Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
31(31%)
4 stars
26(26%)
3 stars
43(43%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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A quick and easy read awaits you. It is filled with a great deal of drama, yet there is no unnecessary padding. The story unfolds at a brisk pace, keeping you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. I firmly believe that this particular style is more suited to thrillers than to romance. In a thriller, the lack of fluff allows for a more intense and gripping experience. The reader is immediately plunged into the heart of the action, with every word and scene contributing to the overall sense of excitement and anticipation. Romance, on the other hand, often benefits from a slower, more detailed approach to build emotional connections between the characters. But for those who crave the excitement and adrenaline rush of a good thriller, this style is truly a winner.

July 15,2025
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Jennifer was abruptly summoned back to her hometown, the place where she was tenderly raised by her beloved grandmother. Her grandmother, Samantha, had unfortunately fallen very ill with a severe heart attack and was now lying in a coma in the hospital.

When Jennifer finally arrived home, she made a startling discovery - a pack of letters that had been specifically addressed to her by Sam. As she began to read each letter, her grandma revealed a plethora of sad memories from her past. She spoke of her late husband Charles, who had brutally beaten her over the years, and the secret affair she had been conducting on the side with a man named Doc, with whom she had fallen deeply in love. Jennifer was completely shocked as she delved deeper into her grandma's story.

Moreover, she also ran into Brendan, the childhood friend she had affectionately nicknamed Scout. As they reconnected, they discovered a newfound love blooming between them, and they embarked on a passionate summer romance. However, Jennifer was completely unaware that Brendan was hiding a terrible secret of his own. When she eventually found out that he was extremely ill, she was devastated.

Her grandmother might rally and recover, and Brendan might undergo a miraculous operation that could either cure his illness or make his condition much worse. In the end, he had to make a difficult decision - to accept death or to take a chance and potentially live a little longer.

This is truly a wonderful novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
July 15,2025
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I truly adored the closeness that existed between this grandmother and granddaughter. It didn't matter what the specific content of the letters was.

I, on the other hand, never had a close relationship with either my maternal or paternal grandparents. Now that I have become a grandparent myself, I have come to realize just how incredibly important it is to hug our grandchildren, read to them, play with them, talk to them, and simply enjoy their company.

Memories are indeed forever. They are the precious treasures that we carry with us throughout our lives. The moments spent with our grandchildren create memories that will warm our hearts and bring smiles to our faces long after they have grown up. It is essential to cherish these opportunities and build those special bonds that will last a lifetime.

I now understand the significance of being actively involved in the lives of our grandchildren and making every moment count.
July 15,2025
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I can handle sappy stories. Really, some of them are quite good. But this one? Sigh. My mom recommended it and really enjoyed it, but I have to say I was sincerely disappointed.

Although I did enjoy the descriptions of Sam's house and Lake Geneva, there were just too many tragic twists in this story for me to take it seriously. Here come the spoilers...Jennifer's first husband dies, and she loses their baby. She believes it's all her fault because she couldn't leave work in time for the Hawaiian vacation on which Danny died. (By the way, this was so contrived. If the author wanted to make her a widow, why not something basic, like a car accident in their home city of Chicago? Good grief!) Her beloved grandmother is in a coma and reveals in letters that she never loved Jennifer's grandfather, a man who she married after about five minutes and turned out to be an abusive, controlling jerk. When at long last Sam does find true love, she can't leave her marriage because her true love is a widower with young-ish kids, and it's just completely inconceivable that people ever get divorced and remarry and have blended families.

Jennifer does fall in love again, but wait - he's got terminal cancer! Oh, and Jennifer is also without both of her parents, who each have died, though we don't know how. Even one of Jennifer's cats, who we meet and are told are so important to her but we don't really see for the rest of the story, has a brush with death.

It's just too much. Far, far too much. This story seems to be trying too hard to tug at the heartstrings with one tragic event after another, and it ends up feeling overdone and unrealistic. I understand that authors sometimes like to create complex and emotional plots, but there has to be a limit. In this case, I think the author crossed that line, and it made the story less enjoyable for me.
July 15,2025
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A beautifully written choreographed dance of love and inspiration awaits within the pages of this story. It is intertwined with a touch of mystery, as letters from Samantha, Jennifer's grandmother, are shared with her granddaughter. True, lasting, yearning love is at the heart of it all, a love that will never give up. The love and secrets that are to be revealed will endure for a lifetime, captivating the reader's heart and imagination.

The audio book narration by Jane Alexander and the late Anne Heche is truly superb. Their voices bring the story to life, adding an extra layer of depth and emotion. Listeners will be drawn into the world of the story, experiencing every moment as if they were there. It is a captivating and enchanting experience that will leave a lasting impression.

This is a story that will touch the hearts of all who read or listen to it. It is a celebration of love, family, and the power of secrets. It is a must-read or must-listen for anyone who believes in the magic of true love and the importance of family ties.
July 15,2025
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There is something truly captivating about a guilty pleasure book. It's that kind of read that is completely predictable, yet it still manages to tug at your heartstrings. This is precisely how I would categorize Sam's Letters to Jennifer.


I was initially a bit skeptical about delving into this book. After all, I had read Sundays at Tiffany's earlier in the year and wasn't overly impressed. However, the dust jacket had a certain allure that intrigued me. I could sense that it would be a quick read, much like Sundays at Tiffany's, so I decided to give it a try.


