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Letters Away

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Follow Jacob and Belle, two high school sweethearts separated, after Jacob is drafted into the Korean war in 1951. Their story is a tale of timeless love, in an era of innocence long forgotten. Watch as they fall deeper in love, the closer Jacob gets to leaving to fight in a war, where he and Belle could lose everything. Through a series of beautifully written letters, we see them as children, starting out as enemies; until the summer Jacob saves Belle from drowning. See them grow from two inseparable best friends, becoming a couple in love. Will Jacob and Belle have the bright and happy future they’ve always dreamed of? Will Jacob return home wounded or worse, never coming home at all? Will their love, sustain them through all of the challenges they have to face in the midst of a cruel twist of fate, neither can control? Find out in…”Letters Away”

Written by authors: Elias Raven and Sharon Johnson.

Coming December 2016

Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2016

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Elias Raven

24 books248 followers

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5 stars
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1 (7%)
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Profile Image for Missy Harton.
491 reviews8 followers
February 6, 2017
"But our forever may have an expiration date for us."

An innocent and refreshing 5 STAR read! I never thought I'd enjoy a historical romance, but Raven and Johnson have blown me away with Letters Away! Through the letters of Jacob and Belle; not only can you feel their connection and emotions, but the description of this particular era; the Korean War, was truly enlightening. In a time where my grandparents would've been in their late teens; it's astounding to see how so much has changed. This AMAZING collaborative work has a uniqueness I've never seen. As their letters reflect on their childhood while staying in their present time; it allows the reader to fully understand their relationship and the burdening obstacles the couple is and have yet to face. What a treat it would be to physically hold one of these letters; a true piece of history! I, unfortunately don't have a treasured heirloom such as this, but with Letters Away we can all get a taste of young love in a time of uncertainty.
A HIGHLY RECOMMENDED 5 STAR READ!!
Fall in love with Jacob and Belle as they share their love story in Letters Away!
Profile Image for Teresa Crumpton.
Author 19 books231 followers
February 5, 2017
I got the opportunity to be one of the Beta readers for Letters Away, which allowed me to see the book prior to all corrections. With that said I’m not going to comment on some of the spelling and punctuation errors I found since by know those would be fix.

Overall I really enjoyed Letters Away. Elias and Sharon did a pretty good job capturing the time period. They choose a time that not many write about, which I think makes this story unique. There’s not much out there about the Korean War and its refreshing that they challenged themselves for this story.

As most of you now know, Letters is a different style of love story. Elias and Sharon wrote the story in letters between their characters, Belle and Jacob. This writing style lets the reader feel like he or she is getting a glimpse of the past and possibly seeing what their parents or grandparents would have wrote each other during the ’40’s. I really enjoyed that aspect even though my father was just a baby during this time. However it does make me want to ask my grandmother what life was like. Granted my grandfather had fought in WWII so by this time he was home. Since Elias and Sharon peaked the history buff in me with this story. Since finishing the story I really want to start watching M*A*S*H all over again. (It’s one of my favorite shows, thanks to my grandfather who used to watch it.)

Even though I truly enjoyed Letters Away I did have a few issues. First let me explain I’m a huge history buff, (thanks to my grandfather and father) so while Elias and Sharon got the details correct I sometimes had issues with Belle and her naiveness. I realize that in today’s day and age we know more about whats going on in the world but there were times that I just couldn’t see Belle having that much lack of knowledge about what was going on. Plus her father fought in WWII, so some of her statements to Jacob just didn’t work for me. Not to mention the tension the world was still in from the end of WWII and the start of the breakdown between the US and Russia. My connection to the military could be coloring my perception of Belle, but knowing she would have been a Military Brat, I don’t see how she could be that naive.

Also there were times where Belle came across meek yet she and Jacob both mention how stubborn and mischievous she was growing up. It was like I was reading about two different women at times. Which took me out of the story. This happened a few times with Jacob as well. I would picture him one way from his description but when Belle would say something and his image would change.

For the most part most of the military information is spot on. There was only two places where I did research on what was stated and only once where I was like I’m pretty sure that wouldn’t have happened but that was because of my knowledge of how military bases work. If I didn’t have personal knowledge of the military procedures I would have questioned those parts.

Even with those issues the love story is believable and I can’t wait to read the next installment. It is a sweet love story between two young adults. If you want to read something different you should add Letters Away to your reading list.
Profile Image for Anna Pulla.
66 reviews5 followers
February 10, 2017
Letters Away is definitely more then a 5 star read. It reminded me of why I fell in love with reading, many many moons ago, lol!

