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Willow Valley #3
Letters from the Heart
Peggy
After the death of my husband, I drowned myself in flowers, a bittersweet memory of the good times we’d shared. I’d had the good fortune to fall in love with a man who wasn’t great with words but understood the language of flowers. There had been flowers for every occasion, which culminated into the biggest flower delivery of all, my own shop in the small town of Willow Valley, Peggy’s Petals. So I spent all my time and energy building my small flower shop.
Eight years later, my friends are trying to encourage me to move on, but how does a person so that and leave behind the guilt they hold? Instead, I tried something safer. My best friend, Trinity, suggested I join the Army pen pal program. It seemed the safest ways to test out the waters with someone new, and the best part, we’d never meet, or so I thought.
Ethan
I’d now been divorced longer than I’d been married and thanks to countless deployments, I knew the men under my command better than I knew my own daughter. As I neared retirement, I wanted to change that. I started writing to my daughter. She was my first pen pal and in one of her letters she explained that she had been doing some volunteer work for a non – profit and she wanted me to get involved.
Apparently, all I needed to do was write a pen pal provided by the non-profit. So, I signed up, and began exchanging letters. This went on religiously for more than a year. The more I knew about her, the more I wanted to know. Then kismet played its hand. Melinda, my daughter, and Peggy, my pen pal lived in the same small town.
As I prepared for retirement, I finally knew where I wanted to settle down. The military had given me an amazing life, now I wanted the job of being a family man, which meant being with my family. I planned to move to Willow Valley, build a relationship with my daughter, and if I had my way, build one with Peggy too.
After the death of my husband, I drowned myself in flowers, a bittersweet memory of the good times we’d shared. I’d had the good fortune to fall in love with a man who wasn’t great with words but understood the language of flowers. There had been flowers for every occasion, which culminated into the biggest flower delivery of all, my own shop in the small town of Willow Valley, Peggy’s Petals. So I spent all my time and energy building my small flower shop.
Eight years later, my friends are trying to encourage me to move on, but how does a person so that and leave behind the guilt they hold? Instead, I tried something safer. My best friend, Trinity, suggested I join the Army pen pal program. It seemed the safest ways to test out the waters with someone new, and the best part, we’d never meet, or so I thought.
Ethan
I’d now been divorced longer than I’d been married and thanks to countless deployments, I knew the men under my command better than I knew my own daughter. As I neared retirement, I wanted to change that. I started writing to my daughter. She was my first pen pal and in one of her letters she explained that she had been doing some volunteer work for a non – profit and she wanted me to get involved.
Apparently, all I needed to do was write a pen pal provided by the non-profit. So, I signed up, and began exchanging letters. This went on religiously for more than a year. The more I knew about her, the more I wanted to know. Then kismet played its hand. Melinda, my daughter, and Peggy, my pen pal lived in the same small town.
As I prepared for retirement, I finally knew where I wanted to settle down. The military had given me an amazing life, now I wanted the job of being a family man, which meant being with my family. I planned to move to Willow Valley, build a relationship with my daughter, and if I had my way, build one with Peggy too.
183 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2023
25 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
S.L. Sterling
81 books3,588 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author S.L. Sterling was born and raised in southern Ontario.
An avid reader all her life, S.L. Sterling dreamt of becoming an author. She decided to give writing a try after one of her favorite authors launched a course on how to write your novel. This course gave her the push she needed to put pen to paper and her debut novel "It Was Always You" was born.
When S.L. Sterling isn't writing or plotting her next novel she can be found curled up with a cup of coffee, blanket and the newest romance novel from one of her favorite authors.
In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, sunny destinations, spending quality time with family and friends and of course reading.
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An avid reader all her life, S.L. Sterling dreamt of becoming an author. She decided to give writing a try after one of her favorite authors launched a course on how to write your novel. This course gave her the push she needed to put pen to paper and her debut novel "It Was Always You" was born.
When S.L. Sterling isn't writing or plotting her next novel she can be found curled up with a cup of coffee, blanket and the newest romance novel from one of her favorite authors.
In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, sunny destinations, spending quality time with family and friends and of course reading.
Amazon: https://geni.us/SterlingAmazon
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hearomance
Instagram: https://geni.us/SLSterlingInstagram
Twitter: https://geni.us/SLSterlingTwitter
Bookbub: https://geni.us/SLSterlingBookbub
Sterlings Silver Sapphires: https://geni.us/SapphiresReaderGroup
Newsletter Signup: https://geni.us/GRNewsletterSignUp
Goodreads: https://geni.us/SterlingGoodreads
Tiktok: https://geni.us/slsterlingtiktok
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
July 28, 2023
Letters from the Heart is an absolute gem of a book that left me utterly moved and emotionally invested from the very first page. This touching and heartfelt story has all the elements to make it a perfect TV movie, with emotions so raw and powerful that it's hard not to be moved to tears while reading.
