Book Review: The Last Letter of Rachel Ellsworth by Barbara O’Neal

 

Barbara O’Neal’s The Last Letter of Rachel Ellsworth is a beautiful and heartfelt novel about friendship, grief, and rediscovering yourself after life knocks you off course.

We meet Veronica, a recently divorced woman trying to navigate the messiness of co-parenting three adult children with her insufferable ex-husband. She’s at a crossroads, financially strained and emotionally drained, and in desperate need of a job to stay afloat.

That’s when she meets Mariah Ellsworth, a former Olympic snowboarder whose life was derailed by a significant event. Still deep in grief over the recent death of her mother, Rachel Ellsworth - a vibrant, globe-trotting cookbook author - Mariah recruits Veronica to help finish Rachel’s final cookbook: a tribute to the rich culinary world of Parsi cafés.

As the two women trace Rachel’s footsteps from London to Paris, through the markets of Marrakech and finally to India, they not only work to bring Rachel’s last project to life but also unravel the mystery hidden in her final letter. Along the way, both women are forced to confront their own pain, reevaluate their identities, and redefine what it means to truly live.

This novel has such warmth and depth. I loved following Veronica and Mariah’s personal growth, and their dynamic felt authentic and earned. The mystery element added just enough intrigue to keep the pages turning, without overshadowing the emotional core of the story.

A thoughtful, moving read with a heart as rich as its settings. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy character-driven stories of resilience, healing, and second chances.

As usual a huge thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for my honest review. I did enjoy reading this on my travels, feeling the spirit of adventure through Veronica’s and Mariah’s travels. 

📚 Published July 29th, 2025 by Lake Union Publishing | Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Women’s Fiction

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)

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