Love Letters

By: Emily Murdoch

Narrated by: Katie Bunn

Length: 2 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's Summary

Anglo-Saxon England.

Having built a rich empire and keen to win the favor of the royal court, Hilda and AEligard have little time for their daughter, Catheryn.

But one man, Selwyn, is intrigued by the intelligent and high-spirited girl.

Selwyn sends Catheryn a love letter as a joke, disguising it as though it is from one of her father's thanes. Catheryn is fascinated by the letter, and cannot imagine who would be capable of sending a poem of such imagination and beauty.

When Selwyn offers to help Catheryn identify the mysterious suitor, she accepts, and they start to realise that they have more in common than they thought.

Soon, Catheryn finds herself falling in love with Selwyn instead....

But the strict hierarchy of Anglo-Saxon England stands in their way.

Selwyn, a steward, could never be considered Catheryn's equal, let alone an eligible suitor.

Will they manage to stay together despite the odds?

Or will duty tear Selwyn and Catheryn apart?

Emily Murdoch is a medieval historian and novelist. She is also the author of Conquests and Captives.

©2014 Emily Murdoch (P)2017 Emily Murdoch

The narrator and story transport you back in time

I really enjoyed Love Letters. The narrator was perfect to capture the feel of Anglo-Saxon times with a story that was romantic and charming. This is a "prequel" to Captives, which is also a very good book that follows Catheryn later in life and the hard existence as a Captive when the English king took over. Selwyn and Catheryn were best friends as children but as adults they have preconceived notions about what kind of adult the other as become. They are separated by the fact that Catheryn is way above Selwyn in class and privilege but they are still drawn back to their friendship. Catheryn is worrying about discovering the author of love letters that she receives and overlooks her growing attraction to Selwyn. I loved the portrayal of her parents are being obsessed with impressing the royal family and acquiring wealth and ignoring their daughter. I also adored the other characters that fill this sweet and charming book. The length, just under 3 hours, was perfect. The writing style, situation and dialog seemed spot-on. Great job.

Outstanding!!!!

I adored this book!!!! Absolutely addictive!!!! Definitely a MUST listen to!!!!!! A must have for all!!!!

Is it love?

Selwyn and Catheryn are from different social classes so they aren't suppose to fall in love. I really didn't like how he toyed with her feelings. Loved the time period and thought the author and narrator did a great job of switching between these two main characters. Thought the author did a great job of making me feel like I was there.

Quick interesting listen

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed this story. Catheryn's real self comes through when she is faced with Selwyn's game. I thought she was a little haughty in the beginning but liked how her layers were exposed as the story went along. The growth of both kept me listening. I enjoying reading this author's stories.

I received a copy of this audiobook as a gift, and this is my unsolicited review.

A Change in Rules

This was a sweet story of love and faith in stepping up to do what is right. I loved the narrator, she did a great job in speaking to make believe it was in that era.I was given a copy for an honest review. I highly recommend this story.. Catherine finally found her love.

Loved listening to this story.

This story gives back the emotions of a young couple trying to establish their feelings for each other now that they are no longer children but young adults at a time in history when it was practicaly unheard of to break through class bounderies and decisions where made by the parents.

Love between different classes

What did you love best about Love Letters?

I liked that it gave the reader an idea of life among the Anglo-Saxons. The different class structures, the work that people undertook and the influence of the king and his court. I also liked that the two main characters came from different social classes.

What other book might you compare Love Letters to and why?

I can't say that I have read a similar book and I have read a good many.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

In a way it did but I also thought that the manner of speaking was just a bit too precise. However, when speaking in Catherine's voice, the speech was more natural.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

When Selwyn made his speech at the end I felt quite impressed with him! It took great courage for him to do this, especially in front of everyone.

Any additional comments?

Having read the first in the series, it was good to read how Catherine and Selwyn met. Although you could listen to this as a standalone, it is preferable to read the first book in the trilogy. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. This is my honest review.

Very Entertaining!

Where does Love Letters rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I believe I would rank this book in the top 20. It was such a pleasure to listen to Katie Bunn.

What other book might you compare Love Letters to and why?

I think Cecelia Mecca books dealing with the highlands both writers hold very true to the time setting of the stories.

What about Katie Bunn’s performance did you like?

Her tone was good and the way she brought the story to life. Let's say it was a quick 3 hrs.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Well, let's just say I did not leave my office while listening to the story. I have to say that Selwyn kind of ticked me off and I made a few nasty comments. So I guess you can say I got into the story.

Any additional comments?

I suggest you either read the story or listen to the book there is an interesting ending. Also please note the description of the book is right on. I find that is not always true. I recommend you take a chance on this one.

I ❤️ clean romances

Looking for an light enjoyable book to curl up with? I definitely recommend this book. And if you can listen to it on audiobook, the narrator has the perfect voice for this book. It’s a sweet read about a young medieval teenager, Catheryn, trying to become a woman in her own right. Enter Selwyn, her childhood friend who seems determined to remind her not to lose the carefree youth he knew her to be many years ago. However, before Selwyn realizes it, he is in love with who she has become in his absence. The rub of course is that now he is just a lowly steward and she is the Lord’s daughter and heir. How could she ever return those feelings?

A delightful story!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this audiobook, as a sweet romance story, set in the Medieval time period, in Anglo-Saxon England. The author uses her knowledge of the time periods, and weaves it into the story, making the story more meaningful and understanding, as a result.

What about Katie Bunn’s performance did you like?

Katie does a good job changes voices for the main characters, which makes it easy to follow.

Any additional comments?

It gives an insight into how things were, during this period of history. The differences in status based on either birth or land ownership, and how they become part of the nobility, was interesting. It is a sweet romance, woven within the time period, and makes it delightful to listen to.