The heart of the story lies in the beautiful connection between Peggy and Ethan, who begin their journey as penpals. As the story unfolds, their relationship evolves into something deeper and more profound. However, it's not an easy path to navigate, especially when guilt and complicated emotions come into play. The complexities of their feelings make their journey all the more authentic and heartwrenching.
Throughout the book, there are moments of light and brightness that beautifully contrast with the deeper, emotional aspects. These glimpses of hope and love made me see death and the concept of forever love in a new and touching light.
The way the author portrays Peggy and Ethan's evolving relationship is a testament to the power of love and how it can transcend barriers and obstacles. Their journey is so beautifully depicted that I found myself completely immersed in their world, rooting for them every step of the way.
I can't recommend this book enough.
The heart of the story lies in the beautiful connection between Peggy and Ethan, who begin their journey as penpals. As the story unfolds, their relationship evolves into something deeper and more profound. However, it's not an easy path to navigate, especially when guilt and complicated emotions come into play. The complexities of their feelings make their journey all the more authentic and heartwrenching.
Throughout the book, there are moments of light and brightness that beautifully contrast with the deeper, emotional aspects. These glimpses of hope and love made me see death and the concept of forever love in a new and touching light.
The way the author portrays Peggy and Ethan's evolving relationship is a testament to the power of love and how it can transcend barriers and obstacles. Their journey is so beautifully depicted that I found myself completely immersed in their world, rooting for them every step of the way.
I can't recommend this book enough.
July 22, 2023
Letters from the Heart would be a wonderful addition to the Hallmark Channel, a mesmerising played-out story of two people both still many years on from the deaths of their spouses dealing with their grieve, Peggy 8 years on from the death of her husband has moved to a new town and opened a flower shop which has become her salvation, Ethan, a military man lost his wife 15 years ago and unable to come to terms with her death he left his then 13-year-old daughter Melinda with her Aunt and Uncle when she decides to set up a pen pal exchange little did Ether and Peggy know how their lives where about to change, the exchanging of letters, the coming home, the connection, the still deep routed sorrow and forgiveness all makes this a wonderful journey to watch unfold, with a truly wonderful ending.
July 19, 2023
Touching story of a lesson to be learned from the swans.
Peggy Hollis has been a widow for 8 years. She moved from Cedar Landing to Willow Valley after the death of her husband, Darren. He was killed in a car accident and she feels responsible for his death. She's opened a successful flower shop business, Peggy's Petals,
Ethan Alexander is a soon to retire USMC Sergeant Major. His wife, Polly, died 15 years ago while he was on a military operation. His then 13 year old daughter, Melinda, was the spitting image of her mother. Ethan also feels guilt about the death of his wife. He retreated back to the military leaving Melinda to be raised by her aunt and uncle. He loved her but was unable to look at her without seeing Polly.
Melinda has organized a pen pal program with people exchanging letters with members of the military. She convinced her dad to participate. Peggy's best friend, Trinity, had also convinced Peggy to participate. Peggy showed her letter to Trinity but then tossed it into the trash. Trinity retrieved it and submitted it.
Peggy was surprised to receive a response to the letter she'd trashed. But she does begin to snail mail and email with Ethan.
Ethan had planned to move to Cabo for a few months after his retirement to unwind. An accident ended his career 6 months early. After writing to Peggy and reconnecting with Melinda he decides that Willow Valley is where he needs to be.
Reestablishing his relationship with Melinda is fairly easy. Establishing one with Peggy is anything but easy. They both have to acknowledge, accept and forgive themselves for the guilt attached to the death of their spouse. Ethan has to learn the language of flowers which Peggy is eager to teach him. But there's also a lesson and a message from the swans.
I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Peggy Hollis has been a widow for 8 years. She moved from Cedar Landing to Willow Valley after the death of her husband, Darren. He was killed in a car accident and she feels responsible for his death. She's opened a successful flower shop business, Peggy's Petals,
Ethan Alexander is a soon to retire USMC Sergeant Major. His wife, Polly, died 15 years ago while he was on a military operation. His then 13 year old daughter, Melinda, was the spitting image of her mother. Ethan also feels guilt about the death of his wife. He retreated back to the military leaving Melinda to be raised by her aunt and uncle. He loved her but was unable to look at her without seeing Polly.
