Until the Next Letter
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Pub Date 28 Jun 2026 | Archive Date 20 Aug 2026
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Description
An uplifting novel exploring grief and healing through a heartfelt sister-led story, perfect for fans of Kate Morton, Lucinda Riley and Liane Moriarty.
When sisters Libby and Rachel open a letter from their late mother, they discover that it’s the first of five. Each letter asks them to scatter their mother’s ashes in a different place, and travel together to the carefully chosen locations.
What begins as an act of remembrance soon becomes a journey into the past. With every trip, the sisters uncover unsettling truths about their family. As questions mount, Libby and Rachel are forced to confront what they thought they knew about their mother, and about themselves.
Along the way, grief gives way to connection, laughter and unexpected romance. Old wounds are reopened, but new bonds are formed, offering the chance of healing and hope.
Until the Next Letter is a warm, uplifting novel about sisterhood and the courage it takes to face the truth. One letter, and one journey, at a time.
A Note From the Publisher
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9781835745786 |
| PRICE | £3.99 (GBP) |
| PAGES | 288 |
Available on NetGalley
Average rating from 52 members
Featured Reviews
Loved the idea and storyline of this book but it was quite lackluster in the emotions that should have been felt in this story. It was repetitive at times and just missed the mark for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and The Book Guild for this ARC.
Educator 530334
Hannah Claire’s Until the Next Letter is a tender, uplifting story about sisterhood, grief, and long-buried family secrets. Following their mother’s death, sisters Libby and Rachel are tasked with carrying out her final wish: traveling together to scatter her ashes across five distinct locations, guided by a series of letters she left behind. Claire masterfully balances emotional weight with warmth, humor, and unexpected romance as the journey helps both women heal, reconnect, and uncover hidden truths about their past.
After the passing of Libby and Rachel’s mother, they find they are the recipients of five letters written from their mother requesting they scatter her ashes in five separate places that she held dear during her life.
Whilst carrying out their mother’s wishes the sisters come to realise there is a lot they didn’t know about their mum and the secrets she held.
After reading this book I ended up really feeling sorry for the sisters and how their mother kept them in the dark about her past, especially when it came to Rachel as she was a lot older - 41yo to Libby’s 28yo). I do think a lot of what was kept secret caused unnecessary tension and hurt when it could have been avoided just by telling the truth. Although the writer says they ended up understanding why their mother kept her secrets from them, I found this hard to fathom. Unfortunately I found it un-motherly to give your children these breadcrumbs of information and then leave it to other people to fill in the blanks and try to explain her history.
Apart from my feelings towards their mum, overall I enjoyed Until the Next Letter very much. The relationship between the sisters and how they worked together was lovely and the growing friendship between Libby and Josh was very cute.
Thank you to Netgalley and The Book Guild for the arc for review.
I enjoyed this quick read, and I thought it was a bittersweet idea for a story. Finding out the secrets that your parent kept from you their whole life, after the fact, while also building new memories and bonds is quite an interesting premise for a book. I liked reading it, but I will admit that I was hoping for a little bit more. I think there is anything "wrong," with this book, I think that the way it is written just wasn't quite to my liking. It seemed too simple and the style didn't really grasp me in the way that I would have like it to. Overall, I'm glad I read it though.
Thank you to NetGalley and The Book Guild for this ALC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 rounded up
Reviewer 1822278
I loved this heartfelt book. It was a nice change from the mystery books I find myself always reading. I will definitely be looking for more books by Hannah Claire. I highly recommend this book!
Reviewer 2007122
4.25 ⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Until the next letter was such a lovely, incredibly sweet read. I truly loved every single page of it.
What completely won me over was the central concept of the letters. I have always had a deep love for letter-writing because it brings a wonderful touch of old-school charm to a story. In a world where everything happens so fast behind phone screens and on social media, exchanging letters forces us to slow down. It allows the characters— and us as readers — to truly take the time to notice things, to appreciate the little moments, and to capture a specific snapshot in time.
It is a comforting, gentle story that stays with you. I highly recommend it if you are looking for a cozy, heartwarming read that reminds you of the beauty of taking your time.
Reviewer 509555
This was a lovely story line which had the capacity to be deeply emotive. Although enjoyable, it didn't quite get there in terms of that emotional connection. Notwithstanding I enjoyed the book and would recommend.