As a Minnesotan, I found great pleasure in the fact that the book was set in the Midwest. In our culture, where many of us either own a lake home or know someone who does, having a significant portion of the story take place in Lake Geneva was a real treat, especially since I read it during the last days of summer.


Although it is a relatively simple book, Patterson does an excellent job of establishing strong bonds between Jennifer and her grandmother, Sam. Getting to know Sam's life while Jennifer copes with her own heartache makes for an enjoyable and light read.


Of course, a guilty pleasure book like this is not without its predictability. There are the typical tropes such as tragedy causing the main characters to be reluctant to open up immediately, love blooming between childhood friends, and a baby serving as the ultimate symbol of true love. But sometimes, reading this formulaic cheesiness isn't so bad. After all, most people want to believe that regardless of the troubles they've faced in life, they are still capable of falling in love and living happily ever after. And in this book, Patterson manages to keep that dream alive.

July 15,2025
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This emotionally driven story is truly a captivating journey that will take you on a rollercoaster of highs and lows.

As you immerse yourself in its pages, you will find yourself completely breathless, unable to tear your eyes away.

It beautifully conveys the essence of what I hold dear - the beauty and power that lies within new beginnings and second chances.

Love, in all its forms, is a force that never dies.

It persists through the toughest of times, shining a light in the darkest of corners.

This story is a testament to the enduring nature of love and the hope it brings.

It will touch your heart, make you laugh, and perhaps even bring a tear to your eye.

Prepare to be swept away by this unforgettable tale that will leave an indelible mark on your soul.
July 15,2025
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This is by far the worst book I've ever read in my entire life.

Technically, I listened to it with my best friend, which was the only saving grace.

Because we could make fun of it together.

The writing was truly awful.

The sentences were often clumsy and lacked any sort of elegance or finesse.

The descriptions were so平淡 that it was difficult to picture the scenes in my mind.

And the characters!

They were so pathetic that they bordered on being comical.

They had no depth or complexity, and their actions and decisions were completely unbelievable.

I would give it less than one star if I could.

It was a complete waste of my time and I would not recommend it to anyone.

I'm just glad that I had my friend with me to share in the misery and make it a little bit more bearable.
July 15,2025
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Two love stories are narrated in parallel.

One story tells of a young couple deeply in love. Their passion for each other burns bright like a wildfire. They spend countless hours together, sharing their dreams, hopes, and fears. However, they also face practical situations. The guy has to work hard to support their future, while the girl has to deal with family expectations.

The other story is about an older couple. Their love has endured through the years, but it has not been without challenges. They have had to overcome financial difficulties, health problems, and the stresses of everyday life. Despite these hardships, their love remains strong.

Both stories show that love is not just about passion, but also about facing the practicalities of life together. It is about standing by each other through thick and thin, and working towards a future filled with love and happiness.
July 15,2025
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A book that I've re-read countless times. It is my go-to 'feel good' read.

Jennifer, a columnist based in Chicago, has given up on love after the death of her husband two years ago. She claims to be content with her job and her two cats. Her only family is her Grandmother Sam. However, everything changes when she learns that Sam is in a coma. She hurries to her side and discovers a series of letters that Sam has left for her. Through these letters, Jennifer uncovers the truth about Sam's life and her secret love life. But Lake Geneva has more to offer than just Sam's secrets. It also has Brendan Keller. Brendan simply desires a final summer of peace and fun, but instead, he finds the love of his life. However, it seems almost too late.

Everyone is accustomed to James Patterson's mystery writing, so it was a pleasant surprise to discover that he also writes brilliant romance. As expected from an author of his caliber, the story makes for a deeply moving read. The characters are real and have faced challenges that many of us have had to confront. Nothing is exaggerated. You fall in love with each and every one of them and root for them to find a happy ending.

Everyone has secrets in their lives that they never share with another soul. I adored the idea of the grandmother sharing her true story with her favorite granddaughter through letters. The way Sam's story was relevant to Jennifer's life was beautiful to uncover. Brendan is the ideal boyfriend. You can't help but wish that there was someone like him in your own life. I shed tears every time I read this book, and that is the hallmark of a well-written story.
July 15,2025
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This book has truly revived vivid memories for me of my own past, specifically my deep and precious relationship with my grandmother.

I was pleasantly astonished to discover that the story is ingeniously composed into letters every few chapters. This unique structure reminds me a little of The Color Purple, adding an extra layer of charm and authenticity to the narrative.

Moreover, this book offers an abundance of closure. It concludes precisely as it should, tying up all the loose ends in a satisfying manner. There are unexpected surprises that keep the reader on the edge of their seat, heart-wrenching tragedies that tug at the emotions, and valuable lessons to be learned.

The most crucial lesson that stands out is this: Do not take life for granted. Instead, we should live each day as if it were our very last, savoring every moment and making the most of every opportunity.

This book is not just a story; it is a powerful reminder of the importance of cherishing our loved ones and living life to the fullest.
July 15,2025
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This was a rather quick experience and, all in all, it was quite nice indeed.

At first, I wasn't sure what to expect, but as it unfolded, I found myself pleasantly surprised.

The speed at which it happened was somewhat astonishing, yet it didn't sacrifice quality.

It had a certain charm that made it enjoyable from start to finish.

I would definitely say that this was a positive encounter that left me with a good feeling.

It goes to show that sometimes, even the quickest of things can bring a sense of satisfaction and pleasure.

Overall, I'm glad it happened and would look forward to similar experiences in the future.

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