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Love Beyond Reason #1
Letters from Home
An Army doctor, Lena Rodriguez has always been too busy with school or the Army for romance. But the letters she received during deployment have captured her heart. Back home for the holidays, she awaits Christmas morning to meet the man who has turned her life upside down.
When Zack Benson watched his best friend's sister Lena leave for Afghanistan, he knew he had to tell her he loved her. So he sent her anonymous love letters. Now that she's home, he realizes he's made a tactical error. Lena has fallen for the man in those letters but still thinks of him as a brother. He has to convince her otherwise because if he succeeds, he'll get the best Christmas present ever. But if he fails, he could lose her for good.
When Zack Benson watched his best friend's sister Lena leave for Afghanistan, he knew he had to tell her he loved her. So he sent her anonymous love letters. Now that she's home, he realizes he's made a tactical error. Lena has fallen for the man in those letters but still thinks of him as a brother. He has to convince her otherwise because if he succeeds, he'll get the best Christmas present ever. But if he fails, he could lose her for good.
80 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
August 14, 2017
This was an okay read for me. Why Zach continued to keep his identity as the "love letter writer" a secret after he started pursuing Lena romantically didn't make a lot of sense to me. There were also too many gaps in between plot developments. It was like reading a story in fast forward.
November 12, 2013
Someone was writing Lena anonymous letters from home, while she was deployed, and she was falling in love with him. He vowed to tell her who he was Christmas morning at the park. Zack has known Lena and her family for 25 years. He is her brother Mike's best friend. He's also the one writing the letters. She's on leave for the holidays and while she's home, Zack is making every effort to show her how he feels. She still doesn't know he's the anonymous one or at least that's what he thinks. Wait until you read about what happens on Christmas morning. SHOCKING!!!
There was so much love between Zack and Lena. Zack waited so long for her and never thought of giving up. This story was well written and unfolded perfectly for the amount of pages it contained. It's a sexy, romantic, feel-good Christmas story. I loved it! Thank you Bethanne Strasser for writing such a wonderful story set around the Christmas holiday. I definitely look forward to reading more from this author.
I received a copy for an honest review.
There was so much love between Zack and Lena. Zack waited so long for her and never thought of giving up. This story was well written and unfolded perfectly for the amount of pages it contained. It's a sexy, romantic, feel-good Christmas story. I loved it! Thank you Bethanne Strasser for writing such a wonderful story set around the Christmas holiday. I definitely look forward to reading more from this author.
I received a copy for an honest review.
November 27, 2013
WOW! This one was a very cute story.
Elena aka Lena is an army Doctor. She left her hometown for the army. In the same time after she left home,she received a lot letters. And this captured his heart. Returning home for holiday the letter man and Lena is going to meet on Christmas Morning.
Zack is so in love with his best friend's sister. He was in love in a long time snd he had to tell her how he feel.So he send her letters. Now she's home and he's so afraid that he could lose her forever.
Now he has to make his move quick and right.Because she has another men who wants her.
This book was like a said first was cute. It's my favorite christmas story too.The writing was right and it's not complicated. Also it was quick read so yes I did finished in 1 hour. I loved how Zack thinks. I loved how Lena responsible.Also I loved how ... well I loved everything!
Elena aka Lena is an army Doctor. She left her hometown for the army. In the same time after she left home,she received a lot letters. And this captured his heart. Returning home for holiday the letter man and Lena is going to meet on Christmas Morning.
Zack is so in love with his best friend's sister. He was in love in a long time snd he had to tell her how he feel.So he send her letters. Now she's home and he's so afraid that he could lose her forever.
Now he has to make his move quick and right.Because she has another men who wants her.
This book was like a said first was cute. It's my favorite christmas story too.The writing was right and it's not complicated. Also it was quick read so yes I did finished in 1 hour. I loved how Zack thinks. I loved how Lena responsible.Also I loved how ... well I loved everything!
November 20, 2013
**Review Copy Provided by Publisher**
Ever since I read about Steven Spielberg’s War Letters, I’ve been fascinated by books, both romance novels and non-fiction that feature war letters. So when I saw this one in the list of ARC reviews, I was intrigued. Unfortunately, while the premise was good, the story just didn’t quite work for me. Novellas are hard for me because invariably I end up wanting more. In this instance, I felt like the author had a good idea – the secret admirer writing letters – but tried to cram too much into the 80pg(ish) novella. I think it would have worked better as a long story where the characters could be more developed.
That being said, I had some issues with the age of the characters – Lena is supposedly an Army doctor, but as far as I can figure, she is only in her mid-20′s (maybe late-20′s at the most). The timing just doesn’t work – 4 years undergrad, 4 years of med school. And no mention of her med school within the story line, only her undergrad was mentioned – which kind of just struck me as weird. IMHO, her being a medic (enlisted) would have been more believable and also done away with what would have been fraternization if Zack had remained in the military (as he was enlisted and her an officer). But that is just my military experience speaking out…for anyone not familiar with the military, it probably wouldn’t be as noticable.
I do think that the author has potential and i’ll be interested to see what she writes in the future – I’m just sorry that this one didn’t quite work for me. Overall, I gave it 2.5 stars.
Ever since I read about Steven Spielberg’s War Letters, I’ve been fascinated by books, both romance novels and non-fiction that feature war letters. So when I saw this one in the list of ARC reviews, I was intrigued. Unfortunately, while the premise was good, the story just didn’t quite work for me. Novellas are hard for me because invariably I end up wanting more. In this instance, I felt like the author had a good idea – the secret admirer writing letters – but tried to cram too much into the 80pg(ish) novella. I think it would have worked better as a long story where the characters could be more developed.
That being said, I had some issues with the age of the characters – Lena is supposedly an Army doctor, but as far as I can figure, she is only in her mid-20′s (maybe late-20′s at the most). The timing just doesn’t work – 4 years undergrad, 4 years of med school. And no mention of her med school within the story line, only her undergrad was mentioned – which kind of just struck me as weird. IMHO, her being a medic (enlisted) would have been more believable and also done away with what would have been fraternization if Zack had remained in the military (as he was enlisted and her an officer). But that is just my military experience speaking out…for anyone not familiar with the military, it probably wouldn’t be as noticable.
