The Last Letter of Rachel Ellsworth - by Barbara O'Neal

Book Synopsis

Two women overcoming past traumas embark on a healing journey across continents in a novel about friendship, family, and rediscovery by the USA Today bestselling author of When We Believed in Mermaids.

Recently and abruptly divorced Veronica Barrington is anxious for a new direction when she answers a listing for a travel companion. It's from Mariah Ellsworth, a young woman adjusting to an injury that ended her Olympic career. She's also grieving her mother, Rachel, a lauded food writer, and Mariah aims to trace the steps of her mother's final, unfinished project so she can heal and also honor the woman she misses.

Veronica seizes on the opportunity to experience with Mariah the culture, traditions, and intoxicating aromas of Parsi cafés throughout London, Paris, Morocco, and India. Accompanied by a former war photographer who has a wounded history of his own, and with just Rachel's letters to guide them, the quest is a chance to not only close a chapter in life but also begin a new one.

Following the letters one by one--each a clue to an illuminating mystery--Veronica and Mariah must face the painful and beautiful challenges of freeing themselves from the dark shadows of the past. Together, far from home, they can find the light.

Review Quotes

"A compelling journey across the globe as two women search for a path from the darkness into the light. Barbara O'Neal's latest is an exploration of Parsi cuisine, learning to let go, and finding purpose in the most unexpected places." --Mansi Shah, author of A Good Indian Girl

"A moving and engaging tale about an unlikely duo whose quest to find answers about a culinary project takes them through different countries, scattered Parsi cafés, and the hidden reservoirs of grief. As Veronica deals with the loss of a life she loved and Mariah grapples with lost dreams and the loss of a parent, the bond they develop with each other (and with beloved Henry!) is life affirming. A testament to the power of self-discovery and strong connection and how both can help us heal and recover." --Marjan Kamali, bestselling author of The Lion Women of Tehran

"This journey from unspeakable pain to finding your place in the world is at once heart wrenching and hopeful. I traveled across the globe with these broken characters as they put themselves together one step, one meal, and one act of human connection at a time. Barbara O'Neal's books have an epic quality that makes me feel rage and healing in a way no one else can, and always expand my lens of empathy in surprising ways. A shatteringly honest yet deeply hopeful read!" --Sonali Dev, bestselling author of There's Something About Mira