I have waited so long for this book to release, it has been my most anticipated read of all the books I have. The Letter Series grabbed hold of me from the first book of this amazing historical and emotional series, the era, the characters, their struggles have been so captivating to follow. It's been quite a while since reading the previous book so I was delighted that the author had included past events to jog my memory and also great for anyone who hasn't yet read the book 1, although I urge you to do so as that is what started my love of this series and the amazing author, Kathleen Shoop.

After so much turmoil Jeanie and her children are together as a family should be, yet after another cruel blow they are left homeless in the town of Des Moines where past events are still held against them in many quarters. Living hand to mouth, desperate to find somewhere to live and be able to stay together, they find a glimmer of hope for better times in the shape of Miss Violet, who gives them jobs and a place to live. Jeanie tends to the gardens while Katherine becomes the kitchen mistress, and I could have sat and read about their daily chores all day long as the author brings them to life so vividly. Yet Katherine has a hidden talent, a talent that could save them all or reduce them to poverty yet again. When Miss Violet uncovers her secret Katherine feels the immense pressure of keeping the family together and will do anything she can to make it happen, she may have had to grown up very quickly but her young age still makes her vulnerable and unaware of the situations around her and the lies being told. Will her risk to save her family from further hardships be worth it or will it bring more heartache? Will they encounter even more despair as events unfold?

Absolutely unstoppable reading, The Letter Series has made such a connection with me, the characters, who now feel like family, warm my heart through their stories and their desperate times, my emotions were pulled as as I continue to want to keep them from harm after all they have been through. The author connects the reader to the past and brings the old era to life so vividly, it simply fascinates me, I didn't want to put it down, a never ending book is the only way to fulfill my needs!

Reading The Kitchen Mistress is like reading a film, the whole story is brought to life in the readers mind through Kathleen Shoop's magnificent writing, you are there in Des Moines watching the characters play out their scenes, feeling their emotions with them, gripped to find out more. A story filled with hope, love, despair and the power of never giving up, and I love every single moment with the Arthurs and am now desperately awaiting their next story. ( )