I do think that the author has potential and i’ll be interested to see what she writes in the future – I’m just sorry that this one didn’t quite work for me. Overall, I gave it 2.5 stars.
November 20, 2015
This was a sweet quick read. I liked the characters. I even shed a few tears. What can I say? I'm a sap.
December 17, 2015
Christmas day is always a magic day. But for Lena Rodriguez, a doctor and a soldier who has never had enough time for love, it may be even better. Because this Christmas she is going to meet her soul mate, the man who won her heart through some love letters she received during deployment. The only problem is that she has no idea whom he is! Can a love blossomed thanks to some beautiful, romantic letters become real? Yes. If that man happens to be the person you have wanted to be with since you were a child.
I enjoyed reading this story. I thought that the plot was engaging and the characters were likeable. I especially loved the Rodriguez family and the bond between parents and siblings. It was really lovely to witness their banter and the love each of them showed for the others. But there were also some things that I was not too fond of. Such as an event that occurred right before the ending that left me speechless! I was savouring the sweet, lovely part of the story and I was sure nothing bad would happen. I was ready for the most romantic ending ever… and instead something terrible happened! Luckily, a happy ending was required and I expected it, because this was a Christmas story and it had to be that way. So in the end I accepted what happened and the way it happened.
If you like contemporary books and do not mind a little spice and a few steamy moments in your reads, "Letters from Home" is the book for you!
Note: There is the description of one intimate scene, though not overly descriptive.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.
I enjoyed reading this story. I thought that the plot was engaging and the characters were likeable. I especially loved the Rodriguez family and the bond between parents and siblings. It was really lovely to witness their banter and the love each of them showed for the others. But there were also some things that I was not too fond of. Such as an event that occurred right before the ending that left me speechless! I was savouring the sweet, lovely part of the story and I was sure nothing bad would happen. I was ready for the most romantic ending ever… and instead something terrible happened! Luckily, a happy ending was required and I expected it, because this was a Christmas story and it had to be that way. So in the end I accepted what happened and the way it happened.
If you like contemporary books and do not mind a little spice and a few steamy moments in your reads, "Letters from Home" is the book for you!
Note: There is the description of one intimate scene, though not overly descriptive.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.
December 29, 2013
You can read this and other reviews at Madison Says
2.5 Stars
Zack Benson has been in love with Elena Rodriguez for… um… forever? He just hasn’t ever gotten up the balls to tell her and when he FINALLY decides to do it, she’s stepping onto a plan headed for Afghanistan. After graduating medical school, Lena joined the Army, and was on her way to her first deployment. I guess what they say is true, timing is everything. Zack gets this bright idea. He’ll send her one letter for each month of her tour. By the time Lena comes home she’s head-over-heels for her secret admirer. Of course Zack didn’t sign the letters… *eye roll* He just sent them off and figured he’d deal with the aftermath when she came home. He asked her to meet him at a gazebo on Christmas morning. Now Lena has to decide if holding on to “letter boy” is worth it when Zack obviously has feelings for her and is standing right in front of her.
No more reliving the past. She wanted an adult relationship of mutual trust, commitment, and affection, in the present day. She wanted to move beyond the past. She had fallen in love with the man in those letters. The man who had spoken to her of his dreams and desires – his desire for her.
Silly girl. How could she not see that Zack and the letter writer are the same person? At first it’s like she doesn’t even contemplate it. She just assumes he only thinks of her as a friend/sister and writes him off completely. There were a few times when my heart literally hurt for the poor guy. Of course, he could have just admitted to writing the letters sooner and saved himself a whole lot of worry/heartache. I understand fearing rejection, but at some point Lena would find out anyway, might as well just speed up the process. Of course, if he did that it would have turned this novella into a very short story.
He wanted to hear her whisper his name and say that she loved him. But she’d fallen in love with the letter guy, who was only a part of him. The silly romantic part …he should have taken more time to swear or tell a dirty joke or two.
What if she didn’t love the rest of him?
Eventually Lana finds out that Zack is her secret admirer only to have the unthinkable happen. Slightly depressing… I promise you that the story ends in a HEA. Although it’s upsetting, it’s not heart shattering.
There isn’t much to say about this novella. It’s basically a story of unrequited love – only it’s not all at the same time. Lena and Zack have both had feelings for one another. Zack has just finally decided enough is enough and stepped up to the plate… slowly, and with extreme caution, but that’s more than I can say for Lena. I had a hard time connecting with her character. I was on board with her being a hard working military woman – very independent; both physically and emotionally stronger than her family members think. But beyond that, I felt nothing for her. And while Zack was a very sweet man, that’s ALL he was to me. I couldn’t get past the fact that he wouldn’t just tell her. TELL HER ALREADY!
This is a sweet, fast, easy holiday read. Something to pick up in between your wrapping or on a cold night as you curl up with a warm blanket in front of the fire. If my ARC didn’t have a glitch where every “fl” or ‘fi” combination was absent from words, I probably would have enjoyed it even more. Using context clues to figure out the correct word in the sentence got old after a while. I’m sure that will be a non-issue when it comes to your copy, but I just needed to vent. It made me a little crazier than I already am. :) Letters from Home was my first run in with Bethanne Strasser, and while I wasn’t blown away, I wouldn’t count her out just yet.
2.5 Stars
Zack Benson has been in love with Elena Rodriguez for… um… forever? He just hasn’t ever gotten up the balls to tell her and when he FINALLY decides to do it, she’s stepping onto a plan headed for Afghanistan. After graduating medical school, Lena joined the Army, and was on her way to her first deployment. I guess what they say is true, timing is everything. Zack gets this bright idea. He’ll send her one letter for each month of her tour. By the time Lena comes home she’s head-over-heels for her secret admirer. Of course Zack didn’t sign the letters… *eye roll* He just sent them off and figured he’d deal with the aftermath when she came home. He asked her to meet him at a gazebo on Christmas morning. Now Lena has to decide if holding on to “letter boy” is worth it when Zack obviously has feelings for her and is standing right in front of her.
