Having enjoyed the Seven Sisters series I was delighted to read The Love Letter. Lucinda Riley has a talent for delivering great plots, introducing us to characters we can empathise with. This book had the added bonus of having some of the story located close to where I live. I love a bit of local flavour!
I really enjoy Lucinda Riley's talent for taking real life personalities, past and present, and weaving them flawlessly into her stories. Quite shockingly in this case!
I look forward now to the next installment of The Seven Sisters.
Many thanks to NetGalley, and especially to Lucinda Riley for this great story.

This is the first time I’ve ever read a novel by Lucinda Riley, and it certainly won’t be the last. I’m a huge fan of the mystery thriller genre, and The Love Letter certainly didn’t disappoint.
Set in London in 1995, the passing of famous actor, Sir James Harrison acts as the catalyst for events within the novel. Young journalist Joanna Haslam is inadvertently set upon the road to discovering Sir James’ secret; a secret he kept from everyone he loved, leading her into a dense web of danger and deceit. She soon discovers that the secret is so shocking that some will stop at nothing to keep the truth buried for all time.
Enticed by the synopsis, I found myself hooked from the very first chapter. The storytelling is compelling and the story gripping, leaving the reader eager to turn the page. As expected with the genre, The Love Letter delivers more than its fair share of twists and turns, and Lucinda Riley has skilfully woven little hints and clues into the narrative along the way for the curious reader to try to piece together the puzzle themselves.
The novel is very easy to dip in and out of, which as a busy Mum of two, meant I could snatch a few pages here and there without losing the thread of the story or without having any negative bearing on my enjoyment of the story. It’s the perfect read for busy Mums (and Dads!) like myself, commuters – or anyone who finds their reading time interrupted regularly.
This book was a very enjoyable read and I found myself increasingly looking forward to finding time to sit and read as the novel progressed, desperate to find out if my theory was correct, so much so I’ve seen in the early hours a couple of times with this novel!
The ending was great and very satisfying, but I have to say that I loved the way in which the epilogue cleverly suggests that fact and fiction are in fact closer than we think. It has certainly got my brain ticking over!
I give The Love Letter a very enthusiastic 4/5. It only drops one star because I had managed to figure out the secret before the conclusion, so it did lose a little of the impact for me – but it was still an excellent read, which I highly recommend.

Even before I got to the first chapter of The Love Letter, Lucinda Riley's  Author's Note piqued my interest in this book. Originally this book was written in the late 1990's but was pulled from publication as it was seen to have an inappropriate plot line for that time.  This plot line concerned a fictional Royal Family and we all know that the Royals went through a bad time in the late 1990's.  This is Lucida Riley's first thriller, and set around a letter that contains information that could damage the English Establishment, and contains information that people are prepared to kill for.   The is not a particularly fast paced but it has all the ingredients of a brilliant thriller; suspense, twists and turns, tension, murder and conspiracy.

Like Lucinda Riley's other novels there is a fairly small cast of characters, who are all there for a reason and play an integral part in the plot; she doesn't have characters who don't really add anything like some authors do.  Journalist Joanna Haslam is junior reporter trying to work her way up the ladder, but did not go looking for the story that fell into her lap at the funeral of celebrated actor Sir James Harrison. What makes Joanna different is that she has a moral code, is loyal to her friends and won't compromise those friendships even for a story that could advance her career.  As she becomes embroiled in the search for the mysterious letter and what it contains she puts herself in danger, and some of those she comes into contact with.  Simon has been her best friend since childhood, but he himself has secrets that he can't disclose and puts his friendship with Joanna under pressure. Their relationship is very natural and comfortable, like brother and sister which makes certain decisions difficult for both characters.  Additional characters include MI5 agents, Zoe the granddaughter of the famous Sir James Harrison, her brother Marcus, who drinks too much and goes from one project to another, and Rose the mysterious mourner at Sir James' funeral who brings Joanna into centre of this state secret. And of course there is the fictional royal family.

It is hard to say too much about this book without giving the plot away, so I'm going to keep to short and sweet.  This is a fairly slow burner where we are drip fed pieces of information so that you have to wait until the very end of the book to find out the full story about the letter, the secret it contains and its effect on the characters involved.  There is plenty of action and edge of the seat moments that intensify the tension and suspense of this book.  Romance, family secrets and drama make this a multi layered read to keep your interest through out he book.

Lucinda Riley never ceases to amaze me in her writing, this is a new genre for her and even though it was written twenty years ago it is still relevant and an all encompassing read.  I was totally engrossed in this book and carried it around in the hope of getting a few minutes to read some more.  The Love Letter is suspenseful read, with some unforgettable characters, and a plot line that grabs your attention; I genuinely couldn't put it down.  I'm sure this will be another best seller for Lucinda Riley, and hopefully she will write more thrillers.