It was the time of innocence, young love so much more different then, then it now. The war began in 1951, the same year my parents were married and my dad had to serve the military in Italy, taking him away from my mom and soon to be born first son. My dad passed away in 2016 and the one thing he always talked about was having to leave my mom and brother for 2 years to do his duty, how hard it was and the only communication was letters.

Reading this incredible story Sharon and Elias reminded me of those stories and how precious and innocent love was back then, a very different life then what we know now. Reading the letters made me feel as if they were part of my life and I was taken back then, it was personal, it was honest and again it was innocent. We take many things for granted however reading this remind me of just how lucky we have it but also leaves me wondering what it would be like to have a love so pure as Jacob and Belle.

Thank you for creating such a realistic world to get lost in. Your words and the pictures leave such a lasting impression.
Profile Image for Michelle .
73 reviews
February 10, 2017
Letters Away by Elias Raven and Sharon Johnson is an extraordinary love story that is told through a series of letters by Jacob and Belle. Two high school sweethearts who thought their lives would be perfect, until Jacob is drafted into the Korean War in 1951. Now, they are forced to keep their love alive through letters.

In this book, each letter is so beautifully written that you can’t help have the feeling you are reading ‘real’ personal letters between lovers. I could see and feel, the love that these characters have for one another. In one of Jacob’s letters, there is a quote that I absolutely love, and I feel it fits perfectly for the characters in this story. It is the perfect recipe for how it should be when two people love each other. "Playful innocence, mixed with silliness and of course, really deep affection, sprinkled with lots of love."

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an extraordinary love story that is written unlike any romance novel. Elias Raven and Sharon Johnson are both exceptional writers, and their chemistry together has made this love story truly amazing.
Profile Image for Stacy.
300 reviews18 followers
February 7, 2017
Letters Away was a beautiful love story from start to finish. After it ended and I read the words—To be continued—I wanted more of Jacob and Belle’s story.

The story takes place in the 1951 and is told through the love letters Belle and Jacob send each other. They are only able to communicate via letters because Jacob was drafted due to the Korean War. Belle is in college and you can feel her heartbreak being away from the love of her life Jacob and you can also feel Jacob’s love for Belle. He is being so brave and strong for her but you can also feel his heartbreak. You can feels their emotions each time they receive a letter.

My favorite part of the book is the photographs between the letters. It helps put you in the story and the simplicity of life back then. I also loved reading and seeing how Belle started out as a child but matures with each letter. The book also made me realize all the things that we take for granted today.

“You’ll be my light, my love. Even when the darkness is all around, I’ll always find you. Nothing will keep me from coming home to you Belle because I have faith. “
14 reviews1 follower
February 6, 2017
Letters Away is a nostalgic masterpiece. There was a time when kids played outside without modern technology. Games of hide and seek, tag, swimming holes picnics and talking face to face were the norm. Helping your fellow man was ingrained into society. Have you ever wished to return to that era? Well, Elias Raven and Sharon Johnson takes the reader on a time traveled journey to that bygone time.
I fell under a spell as I read this. I couldn't put it down. I hurt with Belle as her best friend moved away. The antiquated dating rules, which should be brought back, were refreshing. Belle and Jacobs innocence and dreams of a "happily forever after" are curtailed when Jacob gets drafted into the Korean War. The letters Belle and Jacob exchange made me feel as though I was almost intruding on there privacy.
Whether you want to lose yourself in 1950's nostalgia or just read an exceptional story about how love used to, and still should, be then I HIGHLY recommend this book!
This was not JUST a book. It was a wonderfully crafted and researched memory.
Profile Image for Donna.
36 reviews10 followers
January 22, 2017
This book is one of the reasons I love to read. It grabbed me from the beginning and wouldn't let go. It touched my heart and soul.

I loved so much about this love story. From Jacob to Belle to their family and friends. All there was is love. It made me smile and tear up at same time.

It takes place during the Korean War. And it was very appreciated to not only see it through their eyes but there were reminders from days gone by.

I was right there with them though every word. Their hopes, dreams, fear, anxiety and even though their laugther and tears. I fell in love with Jacob and Belle. Their story had to be told.
Thank you for reminding me that with every hardship, love can come through loud and clear.

Beyond 5 star
Profile Image for Ruth Ann.
92 reviews5 followers
May 30, 2017
An extraordinary love story of Jacob and Belle during the Korean War. Excellent read! I would love to read more of their story.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews

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