Melinda has organized a pen pal program with people exchanging letters with members of the military. She convinced her dad to participate. Peggy's best friend, Trinity, had also convinced Peggy to participate. Peggy showed her letter to Trinity but then tossed it into the trash. Trinity retrieved it and submitted it.
Peggy was surprised to receive a response to the letter she'd trashed. But she does begin to snail mail and email with Ethan.
Ethan had planned to move to Cabo for a few months after his retirement to unwind. An accident ended his career 6 months early. After writing to Peggy and reconnecting with Melinda he decides that Willow Valley is where he needs to be.
Reestablishing his relationship with Melinda is fairly easy. Establishing one with Peggy is anything but easy. They both have to acknowledge, accept and forgive themselves for the guilt attached to the death of their spouse. Ethan has to learn the language of flowers which Peggy is eager to teach him. But there's also a lesson and a message from the swans.
I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
July 19, 2023
This is a very heartwarming and emotional story that overwhelmed me and made it a captivating read from the very first line. This author’s writing is strong and every emotion she’s conveying is strongly felt. This story deals with deep grief, sorrow and mostly guilt that both main characters feel. Peggy and Ethan are both widowers filled with pain and guilt from losing their respective partners that they blame themselves for. Ethan being a military man and for not being present when his wife was diagnosed with cancer, her treatments and her eventual death has eaten him up for fifteen years and prevented him from moving on. And Peggy on the last day she saw her husband alive eight years ago had reacted negatively to a present her husband gave her for her birthday…said things she didn’t mean and stormed away without ever having the opportunity to apologize to him has filled her with guilt that had her unable to move on or open her heart to loving again. Until she accepts to be part of a military program that allows her to communicate in writing with an unknown person, a soldier who’ll unknowingly will change her life and together they’ll learn to heal each other of their grief and guilt and love again. A very recommended reading⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️❤️!
July 25, 2023
Letters from the Heart by S.L. Sterling is book Three in the Willow Valley Series. This is the story of Ethan Alexander and Peggy Hollis. This was such a heart warming love story. Peggy lost her husband some years ago but has always felt the guilt of his death. Ethan is a military man who lost his wife long time ago but has always too felt the guilt about it. Ethan had a daughter Melinda that he let his family raise while he was in the military. Melinda and Ethan have started reconnecting. Melinda has started a Pen Pal organization to help those in the military. Which is how Ethan and Peggy started to connect. Enjoyed this book.
February 11, 2025
A real tear-jerker from the start of this story. Peggy is still struggling with guilt 8 years on from the death of her husband. She is persuaded to take part in sending letters to someone in the military working overseas. However, she thinks her letter was never sent until she gets a reply from widower, Ethan. As they navigate corresponding and getting to know each other, Ethan eventually retires from the military and travels to Willow Valley, to both reconnect with his daughter and visit Peggy in person. Peggy is nervous and excited as their relationship develops and they both try and let go of the past. Read an ARC for an honest review.
July 23, 2023
This is a sweet, poignant story of love, loss and moving forward in life. Both Peggy and Ethan have lost a spouse years ago. They have been unable to let go of the grief, guilt and self-recrimination in order to move forward. As Fate would have it, his daughter’s a pen pal program is the catalyst to Ethan and Peggy, who lives in the same town as his daughter, finding each other.
