**We were gifted a copy of this book in return for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are our own**
It’s fair to events worldwide right now are a little crazy and with many of us spending more time at home than usual you may be looking for something new to read as a distraction – I know I’ve certainly been reading more than normal which my TBR cart can vouch for!
One of the books that has been patiently waiting on my TBR cart is the one I’m reviewing in today’s post; The Accidental Love Letter by Olivia Beirne. I was kindly gifted this ARC copy by Headline Books ahead of it’s publication on 16th April and today I’m thrilled to be sharing my thoughts with you.
About The Book
Would you open a love letter that wasn’t meant for you?
Bea used to feel confident, outgoing and fun, but she’s not sure where that person went.
Over the last few months, she’s found herself becoming reclusive and withdrawn. And despite living with her two best friends, she’s never felt lonelier. To make things worse, she’s become so dependent on her daily routine, she’s started to slip out of everyone else’s.
But when a mysterious battered envelope covered in stars lands on her doormat, Bea wonders if she could find the courage to open it.
What’s written inside might change everything……
Review
Bea thrives on order and routine to get her through the day, planning her schedule down to the minute. Her life lacks the excitement and fun she sees her workmates and housemates enjoying, but she likes it that way ( or at least she tells herself she does). It’s another ‘Groundhog Day’ of work and ready meals for Bea when her life is thrown off course by an unexpected piece of mail; a handwritten letter addressed to B.
Despite her conscience telling her it’s illegal to open someone else’s mail, her curiosity gets the better of her and she finds herself reading a letter never intended for her eyes. Planning to return the letter to sender, an unexpected turn of events mean that Bea’s life abruptly changes direction, giving it a purpose she never knew she needed and pushing her so far outside her comfort zone she’ll need a map to find a way back.
Firstly I have to say that I made the HUGE assumption that this story is a romance, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. What I got was a heartwarming, uplifting tale of friendship, companionship and community with an important lesson about looking behind the facade’s people create around themselves. In particular I applaud the nod to the ‘fake’ perfection created by social media and the damage it can do, a topic that isn’t discussed enough in my opinion.
I absolutely loved everything about this well-written page turner and for me it was the character of Bea that made the story. Bea’s character suffers from high functioning anxiety, meaning she can go about her everyday routine despite the crippling anxiety she harbours. She often finds herself lonely – even in a crowd – and those around her have absolutely no idea of the turmoil going on inside, therefore unable to offer the help and support she needs. As someone who has GAD I can completely relate to everything Bea is feeling and the anxieties which surround even the most basic of daily tasks, in fact I think this is one of the most realistic portrayals I have read to date.
As always I try to avoid spoilers, but the letter Bea reads really opens up her horizons, pushing her to make difficult choices that ultimately help her to discover more about herself. It’s wonderful to see the character development and the relationships that are created as a result of a single stray letter.
I read The Accidental Love Letter in less than 24 hours as the story captivated me and kept me coming back for more – the housework just had to take a back seat on that day! It’s the first book I have read by Olivia and it’s made such a lasting impression on me that it’s been floating around in my head since I finished it which for me is always a sign of an amazing read. I’d highly recommend this book, it had me hooked from the start and left me with that all important warm fuzzy feeling at the end!
About The Author
Olivia Beirne is the bestselling author of The List That Changed My Life*
Author Links: Website | Twitter| Facebook | Instagram
The Accidental Love Letter is available to purchase now from Amazon*
Fraser’s Fun House 