The Hatbox Letters

More about the book

Beth Powning presents an unforgettable tale of love, grief, and renewal, intertwined with profound insights into the natural world. At fifty-two, Kate Harding faces a crossroads; the sudden death of her husband a year prior has left her in deep sorrow, struggling to envision a future. Residing alone in her Victorian home, filled with memories, she longs for a time when her grief might lessen enough to allow for hope. When her sister brings nine antique hatboxes filled with family papers from their grandparents' eighteenth-century home, Kate hesitates to confront the remnants of her family's past, already overwhelmed by sorting through Tom’s belongings. However, the scent of the hatboxes evokes childhood memories, stirring a mix of emotions: love, sorrow, and contentment. As she explores the letters and photographs, Kate finds solace in her past, yet discovers that her seemingly perfect childhood held its own tragedies and losses. The return of an old acquaintance, Gregory, offers a chance to step out of her solitude. Though they share a history, Gregory's unresolved grief from his son's suicide complicates their connection. As Kate realizes Gregory is trapped in his memories, she must distance herself. When a new tragedy strikes, Kate is forced to confront her pain and begin rebuilding her life.