As he gets ready to retire from the military after thirty years of service, Ethan is ready to let the past go and repair his relationship with the daughter he hasn’t seen in person in fifteen years. He agrees to join her pen pal program and is surprised by how much he enjoys communicating with his new pen pal, Peggy, who just happens to live in the same small town as his daughter. An early discharge and a quick decision brings Ethan to Willow Valley much sooner than expected. He surprises both his daughter and Peggy. It is his daughter who helps Ethan make plans to show Peggy he is serious about getting to know her better. Unfortunately, while he is ready and eager to move forward, Peggy is not. She is still mired in her feels of guilt, regret and self-recrimination. For ever couple of steps forward that she takes, (like agreeing to go on a date and going shopping with him) she takes another backward. Ethan is doing his best to be patient and understanding, after all he had gone through a similar experience, but he is soon he finds himself wondering if she will ever be ready to mobpve forward with him or anyone else. Her friends and his daughter do their best to be supportive and nudge things between Peggy and Ethan in the right direction. In the end, it all comes down to letting go of the past, forgiveness and opening their hearts to love again.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As he gets ready to retire from the military after thirty years of service, Ethan is ready to let the past go and repair his relationship with the daughter he hasn’t seen in person in fifteen years. He agrees to join her pen pal program and is surprised by how much he enjoys communicating with his new pen pal, Peggy, who just happens to live in the same small town as his daughter. An early discharge and a quick decision brings Ethan to Willow Valley much sooner than expected. He surprises both his daughter and Peggy. It is his daughter who helps Ethan make plans to show Peggy he is serious about getting to know her better. Unfortunately, while he is ready and eager to move forward, Peggy is not. She is still mired in her feels of guilt, regret and self-recrimination. For ever couple of steps forward that she takes, (like agreeing to go on a date and going shopping with him) she takes another backward. Ethan is doing his best to be patient and understanding, after all he had gone through a similar experience, but he is soon he finds himself wondering if she will ever be ready to mobpve forward with him or anyone else. Her friends and his daughter do their best to be supportive and nudge things between Peggy and Ethan in the right direction. In the end, it all comes down to letting go of the past, forgiveness and opening their hearts to love again.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 26, 2023
I've never lost a significant other and yet, I still have a hard time reading books about the MCs losing theirs since that is a pain that oozes out of my kindle to make me cry. That being said, there's just something so amazing about S.L. Sterling's writing style that I'll never pass up one of her books. Letters from the Heart follows Peggy, who moved to Willow Valley after losing her husband to open up a flower shop as her husband always sent her flowers, and she's still dealing with guilt of his death. Ethan feels a ton of guilt about the death of his wife as well, and it was so bad that he left his daughter (the spitting image of his wife) with family while he stayed away in the military. I'm telling y'all, this story had my eyes leaking more than once as the pain & guilt of these two people really did my heart in. These days, Ethan's daughter has organized a pen pal program for people to become pen pals with military members and she's talked him into joining in. Peggy's best friend also encourages her to join in, and as fate would have it, she & Ethan start writing to each other. These letters are definitely what the doctor ordered for these two people in pain but it really gets more intense when Ethan decides to move back to where his daughter lives which is in the same neck of the woods Peggy lives in now. There's a lot of guilt these two feel & they'll have to actually face it to have a shot at a new happily ever after so the journey is filled with all kinds of emotion that seeped out of the pages. I couldn't get enough of their journey with all the Willow Valley healing so yeah, I CANNOT WAIT for more of this series & HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
July 20, 2023
This is book three in The Willow Valley series and it is Peggy and Ethan’s story. When Peggy’s husband died she was devastated and tried so hard to carry on buy opening up her own flower shop which kept her busy but she was still so lonely and missed her husband Darren so much even though she had some great friends. Ethan was in the military and when his wife died his daughter Melinda went to live with her aunty and uncle while he carried on with his career but he did miss out on a lot of his daughters life. When a pen pal exchange for the military was suggested Peggy didn’t really want to be involved but it was taken out of her hands and that is how Peggy and Ethan started corresponding to each other but now Ethan is out of the military and back in Willow Valley to not only see his daughter but also to meet Peggy because he felt a connection to her from there letters and emails. The more time that Peggy and Ethan spent together the harder they fall but things are not plain sailing and you begin to wonder if they will ever stay together and then something happened that puts things into perspective making them realise that they can have happiness and a future together. This is a beautiful story about taking a second chance on love and being happy again after loss. I really enjoyed reading this book even with the emotional situations and I can’t wait to read more books in the future.
July 25, 2023
Reviewed by Donna for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner
This book is such a beautiful read. One that could easily become a tv movie. It's a touching story that is so fueled by emotions that it's hard not to cry whilst reading. There are some light and bright parts to the story, and it made me see death and a forever love differently.
Peggy and Ethan start off as penpals, but as the book evolves into a relationship that isn't easy to navigate or even begin in fact. Guilty does crazy things to your head and heart. I can only suggest you read this for yourself. This book is so beautiful and a huge recommendation from me.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
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This book is such a beautiful read. One that could easily become a tv movie. It's a touching story that is so fueled by emotions that it's hard not to cry whilst reading. There are some light and bright parts to the story, and it made me see death and a forever love differently.