Alis M, Reviewer
This story absolutely gutted me in the best way possible. As a mother you wonder what lessons will stick with your children when you are gone. The beauty of this book is the lessons that were taught after death. Its about who we are ourselves and what we hide from our children. Its an example of how each person, even with shared experiences, can be polar opposites. This was just such a great book.
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I really loved the concept behind Until the Next Letter. A mother, knowing her time is limited, leaves a series of letters for her two daughters, guiding them on a journey long after she’s gone. It was such an emotional premise with so much potential.
The story explores family bonds, grief, forgiveness, and the complicated relationships between sisters. While I appreciated these themes, I unfortunately didn’t connect with the characters as much as I had hoped. The writing felt a little too shallow for the emotional depth the story was aiming for, which made some of the moments less impactful.
Overall, I enjoyed the heart behind the story and its message, but I felt the execution didn’t quite live up to the beautiful idea. Even so, if you enjoy emotional family dramas centered around healing and second chances, this may still be worth picking up.
Reviewer 2017690
The letters plot was really interesting. It was nice to see both sisters figuring out things with the help of the letters and the places they went to.
It was heartwarming and interesting. The writting was engaging also.
This is the first book I've read by Hannah Claire, and I'll definitely be looking out for more of her work. A really entertaining novel, full of feeling and real, 3 dimensional characters.
I liked this well enough, but I didn't love it. It could have gone from good to great with a few tweaks. Regardless, it's a light summer thriller and a definite easy read. More of a review on Goodreads.
Nin B, Reviewer
This book about sisterhood ,love and finding new truths Libby and Rachel mother dies and leaves them a quest to follow 5 letters . I loved where it took them .This is about heartbreak happiness and thing’s in between. I recommend as a good read
I absolutely felt like I could not put my tablet down after I started reading Until the Next Letter by Hannah Claire. This book had me in tears several times, laughing at moments, and constantly questioning what was going to happen next. I love the bond that the sisters share throughout the story and their differences in personalities. I was happy that some non spicy romance was thrown into the story also.
Shortly before Libby Morgan's mother passes, she is instructed to get a letter from her mother's bag. After her mother's funeral, Libby and her sister, Rachel, read the letter together. Her mother wishes for her ashes to be scattered in five different locations and there is a letter that corresponds to each special location.
Libby was very close with her mother, but Rachel had not gotten along with her mom in quite some time. The two decide to fulfill their mother's wishes and learn secrets about their mother and family along the way.
Reviewer 142279
A heartfelt and beautifully written novel that celebrates love, hope, and the importance of human connection. The characters felt authentic, and the emotional journey unfolded naturally without becoming overly sentimental. I found myself completely invested in the story, and the ending left me both emotional and satisfied. A lovely read that I would happily recommend.
Reviewer 2039537
Solid 4 stars- easy to read, but nothing that really made this book stand out. This book reminded me of some other books I’ve read with similar storylines of receiving letters from a deceased love one, although I was still intrigued to read about the 5 letters left behind and the locations the sisters would visit. There was a little surprise twist towards the end that carried the book to its ending. Thank you to The Book Guild & NetGalley for an ARC!
ARC Review | Until the Next Letter by Hannah Claire ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to the author/publisher for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Some stories ask what we leave behind after we're gone. Others ask what we never found the courage to say while we were here. Until the Next Letter quietly asks both.
At the heart of this story are sisters Libby and Rachel, whose lives are turned upside down after the death of their mother. Rather than leaving behind only memories, she leaves something far more unexpected: five letters, five jars of ashes, and five destinations. Each letter becomes another carefully placed breadcrumb leading the sisters deeper into a past they never truly knew, uncovering family secrets that had remained hidden for decades.
What I loved most about this novel was its emotional honesty. Their mother's final act of love isn't simply saying goodbye; it's finally finding the courage to tell the truth. Through every letter, she reveals the choices she made, the regrets she carried, and the parts of herself she kept hidden for so many years. It raises a question I found myself thinking about long after I finished reading: How well do we ever really know our parents?
As Libby and Rachel unravel their mother's history, they're also forced to question their own. Were they raised on truth, or on carefully constructed versions of it? Watching both sisters process those revelations felt incredibly authentic. I especially appreciated that neither woman was expected to grieve "correctly." When they were angry, they were allowed to be angry. When they cried, there was no shame attached to it. Too often grief is portrayed as something quiet and graceful, but this novel embraces the messier reality—that grief is confusing, contradictory, and deeply personal. That honesty made me fall in love with the story even more.
