This is one of those books you will never forget.
It will haunt you because we now know that the horrific events described in the book actually happened to real people who are still suffering.
An amazing story that draws you in the minute that you have read Ivy,s letter. Then you are hooked and you just can’t stop reading.
Fantastic read five stars all the way.

The book is set in two time zones, 1956 and the present day, which worked well for me.  The prologue reveals a  letter written by a woman to a child called Elvira. It grips you from the very first page. You really feel the urgency and sheer desperation by the letter writer and want to learn how the situation came about.

Ivy Jenkins is sent to St Margarets's in 1956, she is unmarried and pregnant and her family believes that she has brought shame on them. She is told that her baby will be adopted and then she will return to her family, however, this is not the case. Ivy's story is compelling yet heartbreaking. At times it is an extremely difficult read, mainly because the story is based on actual events. It's hard to think that these practices went ahead just over two generations ago and it could actually be your grandmother or great-grandmother who was subjected to this cruelty.

The present-day story centres around Sam, a mother, and journalist who is desperate for a break in her career. She comes across a letter and feels compelled to investigate the content further. However, the building in question is due for demolition so she needs to work against the clock to uncover the truth.

For a debut, this book is outstanding. The writing is simple yet atmospheric with a chilling edge. I felt that the subject had been thoroughly researched and dealt with in a sensitive manner. As the many secrets are revealed, the story becomes totally immersive and it was truly difficult to put down. I can't wait to read more from this author and I will remember the characters, especially Ivy Jenkins, for a long time to come.

thank you #netgalley for the opportunity to read this book. I loved this book. This story is about young girls who if they are unmarried and young and with child get sent to stay with the nuns in a local mother and baby home. The babies are meant to be adopted then the girls returned home but sadly this is not the case. 60 years later some letters are discovered from a young girl who stayed here while pregnant with horrible tales of what happened to her and others in the nuns care. Sam whose grandmother discovers the letters and does some digging as people mentioned in the letters start turning up dead. There are lots of twists and turns I couldn't wait to get to the end and find out how the story ends.

I have no idea how to formulate the thoughts going through my head right now after finishing The Girl In The Letter. It was haunting, it was harrowing and it was emotional. This is one book that will stick with me for a while and one everyone should read.

I absolutely adore dual narrative books and this is definitely one of the best I have read. In 1956 Ivy Jenkins is pregnant, she’s sent to St Margaret’s which is a home for unmarried mothers. In the present day, Sam Harper is a journalist struggling to make a name for herself in the journalism world. Sam finds some letters written by a mother at St Margaret’s, soon Sam is drawn into finding out about the house which is due to be demolished.

I was both shocked and appalled about the events that went on in St Margaret’s, my stomach churned as I read the details of what many women in real life would have gone through. I also realised I have been very naive, I didn’t think these things happened as recent as 60 years ago. I forgot what time period I was reading until the dates were at the top of each chapter. Emily’s attention to detail is extraordinary, she has certainly put a lot of time and effort into researching these houses both in England and Ireland to make sure these women’s stories are heard.

Both of the characters of Ivy and Sam, I absolutely adored, I loved reading about them and finding out more about them. My heart broke into tiny pieces reading Ivy’s story, it’s heart-wrenching at times. I was cheering for Sam all the way, I wanted her to discover the truth about St Margaret’s and the nuns that worked there. We also have another female character called Kitty Cannon, she is one half of twins who were born at St Margaret’s but separated from birth. She’s on the hunt to discover what happened to her sister. I didn’t warm to Kitty as much as I did Ivy and Sam however she was written brilliantly.

Emily’s writing was outstanding, I was shocked to learn this is her debut novel – I can’t wait to see what she will produce next if this is anything to go by! I loved the way Emily drew me into the pages and she slowly drips feeds information to the reader.

The Girl in the Letter is a heart-breaking, haunting, dark and shocking read written by a fabulous talent. It draws together history, mystery, emotions and secrets into something that is more heart-wrenching than you could have imagined.

A brilliant book that will stick with me for a long time.

