A gripping, concise, & an emotional read [the] story [that] holds you captive from its first word to its final period, so much so that it almost must be read completely in one sitting. I finished it within a couple of hours, not ready for it to end then. Although I enjoyed the conciseness of the 120 pages. I remembered Pam saying she’d written 100,000 words on that story, which at that time, was going to be released as a novel. While there isn’t a dull word within the final outcome, I can’t help but wonder what the rest of those 100,000 words might have said and wish I could have read them all.However, the fact that Pam released her story as a memoir offers a more personal touch than a novel would have done, in my opinion. Her feelings are conveyed throughout the book with a tremendous sense of honesty, emotion and authenticity. Her feelings are 100% real and are felt wholly and genuinely by the reader. The main point of the book is a clear one. Pam grew up never knowing who her father was. She had her heartfelt beliefs on the matter, but always carried the burning desire within her to know for sure. Having all but given up, after years of digging, one piece of paper held the answer to the question Pam had waited a half-century to know. That piece of paper, a letter, would be in Pam’s possession for a number of years without her having any knowledge of it. The fact that this letter, which served as the basis for this book, was almost discarded many times, would suddenly be happened upon by chance is proof of something I’ve always believed as a writer. The best stories cannot be written. They are gifts from God that just happen. Our duty is to recognize this and offer our gratitude by giving them their just opportunity to be shared with the world. In The Letter, Pam does just that and does so beautifully. With her writing style, you laugh when she laughs, cry when she cries and get angry when she gets angry. As she is on her front porch sipping coffee and watching the sun rise, you’re with her. She’s talking to you and you feel privileged to be listening. Her feelings are not always happy and not always tragic to make the story interesting. They’re just real, which gives her story its true power. I particularly love the relationship between Pam and her husband of more than 35 years, Albert. I am fortunate enough to share in her blessing of being married to her best friend. It completes you in every sense of the word. For some, The Letter is a book that will offer you hope. For others, it will give you a reality check that even the most dramatic events of life can still be handled with dignity. For me, it is simply a peek into the life of someone I’m proud to know. When you read it, I’m sure you’ll feel the same way. Note: Zach also published this review in our local SWVA Enterprise newspaper in 2014.

I read this book last night. Wow. It was heartfelt. Pam did a wonderful job putting her feelings down on paper. Exploring your pass is difficult enough but dealing with it is something else. Pam now has closure on some family issues. My mother and uncle spent time in an orphanage so I understand questions you have. We never got those answers. I am so glad Pam did. Can't wait to read more books by her.

The Letter an”A”: Everyone has a story of personal challenges. It's not the obstacles that define the person, it's how the individual deals with them. Confronting, sharing and growing from the setbacks takes courage and resolve. The author's story is one such tale which shows her mettle and resilience.