One aspect I particularly enjoyed was how differently Libby and Rachel remembered and understood their mother. The novel beautifully highlights that siblings can grow up in the same family yet experience completely different relationships with the very same parent. Those subtle differences added another layer of realism to an already heartfelt story.
There is also a gentle romantic subplot that adds warmth without ever overshadowing the heart of the novel. I appreciated that the focus remained firmly on the sisters, their relationship, and the emotional journey of following their mother's final wishes. While the overall direction of the plot is fairly predictable, the writing is warm enough that I never minded knowing roughly where it was heading. Sometimes the comfort comes not from the destination, but from travelling alongside the characters.
On a personal level, this book left me reflecting on what I would say if I knew my own time was running short. Would I leave letters behind for the people I love? Would I want to guide them through my memories, my mistakes, my hopes for their future, so they didn't feel quite so lost without me? Few books leave me asking those kinds of questions, and I think that's one of this novel's greatest strengths.
Ultimately, Until the Next Letter is a tender story about grief, family, friendship, secrets, forgiveness, new beginnings, and enduring love. Hannah Claire explores these themes with warmth and compassion, creating a novel that feels intimate, comforting, and deeply relatable. It reminds us that love doesn't simply end with death—it changes form. Sometimes it arrives later, tucked inside an envelope, sealed with truth, and waiting patiently until we're finally ready to read it.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
If you're looking for a cosy, emotionally driven family drama filled with heartfelt relationships, long-buried secrets, and a journey that will keep you turning the pages, Until the Next Letter is well worth picking up. It is a gentle reminder that the people we love often leave us with far more than memories—they leave us with the courage to keep moving forward.
I received a free copy of, Until the Next Letter, by Hannah Claire, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Libby and Rachel's mother passed away from Cancer, they never really knew her mother, she kept secrets from them. This was such a good and emotional read.
3.5 rounded up. Until the Next Letter was the first Hannah Claire book that I have read. I enjoyed the premise of this book. Two sisters that have a large age gap and have become distant come together after their mom dies to read letters that she has left them. Sometimes what one person things is a big secret and finds difficulty talking about others would understand.
I enjoyed the trips that the sisters had to take to find out what their mom wanted them to know. The growth they had in their relationship and how much closer they became was a large portion of the book. I also enjoyed the relationship that Libby found along the way as well. Parts off the book dragged for me, especially the back and forth between the sisters and Brian. I feel like he knew that they found out what their moms secret was and just kept trying to deny and put other ideas in their heads.
Thanks to The Book Guild for an ARC of Until the Next Letter for an honest review.
Amy L, Reviewer
Here's a smoother version of your review that keeps your thoughts and tone:
The secrets the mother kept from her daughters were enormous, and I felt devastated for them as they became more and more confused and frustrated throughout the story. I really appreciated that, despite everything, the sisters maintained such a strong and supportive relationship with each other.
It was a quick, engaging read, and I enjoyed it overall. I didn't quite love it, though, and I'm not entirely sure why. Maybe the story felt a little too drawn out at times, which kept me from fully connecting with it. Still, it was an enjoyable read with plenty of emotional moments.
If you're posting this on Goodreads or another review site, I can also make it sound a bit more conversational or more polished.
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Until The Next Letter' by Hannah Claire
CLEAR YOUR SCHEDULES AND GRAB THIS ABSOLUETLY STUNNING PAGE TURNER TODAY!! ONE THE MOST EMOTIONAL, GORGEOUS AND BEAUTIFUL BOOKS I HAVE EVER READ!! GRAB YOUR COPY NOW!! I CAN GUARANTEE THAT YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!! YOU CAN THANK ME LATER!!!
This may be the first book I have read by this extremely talented author but there is no way in hell it it is going to be my last!! In fact make sure you return on the 17th July for my review of 'The Book Lover's Bucket List' which is the first book in Hannah's The Millbrook Series and is guaranteed to be another stunner if this is anything to go by!! What a blooming stunning read!! Seriously, if you are looking for a beautiful, uplifting and unforgettable read THIS is it!!
OMFG!!! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE, LOVE, LOVED THIS BEAUTIFUL, EMOTIVE AND EPIC BOOK, AN ABSOLUTELY STUNNING PAGE TURNING MUST READ!!!
