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The Letter (Abridged) Audiobook
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(4.00) - 4,701 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
The Letter, the final book of the Christmas Box collection is, most simply stated, the love story of David and MaryAnne Parkin. But it is also everyone's love story, for it is about the storms that all relationships must face when the blissful state of romance vanishes into one of real-life challenges and difficulties. We often forget that it is in the hard times that we truly see what is best in love as well as in life. Though love may be temporarily darkened, true love never gives in, or up, but holds tight to noble ideas, which transcend this earth and all time.
The Letter is also about our pasts and our individual quests to discover who we are. In The Letter, David Parkin sets out on a journey to find his mother, a woman who abandoned him when he was a child. In truth, however, David is searching for himself as he seeks to free himself from the pain of her rejection and his fear that he was somehow unworthy of her love. In a sense, David's search is the same journey we are all pursuing. We are all seeking love.
My hope is that you will feel what I felt as I wrote this book -- the divine nature of loyalty and the understanding of why we must share love whenever and wherever.
One final note. I am saddened to finish the Christmas Box trilogy and to bid good-bye to the Parkin family. I do not know if I shall ever visit them again, but I am glad for this last story -- a story which I think is a fitting sendoff for the characters I've grown to love. I hope that the message you find in their lives is meaningful to your own. And, most of all, that in reading the Christmas Box collection, you, and those with whom you share my books, will never be the same.
With my love, Richard Paul Evans
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"A wonderful novel with witty humor and some inspirational lines that really gets you questioning controversial topics like race, human virtues, religion and spirituality. The journey through dealing with loss and trying to find your purpose in life provides motivation and insight into how you should take control of your own life and and not take for granted the simple pleasures in life, especially people close to your heart. The characters show pure compassion and genuine kindness and their acts influence you to be more kind-hearted in turn. After taking you through a voyage of emotions this novel leaves you feeling refreshed and softens your outlook on life. (At least that's what I took away form this book) Great work by R.P.E"
— Saheeda (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“The Letter, the final episode of Richard Paul Evans's Christmas Box trilogy, begins in the winter of 1933…Fans of his sentimental journeys will want to keep their hankies handy.”
— Amazon.com, editorial review -
“Evans brings back David and MaryAnne Parkin, whose daughter died nineteen years ago. A letter left at her grave suggests that David’s biological mother is trying to make contact.”
— Library Journal -
“Third in Evans's mega-successful…saga…[brings back] Evans’ world of the angelic and the satanic, of homily, sermonette, and deep thoughts.”
— Kirkus Reviews -
“The Letter is a delight to read.”
— Chattanooga Times
Awards
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A New York Times bestseller
The Letter Listener Reviews
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" The final episode of the Christmas Box trilogy. Heartwarming, touching story. "
— Eleanor, 2/15/2014 -
" I am the slowest reader ever. So I tend to read things that educate. I normally do not read fiction. A friend gave me one of Richard Paul Evans book as a gift. This is just a book the way books were meant to be.....relaxing, thought provoking and "storytelling". "
— Jim, 2/13/2014 -
" Such a wonderful ending to a trilogy. "
— Rebecca, 2/13/2014 -
" "The Letter" is the final book in the Christmas Box trilogy. The traumatic and emotional situations that David and MaryAnne Parkin have faced over the years (and in the previous two books) takes a toll on thier life and love. This book tells the end of their story as well as a story of true friendship. "
— Michele, 2/12/2014 -
" A well written multi-faceted book that's partly romance, and partly drama. "
— Rachel, 2/7/2014 -
" Last in The Christmas Box Trilogy. I really loved this book!! Such a sweet story about love that endures, no matter what!! I would highly recommend it! "
— Tina, 2/2/2014 -
" great book about love being more than skin deep. It deals with the discrimination of the black in the time of the great depression and how some thought of the blacks as less than human with out feelings and others saw through to their heart and soul. It discussed how when faced with grief of a child men and woman mourn differently. overall great book. I didn't like the ending. It wasn't a bad ending just not the happily ever after kind. Kind of like life. "
— Kathryn, 1/20/2014 -
" I enjoyed the book and cried at the end. To me it was a good read not only because of the fictional history but, also it gives a life lesson. "
— Paulette, 1/20/2014 -
" Inspirational and inspiring! "
— Lauren, 1/17/2014 -
" I know it is probably cheesy, but I love Richard Paul Evans! What can I say, I am a romantic optimist.:) "
— Joanne, 1/17/2014 -
" I just love all of Richard Paul Evans books. He's a great author! "
