This moving, heartbreaking and life-affirming novel set in an English village during World World II is a must-read for fans of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows.
1934, Dorset. Nothing gives postmistress Hester Smith greater joy than cycling through the idyllic village of Puddlington, delivering the mail to her neighbours. Bookish Hester has always felt privileged to witness the highs and lows a single letter can bring.
But when war comes to Puddlington’s shores five years later, Hester suddenly finds herself in the devastating position of delivering news that no one should hear. As the community is directly impacted by tragedy on the battlefield and a shocking death occurs in the village, Hester’s spirit and resolve are tested like never before.
Can she and her fellow Puddlington women, including the vicar’s wife and the bohemian lady of the manor, find the courage to face their darkest times and come through a storm that will change their lives for ever?
“Charming and delightful.”
— Catriona McPherson, Anthony Award-winning author
“An utterly charming story with warmth and heart, The Postmistress of Puddlington celebrates community and resilience in an English village during the Second World War. A true pleasure to read. Walker’s voice just shines.”
― Melissa A. Amateis, author of The Stranger from Berlin
“If you have ever wondered about the life-changing effect of a letter, the proof is in Puddlington. This is simply a beautiful, life-affirming, book that rates right up there with the best epistolary novels.”
— Amazon Reviewer
“While not typically a fan of war stories, I was delighted to find this book to be an absorbing combination of sweet, powerful, inspiring, joyful, tragic, and emotional… The story has so many themes that make it memorable, including the glory of reading, found family, community, compassion, shared experiences, love and romance, and much more. It is a book that brought me to tears more than once… Highly recommended.”
— Amazon Reviewer
“I loved this book. It really brought home what life in an English village was like starting in 1934 and through WWII. The author has a great sense of place and also brought the characters to life.”
— Amazon Reviewer
“This is a beautifully moving chronicle of a little village before, during, and after WWII. The heartfelt letters and rich characters kept me turning the pages. It provides a wonderful inside view of the civilian experience, showing how ordinary people completely reshaped their lives to support each other and the war effort.”
— Amazon Reviewer