EMOTIVE, BEAUTIFUL, UPLIFTING, AMAZING CHARACTERS, WHAT MORE COULD YOU ASK FOR??
GRAB THE TISSUES BEFORE STARTING THIS AS YOU WILL NEED THEM!!
The first thing I have got to say is an absolutely HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to the AMAZING author Hannah Claire! Where on Earth have you been hiding all my life? Considering this absolute beauty I am SHOCKED I have not read your books before!! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE, LOVE, LOVED IT!!! Thank God I have rectified that stupid mistake and read this and now I can escape into the rest of your books. I mean, if this is anything to go by then they are guaranteed to be epic!!
I am absolutely MIND BLOWN that I have not read any of this incredible author's books before now and am just absolutely landed that I have rectified that very, very silly mistake!!! I cannot wait to see what your previous and future books bring me, especially if this stunner is anything to go by! Even if the rest of her books are only half as good they will still be absolutely stunning and addictive!!! This book has absolutely stunning and evocative descriptions that set you straight in the scenes. I am ABSOLUTELY devastated to come to the end of this book and leave Libby and Rachel behind. I really cannot wait to get stuck in to all of Hannah's previous and future books!! I absolutely adored the gorgeous heart-warming and feel good storyline. As you may, possibly, have been able to work out I absolutely LOVED this captivating, stunning and addictive page turner from the very moment I even looked at the front cover to the very last word and beyond. What an absolutely feel good, heart warming, turn a frown upside down escapism! Be warned though that this book will leave you an emotional mess!! I am pretty hard hearted unless animals are concerned but this story had tears streaming down my face!! This is definitely not an easy feat and just goes to show how strong feelings Hannah portrays and emits in this beautiful book, its characters and her amazing writing skills!! I absolutely fell in love with Hannah's writing skills and I am looking forward to reading more!! This gorgeous storyline is authentic and realistic as well as easy to read and heart-warming. It is just one of those absolutely beautiful books that promises that the reader gets completely lost in the pages for hours. I am so glad that I have finally discovered this extremely talented author and really cannot wait to get stuck in to the rest of her books. Hannah truly does transport her readers from their reading spots and puts them besides Libby and Rachel as they travel to different locations to spread their Mum's ashes as she wished where they will see the emotions, characters, surroundings and loads more come alive! I really did absolutely fell in love with everything about this beautiful book. It is a gorgeous story ram packed with emotions, revelations, warmth, heartbreak, journeys, healing, heart, family, friendship, romance, sisterhood, secrets, beauty, forgiveness, grief, hope, warmth, humour, new beginnings, resilience, courage, loss and absolutely everything you could ask for and so much more!! It really does tick every single box in everything you could want in an absolutely beautiful and unforgettable read. It will have you feeling like you are on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Hannah's beautiful, vivid fantastic immersive writing skills and gorgeous imagination will keep you sucked in from beginning to end. I completely devoured the book in one sitting of several hours while sunbathing in the garden. It is one of those beauties where regardless if you are reading it in the sun with a cocktail or curled up next to the fire with a hot chocolate Hannah will transport you next to Libby and Rachel at the turn of a page! This book is going to live in my mind rent free for an extremely long time. In fact I would be surprised if it ever left!
Pack your bags, get comfortable, clear your schedules and get the tissues at the ready in this gorgeous read!
You need to book the day off whatever you had planned as once you pick up this book and turn the pages I can guarantee you will not want to put it down!! I found myself picking it up every spare second I had and not wanting to put it down and devoured it in a few short hours!! AN ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS MUST READ!!
The characters were all unique with their own realistic traits, strengths, flaws, quirks and weaknesses. It was intriguing to watch and I was completely invested in each and every single one of them keeping my fingers and toes crossed for a happy ending. Hannah really does ensure they come to life at every turn of the page and I was sad to leave them when I came to the end and had to say Goodbye. The fact that Hannah truly cares about her characters is obvious in the way she truly brings them to life and ensures the readers can see, feel and hear everything they are. All characters worked perfectly with the storyline and I would love to see this made into a movie!!!
Well done Hannah on an absolutely addictive and stunning page turner, I will definitely be looking for your books any time I need a gorgeous read and cannot wait to get stuck in to 'The Book Lover's Bucket List'. You have definitely jumped straight in to my favourite authors list!
Overall an absolutely unforgettable, stunning, unique, emotive must read!!
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Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.
This book was such an emotional read.