— Blooclown, 1/11/2014 -
" I am a fan of The Christmas Box and loved this sweet box of another part of that story. Written in true Evans style it is a bitter sweet story that added to the information about the Parkin family and history. I really enjoyed reading it. "
— Lee, 12/27/2013 -
" I gave this a four rating as there was no closure regarding the unknown older woman who had left the letter at the grave-site. That part was disappointing. The rest was very good. "
— Rena, 12/16/2013 -
" This book was a good read about doing good for others. A bit of "mystery" included as well... "
— Jessica, 12/12/2013 -
" The whole collection of the Christmas Box series is classic. It should be read by everyone. Then maybe the world can come to peace and learn to respect one another. "
— Jennifer, 12/4/2013 -
" Loved it! Heartbreaking! Beautifully written! "
— La, 11/9/2013 -
" Not the best by this author. Although only short, I found some of the characters confusing. Didn't really feel that I 'got' this one. "
— Jan, 10/15/2013 -
" I was unable to finish this boom. It didn't keep my interest, which is surprising for a book by Richard Paul Evans. Usually I fly through his books. I read the other two books in the series, but I just couldn't get myself to keep reading this one. "
— Kris, 9/28/2013 -
" I'm not sure I like how his books end so far someone dies at the end of each one. Thought provoking and emotionally charged. "
— Felicia, 2/19/2013 -
" Touching story but poorly written dialog between the characters. If the dialog had of been better developed, I would have rated this book higher. "
— Joy, 1/24/2013 -
" This novel of loss and healing continues the story of The Christmas Box and Timepiece. After the death of their daughter, David and MaryAnne Parkin discover a letter written by the child which helps to restore the joy to their embattled relationship. "
— Barbra, 1/6/2013 -
" 3rd book that follows the charecter in The Christmas Box. "
— Diane, 12/6/2012 -
" This is my least favorite book in "The Christmas Box" series. BUT it's worth the read - especially if you read the first two books. "
— Pam, 6/8/2012 -
" A good Love story "
— Heather, 5/18/2012 -
" This book made me cry. I also made me think about how much I love my loved ones & don't want anything bad to happen to them! Good book! "
— Ashley, 4/30/2012 -
" It's amazing how Evans figures out his plots. He's a great writer. "
— Judith, 4/18/2012 -
" ...the other book where I cried my eyes out at the end! "
— Patty, 2/28/2012 -
" a very strange piece. One of the main characters was taken out of the book at the beginning and didn't return until it was almost too late. "
— Danni, 12/7/2011 -
" Again, Evans is simply a poor writer (and needs an editor), but this book was given to me. A sweet story. "
— Cammie, 9/8/2011 -
" My least favorite in the series. The story doesn't seems as real - there are too many missing details as well as MaryAnne (she not included in much of the book). I am not saying that this one is not a tear jerker- if the other two made you cry then be prepared. "
— Crystal, 8/27/2011 -
" I can't really rmemeber this book. I read it years ago "
— Liz, 4/27/2011 -
" This is my least favorite book in "The Christmas Box" series. BUT it's worth the read - especially if you read the first two books. "
— Pam, 3/20/2011 -
" I just love all of Richard Paul Evans books. He's a great author! "
— Blooclown, 1/31/2011 -
" Another great story by Richard Paul Evans. I cried several times, as usual. I wouldn't have minded a little more detail about the reconciliation. "
— Andrea, 12/22/2010 -
" Good, I enjoyed reading it again. Although it is slightly depressing. <br/> "
— Jenny, 12/15/2010 -
" Touching story but poorly written dialog between the characters. If the dialog had of been better developed, I would have rated this book higher. "
— Joy, 7/30/2010 -
" A tear-jerker of a story about a couple that drifted apart after the death of their daughter. Hitting all the cliche tear-jerky notes. If you are in the mood for a tear-jerker -- this may be the one for you. "
— Addie, 7/8/2010 -
" loved this trilogy. This book was really sad. "
— Cortney, 5/6/2010 -
" This one in the trilogy got kind of rambling. Still a sweet story! "
— Tammy, 5/3/2010 -
" I give this book 31/2 to 4 stars... it was good. It had many heartfelt moments and the story was touching. I love the time period it was written in too. "
— Sabrina, 4/9/2010 -
" A well written multi-faceted book that's partly romance, and partly drama. "
— Rachel, 1/5/2010
About Richard Paul Evans
Richard Paul Evans is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller The Christmas Box. Each of his more than thirty-five novels has been a New York Times bestseller. , the Romantic Times Best Women’s Novel of the Year Award, the German Audience Gold Award for Romance, five Religion Communicators Council Wilbur Awards, the Washington Times Humanitarian of the Century Award, and the Volunteers of America National Empathy Award .There are more than thirty-five million copies of his books in print worldwide, translated into more than twenty-four languages. Learn more at Facebook.com/RPEFans or his website RichardPaulEvans.com.
About Richard Thomas
Richard Thomas, a film and television actor, is best known for his role as John-Boy Walton on the CBS television series, The Waltons. His performance earned him a Primetime Emmy, as well as two Golden Globe nominations. Also an audiobook narrator, he has read numerous books, including John Grisham’s Theodore Boone series.