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| 2018 Kit O'Neill, a young television producer living in Manhattan, is at her Nan's house with her older sister, going through her grandmother's belongings after her death. They are selling the house, and selling or donating most of its contents. Kit and her sister Claire were brought up by their grandparents after their own parents died in an accident. While going through items in the attic, Kit comes upon a small box tied with a black felt ribbon. Inside is an announcement of a play on Martha's Vineyard for August of 1959, starring Mercy Welles. Kit has no idea who that is or why Nan would have anything from the island, as she had never mentioned it before. There was also a photograph of a woman who looked like her grandmother with a handsome young man. A note card was also found - to someone named Nancy and signed by R. Researching Mercy Welles online, Kit is stunned to see a photograph of none other than Nan! The story of the sudden disappearance of Mercy intrigues Kit, and she is determined to discover just why Nan never spoke of her past. 1959 Mercy Welles, a promising young actress, has retreated to the island of Martha's Vineyard after a break-up with her fiance. Encouraged by her close friend, Cass, to get away from Hollywood, Mercy is just looking for some peace and quiet. Settling into a small cottage, she just wants to soothe her hurting heart, and eventually get on with her professional life. She meets some of the locals who don't seem to recognize her, and since she's using her real name, Edie, they're not likely to. But her introduction to Ren, an oysterman changes some of her plans. Fitting in with the locals, Mercy is also aware that the family up on the hill in the big house seem to have some secrets. As she gets to know more of the citizens, she figures out that the Sewards in that house have a bit of control over what non-islanders need to know about the tight-knit community. When Mercy agrees to star in a play written by a Black musician who lives on the island, things become even more interesting. But Mercy is not prepared for what happens. Kit and Mercy's stories are alternated in this intriguing novel. THE LOST LETTERS FROM MARTHA'S VINEYARD is a page-turner with well drawn-out characters. Kit adored her grandmother, but was confused that she and her sister knew so little about her life. When Kit goes to Martha's Vineyard to try and find more information, she is drawn into its intimate lifestyle. Will she find out why Mercy disappeared from Hollywood? Will people even remember Mercy? Don't miss this terrific novel! It was a Perfect 10 for me. Readers will be surprised at the ending. Jani Brooks |
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THE LOST LETTERS FROM MARTHA'S VINEYARD - Michael Callahan