Libby and Rachel’s mother has passed away after she was ill for a long time. Before she passes away in hospital, Linda asks her daughter Libby to find a letter in her bag after she’s gone and not to think badly of her.
Following the funeral, the girls, still grieving the loss of their mother read the first letter. Their mother informs them of how she wants her ashes scattered, in five different places. She also mentions that there are five more letters and they are to scatter her ashes within a time period.
From the first letter, secrets are revealed to the girls about the places where Linda lived and are surprised that she kept them a secret, but wonder why.
But, there are two big secrets that come to light, which will shock them both. There’s one person who knows the truth regarding one of the big secrets, but will he reveal what he knows?
At the school where Linda worked, Libby goes to give the donations that people made at the funeral and Josh informs that her mother started the process to build an area for a farm, to house animals which will help the children at the school learn more about them and nature in general. Libby asks him if she can help set it up.
There is a lot happening in the story, happy moments as well as sad. You will need tissues.
The story is about loss, friendship, secrets, new beginnings and love. It will keep you turning the pages to find out what happens next.
I highly recommend this book.
Until the Next Letter is a warm, emotionally grounded novel that uses a simple premise.... a series of posthumous letters to open up a much larger exploration of grief, family history, and sibling relationships. When sisters Libby and Rachel follow their late mother’s instructions to scatter her ashes across carefully chosen locations, the journey quickly becomes more than a ritual of remembrance. Each letter peels back another layer of their mother’s past, revealing unexpected truths that challenge the sisters’ understanding of both their family and themselves.
What made the story really engaging was the way it balances emotional weight with moments of levity and connection. The shifting dynamic between Libby and Rachel feels authentic, shaped by old resentments, shared memories, and the pressure of unresolved grief. As the journey progresses, the narrative leans into themes of healing and reconciliation without losing sight of the tension created by the secrets they uncover. Romance and new beginnings are woven in lightly, adding texture rather than overshadowing the central sibling bond. Overall, it’s a comforting yet emotionally honest read about how loss can fracture relationships and how truth, however difficult, can also rebuild them.
Grieving their mother, Libby and Rachel uncover a series of letters sending them to five different locations to scatter her ashes in places that held significance throughout her life.
Throughout these journeys, long held secrets become unearthed, and the sisters question just how well they knew their mum.
This was a sweet read, and I loved the way the author highlighted how siblings can have such different relationships with their parents.
There is a romantic subplot that is quite charming, and I liked that this aspect didn't overtake the main storyline of the sisters working through the clues left by their mum.
Although the plot follows a fairly predictable path, it's well written and I can see this appealing to readers looking for a cosy family drama to get lost in.
3.5 stars, rounded to 4.
Librarian 1163826
This book was such an emotional and heartwarming read. What I loved most was how genuine the characters felt. Their struggles, hopes, and relationships were written with so much warmth and love that I found myself completely invested in their journey. I smiled, i gasped and I broke my heart over this book and I really didn't want it to end! This book will stay with me for a long time! Highly recommend this to everyone
Reviewer 1162239
A gentle heartwarming read that highlights the relationships within families. Whilst parts of this book became predictable it did not detract from how much I enjoyed it. This is well written with characters that you instantly warm to. I liked the fact that the characters have real human flaws and that people experience the emotions you would expect when secrets are revealed. Every aspect of this book was done sympathetically without being overdone.
Lynn R, Reviewer
Until the Next Letter is a heartwarming novel about grief and family. It’s an emotional read at times, but beautifully written. I loved Libby and Rachel, their differences and the way they dealt with their grief. The plot was a bit predictable, but enjoyable nonetheless.
Thanks to The Book Guild and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this review copy.
Gill K, Reviewer
Wow what an emotional rollercoaster that book was.
Libby and Rachel have just buried their beloved mother and she was even tho Rachel and her were estranged. After the funeral they are given letters to open in sequence Linda wants her ashes scattered in five different places. As each letter is opened and each new destination revealed the girls find mysteries that need solved and leave them finding out their mothers early life was something they knew nothing off.
A brilliantly written story that captures your heart it was thought provoking, heartwarming and emotional throughout the book.
3.25⭐
𝓤𝓷𝓽𝓲𝓵 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓝𝓮𝔁𝓽 𝓛𝓮𝓽𝓽𝓮𝓻 is a story about family and secrets. When sisters Libby and Rachel's mother passes away, she leaves them a letter that opens a whole host of secrets that they knew nothing about. She asks them to go on a journey to scatter her ashes in 6 different spots, from 6 different letters revealing a little more about her past in each one.