My review is written with thanks to Anne Cater for inviting me to take part, and Phoebe Swinburn at Headline who provided my copy of the book via Netgalley.
In 1956, Ivy falls pregnant and is sent to stay in St Margaret's, a home for young, unmarried mothers run by nuns. Over fifty years later, in 2017, Samantha Harper is a young, ambitious journalist. She learns that St Margaret's is due for demolition, but, not wanting its secrets to die with it, she investigates what happened there. As she digs deeper, she realises the answers may lie very close to home.
I really enjoyed Gunnis' writing. Although her style is simple, the writing is incredibly atmospheric, and I got a real sense of the surroundings of the novel, especially the oppressive environment of St Margaret's and the secrets it held. It is very rare that a book makes me cry, but The Girl In The Letter did this for me, and the raw emotion - Ivy's desperation, Kitty's despair and Sam's horror - seeps through every page. Although St Margaret's is a fictional institution, I know that similar places did exist, and Gunnis' research makes the experience of living there feel as real as possible for the reader. I went through a whole host of feelings as I was reading, and I love that the novel was able to invoke this in me.
The Girl In The Letter is set over several different time periods. It took me a while to get to grips with this structure, but when I did, it brought home to me how St Margaret's had affected ​families over several generations, increasing the emotional impact of the novel. The shifting time frames also allowed Gunnis to solve some of the mysteries within the novel, and I enjoyed the tension this created. I really wanted to know what had happened at St Margaret's, and I found the journey to discover more truly fascinating.

Very, very interesting read, thought provoking and I had to remind myself it was fiction. However, the author does give evidence of her research behind this novel and I would like to learn more about this haunting subject.

I really can't believe that The Girl in the Letter is only the début novel from Emily Gunnis, it reads like she has been writing for years and years so accomplished and developed was this story with endless twists, turns and surprises that leave you shocked and appalled. Boy can this author certainly tell a story that is haunting, tragic and unfortunately all too real. This story of long buried, earth shattering secrets reels you in on page one and doesn't relinquish its grasp until you reach the final sentence. I spent an afternoon glued to my chair and read this book in one sitting and when I finished the first thing I wanted to do was to tell everyone just read this book as it is fantastic. I have no doubt that come the end of the year The Girl in the Letter will feature in my top books of 2018.

The book begins with an intriguing letter written by Ivy to an Elvira explaining why she is leaving and what Elvira should do. Instantly my interest was peeked as it was clear Ivy was a woman driven by desperation at the situation she found herself in. It quickly became apparent that she was in a laundry run by nuns for unmarried mothers. My first reaction was hold on a minute didn't this happen in Ireland? The Magdalene laundries and all the atrocities that occurred in these places are now well known and there was even a laundry in the city were I live but I had never know that to a lesser extent these hell holes, for that is what they were, were in England too. Emily Gunnis had certainly opened my eyes within the first few pages and they continued to grow ever wider the more I read on. The research undertaken for this book was impeccable and I am glad that she did not spare us any of the details about the goings on behind closed doors. For far too long the church kept everything hush hush and so many young girls passed through the doors and were subjected to unspeakable horrors, hardships, humiliation and degradation.

There was a dark, suppressive feeling pervading throughout the chapters as told from Ivy's perspective but it matched the themes and content of the overall book. It continued in this manner until the very end but the book needed it, it couldn't have been all sweetness and light given the subject matter. That's not to say the story was heavy and hard to get through. Yes it was difficult to read of some of the things that occurred and it does get quite detailed but the book did have a brilliant flow and pace to it as the clock ticks down to the demolition of St.Margaret's and people rub their hands in glee that what occurred there will remain secret. Or will it? I couldn't even contemplate such things happening today and I am glad to see young women getting the support they need today but for so many it is too late. But the story surrounding Elvira and Ivy needs to be brought out into the open and it's journalist Sam Harper who will not rest until she has the answers and establishes connections and expose those who were complacent in the destruction of so many lives.

Sam was a very driven character, there was something forcing her to keep going even though things took on very dark, dangerous and sinister undertones. At first when her Nana finds a letter from a pregnant girl to her lover in her dead husband's belongings it's presumed her grandfather was involved. But delve a little deeper and there is an extraordinary story waiting to be exposed after so many years. Sam has always been overlooked for promotion and she needs a big story to push her into the limelight, in turn this will allow her to earn more to provide for her young daughter. Will the letter be the beginning of something that will change her fortunes or will she venture down a road that is threatening, alarming and full of horrific events that someone wants everything kept under wraps and undisclosed? But the more Sam digs and probes, and begins to pull pieces together, the more she becomes so deeply invested that she will not rest until justice has been delivered. Sam was a brilliant character and to me almost like a facilitator allowing Ivy's story to come to the fore and in doing so many other things kept vague and unknown began to make themselves more apparent.