No more reliving the past. She wanted an adult relationship of mutual trust, commitment, and affection, in the present day. She wanted to move beyond the past. She had fallen in love with the man in those letters. The man who had spoken to her of his dreams and desires – his desire for her.
Silly girl. How could she not see that Zack and the letter writer are the same person? At first it’s like she doesn’t even contemplate it. She just assumes he only thinks of her as a friend/sister and writes him off completely. There were a few times when my heart literally hurt for the poor guy. Of course, he could have just admitted to writing the letters sooner and saved himself a whole lot of worry/heartache. I understand fearing rejection, but at some point Lena would find out anyway, might as well just speed up the process. Of course, if he did that it would have turned this novella into a very short story.
He wanted to hear her whisper his name and say that she loved him. But she’d fallen in love with the letter guy, who was only a part of him. The silly romantic part …he should have taken more time to swear or tell a dirty joke or two.
What if she didn’t love the rest of him?
Eventually Lana finds out that Zack is her secret admirer only to have the unthinkable happen. Slightly depressing… I promise you that the story ends in a HEA. Although it’s upsetting, it’s not heart shattering.
There isn’t much to say about this novella. It’s basically a story of unrequited love – only it’s not all at the same time. Lena and Zack have both had feelings for one another. Zack has just finally decided enough is enough and stepped up to the plate… slowly, and with extreme caution, but that’s more than I can say for Lena. I had a hard time connecting with her character. I was on board with her being a hard working military woman – very independent; both physically and emotionally stronger than her family members think. But beyond that, I felt nothing for her. And while Zack was a very sweet man, that’s ALL he was to me. I couldn’t get past the fact that he wouldn’t just tell her. TELL HER ALREADY!
This is a sweet, fast, easy holiday read. Something to pick up in between your wrapping or on a cold night as you curl up with a warm blanket in front of the fire. If my ARC didn’t have a glitch where every “fl” or ‘fi” combination was absent from words, I probably would have enjoyed it even more. Using context clues to figure out the correct word in the sentence got old after a while. I’m sure that will be a non-issue when it comes to your copy, but I just needed to vent. It made me a little crazier than I already am. :) Letters from Home was my first run in with Bethanne Strasser, and while I wasn’t blown away, I wouldn’t count her out just yet.
November 30, 2013
I’m a big fan of unrequited love and when I came across the synopsis to Bethany Strasser’s LETTERS FROM HOME, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to review it.
Character development is difficult in a novella because you’re limited with what you can do and Stasser gives us strong characters. Lena is a doctor in the United States Army and likes to keep busy. She can come off a little too strong and at times I didn’t like her, but it’s easy to understand why she acts the way she does. Then we have Zack who missed his opportunity to tell Lena how feels! I liked Zack and he’s honorable. He’s had to make some tough decisions, but he’s made them and is ready to move on with his life. We have a variety of secondary characters who play a role include Lena’s family. I liked her family and I really enjoyed how Strasser incorporated them into the narrative.
While I liked Strasser’s LETTERS FROM HOME, I was never shown why Lena was special. Why did Zack carry a torch for her all these years? We’re told they’ve been friends since Zack moved into the area and grew up with her brother, but we aren’t given any details regarding their friendship growing up other than Lena’s family accepted him. I would have liked that because it would have added a little more depth to their relationship. Also, we’re told they couldn’t be together because Zack is considered family. I can understand the hesitation especially since everyone knows Zack, but if he was okay to hang out with then surely he’d be okay for Lena to date? As for the premise, it’s cute and old fashioned regarding courting someone via letters. I just have to wonder how Zack really went about it. I mean Strasser does explain how the letters were set up, etc, but how much did Zack disguise of their history in those letters to Lena? Could she not have recognized the handwriting? These questions kept popping up and wouldn’t let go. Maybe in the end, Lena did know it was Zack, but didn’t want to believe it was him.
I don’t want to give spoilers, but my favorite two scenes involved both Zack and Lena. I loved the homecoming party her family gives her. Lena zeros in on a possible suspect for the letters and really liked Zack’s reaction when he realizes who it is. Then of course, the scene when Lena realizes who sent her the letters had me cheering.
Overall, LETTERS FROM HOME is a cute novella. I can easily see this being adapted for TV and maybe shown during the holidays. If you’re looking for a heartfelt romance, then Bethanne Strasser’s LETTERS FROM HOME is something you’ll want to look at.
This review and more are posted at Literary, etc.
Character development is difficult in a novella because you’re limited with what you can do and Stasser gives us strong characters. Lena is a doctor in the United States Army and likes to keep busy. She can come off a little too strong and at times I didn’t like her, but it’s easy to understand why she acts the way she does. Then we have Zack who missed his opportunity to tell Lena how feels! I liked Zack and he’s honorable. He’s had to make some tough decisions, but he’s made them and is ready to move on with his life. We have a variety of secondary characters who play a role include Lena’s family. I liked her family and I really enjoyed how Strasser incorporated them into the narrative.
While I liked Strasser’s LETTERS FROM HOME, I was never shown why Lena was special. Why did Zack carry a torch for her all these years? We’re told they’ve been friends since Zack moved into the area and grew up with her brother, but we aren’t given any details regarding their friendship growing up other than Lena’s family accepted him. I would have liked that because it would have added a little more depth to their relationship. Also, we’re told they couldn’t be together because Zack is considered family. I can understand the hesitation especially since everyone knows Zack, but if he was okay to hang out with then surely he’d be okay for Lena to date? As for the premise, it’s cute and old fashioned regarding courting someone via letters. I just have to wonder how Zack really went about it. I mean Strasser does explain how the letters were set up, etc, but how much did Zack disguise of their history in those letters to Lena? Could she not have recognized the handwriting? These questions kept popping up and wouldn’t let go. Maybe in the end, Lena did know it was Zack, but didn’t want to believe it was him.