This one has a bit of a hallmark-y feel, it's sweet but forgettable. Uplifting and guaranteeing a mostly happy ending, I would recommend if you're looking for a sweet, emotional story but still with a light feel overall.
Thanks to NetGalley for access to this eARC.
Roving T, Reviewer
Absolutely beautiful and heartwarming. I found myself dabbing my eyes and clapping my hands towards the close of the book. Highly recommend it.
Erin B, Reviewer
This was a heartwarming novel about two daughters following their mother’s quest after her death. Libby and aRachel’s mum wrote them a series of letters along with tasks that she would like them to complete. They have 6 weeks to do it. These letters bring up a variety of topics they never knew about. Some of the things are jarring and heartbreaking. Overall, I
Enjoyed reading this book
Jolzyn Y, Reviewer
This book is about sisters Libby and Rachel, whose grief after their mother’s death takes an unexpected turn when they discover a series of letters leading them through the countryside and into the secrets of her hidden past. In Until the Next Letter, Hannah Claire beautifully explores love, loss, family history, and the truths we leave unsaid.
What makes this story so memorable is the emotional honesty behind every revelation. Their mother’s letters are not simply farewells but acts of courage, finally sharing regrets, choices, and long-buried truths she could not voice in life. Each discovery forces Libby and Rachel to question how well they truly knew the woman who raised them and, in turn, themselves.
The novel is tender, reflective, and quietly heartbreaking, yet never without hope. It captures the enduring power of love and reminds us that even after death, the people we cherish can still guide us, comfort us, and change us through the words they leave behind.
Reviewer 2104327
Until the Next Letter completely surprised me in the best way. I went in expecting a sweet romance, but it turned out to be so much more. It's a heartfelt story about love, loss, forgiveness, and finding hope when life doesn't go the way you planned. The letters woven throughout the novel added such a personal touch and made the emotional moments hit even harder.
The characters were easy to care about, and I found myself rooting for them from the beginning. Their journey felt genuine, and I appreciated that the romance developed alongside each character's personal growth rather than being the sole focus of the story. There were several moments that genuinely made me emotional, and the themes of healing and second chances were handled with a lot of warmth.
The only reason this wasn't a full five-star read for me is that the middle section felt a little slower than the rest of the book. I also guessed one of the major developments before it happened, but that didn't take away from the overall experience.
Overall, this was a beautifully written, uplifting story that left me with a smile by the end. It's emotional without feeling overly dramatic, and it's the kind of book that reminds you of the power of kindness, faith, and human connection. If you enjoy character-driven romances with plenty of heart, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a try.
Alexandreya L, Reviewer
4⭐️
Thank you to the author/publisher and Netgalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I actually really liked this book. I didn’t expect to as much as I did, as it’s not usually the type of book I go for, but I had a lot of fun! I really liked the aspect of each trip revealing a new piece of information that they had to sort of decipher! It was a lot of fun and so different from what I usually read.
The characters, Libby and Rachel, were a lot of fun, I just wish they were a bit more, mature? Sometimes I felt like they were a bit child-like in the way they reacted to things, and I found them a bit naive. I really liked them though, and I really liked the addition of their brother, and both of them connecting with their ‘new’ family!
The story is definitely realistic I think in the sense that a lot of people find out things about their family once they’ve passed. I did expect it to be a bit more on the emotional side, and it wasn’t as emotional as I expected, but it was still a fun and enjoyable story nonetheless!
Liz C, Reviewer
I loved the concept of the five letters but unfortunately I was so annoyed with the mother for not telling her children all these things whilst she was alive that perhaps I didn’t enjoy the book as much as I should have. The romantic and the school farm subplots also weren’t really needed and I much would have preferred the story to be wholly about the letters.
Alison B, Reviewer
With grief comes a definite change in not only who we are, but how we behave.
Sisters Libby and Rachel find this out first hand, when their mother passes away, and asks them to do one last thing for her before they say goodbye. She wants them to distribute her ashes in a number of different places, each being prefaced by a letter that they must read and find a way to come to terms with. Secrets come to light throughout the course of this book, and both women need to find out how to cope with what is to become their new normal, at the same time as working through losing their mom. Can things get any more overwhelming? I think not!