I did question the presence of a certain female character in the beginning. They seemed out of place and disjointed from the main storyline but, with everything and everyone in this story, nothing should be overlooked or dismissed as being of no importance or having no relevance because every little titbit, even if you think this means nothing, you'll soon find out that it is more than likely a major piece of the puzzle. That is what I loved about this book is that you are constantly searching for clues and connections in an attempt to pull all the pieces of the puzzle together almost racing ahead of the main character. This proved impossible for me and the big reveal left me shocked and reeling for I had never guessed it all but it was so cleverly done and so apt for everything that had occurred.

Two elements that worked brilliantly throughout the book were the use of the letters written by Ivy as they provided an insight into her mindset as to how she was coping with the life forced upon her in the laundry. They also moved the story on well and I found myself eager to get to sections as told from her viewpoint. Also there were various crucial recollections which were essential to the overall plot which I was so glad were included. I have never seen this done like this before in a book and it went a long way in explaining everything particularly the motivations of characters and the fallout of their actions. Moving back and forth between the past and the present enhanced this story no end.

It was only after I finished reading did I discover that Emily is the daughter of Penny Vincenzi whose books I adored so it's no surprise that such talent has been passed on. I love that feeling of desperately racing through the pages to discover the outcome and uncover all the lies and secrets and that's what this book provided me with. The Girl in the Letter for me had all the perfect elements I love in a book - the dual timeline which allowed this book to be classed as historical fiction contrasted with the modern day elements which took on an almost thriller like status. But also there were characters here in which you became deeply invested in and you wanted to see so many wrongs made right for them. For things to be exposed that should never have occurred in the first place. For the suffering, physical pain and mental anguish to abate. These feelings can't be forgotten or in my mind accepted but you would hope some resolution, some unloading/shedding of the burden will come to the fore.

Undoubtedly The Girl in the Letter is a gripping and, yes at times, very harrowing read but it's a story that needs to be told allowing those women who endured so much to never be forgotten to have their stories told for people today to know what went on particularly in Ireland but also to some extent in certain places in England. This was a thrilling, tense and powerful read full of honesty and intensity in which Emily Gunnis wove a masterful, compelling story whose themes will stay with you long after the turn of the last page. If this is the calibre of book one I cannot wait for what is to come in the future.

The main point of view in the story is Sam’s, and I couldn’t really warm to her. She seemed a little bit flat as a character, and I was always eager to get back to Ivy’s perspective.

Ivy was a fascinating character, and I really felt for her. I really could feel her pain at having her baby taken away from her, and it made me sad for all those women this really happened to in the not too distant past. She definitely felt the most three-dimensional to me, as a lot of the book was driven by the plot rather than the character development.

I think this book was very well researched. I’ve been to museums before where they talk about the mother and baby homes from the Victorian times, but I hadn’t realised these homes had been open until after my parents’ generation were born. I’d have probably liked to read more about what the homes were like for girls in Ivy’s position.

This book was quite different from what I’d expected. The Netgalley summary gave the idea this was a purely historical novel with some mystery to it. Actually, at times it read like a horror or thriller novel, especially during some of the scenes where the murders took place. The writer really built up suspense and I could feel myself getting lost in the scenes

I think my favourite parts of the book were reading Ivy’s letters. The writing was so emotional as she becomes more and more desperate to be rescued from the home. The whole story was a fascinating read, although at times it was hard to read.

I would have to say I didn’t enjoy the way the book ended. There was a point in the climax where a character climbs up a building, and it took me right out of the story as it was quite unbelievable. During some of the murder scenes I had to stretch my imagination but it was OK because it was part of the fun. Unfortunately the climax made it seem a bit farcical, followed by a fairly generic ending.

At the end of the book there are some extra resources you can check out, and I definitely think I will. Although this book wasn’t perfect, it sparked an interest in me to find out more on the subject.

I would give this book 3.5 / 5. I’d definitely recommend it, but not without its flaws.

Not something I would usually read but the description made me curious.
I was slowly drawn in and think I have found another author that I will be recommending to friends I know read similar to me.
Refreshing to find new authors all the time. For

A heartbreaking letter. A girl locked away. A mystery to be solved.