Peggy and Ethan start off as penpals, but as the book evolves into a relationship that isn't easy to navigate or even begin in fact. Guilty does crazy things to your head and heart. I can only suggest you read this for yourself. This book is so beautiful and a huge recommendation from me.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
July 27, 2023
Letters From The Heart ( Willow Bay Book #3 ) where do I even find the right words to express what a truly beautiful and emotional love story this was and is !!! I’m so sure there are any ( and I do mean that in all the best ways . So many emotions, I was smiling one second and then the next I felt like my heart was literally being ripped right outta my chest with tears running down my face . L Sterling has this amazing gift of knowing just how to grab onto all your emotions so flawlessly from that very first page and keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last .Peggy and Ethan had my heart from the get go . Two people who have not had the easiest of lives ( both have suffered through past hurts , regrets and terrible tragedy yet fate steps in and brings them together when they least expect it ( and need it the most . There journey is not only about romance , it’s about love and hope and healing and second chances . It’s angsty and steamy , heartbreaking and heartwarming, it’s filled with family , friendships, off the charts chemistry, phenomenal world building, humor , witty banter and so much more then words can even express
a few seconds ago
a few seconds ago
July 28, 2023
Peggy moved to town after her husband died and set up a flower shop. She hasn't dated since even though her friends have tried to encourage her.
When one of her friends sets up a pen pal program with a military unit, Peggy is encouraged to write to someone. She chickens out at the last minute but unknown to Peggy, her letter ends up being sent thanks to a friend and she gets a reply.
When Ethan lost his wife, he struggled to be around his daughter as she reminded him of what he'd lost. He ended up going back into the military and leaving his daughter with family, thinking she would have a better life than with him. When his daughter sets up a pen pal program, he is convinced to join it and ends up with Peggy's letter.
They develop a good friendship over snail mail and email but when Ethan is pushed into early retirement after an injury, he decides its time to went to visit his daughter and Peggy.
Could this lead to a second chance at love for both of them.
I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When one of her friends sets up a pen pal program with a military unit, Peggy is encouraged to write to someone. She chickens out at the last minute but unknown to Peggy, her letter ends up being sent thanks to a friend and she gets a reply.
When Ethan lost his wife, he struggled to be around his daughter as she reminded him of what he'd lost. He ended up going back into the military and leaving his daughter with family, thinking she would have a better life than with him. When his daughter sets up a pen pal program, he is convinced to join it and ends up with Peggy's letter.
They develop a good friendship over snail mail and email but when Ethan is pushed into early retirement after an injury, he decides its time to went to visit his daughter and Peggy.
Could this lead to a second chance at love for both of them.
I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 28, 2023
I loved Ethan & Peggy’s story.
A tale of loss - both of a partner and of their way - this pair had more in common than they realised.
I really liked the letters and communication that lead to them getting to know each other, I thought they were great.
I really liked the lead up to the letters being sent and even though at that point the whole story behind Peggy’s inability to move on from her husbands passing wasn’t known, I kinda understood her hesitancy in sending a letter to a stranger, even if it was a good thing to do.
Ethan’s quiet determination to get to know Peggy was fab, I liked that he wasn’t continually in her space and gave her time to get her thoughts together. I liked that he also got the chance to know his daughter again and realised what he’d given up in the time after his wife passed, I really enjoyed their banter and interactions.
Peggy, oh Peggy…. She drove me bloody nuts at times. She dithered about what she wanted so much, I was amazed that Ethan held in to his patience…. Then, when we finally found out just what was holding get back, I really felt for her but was rooting for her to finally see that she deserved to live life again!!
I love the supporting characters in this series and really do hope there’s gonna be more books to come.
Even if you haven’t read the previous books in the series, give Letters from the Heart a go, it’s honestly worth it!!!
A tale of loss - both of a partner and of their way - this pair had more in common than they realised.
I really liked the letters and communication that lead to them getting to know each other, I thought they were great.
I really liked the lead up to the letters being sent and even though at that point the whole story behind Peggy’s inability to move on from her husbands passing wasn’t known, I kinda understood her hesitancy in sending a letter to a stranger, even if it was a good thing to do.
Ethan’s quiet determination to get to know Peggy was fab, I liked that he wasn’t continually in her space and gave her time to get her thoughts together. I liked that he also got the chance to know his daughter again and realised what he’d given up in the time after his wife passed, I really enjoyed their banter and interactions.
Peggy, oh Peggy…. She drove me bloody nuts at times. She dithered about what she wanted so much, I was amazed that Ethan held in to his patience…. Then, when we finally found out just what was holding get back, I really felt for her but was rooting for her to finally see that she deserved to live life again!!
I love the supporting characters in this series and really do hope there’s gonna be more books to come.
Even if you haven’t read the previous books in the series, give Letters from the Heart a go, it’s honestly worth it!!!