This was a truly an uplifting and beautiful story about family, challenges, loss, new beginnings, and what felt like everything in between.
With each new letter the sisters had to read, the onion layer got peeled back just a bit further, until when they got to the last one...it was clear their lives would never be the same again.
Navigating grief can be difficult, and when you add complex emotions, it can feel almost impossible. Hannah Claire really made a beautiful story of coming together during some very hard times, and watching the beauty that can come from the unknown if given half a chance.
lisa c, Reviewer
Until the Next Letter by Hannah Claire is a heartwarming and emotional novel about two sisters brought together by a series of letters left by their late mother. As they travel to fulfil her final wishes, they uncover family secrets, heal old wounds, and rediscover their bond. With relatable characters, touching moments, and a hopeful message about love, grief, and forgiveness, it's an uplifting read that will appeal to fans of family dramas and women's fiction.
Amanda C, Reviewer
Until the Next Letter by Hannah Claire is a heartfelt story about grief, family, forgiveness, and the unbreakable bond between sisters.
After the death of their mother, sisters Libby and Rachel discover a series of letters she left behind, each sending them on a journey to scatter her ashes in meaningful places. What starts as a final farewell soon becomes an emotional road trip filled with family secrets, unexpected revelations, and opportunities for healing.
I found this to be an enjoyable read, although it was a little slow-paced at times. The story gradually unfolds, revealing several twists surrounding the family’s past that kept me interested and eager to see how everything would come together. While I would have liked the pacing to be a bit quicker, the emotional journey and character development made it worthwhile.
The strongest part of this novel is the relationship between the sisters. Watching Libby and Rachel navigate their grief, confront old hurts, and slowly rebuild their connection was touching and authentic. The themes of sisterhood, family, love, and second chances are beautifully woven throughout the story.
If you enjoy emotional family dramas with plenty of heart, sisterhood, and secrets that unravel one chapter at a time, Until the Next Letter is definitely worth picking up.
This book was a refreshing break from my thrillers/ other romance books. It was a feel good story about 2 sisters, Rachel and Libby. When their mother passes away, they must journey together to follow through with their mother's last requests. Along the way, family secrets are revealed. The sisters must bond together to face these issues head on. This book will have you smiling and tearing up at the same time! I definitely recommend this book!
Until the Next Letter was my first book by Hannah Claire, and it certainly won't be my last. I was completely gripped from the very beginning and found myself turning the pages far quicker than I'd intended, always wanting to know what would happen next.
The story is beautifully written. I really enjoyed Hannah Claire's writing style, and by the time I reached the final page, I was already looking forward to reading more of her work.
If you enjoy an absorbing, well-written story that keeps you invested from beginning to end, I'd definitely recommend adding this one to your reading list.
Many thanks to The Book Guild and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Jenny M, Educator
I loved this book by Hannah Claire. A beautifully written novel based on 2 sisters, Libby and Rachel.
After their mum dies, they are given a letter addressed to both of them from her. It gives directions of where she would like her ashes scattered and asks the girls to do this together.
As they begin this journey, they realise their mum has been keeping some secrets from the past which she now wants to reveal from beyond the grave.
As they continue with more letters, it turns out that neither girl knew their mother as well as they thought they did.
As they face their own grief as well as challenging information, will their family bonds hold?
Lovely book....highly recommended
Reviewer 1491639
such a beautiful read. ive noticed either im leaning a lot towards journeys and love between family books, or there are more of them out there too recently. for me and for many i speak to, right now these kind of books couldn't mean more. connection,family and love of all kinds is becoming something i know myself and many fellow book lovers are looking out for more. even the found family themes do the same thing.
this book we join siblings. and wow what a journey they go on and what a journey i went on with them. i felt many things for these woman and for their mother. i think the life they lived had a huge effect on the woman we meet them as. and its so brilliant showing how two sibling who lived seemingly the same life have different outcomes and views and experience of said moments. i think this is really important. ive know many families questioning the sometimes mental struggle of one sibling when others in the family are "ok". its important to note each person are individual and therefore take on loads and experiences differently. both our sisters were so alike but then so very different. i wanted to both scoop them up and shake them. i wanted to cuddle them and tell them to grow up. but i also no especially where love and family is concerned we can all go to our inner stubborn, irrational child or immature selves! you see just the way this book is making me think about things tells you just how involved i was in it, haha.