I don’t want to give spoilers, but my favorite two scenes involved both Zack and Lena. I loved the homecoming party her family gives her. Lena zeros in on a possible suspect for the letters and really liked Zack’s reaction when he realizes who it is. Then of course, the scene when Lena realizes who sent her the letters had me cheering.
Overall, LETTERS FROM HOME is a cute novella. I can easily see this being adapted for TV and maybe shown during the holidays. If you’re looking for a heartfelt romance, then Bethanne Strasser’s LETTERS FROM HOME is something you’ll want to look at.
This review and more are posted at Literary, etc.
March 4, 2015
There is nothing that makes me more stinkin' mad than an author who writes a book with 'LETTERS' in the title that contains *NO* letters. You LIED to me! Here I am, wanting to read the correspondence that makes the woman fall in love with this man, and there are sentence-long exerpts TWICE in this book... and that's it!
Worse, the author doesn't develop characters or relationships. We're thrown into this HUGE Mexican family with siblings and friends and people coming and going (who are never described at all)... and we're supposed to just accept the mess and go with it. That's not writing!
More, the author's ideas are completely disjointed. The story doesn't flow, it's like trying to read broken English... but more along the lines of broken thoughts. Because of the choppy writing, lack of description of places, lack of description of characters, and lack of relationship development... it's just NOT a good read.
The premise *sounded* good. Brother's best friend who grew up as part of the family always liked her, she joined the Army so he writes to her anonymously from home and she falls in love with him, now she's home and he's going to declare himself.
But even that! He declares himself BEFORE the big reveal several times, and then the big reveal is a dud, because ((spoilers not worth keeping secret)), and... and... it's a convoluted MESS. With no characterization, no description, not plot development, no LETTERS...!!!!!
Mad. You've made me angry. Take this crap back to the drawing table and flesh it out. Make your readers *FEEL* something, for pity's sakes.
Worse, the author doesn't develop characters or relationships. We're thrown into this HUGE Mexican family with siblings and friends and people coming and going (who are never described at all)... and we're supposed to just accept the mess and go with it. That's not writing!
More, the author's ideas are completely disjointed. The story doesn't flow, it's like trying to read broken English... but more along the lines of broken thoughts. Because of the choppy writing, lack of description of places, lack of description of characters, and lack of relationship development... it's just NOT a good read.
The premise *sounded* good. Brother's best friend who grew up as part of the family always liked her, she joined the Army so he writes to her anonymously from home and she falls in love with him, now she's home and he's going to declare himself.
But even that! He declares himself BEFORE the big reveal several times, and then the big reveal is a dud, because ((spoilers not worth keeping secret)), and... and... it's a convoluted MESS. With no characterization, no description, not plot development, no LETTERS...!!!!!
Mad. You've made me angry. Take this crap back to the drawing table and flesh it out. Make your readers *FEEL* something, for pity's sakes.
December 4, 2013
I’m a sucker for these stories of friends-to-lovers and this one was super sweet. There are so many complications that stem from moving yourself from an honorary member of the family to potential love interest and Zack has decided that his feelings for Lena make it worth the effort. I loved how he seduced her with anonymous letters but didn’t realize how effective it was until she came home. Now he has to battle not only her brotherly feelings for him but her romantic feelings for her mystery man. I really liked the fact that they started to act on their relationship before she found out his true identity because it meant that their feeling had a stronger base than whatever ideas she had about her writer.
Letters From Home is a delightful, light romance – full of warmth and humor. With irresistible characters, realistic dialogue and genuine emotions, Strasser delivers an enjoyable holiday treat.
**ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest and fair review**
Letters From Home is a delightful, light romance – full of warmth and humor. With irresistible characters, realistic dialogue and genuine emotions, Strasser delivers an enjoyable holiday treat.
**ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest and fair review**
January 27, 2014
This was a really fun quick read. I liked the taste we got of Lena's large Catholic, Hispanic family. Her over protective older brother Mike was great. The only thing that wasn't made clear was WHY it took Zach so freakin' long to tell Lena he wanted a relationship with her. They grew up together yada, yada, but really? The woman has gone through college, medical school and joined the military with a tour of duty under her belt. They even spent some of her time in the military working together and he didn't have the guts to start something then? Maybe I missed it and it will be a clearer when I read through it again in the future. Over all the story line was entertaining and all of the characters likable.
Adult read
Adult read
Read
June 14, 2015This review was originally posted on Cocktails and Books.
This book was reviewed by a member of the review staff at Cocktails and Books. The name of the reviewer can be found under the post categories.
This book was reviewed by a member of the review staff at Cocktails and Books. The name of the reviewer can be found under the post categories.
November 21, 2015
Oh, I truly enjoy Elena and Zack story. It was light, romantic, and awe-inspiring. This is a must read holiday theme with a military theme as well.
October 31, 2023
Lena Rodriguez is an Army doctor. Zack Benson is Lena’s brother’s best friend. Lena received anonymous letters while she was deployed in Afghanistan. Now that she has returned she is on a mission to find the person who wrote her the letters. Zack has loved Lena before she went to Afghanistan and he wrote her the letters. Lena wants to find out who her mystery letter writer is. Lena is starting to fall in love with Zack but thinks of him as a brother. I really enjoyed this wonderful military romance novel.
January 15, 2019
Lots of passion and twists
Ms. Rhodes recommended this book for me to read as my first romance and I am glad she did. She’s a terrific storyteller. The story has a huge and unexpected twist that boosted this to 5 stars for me. A great read!
Ms. Rhodes recommended this book for me to read as my first romance and I am glad she did. She’s a terrific storyteller. The story has a huge and unexpected twist that boosted this to 5 stars for me. A great read!