July 25, 2023
Cute, quick, and relatable love story.
3 stars !
This story follows two widowed adults who are both grieving in their own ways. Peggy moves away from the town she lived in with her husband and begins a life for herself in a small town. Ethan is away in the Marines and is trying to rebuild a relationship with his daughter after being away for so long. What happens when they both sign up for a pen pal program and end up being each other's pen pals ? Or what happens when Ethan comes to Peggy's small town to see her and his daughter who lives there as well?
Overall, I thought this book was sweet and everything was dealt with pretty well. This book was a quick read and each minute of it was adorable and definitely easy to read. Although the main characters actions were sometimes hard to understand you still couldn't help but to at least like them. The premise of this book was really interesting and not something I have ever read before.
3 stars !
This story follows two widowed adults who are both grieving in their own ways. Peggy moves away from the town she lived in with her husband and begins a life for herself in a small town. Ethan is away in the Marines and is trying to rebuild a relationship with his daughter after being away for so long. What happens when they both sign up for a pen pal program and end up being each other's pen pals ? Or what happens when Ethan comes to Peggy's small town to see her and his daughter who lives there as well?
Overall, I thought this book was sweet and everything was dealt with pretty well. This book was a quick read and each minute of it was adorable and definitely easy to read. Although the main characters actions were sometimes hard to understand you still couldn't help but to at least like them. The premise of this book was really interesting and not something I have ever read before.
July 25, 2023
This is the third book in this incredible story which is Ethan and Peggy’s story. Ethan is a divorced military man who is retiring after 30-years of service and wants to connect with his daughter Melinda. Peggy is a widow who has her own flower shops. When Melinda wants to involve Ethan in a volunteer program she is in, he agrees and becomes a pen pal with Peggy. Fate had destined for Peggy and Melinda to stay in the same town, and he is determined to convince Peggy to take a chance on them being together. This s a well written story which has family, friendships, guilt, loss, grief, drama, emotions, and healing, which leads to a heartwarming small-town romance, which pulls at the heartstrings throughout.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
July 29, 2023
Peggy spent so much time building her flower shop after the death of her husband she left no time for her and finding someone else. Her friends are trying to get he move on. She does not believe she is ready but agrees to join the Army pen pal program, it seemed to be the safest course.
Peggy was match with Ethan, career military man that had widowed a lot longer than married. He has been deployed so much over his career it cost him the relationship with his daughter, he hoped fix once he retired.
Peggy never expected a response, but Ethan did, letter turn into emails. Ethan had no clue what he wanted to do once he retired but his connection to Peggy and being able to fix his relationship with his daughter, he decides to head to Willow Valley. Can he convince Peggy to take a chance?.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Peggy was match with Ethan, career military man that had widowed a lot longer than married. He has been deployed so much over his career it cost him the relationship with his daughter, he hoped fix once he retired.
Peggy never expected a response, but Ethan did, letter turn into emails. Ethan had no clue what he wanted to do once he retired but his connection to Peggy and being able to fix his relationship with his daughter, he decides to head to Willow Valley. Can he convince Peggy to take a chance?.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 21, 2023
It starts with a letter sent for friendship to military personnel. Ethan's daughter started the idea and Peggy , though doubtful, became involved. I liked the idea of the letters even after having met in person
I liked Ethan and others characters, each having faults, depending on what was happening at the time.
I did not like Peggy until the end of the book..she is an emotional Hoover, sucking enjoyment out of things, content to live in misery and aggressive when challenged due to feelings of guilt and eternally punishing herself. Grief and loss is different for everyone, but wallowing and self flogging is wearisome.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I liked Ethan and others characters, each having faults, depending on what was happening at the time.
I did not like Peggy until the end of the book..she is an emotional Hoover, sucking enjoyment out of things, content to live in misery and aggressive when challenged due to feelings of guilt and eternally punishing herself. Grief and loss is different for everyone, but wallowing and self flogging is wearisome.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 21, 2023
Wow! Ethan and Peggy’s story was really good. They both have been through devastating loss that no one should have to experience. This is a later in life romance and it was perfect. Ethan cared about Peggy enough to help her though her struggles. Peggy is living with guilt over how and the circumstances of how her husband died. Ethan is holding on to guilt as well because of the circumstances behind his wife’s passing and how he treated his daughter after his wife’s death. These two were perfect for each other from the very beginning. This story has grief, uncertainty, love and steam all in one. I highly recommend this short story. Makes me believe in love a little bit more.