Libby and Rachel were tasked with sending their mother off in different places via her ashes. but in these letter their mother left so much more is revealed. it changed so much and everything. i felt a little wounded to see this mother leave her children with this. but also kind of, again understood how in life things we reveal are never simple. and with family often even harder to navigate. getting stuck, hiding things for many reasons seems so much more prominent with those we love or have such connections to.
how to navigate what should be revealed? what you'd want people to know? how you might want to still guide them or show love. what is left of us when we go?
the book made me think about people in my life and the little moments i appreciate so much more with them now we are all older. how much more cherished those settled moments become. how much more i love them. the warm moments in this book were written so well and with nuance and compassion.
i really enjoyed this book. i think its one where people can connect with each other over but also take something a little different away from it depending on who you are, where you are and just what you might need. i love finding books like this. they feel that extra bit special. especially since they arent ones you can type in a search engine for. just every now and then this kind of book comes up and i love them
Reviewer 2129488
This book feels like walking through a village path . Sweet , calm , no drama.
When Linda dies she leaves 5 letters for her two daughters , Libby and Rachel to read .
Five letters, each instructing them to visitFive different places to scatter her ashes . But each place reveals a secret to the sisters . Secrets they didn't know about their mother, their father .At the end the two lonely grieving sisters find a section of their family they never knew existed .. It's a good story but so much secrets being kept from daughters seemed a little unrealistic to me
3.5 ⭐️
Reviewer 441055
I can appreciate the premise of the story as siblings come together in order to satisfy the wishes of their Mum and to scatter her ashes in places that were of significant importance to her. This was further expanded on when what was revealed in their Mum's life in terms of her relationships and how Stephen, Rachel and Libby were intertwined. However, Libby was simply exhausting. I have to use the term woman and adult loosely, as she was 28 years old going on 4. She had the maturity of Rachel and Ivan's twins. Of course she was sad due to the death of her Mum and how close they were, but did she need to overreact in every situation? She was just too much. Therefore, I am glad I read the book because I felt the idea and how it transpired was great. Libby and her behavior simply was an immaturity that detracts from the intent of the novel.
Until the Next Letter
by Hannah Claire
Pub Date: June 28, 2026
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
One aspect I particularly enjoyed was how differently Libby and Rachel remembered and understood their mother. The novel beautifully highlights that siblings can grow up in the same family yet experience completely different relationships with the very same parent. Those subtle differences added another layer of realism to an already heartfelt story.
There is also a gentle romantic subplot that adds warmth without ever overshadowing the heart of the novel. I appreciated that the focus remained firmly on the sisters, their relationship, and the emotional journey of following their mother's final wishes.
On a personal level, this book left me reflecting on what I would say if I knew my own time was running short. Would I leave letters behind for the people I love? Would I want to guide them through my memories, my mistakes, my hopes for their future, so they didn't feel quite so lost without me? Few books leave me asking those kinds of questions, and I think that's one of this novel's greatest strengths.
Ultimately, Until the Next Letter is a tender story about grief, family, friendship, secrets, forgiveness, new beginnings, and enduring love. Hannah Claire explores these themes with warmth and compassion, creating a novel that feels intimate, comforting, and deeply relatable. It reminds us that love doesn't simply end with death—it changes form. Sometimes it arrives later, tucked inside an envelope, sealed with truth, and waiting patiently until we're finally ready to read it.
Brandi N, Reviewer
Until the Next Letter was a heartfelt and emotional story that drew me in from the beginning. The letters added a personal and meaningful layer to the romance, and the characters felt genuine and easy to care about. This was a touching read about love, connection, and the words that remain with us. Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC.
I really enjoyed this book. I found the characters to be wonderful and I loved the plot. It was an interesting read that kept me gripped the whole way through! I definitely would recommend!
Until the Next Letter focuses on two sisters Libby and Rachel who go on a journey together through 5 letters left by their mother. It's a way of them coming to know their mother better as well as one another. This was a serviceable read but not a compelling one, I think I was supposed to feel emotional about the sisters but the writing just didn't get me there. On the other hand it's a fine book but maybe not as much for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book is available now.
Allegra C, Reviewer
As someone who lost her mother when she was quite young I really connected with out characters. I found their personality traits and emotions quite relateable to the grief and I found this book to be quite healing. It did make me tear up a few times, but I think thats because I could understand the pain which is difficult to do if you haven't experienced it.
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