Perhaps it was best that at the time of its proposed publication Seeing Double - now titled - The Love Letter never saw the light of day, for Lucinda Riley was forced to step back and take a break from her writing career. She used this time to raise her young family and thus in time she returned with new books written in my favourite genre – historical fiction in turn publishing brilliant books such as Hothouse Flower, The Midnight Rose and not to forget the outstanding Seven Sisters series. Now Lucinda has felt the time is right for The Love Letter to be brought to her loyal readers attention and boy am I glad she made this decision as this book was unputdownable. Long term fans, myself included, will rejoice as this book will fill the void as we patiently, or not as in my case, wait for the publication of Tiggy's story later this year in The Moon Sister.

Lucinda has mentioned that to some extent The Love Letter is a period piece, that if it were set in today’s world the plot would be implausible due to the advent of technology. This didn't bother me in the slightest, I was only glad that I had another book in my possession from this fabulous author who can never do any wrong in my eyes when it comes to writing books that are such page turners holding you in their thrall from the very first word until you reluctantly turn to the last page. This book was no different in terms of that sentiment and I loved every minute of what certainly turned out to be a roller-coaster read packed full of secrets and surprises with every turn of the page. Despite being nearly 600 pages long I didn't feel in any way that the story was unnecessarily prolonged or dragged out. I just wanted it to continue on and on and it's certainly a book where you forget everything that is going on around you. You lose all sense of time and before you know it you look up and find an hour or two has passed and you could have read 200 pages or more. The Love Letter for me without question is definitely another triumph for Lucinda Riley packed full of all the qualities a thrilling and absorbing read should have.

To delve into too much detail regarding the plot of the story would give far to much away. A basic outline of the story will suffice as there are so many complex threads at work with many characters and players intertwined in something much much bigger going on which if revealed will lead to the most devastating of consequences. Lucinda takes her readers on a journey leading them up several paths alongside the main character Joanna only for dead ends and frustration to be revealed. At one point maybe 150 pages or so in I thought hold on a minute too much is being revealed too soon and what could possibly happen next? Instead I soon came to realise that this was just the opening act, the teaser if you like, for all that was to come and I learned just to sit back, relax and enjoy the show and all its various scenes as layers of mystery and intrigue were yet to be discovered and revealed.

It's January 1996 and Joanna Haslam is a journalist trying to work her way up the ranks of the newspaper she is employed by. She doesn't get all the best jobs so when she is tasked with reporting on the memorial service for celebrated actor James Harrison who has died at the grand old age of 95, she feels this will be another run of the mill story not at all testing her capabilities. Little does she know attending this memorial will set in motion a series of events which will change her life for ever. She will pushed to the max, her life will be under constant threat and she will delve into a world that many people want kept secret for various reasons.

At the event she meets an old woman who on seeing someone has a funny turn. Being kind and considerate, Joanna helps the woman back to her house. Her interest is piqued as to what could have upset the woman so much but she leaves it at that. That is until a letter arrives at the newspaper offices and within the envelope is a theatre programme and a love letter from R to Siam. But before Joanna can question the woman as to why she got this letter and what does it mean, said woman is found dead. But is all as it seems?

The start point of a letter left by an old woman may seem very inconsequential to some but Joanna senses there is much more to this than meets the eye. The intrepid reporter in her wants to seek answers no matter what they cost. Little does she realise that the chance encounter will take her on a voyage that she never dreamed possible. What I loved about Joanna is that she never gave up. One could say she was very much out of her depth given the twists and surprises that were revealed with practically each new chapter but there was an inner turmoil driving her on. She had a scent and was determined to follow through until she reached the source, despite the danger she would put herself in.

Yes if she cracked this story it would have been huge in terms of her career and she would have had made a huge name for herself but I got the feeling there was more to this and that she really did become invested both emotionally and physically in the eventual outcome. Initially, I did think Joanna's friend Simon was getting a bit too much focus that surely he was only there as a support to her as she had broken up with her boyfriend. But his character turned out to be an absolute necessity and it showed me that every character had their place and role in this story and that none of them were to be underestimated or were any of them actually what they seemed?

Combined with Joanna on a quest to uncover the meaning behind the love letter is the story of James Harrison's grandchildren Marcus and Zoe. I enjoyed the back-story as to how James played such an important role in their lives but at first I did wonder how these two would feature throughout the book? Boy did they have prominent roles. Marcus came across as the stereotypical man who had been spoilt as a child and continues to think the world will fall at his feet and if it doesn't his sister will pick up the pieces left behind by his drunken exploits. Saying that he was certainly one character who underwent a transformation in this book and maybe unexpected love could have played a part in that.