March 7, 2017
Sweet story of two people who have grown up together. Loved each other for years and finally admitting it to each other.
December 9, 2013
Zachary Benson has a secret...He's in love with his best friend, Mike's sister, Elena (Lena) Rodriguez. Unfortunately, there's the "code" to adhere to plus she's a busy gal. Enlisting in the Army and becoming a doctor has consumed all of Lena's time. And then she gets deployed to Afghanistan, leaving Zack on the tarmac not even knowing he showed up to see her depart - and possible tell her how much he cares for her.
Elena is from a large family and likes to indicate that she joined the Army for some alone time. After leaving for Afghanistan, Lena receives a letter each month of her deployment, plus an extra one on her birthday, from a secret admirer. Over the course of those months she's managed to fall in love with the author, even though she doesn't know who it is. One of the final letters sets a face-to-face meeting date on Christmas morning, and Lena is both nervous and excited.
When Lena is finally back home, she's still thinking heavily about the letters but equally as heavy about Zack. Lena has been crushing on him since she was 12, knowing that he was off-limits. But she's a mature adult now and when she thinks she's figured out the connection between the letters and Zack's new found attention to her, she drops her inhibitions and goes with her feelings.
When it's time to see if the letter writer and Zack are one and the same, a tragic event, shakes up her entire world.
I absolutely adored this novella. The chemistry between Zack and Lena is low key at best at the beginning, but as the novella progresses, there is a definite growing strength of the sparks. Both have grown up believing that they can be nothing more than friends/brother-sisterly, knowing full well that there were other feelings invading their hearts. The letters Lena receives are heartwarming and yet her family, while supportive, also make sure that when she goes to meet the mystery man she is not allowed to go alone. In this day and age it's important to make sure there is a certain level of safety. It's very responsible of the author to incorporate safety into her writing.
Speaking of the author's writing, Bethanne Strasser writes wonderfully. The dialogue of her characters is fluid, understandable, and smooth. There aren't any uncomfortable sections or areas that I felt needed to skip. The author provided enough background and details to convey the story but not so many that it felt cluttered or over-embellished. I found this novella to be very worthy of my time and I'm glad I was able to add Letters from Home to my library.
Review Copy Courtesy Of: Entangled Publishing, at no cost in exchange for an honest review.
Elena is from a large family and likes to indicate that she joined the Army for some alone time. After leaving for Afghanistan, Lena receives a letter each month of her deployment, plus an extra one on her birthday, from a secret admirer. Over the course of those months she's managed to fall in love with the author, even though she doesn't know who it is. One of the final letters sets a face-to-face meeting date on Christmas morning, and Lena is both nervous and excited.
When Lena is finally back home, she's still thinking heavily about the letters but equally as heavy about Zack. Lena has been crushing on him since she was 12, knowing that he was off-limits. But she's a mature adult now and when she thinks she's figured out the connection between the letters and Zack's new found attention to her, she drops her inhibitions and goes with her feelings.
When it's time to see if the letter writer and Zack are one and the same, a tragic event, shakes up her entire world.
I absolutely adored this novella. The chemistry between Zack and Lena is low key at best at the beginning, but as the novella progresses, there is a definite growing strength of the sparks. Both have grown up believing that they can be nothing more than friends/brother-sisterly, knowing full well that there were other feelings invading their hearts. The letters Lena receives are heartwarming and yet her family, while supportive, also make sure that when she goes to meet the mystery man she is not allowed to go alone. In this day and age it's important to make sure there is a certain level of safety. It's very responsible of the author to incorporate safety into her writing.
Speaking of the author's writing, Bethanne Strasser writes wonderfully. The dialogue of her characters is fluid, understandable, and smooth. There aren't any uncomfortable sections or areas that I felt needed to skip. The author provided enough background and details to convey the story but not so many that it felt cluttered or over-embellished. I found this novella to be very worthy of my time and I'm glad I was able to add Letters from Home to my library.
Review Copy Courtesy Of: Entangled Publishing, at no cost in exchange for an honest review.
December 5, 2013
Reviewed for Book Soulmates
Elena (Lena) Rodriguez, an Army doctor, has been deployed for a year and is about to come home for the holidays. She has received an anonymous love letter every month, plus one for her birthday. Through these letters, the secret admirer has stolen her heart, and she’s anxious to finally meet him face to face on Christmas morning. Because of the small town gossip included in the letters, Lena is pretty sure the letter writer is someone that she already knows--she just can’t figure out who! I liked reading the little snippets from the letters, but I wish some longer parts had been included too so that we could see why Lena was so touched by them.
Zack Benson is best friends with Lena’s brother Mike and has grown up alongside the Rodriguez family. Zack and Lena have a close friendship and have always treated each other like brother and sister. Neither knows the other’s true feelings. Lena has had a secret crush on Zack since her early teens. Zack also has feelings for Lena that he has kept hidden all this time. He regrets waiting so long to pursue a romantic relationship. Zack hopes that Lena will give him a chance once she realizes it was him writing those love letters all along.
Letters from Home is a sweet story of a friendship that blossoms into something more. It’s a novella around 100 pages long, but despite the short length the characters were well-developed. Lena is a hard-working, motivated person who has never given herself the time to date or have a relationship. Zack, a former soldier himself, admires her dedication and understands her sacrifices.
Zack is definitely my type--a tall, handsome, military man with blue eyes and curly brown hair. Oh, and he’s also thoughtful and romantic, let’s not forget that! I love the way he treats Lena. Lena tries to fight her growing feelings for him as she waits for her Christmas surprise from the letter writer, not knowing it is actually Zack.
Just when I thought I had the ending all figured out, the Christmas morning scene surprised me with a dramatic twist. I was a little annoyed at that, but only because I’ve read a handful of books lately that used a similar plot twist.
Overall, I enjoyed this quick and satisfying novella. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for an uplifting holiday romance.
