’t say names. The story is wonderfully authentic though and I like the way the author addressed some pertinent issues like career women in the workplace.

[Sarah Rooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I laughed, and cried, and rejoiced with Cecily and Owen in their journey. The postcards were a beautiful way to bring her sister and her journey in, and I love how they all tie together. Highly recommend!