I do think Zoe's story plays more than a passing resemblance to a certain couple today. I thought she was very much connected to the past and the feelings she experienced then so much so she continued to cling to them in the present. Given so many years had passed how did she think everything would remain the same? I thought she was walking herself into a trap that would be difficult to get out off but her heart was talking instead of her head. I thought her storyline was incredibly well written and yes some might say not realistic in the slightest but given the quality of the writing and basically a really good storyline that has you reading as fast as you can I really didn't care in the slightest whether this could be true at all. One has to remember at the end of the day this is a work of fiction and the author has the liberties to do what she wants with her characters and plot and Lucinda definitely did this with the tension, suspicion and intrigue racked up with every turn of the page.

The more the story progressed it just got better and better. All of a sudden one little line would leave you gasping out loud as something astonishing and unexpected was revealed and you were left thinking oh my god is this all really happening? So many times I thought I had everything worked out and then boom the story ventured down another avenue. So many red herrings were thrown in and I fell for every one of them. It's only as I raced towards the conclusion the words blurring in front of my eyes so eager was I to discover the ultimate truth, did I begin to have an inkling as to what was so secret that it had to kept under wraps at all costs. I only guessed just as the main character reached that point of revelation. I thought everything was beginning to wrap itself up but then I noticed there was another 100 or so pages left to go. I feared this would be another case of dragging things out and throwing in unnecessary dramas to needlessly extend the book. I was pleasantly surprised this wasn't the case and I was hooked as the curveballs kept coming right up until the very last page.

The line on the cover of this book – keeping secrets is a dangerous game - proved to be true and though some people may think this is too far fetched. I say forget all that, sit back and enjoy all the action, adventure, romance, danger and controversy in what for me was an extraordinary and deeply satisfying read. After a run of average reads The Love Letter restored my faith in that there are still brilliant page turners out there and that without question Lucinda Riley is my favourite author.

Wow I really enjoyed this book, I've read a lot of Lucinda Rileys books and this one was amazing. I loved all the twists and turns in the book. The characters were really good and the storyline very believable. I would highly recommend this book.

A mixed bag and not what I was expecting. Can't quite put a finger on what it is that made me not like this book though. Not an awful read just a bit unbelievable.

I'm really sorry but I found this whole story so unbelievable and I guessed what the secret was long before the final reveal. Not quite sure who this will appeal to I'm afraid.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Another great read from a great author. It did not disappoint!

The book is full of twists and turns. It almost feels like the story is complete when another twist is introduced, one which leaves you reeling sometimes. Very different from other LR books but just as enjoyable. If you are thinking about purchasing or borrowing, don't hesitate.

I am a huge fan of Lucinda Riley and have been really enjoying her seven sister's saga. So I knew the Love Letter was going to be another one of her epic tales that manages to weave so many strands together.

You know a book is good when you're thinking about it when you're not reading it and when you've finished reading it you think 'well, it COULD'VE happened...' this is a tale of conspiracy at it's highest level and at the root of it is love.

Joanna is a young journalist. eager to prove herself as a hard nosed journalist. She is sent to cover the memorial of 95 year old Sir James Harrison, so far so standard, or so she thinks. At the memorial she helps an old lady home and then stumbles upon the story of the century, a story which leads her to trust no one, including her best friend.

This book has so many twists and turns, some that the writer leads you too quite naturally and can see coming and others that just blow your mind.

I don't want to give too much of the plot away as none of the main players in this tale, other than Joanna are mentioned in the blurb, so I don't want to spoil other's enjoyment of this book by giving too much away...let's just say that it will leave you wondering if truth is stranger than fiction.

I loved this book! This is my honest opinion and thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.

Excellent storyline. Wonderful main characters. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it highly.

I found this espionage mystery by Lucinda Riley a bit a mixed bag of an uneven read. At the grand old age of 95, Sir James Harrison, a celebrated actor, dies leaving behind a heartbroken family, none more so than his beloved granddaughter, Zoe, single mother and up coming actress. For Zoe, James was more of a father than her actual famous actor father, Charles. Her brother, Marcus, an aspiring film producer has endured career flop after flop, constantly being financially rescued by his father and looking for a large sum of money to financially back his latest project that he is sure will turn his fortunes around. An ill and heartbroken Joanna Haslam, an ambitious tabloid journalist, rises from her sick bed to cover Sir James funeral, attended by famous celebrities. To Jo's dismay, an elderly woman, Rose, sitting next to her takes a turn for the worse, so she accompanies her home. Rose dies but a letter from her has Jo delving into secrets from the past that promises an exclusive that could make her career and shatter the establishment. It also places Jo's life and those of others in danger.