In 1956: Ivy Jenkins falls pregnant. She is sent away in disgrace to St. Margaret's, a house for unmarried mothers. Her baby is adopted against her will.

Present day: Samantha Harris is a journalist desperate for her big break. When she comes across a letter from the past, the contents shock and move her. The letter, from a young mother, is begging to be rescued from St. Margaret's before it's too late.

This story is relevant to the past and present with so many people who are now coming forward about historical events. We have heard many stories coming from these homes for unmarried mothers and the way they were treated was sickening to say the least. The author describes perfectly how these women had to part with their babies and how they basically were treated no better than slaves by nuns who severely punished them. Samantha Harper, a journalist, has letters in her families possession, hears that St. Margaret's is to be demolished. She races against time to unravel it's secrets before it's too late. This is both a heartwarming and heartbreaking story. Make sure you gave tissues handy, you will need them.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Headline and the author Emily Gunnis for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Definitely an ‘unputdownable’ read!
Fast paced,great characters who really drew me in.
A new author to me, but one I would look out for in future!

Oh what a read. It's hard to read and understand how unmarried mothers were treated in this period of time, especially as things are so different now. This is a well written book, emotional but highly recommended.

This is a fictional story about a mother & baby home in Sussex, it's told in past and present, a story of descendants, of some of the mother's who gave birth in the home.
You have a reporter who comes across the first letter which is the introduction to the story... she finds herself unable to let it go and with the demolition in just a few days time... she's running out of time to find out what really went on.

There are lots of plot twists, dark mystery and intrigue to keep you guessing until the end.
A gripping story that is a bit of an eye-opener... who knew nuns could be so cruel?

I really liked this book, it was different to what I had been expecting but it was great. You think you know what is coming, but there were so many twists it definitely keeps you guessing. Definitely recommend this book.

I absolutely loved this book, it had me gripped from the start. It really goes into detail about the nuns and what they did back in the day, and the health professionals that helped them. Also the story of Sam and her nana entwined in it is brilliant. Highly recommended

This story is heartbreaking. It deals with how unmarried mothers used to be treated by the church and society. The details of how the nuns treated the girls are harrowing. It is only years later that the true horror of what took place is coming to light. There is now a lot written about what happened in the UK and Ireland. This book is sympathetically written and brings to life this heartbreaking piece of history.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

This was a true page turner for me- read it on my sun bed over a day and really couldn't put it down. Fast paced with lots of interesting and engaging characters, the jump between time zones worked really well and was based on a brutal, heart wrenching topic. Not a "twist " as such but a slow reveal and I loved how the author slowly drip fed me little nuggets of information until I finally realised what was going on. The explosive end, however, I feel slightly let the book down, I'm not sure how real it all then felt- I wondered if it may of been best left on a more thoughtful note. I also struggled with the very descriptive moments of the death- not sure if it was needed and suited the rest of the book. Overall I enjoyed the book and will definitely recommend it to friends and think it would provide great discussion for book clubs . I look forward to reading more from this author .

The story opens in 1956 when Ivy Jenkins falls pregnant by her footballer boyfriend. He wants nothing to do with her or their child and she’s sent in disgrace St Margaret’s, a house for unmarried mothers. Her baby Rose is adopted against her will.

In the present day, Samantha Harper is a journalist who is juggling her busy job and caring for her four year old daughter with the help of her nana and sometimes her ex, Ben.

Her nana has a series of letters from a young mother who is begging to be rescued from St Margaret’s which makes for heartwrenching reading. Samantha delves into the past desperate to get the story which will be the making of her career. She does however also care deeply about what happened to Ivy and Rose and getting to the bottom of what happened all these years ago at St Margaret’s.

Kitty, a famous TV host is searching for her sister and will stop at nothing to find out the truth. The stories are intervoven and there are many twists and turns I didn’t see coming. A thrilling but sometimes harrowing read. Highly recommend.

Had me hooked from start to finish! Absolutely fabulous read,will be recommending this to everyone. Can’t wait to read more by this author!!

This book grabbed a hold of me for the first three quarters of it. The whole story in regards a Mother and Baby facility in the 1950/60/70, was fascinating but at time hard to read. To think that these types of places actually existed is hard to comprehend.
The last quarter of the book dragged on for me and I found it becoming more far fetched the further in, to the point I couldn't wait to get to the end.