Elena (Lena) Rodriguez, an Army doctor, has been deployed for a year and is about to come home for the holidays. She has received an anonymous love letter every month, plus one for her birthday. Through these letters, the secret admirer has stolen her heart, and she’s anxious to finally meet him face to face on Christmas morning. Because of the small town gossip included in the letters, Lena is pretty sure the letter writer is someone that she already knows--she just can’t figure out who! I liked reading the little snippets from the letters, but I wish some longer parts had been included too so that we could see why Lena was so touched by them.
Zack Benson is best friends with Lena’s brother Mike and has grown up alongside the Rodriguez family. Zack and Lena have a close friendship and have always treated each other like brother and sister. Neither knows the other’s true feelings. Lena has had a secret crush on Zack since her early teens. Zack also has feelings for Lena that he has kept hidden all this time. He regrets waiting so long to pursue a romantic relationship. Zack hopes that Lena will give him a chance once she realizes it was him writing those love letters all along.
Letters from Home is a sweet story of a friendship that blossoms into something more. It’s a novella around 100 pages long, but despite the short length the characters were well-developed. Lena is a hard-working, motivated person who has never given herself the time to date or have a relationship. Zack, a former soldier himself, admires her dedication and understands her sacrifices.
Zack is definitely my type--a tall, handsome, military man with blue eyes and curly brown hair. Oh, and he’s also thoughtful and romantic, let’s not forget that! I love the way he treats Lena. Lena tries to fight her growing feelings for him as she waits for her Christmas surprise from the letter writer, not knowing it is actually Zack.
Just when I thought I had the ending all figured out, the Christmas morning scene surprised me with a dramatic twist. I was a little annoyed at that, but only because I’ve read a handful of books lately that used a similar plot twist.
Overall, I enjoyed this quick and satisfying novella. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for an uplifting holiday romance.
December 7, 2015
This was a great fast read. Lena is at home on leave for Christmas. She has been getting letters from an anonymous admirer for the past year. In the last letter he asked her to meet him at the gazebo in the park on Christmas morning. Zack tried his hardest to get to her the day she left for deployment however he arrived just in time to see her get on the plane. He thought by writing her the letters he could show her a different side to him but now that she is home he is realizing that she may never see him as anything but her brother’s friend. Lena has had a crush on Zack for a long time and figures he will never see her as anything but a friend. Lena is hung up on who could be the mystery man who wrote her the letters, so when Zack tries to get her to see him as more things get awkward between them. Then Lena becomes confused by the feelings she has for Zack and the mystery man who wrote her the letters. This book was a fun, romantic holiday read with a bit of a twist thrown in at the end. Lena and Zack have had feeling for each other for a while however neither one of them has acted on them and think that the other doesn’t feel that way about them. Lena feels that the man who wrote her the letters connects with her in a way no man has before. Her whole family thinks she is putting too much hope in the letters and this man. He could be anyone; that once she sees him she may not be attracted to him despite the way the letters make her feel. Only her youngest sister thinks its romantic but she is in high school. Zack refuses to let this second chance pass him by. Then he thinks that maybe he messed everything up and maybe he wasn’t the only person writing her. What if she has fallen for someone else or worse when he tells her it’s him who wrote the letters she will be disappointed. Still all this isn’t enough to make him change his mind. Lena’s family is funny and I can’t wait to read more about them in future books. Hopefully we will get to read more about Zack and Lena in the future as well. The characters are full on and crazy but that’s what makes them so great. The book is very well written and I was pulled into the story. Pulling for couple to make it work. I urge you to read this book.
November 18, 2015
Elena or Lena or Lanie (she is referred to all three ways) is a Doctor in the Army. Her older brother's best friend Zack has been in love with her forever but avoided her because of the bro code. He wanted to tell her before she deployed overseas but he missed her - so he decided to write to her anonymously instead.
Now, a year later, Lena is home for Christmas. She has fallen in love with her mysterious letter writer and he has suggested that they meet in the park on Christmas Eve.
Zack hears conflicting things about Elena, that she has feelings for some guy - he doesn't know if it is someone she was deployed with. Lena is also a bit obtuse. He asks her out on a date, she agrees then decides (even though he specifically said it was a date)it is more of a group thing and brings several siblings along. She also feels conflicted, she has had a crush on Zack since she was about 12 years old. She is falling in love with him but she also has feelings for the mysterious letter writer.
This is where I just don't understand Zack's motivation. Why does he spend a week not telling Lena that he wrote the letters? Especially when he sees that she is carrying one around in her pocket?
There did appear to be a few points where (maybe) a chapter had been shortened or even cut out completely because the narrative didn't flow properly between chapters. They were about to go on a date, and then it was a few days later. Or they were in the middle of a date, then it was few days later. The chronology seemed a bit wonky.
However, motivations and wonky timelines aside, I enjoyed this novella.
Now, a year later, Lena is home for Christmas. She has fallen in love with her mysterious letter writer and he has suggested that they meet in the park on Christmas Eve.
Zack hears conflicting things about Elena, that she has feelings for some guy - he doesn't know if it is someone she was deployed with. Lena is also a bit obtuse. He asks her out on a date, she agrees then decides (even though he specifically said it was a date)it is more of a group thing and brings several siblings along. She also feels conflicted, she has had a crush on Zack since she was about 12 years old. She is falling in love with him but she also has feelings for the mysterious letter writer.
This is where I just don't understand Zack's motivation. Why does he spend a week not telling Lena that he wrote the letters? Especially when he sees that she is carrying one around in her pocket?
There did appear to be a few points where (maybe) a chapter had been shortened or even cut out completely because the narrative didn't flow properly between chapters. They were about to go on a date, and then it was a few days later. Or they were in the middle of a date, then it was few days later. The chronology seemed a bit wonky.
However, motivations and wonky timelines aside, I enjoyed this novella.
November 25, 2013
This is a beautiful story. It grabbed me from the prologue and didn't let go till the epilogue. It was a heartfelt story that will have you feeling even more grateful to your service men and women.