For a while, I thought this novel wasn't for me, but I found my interest engaged after more than a third of the way through. However, the meandering story and plot got too messy occasionally, making for a less than clear narrative. Zoe has a past and secrets in the present that echo what happened earlier with her grandfather. The intelligence services are all over the Harrisons and Jo, determined to prevent the leakages that threaten a nation, willing to eliminate all threats as we see from the rising tide of dead bodies but also having to cope with a rogue agent. Simon, Jo's best friend from Yorkshire, finds himself facing personal and professional quandries that challenge his friendship with Jo. In this intricately plotted tale with twists, a story of lies, deception, love, loss and secrets, Jo is going to need all her wits about her if she is to survive. I found this to be an uneven and a confusion of a novel, but enjoyed it overall though. Many thanks to Pan Macmillan for an ARC.

I am a big fan of Lucinda Riley ever since I read the first of the Seven Sisters books. I have read many of her books since. I am guaranteed to lose sleep (but its worth it)when I read any new book she releases as I find bit hard to put them down.This book like all books Lucinda writes was awesome. Its probably the quickest I have ever read any of her books as I really wanted to get to the end to know what would happen,a book filled with mystery,suspense,and romance,loved it.

Lucinda Riley does it again.
Stunning read which grabs you from the very first page. Don’t let the title put you off because although it is a love story on so many levels it is also a mystery that Joanna a budding journalist is trying to solve.
But people especially M15 and much higher up are trying to stop the truth coming out and will go to ant lengths to stop anyone getting to the truth.
It is a story about love and betrayal.
Five stars all the way

I really enjoyed this book. I was hooked from the start. I was gripped by the plot and the characters. This is a well put together story which is definitely worth reading. This is the first Lucinda Riley book that I have read and I will be looking out for more.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

Unputdownable fantastic book.

Jo and Simon have known each other their whole lives, growing up on Yorkshire and both now settled in London, Jo is an aspiring journalist and Simon works for the civil service.

One day Jo is sent on a job to cover the funeral of a well known actor, while there she meets an ailing old lady Rose whom she helps home. A few weeks later a mysterious letter arrives at Jos work from the lady asking her to visit. Jo’s life is immeadiately turned into a spin not knowing who she can trust and on a mission to find out all she can life becomes dangerous for Jo, not knowing who she can trust.

A fantastic book full of twists to keep you guessing until the end.

Joanna Haslam,a junior reporter, is sent to write a report on the funeral of the actor Sir James Harrison. At the church she meets an old lady who doesn't feel well, she seems to be afraid of someone. Joanna helps her home and becomes enmeshed in a mystery and a secret that someone wants to keep out of the public domain and is willing to kill to do so. During the story Joanna learns more about some of her friendships and meets some new people. The characters were excellent and the story had me hooked from the beginning and I did not want to put it down.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Lovely story that leads you on an interesting journey. Topical and very readable well worth the time to read it. Another excellent book from this well established author.

I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.

Set in London in the 1990's this is a story that has it all. Suspense, romance, drama, mystery.

Joanna Haslam, a journalist is covering the memorial of the famous actor James Harrison. During the funeral an elderly lady sat next to her is struggling to breath and Joanna helps her out of the church. Rose, as she claims is her name persuades Joanna to leave the service and take her home. A few days later Joanna receives an envelope from Rose enclosing two smaller envelopes and a letter. The letter tells Joanna there is a story that must be told but warns her of danger.

Joanna shows the letter to her best friend Simon who is "something in civil service". He persuades her to give him the letter for analysis promising to return it. He doesn't and a fantastic story unfolds of hidden secrets going back 70 years.

I was left shocked and in tears at one stage of the story towards the end.

This is a fantastic book which I'll recommend to anyone and will look out for more books by Lucinda Riley

Thank-You so much Netgalley for this ARC.

This is the first Lucinda Riley book I have read and absolutely loved it... I look forward to more.

It's certainly a page turner that had me completely engrossed from the start...It has everything love, a great plot, characters that are believable and plenty of twists and turns throughout... I read 70% in one day... I was desperate to know how it would pan out and whilst towards the end you kind of knew the outcome... the finale was still surprising.

The Love Letter is a wildly enjoyable, slightly silly, page-turner. Some of the twists you may see coming, but it doesn't detract from the fun you will have getting there.
Renowned actor Sir James Harrison takes his last bow at 95, taking with him a secret he has kept for seventy years. The British establishment wants it to stay that way, but fate has other ideas.
Joanna Haslam is a young journalist trying to make a name for herself. She is sent to cover Sir James's funeral, and get soundbites from the great and good. An act of kindness towards an old lady sets her on the trail of a terrific mystery that will put her and others in peril.
The scene is set for a race to the finish. One side is working for ‘the greater good', the other is trying to solve a puzzle with love at its' heart.