A Shropshire village is Ann Handley’s home in 1851. Her father has destined her to be a farmer’s wife, and says she doesn’t need to read and write. Feeling constrained at home, she longs to escape. But just as Ann begins to make her way out into the world, a shocking encounter brings misfortune and conflict to her door. She’s forced to leave the village and find work elsewhere; a pattern which future generations will follow.  Letters from the Past is the story of four generations of an ordinary English family. “I actually cried while reading this novel - it touched on that universal loss that we all have in our family histories.” Trevor Newton, Writer “Though not related to this family, I devoured this book.” Elizabeth DuBois, JD, Author, The Louisa Saga "A simply exquisite journey spanning a century through the eyes of the Handley family. Follow their lives as their children blossom and the family extends branches of care and love throughout their history. Peek through the letters written by Gladys as she navigates early life, the loss of her mother, and support from her grandmother to compensate for a distant father." J. L. January Asbill, MBA, MSHiED