I received an ARC copy from the author, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I received an ARC copy from the author, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
July 24, 2023
Reviewed For Saucy Review
On Kinky Korner
This book is such a beautiful read. One that could easily become a tv movie. It's a touching story that is so fueled by emotions that it's hard not to cry whilst reading. There are some light and bright parts to the story, and it made me see death and a forever love differently.
Peggy and Ethan start off as penpals, but as the book evolves into a relationship that isn't easy to navigate or even begin in fact. Guilty does crazy things to your head and heart. I can only suggest you read this for yourself. This book is so beautiful and a huge recommend from me.
On Kinky Korner
This book is such a beautiful read. One that could easily become a tv movie. It's a touching story that is so fueled by emotions that it's hard not to cry whilst reading. There are some light and bright parts to the story, and it made me see death and a forever love differently.
Peggy and Ethan start off as penpals, but as the book evolves into a relationship that isn't easy to navigate or even begin in fact. Guilty does crazy things to your head and heart. I can only suggest you read this for yourself. This book is so beautiful and a huge recommend from me.
July 28, 2023
Letters From The Heart is a sweet, but highly emotional, story about navigating grief, moving on without the person you thought you would spend forever with, and finding love again after loss.
Peggy and Ethan first "meet" through a military pen pal program, which gives them a strong friendship and a lot of time to get to know one another without any pressure. After he retires, he moves closer to his daughter, and he and Peggy get to know each other in real life. While there are already feelings there once they meet in person, Ethan and Peggy still struggle with having lost their respective spouses.
This is a relatively short book and a good story. There were times that I thought Peggy was just way too much and I just wish she would have moved on already. But overall, I enjoyed it. This book could easily be a Hallmark movie.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
Peggy and Ethan first "meet" through a military pen pal program, which gives them a strong friendship and a lot of time to get to know one another without any pressure. After he retires, he moves closer to his daughter, and he and Peggy get to know each other in real life. While there are already feelings there once they meet in person, Ethan and Peggy still struggle with having lost their respective spouses.
This is a relatively short book and a good story. There were times that I thought Peggy was just way too much and I just wish she would have moved on already. But overall, I enjoyed it. This book could easily be a Hallmark movie.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
July 25, 2023
This is such a beautiful, heartwarming and fantastic love story. Peggy is struggling to move on following her husbands death…she feels guilty about “feeling” again.
Ethan has made some life choices that he regrets. He’s working to resolve the past hurts and create a future with new beginnings.
Peggy and Ethan meet in the most fantastic way - becoming friends before they ever meet. Once they meet sparks fly but they are both a bit guarded. This is a lovely, sweet and endearing story of two people who deserve a second chance at love and fate had a way of bringing them together.
This is a stand-alone but I recommend the other books in the series to understand the back story of the supporting characters.
Ethan has made some life choices that he regrets. He’s working to resolve the past hurts and create a future with new beginnings.
Peggy and Ethan meet in the most fantastic way - becoming friends before they ever meet. Once they meet sparks fly but they are both a bit guarded. This is a lovely, sweet and endearing story of two people who deserve a second chance at love and fate had a way of bringing them together.
This is a stand-alone but I recommend the other books in the series to understand the back story of the supporting characters.
July 26, 2023
This is book #3 in The Willow Valley Series. A sweet story about losing the one you love and having to learn to live life without them. Both Peggy and Ethan lost someone who was to be there forever. A pen pal program was started and Peggy wrote a letter to someone. She didn’t know who would get her letter. That stressed her out. How could she move on with someone that is not her husband if this person was a man? The writing between Ethan and Peggy gave the the opportunity to really get to know each other without reservations. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
CAWFILE: 8.86
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
Recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Read more from this author? Yes!
Happy Reading!
Melissa
CAWFILE: 8.86
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
Recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Read more from this author? Yes!
Happy Reading!