I loved the premise of this story, it was fantastic to see the hero making a big gesture in the form of simple letters to the woman he loves, even if she didn't know he felt that way. The fact that Zack, our hero took the time to send letters to a serving officer in Lena made my heart melt.
When Lena comes home from deployment for the Christmas holidays after a year away, she brings home the letters of the man she a has fallen in love with, even though she's never met him, but she does have a date to meet him. Who could it be ?
Zack is finally home for good and after a year of writing letters to Lena is ready to tell her that he's the letter writer and that he is ready to brave her overprotective family for a chance to be with her.
But since Lena has friend zoned Zack not realising that he is the man she loves, can he convince her to give him a chance before he reveals the truth ?
These two are meant to be together and it shows in every word. The author has a knack for writing a story that is heartwarming and I will be looking forward to many books from her in the future.
This book was supplied by the publisher for an honest review.
I loved the premise of this story, it was fantastic to see the hero making a big gesture in the form of simple letters to the woman he loves, even if she didn't know he felt that way. The fact that Zack, our hero took the time to send letters to a serving officer in Lena made my heart melt.
When Lena comes home from deployment for the Christmas holidays after a year away, she brings home the letters of the man she a has fallen in love with, even though she's never met him, but she does have a date to meet him. Who could it be ?
Zack is finally home for good and after a year of writing letters to Lena is ready to tell her that he's the letter writer and that he is ready to brave her overprotective family for a chance to be with her.
But since Lena has friend zoned Zack not realising that he is the man she loves, can he convince her to give him a chance before he reveals the truth ?
These two are meant to be together and it shows in every word. The author has a knack for writing a story that is heartwarming and I will be looking forward to many books from her in the future.
This book was supplied by the publisher for an honest review.
December 15, 2014
Finally, a military romance that I actually found enjoyable! Letters From Home is the story of Elena, an army doctor who is home for the holidays. During the year she was in Afghanistan, she received a bunch of heartfelt, love letters from a secret admirer. If it’s possible to fall in love with someone through their words, Elena has done so. She has no idea that it’s her long time friend, Zack, who has been spilling his heart to her all this time. She does hope it’s him, since she realizes she’s in love with him during her time at home. But she still has to know for sure about the man from the letters.
Letters From Home was really sweet. I liked how for once it was the woman who was military, but there wasn’t much focus on her career except for giving a reason behind the letters. I also liked that this was an inter-racial romance, but I don’t read Spanish at all, so I was a bit turned off by Elena’s interactions with her family. I have no idea what they were saying! Zack and Elena are really cute together as they explore their feelings for each other, but I could have done without that little bit of drama at the end. It felt very cliche and forced, but overall, I really liked this holiday novella.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
Letters From Home was really sweet. I liked how for once it was the woman who was military, but there wasn’t much focus on her career except for giving a reason behind the letters. I also liked that this was an inter-racial romance, but I don’t read Spanish at all, so I was a bit turned off by Elena’s interactions with her family. I have no idea what they were saying! Zack and Elena are really cute together as they explore their feelings for each other, but I could have done without that little bit of drama at the end. It felt very cliche and forced, but overall, I really liked this holiday novella.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
July 26, 2016
I loved the premise of this one--falling in love through a year's worth of love letters, one per month plus an extra one on Lena's birthday. Add to that the fact that the letters are written anonymously and that they're from her brother's best friend, and the delicious factor ratchets up a notch. Great plot!
I really liked both Lena and Zack--Zack especially is just so adorably romantic--but at times their stubbornness became a bit frustrating. His insistence on waiting until Christmas morning for the big reveal when she was home for days before that and was leaving two days after made me want to give him a friendly but firm push in the right direction. There was also the possibility that Lena might be too hung up on her mysterious letter writer to give the flesh and blood guy in front of her a chance--would his reveal come too late?
Overall, though, this was a satisfying read. I loved the plot and liked the characters, and definitely will look for more from this author in the future.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked both Lena and Zack--Zack especially is just so adorably romantic--but at times their stubbornness became a bit frustrating. His insistence on waiting until Christmas morning for the big reveal when she was home for days before that and was leaving two days after made me want to give him a friendly but firm push in the right direction. There was also the possibility that Lena might be too hung up on her mysterious letter writer to give the flesh and blood guy in front of her a chance--would his reveal come too late?
Overall, though, this was a satisfying read. I loved the plot and liked the characters, and definitely will look for more from this author in the future.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 12, 2016
Zack is a coward man who never tells his girl that he likes. By the time he wants to tell her, it is too late because she goes far away from him for a year. The title is Letters from home that was written by Beth Rhodes. The dialogue of this story is so effective because there are many ideas that can teach you inside this story. For example, Zack is coward to tell Lena that he loves her. Zack is also honest with his love because he had been waiting for her for many years from her mission at Afghanistan. Destiny is important between two people from different parts of this world because Lena almost fell in love with another boy. Attempts are one of the greatest examples for every boy that always flirt and not honest with their wifes or girlfriends.There are also three elements in this story which are honesty and cowardness that Zack has it in the same time and destiny that makes them falling in love again. The idea of this story is to e honest with your love and do not stop trying to do the best thing to your sugar.
December 6, 2013
Originally reviewed on These Pretty Words.
This little story is romantic novella perfection. From strong, independent yet emotionally reserved Lena – home on leave from the Army – to handsome, witty Zach with his never-ending crush on his best friend’s sister. Zach and his beautiful letters have won Lena’s heart, but she has no idea it was him writing those pretty words. As Zach vows to win the girl he’s loved for years, Lena is wondering about the man who captivated her with pen and paper while trying to deal with Zach’s sudden attention.
Such a wonderful little story to remind us all that life’s too short for missed opportunities! Charming and adorable, Lena and Zack will have you sneaky reading at every opportunity.
