Letters for Scarlet: A Novel

I read Julie C. Gardner's debut novel, Letter for Scarlet, and was pleasantly surprised at how warm and engaging it is. The plot is interesting and keeps you guessing until the end of the book. It was interesting meeting characters years after a tragic event to see how it impacted their lives and decisions. The character development is excellent. Ms. Gardner creates interesting and believable multi-dimensional characters. l I could hardly put this book down, and stayed up way past my bedtime to finish it. I highly recommend downloading a copy of this book. I just saw that there is a prequel to the book and I am going to download that and look forward to spending more time with the characters.

received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I will admit that before reading this book I did not read the synopsis and had no idea what it was about. Usually the synopsis colours my opinion and I begin the book with preconceived ideas of how I think it's going to go, or how it should be. Maybe reading the synopsis in this case would have helped me with this book, as it was completely unexpected and lackluster, in my opinion.

The story is told from two points of view, which I did enjoy as it gives an intimate view of more than one character and makes it easier for the reader to bond with both characters. Unfortunately this was not the case for me. While I found myself sympathizing with Corrie and really enjoying her points of view, I did not like Scarlet at all. Her character felt cold and juvenile and while I was able to sympathize with her life events I found myself unable to care about her well-being. The idea that she carried her pain from a childhood incident for 10 years, blaming her childhood friends for the events that happened the whole time, was childish and unrealistic. I thought that maybe motherhood would help her grow up a bit but that doesn't seem to be the case either.

I often found myself speed reading through Scarlet's story to get to Corrie's. Corrie's character was pitiful which made her more likable than Scarlet. Her marital problems and fertility issues were so sad, that I absolutely felt for her plight. She seemed like a genuinely good person who wanted nothing more than to be happily married to her high school sweetheart, have babies and repair her friendship with Scarlet. I felt myself wanting all of that for her too. So the end of the book felt like a bit of a disappointment to me, although, based on what we know of Scarlet's character it wasn't a surprising outcome.

I found a lot of the book to be dull and had a hard time reading through those parts to get to any interesting bits. The thing that kept me going the most was probably the writing style. I may not have enjoyed the story very much but I thought the author did a fantastic job at making me feel Corrie's emotions and giving a good visual description of the settings in the book.

I literally just finished the last page of this book. I read it over two days because it is one of those books that I just couldn't put down, filled with characters who I am so going to miss. I love all of the layered themes in the book; but most of all the focus on how much can change in friendships and relationships, and how so very much we affect each other. Julie is a gorgeous writer, every word is perfectly placed. I will admit to tearing up at the end, but only in the very best way.

A captivating novel unfolding slowly like petals, keeping the reader in suspense right to the end.
I love the idea of how little portions of the past are exposed through the characters written letters. At the end of every chapter you won't be able to wait to start the next.
The narrative itself has a beautiful rhythmic flow and the author writes with sheer confidence making this a pleasing read for any reader.

I love books about female friendships and books told in letters and Letters for Scarlet has both! I rooted for the characters and cared about what happened to them. I wanted to know more about what was happening their lives. I can't say too much without ruining the plot (I cannot stand when reviewers do that). Highly recommend!

Julie C. Gardner's debut novel, Letters for Scarlet, is a terrific read. Her words jump off the page and her descriptions are quite vivid and alive. Almost immediately you have a connection with her characters. They are developed and fully dimensional people whom you care about deeply. Their stories are compelling and Gardner's language is precise. I didn't want to stop reading and had a difficult time putting the book down for very long. I look forward to reading more from her in the future. Although I received an advanced reader copy of this book for my honest opinion, I have no problem giving it a rave review!

Corie and Scarlet were best friends, until a tragic night and a betrayal change everything. Ten years later, Corie pours out her feelings in a series of letters to Scarlet she never sends. Meanwhile, Scarlet is struggling with an unplanned pregnancy and her feelings unworthiness. Both women are flawed and human. You can't help rooting for them to figure out their lives - and for a reconciliation between them. Sorry, no spoilers! The writing is beautiful and approachable and lets you find some of yourself in both Corie and Scarlet.