Melissa
July 26, 2023
Ethan and Peggy both lost their spouses and never got to say goodbye or I'm sorry. A friend of Peggy starts a pen pal program with military over seas and they are matched. He retires shortly after and comes to the town as his daughter also lives there. The characters are well developed, determined, stubborn, and have great backstories. The storyline has them going through believable situations, having to adapt to a future they did not plan for, trust, deep feelings, big decisions about things that have important links to the past, and giving each a chance. Loved their chemistry and their triggers - like her car. Added a lot of dimension to the story.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 31, 2023
This is the third book in the series. They can be read as standalone books. Each couple lives in Willow Valley and so far, they seem like second chance romances. Peggy joins a army pen pal program. She was nervous about it in the beginning. Ethan encouraged his troops to join and then joined the pen pal program as well. He wasn’t sure what to expect. The two have a lot in common. Things get even better when he learns that Peggy lives in the same town as his daughter who he is trying to reconnect with. Both are widowers. Peggy still isn’t over her husband’s death and feel a lot of guilt about it. Ethan is understanding but wants to help her move forward. The two have a fair number of bumps in the road. Will Peggy be able to let go of her guilt and find a way to move forward? Ethan is figuring out what he wants now that he is retired from the military. This book was a great read. I really enjoyed it. The characters from previous book do appear in the following books. Great job S.L. Sterling.
January 15, 2025
2.5 stars gladly bumped to 3 stars. This story is filled with heart. It just didn’t resonate with me. There was plenty that should have resonated, it just didn’t. I don’t know if it was simpler writing or if I didn’t connect with the characters. Generally, I find Sterling’s writing to be engaging.
Peggy has a tragic past, as does Ethan. Peggy is mired in her guilt and grief and does everything she can to stay there. It isn't very pleasant. Ethan has moved past his tragedy. He did not do it in the typical way. Many people would say he ran from it and he would not argue that point. He did. Now it is time to repair the most important relationship harmed when he ran. Letters From the Heart has a lot of potential. I enjoyed it, I just didn’t feel it met its full potential.
Peggy has a tragic past, as does Ethan. Peggy is mired in her guilt and grief and does everything she can to stay there. It isn't very pleasant. Ethan has moved past his tragedy. He did not do it in the typical way. Many people would say he ran from it and he would not argue that point. He did. Now it is time to repair the most important relationship harmed when he ran. Letters From the Heart has a lot of potential. I enjoyed it, I just didn’t feel it met its full potential.
July 23, 2023
Peggy lost her husband and eight years later is still struggling with it. She is asked to participate in a pen pal program writing letters to soldiers overseas. She is connected with Ethan through writing letters. He too has a dead spouse, and it connects the two of them. When he retires from the military, he decides to move close to his daughter who happens to live in the same town as Peggy. Will be the start for both Peggy and Ethan and will it finally lead them to happiness. This touching story is heartfelt and draws you in and have you in Ethan and Peggy's corner.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 25, 2023
This is the third part of the Willow Valley series. This was a well written story and I loved the main characters Ethan and Peggy and also the fact that Ethan's daughter Melinda plays a part in their introduction as she wants to involve her father in a volunteer program she participates in and that's how he gets to know Peggy. This story sort of goes through all the emotions from sadness, drama, healing, regret guilt, but also second chance at love and some steam and hot moments. This is a feel good story and definitely recommended.
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review
July 26, 2023
Peggy and Ethan's story is one of the most heartwarming, touching story I have read this year. Both of them lost their spouses in different circumstances but could not make their peace with it. Peggy is encouraged by her friends to move on and joins the military pen pal program. Ethan is divorced and retiring looking for some peace after being in the military his whole life and wants to connect with his daughter Melinda at the same time. Melinda wants he father to be involved in the pen pal program and becomes Peggy's who lives in Melinda's town. Their story is one of trust, drama, guilt and letting go of a painful past and heal together. A marvelous story and characters.
August 10, 2023
Sweet, emotional and entrancing
Letters from the Heart is the third book in the Willow Valley series. This is the first book in the series I have read, but I have read a number of other books by the author. I loved this heartstring pulling story about Peggy and Ethan. They are both in places in their lives where they are having to start over and rethink what they want for their futures. This is a pen pal turning into something deeper and more meaningful romance that is sweet, heartfelt, a bit spicy story that is well written and has characters that you fall in love with and want as your best friends.
Letters from the Heart is the third book in the Willow Valley series. This is the first book in the series I have read, but I have read a number of other books by the author. I loved this heartstring pulling story about Peggy and Ethan. They are both in places in their lives where they are having to start over and rethink what they want for their futures. This is a pen pal turning into something deeper and more meaningful romance that is sweet, heartfelt, a bit spicy story that is well written and has characters that you fall in love with and want as your best friends.
July 17, 2023
Letters from The Heart is the 3rd book in the Willow Valley series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. I like the concept of pen pals connecting while miles apart, then meeting and falling in love. Peggy is a wonderful character and it's great to see her coming out of her shell and learning to love again. Unfortunately, I didn't care for Ethan and the choices and demands he makes. He sort of redeemed himself in the end and there is a HEA for the two of them.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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