Hazel Woods

I gotta say I was surprised at how much I loved this book. I didn't go into it expecting to love as much as I did, but oh I fell hard! The author draws her reader's emotions into the narrative with amazing skill. I felt Hensley's struggle with her past actions and Charles' latching onto these letters as a lifeline to a past world. I fell in love right with Hensley and Charles through their letters and eventual meeting. My emotions were tied up in the story and that, to me, is the hallmark of a fantastic novel.

I do have to mention the author's almost lyrical turn of phrase throughout the book. I almost felt like I was reading poetry at times, and that's something I don't enjoy at all. Yet, within the format of this book and the format of letter writing, it didn't irk me as it might have in another setting or novel. I actually enjoyed the witty and touching turn of phrase and that's not a small compliment. The letter-writing format was also very unique. I loved the fact that it was partly based on fact of the author's own family.

There were a few moments where I had to raise an eyebrow at small historical inaccuracies, but they were very few and far between. For the most part, this novel was a beautiful and creative work of love, growing up, and learning oneself in a world wracked with war and prejudice. Highly, highly recommended.

Note: Book received for free via Good Reads First Reads program in exchange for honest review.… (más)

Sasha Dench is against the war, and is soon fired from his job and forced to take a job in New Mexico, managing a mine. A job he is ill suited for and a move his daughter Hensley is not at all happy about. Before they leave Sasha had agreed to become a long distance chess partner of Charles who is serving as an ambulance driver in the war. Despite their political differences they become friends through letters and chess moves. Hensley is soon writing to Charles herself and they soon have their own relationship.

Can you imagine waiting ten days or more for your next chess move?
The story is revealed in dialogue but also in wonderful letters that slowly let the writers get to know each other. Charles lives for Hensley's letter's, they give him something to look forward to as he sees all the horrors that is war. The New Mexico story, while part is heartbreaking, is a wonder in itself. New relationships, the scenery and the wonderful time when the circus comes to town. Loved the strong man who will play an important part later in the story.

Those book has such a nostalgic feel to it and it so very well written. By book's end I knew the characters well, through their letters and actions and wished only good things for them. Actually kind of sad to see them go.… (más)

THIS IS HOW I’D LOVE YOU is a bittersweet love story set during World War I. Early 20th century historical fiction is a favorite of mine, and the author did an eloquent job of bringing this turbulent time to life on the pages. The complex main characters, Charles and Hensley, form a powerful connection through letters sent between the frontline in France and a remote town in New Mexico. Charles depends on Hensley’s words to keep him sane amid the horrors of war, and in return, his letters give her something to focus on besides her uncertain and possibly bleak future.

It was easy to be drawn in by these characters, and I loved reading their letters and watching their relationship develop. Unfortunately, Charles and Hensley weren’t always truthful with each other, and they withheld secrets out of fear of driving the other away. Then tragedy strikes on both sides of the Atlantic, and they’re forced to face the truth head on. The first part of the book was a bit slow-going, but I really got into the story during the second half. Overall, this book was an emotional read for me, and my heart went out to the characters. I only wish there had been more correspondence, because the letters were my favorite part.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.… (más)