I received an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It is about life, friendship and all the complexities that go with it. It was beautifully written, like talking to a friend, and very relatable.

I cheated on my life when reading this book. I passed up on lunch, dinner and sleep, and I breezily brushed off a Saturday work commitment so I could read to the end. Here's what was different about this novel: I couldn't guess the past tragedy that was shaping the current drama. And far too many novels make it so obvious that I lose interest before hitting that important plot point. But not this one! I was interested through the climax and wished this book didn't have to end. What an incredibly talented author. Bring on the next book, Ms Gardner!

I could not have cared less for these characters. The story, while writing was good, was extremely boring, a waste of time. I seriously can't even come up with 120 characters to express how I feel about it...is that 120 yet?

Letters for Scarlett is a well written story with a relatable plot & characters who speak to the reader as a true friend right from the beginning. I couldn't put this book down and was sad when it was over. I can't wait for the sequeal just so I can continue down the path of friendship with Scarlett and Corie. I look forward to reading more by this author, as her voice is one that evokes genuine tears, curiosity, and heartfelt laughs. Read this book...you won't be disappointed.

An intriguing book about teenage relationships ten years down the road. The book carries a hidden secret that affects the lives of three teenage friends as they mature into adulthood. Their relationships change with time but doubt and fear still haunt them. Will the secret ever be revealed? Who really loved who, or was their ever true love in the mix? The truth is not revealed until the end! Truly a "can't put down" story!

This book is about friendship, relationships, heartache, and love, with the perfect amount of mystery. Characters are realistic and face normal adversities, but what is most compelling is the vividness and truth about women's friendships. It's a quick read, but solely because it is so well written and engaging.

This was an interesting read, told from alternating viewpoints of Corie & Scarlett. They are 2 friends that had a falling out over 10 years ago & are still dealing with the aftermath. I loved how the author used letters to convey parts of the story & I thought both Corie & Scarlett where extremely well written. The book overall was good but I felt it lagged in some places & not knowing the tragic mystery that was continually referred to but not explained until almost the end of the book drove me a little crazy.

Glad I read it.

ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I felt as though I was in this book experiencing all the emotions it had to offer. A fabulous read, entertaining and so well written. Anxiously awaiting and hopeful for a sequel to Letters For Scarlet.

I loved Letters for Scarlet! I read this book in just a few days and could not put it down. The characters are both relatable and complex, I found myself rooting for Scarlet through the entire book! The ending left me wanting more! Looking forward to more Julie C Gardner books:)

"Letters for Scarlet" is a great read about friendship and the ties that will always remain, even if they are painful. There are a few surprises I didn't see coming and I was so anxious to see where these characters would be taken.

Letters for Scarlet is a delightful read. Julie's prose is poetic. She has such beautiful way of choosing words. I found myself rereading passages. Her story ideas are unique and tantalizing! I really loved this book!!

This was a compelling book with a variety of characters and plots to entertain and/or relate to ... I feared it would become predictable but it was intriguing to the end. It was hard to put down and went quickly.

This pleasant read is Julie C. Gardner’s first novel. While it’s not heaving reading, it deals with a deep topic. The story follows Scarlet and Corie, inseparable friends in high school in love with the same boy. Before the three of them can work things they are face with a horrifying tragedy. Ten years later, Scarlet, a single high powered attorney confronting an unexpected pregnancy, and Corie, a married high school teacher, are still trapped by the past.
Scarlet and Corie are women that most of us know and can understand, but the rest of the characters are a little flat. My biggest complaint is that the explanation of the tragedy appears very late in the story, but knowing what happened earlier would explain some of the action. That said, Letters for Scarlet handles a sensitive topic nicely and I found myself rooting both women right until the end. A good beach book.
I want to thank Library Thing Early Reviews and Velvet Morning Press for giving me the opportunity to read this book. Disclaimer: The publisher gave me an advanced copy in exchange for this review.