This little story is romantic novella perfection. From strong, independent yet emotionally reserved Lena – home on leave from the Army – to handsome, witty Zach with his never-ending crush on his best friend’s sister. Zach and his beautiful letters have won Lena’s heart, but she has no idea it was him writing those pretty words. As Zach vows to win the girl he’s loved for years, Lena is wondering about the man who captivated her with pen and paper while trying to deal with Zach’s sudden attention.
Such a wonderful little story to remind us all that life’s too short for missed opportunities! Charming and adorable, Lena and Zack will have you sneaky reading at every opportunity.
January 14, 2016
4 star
The story has laughs, secrets, and heartbreak.
This is Lena and Zach’s story. When Lena left for her last tour Zach tried to make it to see her before she left but he missed her. He wants to tell her he loved her. So he put all those feelings into anonymous love letters to her while she was on tour. Now she is back in town and she believes she loves the letter writer. What happens when he makes his move without revealing the letter writer? Can he get her to love all sides of him not just the letter writer? Can Lena give Zach a chance when she knows she has already fallen for the letter writer? Can she risk her heart? Will Lena be able to get both Zach and the letter writer before she has to leave town again?
I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
I recommend this book.
The story has laughs, secrets, and heartbreak.
This is Lena and Zach’s story. When Lena left for her last tour Zach tried to make it to see her before she left but he missed her. He wants to tell her he loved her. So he put all those feelings into anonymous love letters to her while she was on tour. Now she is back in town and she believes she loves the letter writer. What happens when he makes his move without revealing the letter writer? Can he get her to love all sides of him not just the letter writer? Can Lena give Zach a chance when she knows she has already fallen for the letter writer? Can she risk her heart? Will Lena be able to get both Zach and the letter writer before she has to leave town again?
I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
I recommend this book.
December 31, 2013
3.75 stars
Y'all know I'm a sucker for a military romance. This little novella has veteran and an active duty characters. This one is a bit different in that Lena is the main character and an active duty Army doctor. Zack, her longtime family friend, has been out of the Army for a year or two and has decided that he has feelings for Lena. Like deep, we aren't just friends, but the I love you and I can't live without you feelings.
I really enjoyed this story. It is a perfect Christmas Eve day read. I read it in a couple of hours...easy. Maybe less if I didn't have to feed other people and pick them up from school. Y'know..the usual.
Click on over to SSBR for more...
Straight Shootin' Book Reviews
Y'all know I'm a sucker for a military romance. This little novella has veteran and an active duty characters. This one is a bit different in that Lena is the main character and an active duty Army doctor. Zack, her longtime family friend, has been out of the Army for a year or two and has decided that he has feelings for Lena. Like deep, we aren't just friends, but the I love you and I can't live without you feelings.
I really enjoyed this story. It is a perfect Christmas Eve day read. I read it in a couple of hours...easy. Maybe less if I didn't have to feed other people and pick them up from school. Y'know..the usual.
Click on over to SSBR for more...
Straight Shootin' Book Reviews
December 23, 2013
Review: Letters from Home (Entangled Flirts) by Bethanne Strasser
Publication Date: November 25, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/Donna
Rated: 4 Stars
Blog post: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-Ur
REVIEW:
A lovely little story about love, longing and family. The story was well written and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see how things worked out for Zack and Elena. I liked them both immediately and also felt like I was a part of the family. The author built the romantic tension up nicely to a very satisfying conclusion. A great Christmas story that left me smiling.
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
BUY LINKS:
$0.99 Kindle http://amzn.to/1c02hRp | Nook http://bit.ly/18H4d2Z | Kobo http://bit.ly/1hxxYnj
Publication Date: November 25, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/Donna
Rated: 4 Stars
Blog post: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-Ur
REVIEW:
A lovely little story about love, longing and family. The story was well written and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see how things worked out for Zack and Elena. I liked them both immediately and also felt like I was a part of the family. The author built the romantic tension up nicely to a very satisfying conclusion. A great Christmas story that left me smiling.
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
BUY LINKS:
$0.99 Kindle http://amzn.to/1c02hRp | Nook http://bit.ly/18H4d2Z | Kobo http://bit.ly/1hxxYnj
January 4, 2014
Zack loves Lena from ever,but when he loses the opportunity to meet her when she goes to Iraq for military,he starts expressing his feeling in letters anonymously to her,he wants her to see him more as brothers friend.Lena is shocked that someone notices and knows about her as much she does and more ,and falls for the writer of letters,whom she will meet soon.When she arrives home,she is excited to meet the writer,but also sees Zack in different light.With her feelings confused and time less,will Zack and Lena tell each other their feelings or it will be too late?
Said in two POV,the story was sweet,romantic and also quite intense.Though a little predictable,it has it own twists and turns and story going..Nice overall read!
Rating -3 !
Said in two POV,the story was sweet,romantic and also quite intense.Though a little predictable,it has it own twists and turns and story going..Nice overall read!
Rating -3 !
January 28, 2016
The characters invite you into their story.
Lena Rodriguez has heen receiving letters from an unknown writer from her hometown. Is it possible to fall in love with someone through their letters? One such letter invited Lena to meet him on Christmas morning.
Zack Benson is in love with his best friend's sister. When she enrolled in the service he wrote her of his true feelings but keep his identity secret.
Lena is home for Christmas. While she worries about meeting the mystery man she grows closer to the man she's always loved, Zack.
When the day comes and the identity is revealed an accident occurs. The day arrives that Lena must return to her service but Zack doesn't want her to leave before facing Lena with his true feelings.
Lena Rodriguez has heen receiving letters from an unknown writer from her hometown. Is it possible to fall in love with someone through their letters? One such letter invited Lena to meet him on Christmas morning.
Zack Benson is in love with his best friend's sister. When she enrolled in the service he wrote her of his true feelings but keep his identity secret.
Lena is home for Christmas. While she worries about meeting the mystery man she grows closer to the man she's always loved, Zack.
When the day comes and the identity is revealed an accident occurs. The day arrives that Lena must return to her service but Zack doesn't want her to leave before facing Lena with his true feelings.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews