The Last Letter of Rachel Ellsworth

A Novel

By: Barbara O'Neal

Narrated by: Andi Arndt

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.

©2025 Barbara Samuel (P)2025 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“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

Hope, Friendship and Love Through Loss

Beautifully written and performed, this story was truthful and poignant. I strongly identified with Veronica and loved watching her transition through loss into a beautiful wise butterfly. Highly recommend!

Great story line

I wish there was a sequel! Narration was great. I felt like I was part of the travel party.

Veronica finding a new independent side to her.

The story was very relatable regarding the divorce and family members taking a mother for granted. I enjoyed every part of this book.

Another Barbara O’Neal winner!

I was sad to see this story end. I loved it so much. I love that this woman in her mid years got a second chance at life and love and the adventure of her lifetime.

Beautiful story

Beautiful story that takes the reader from Denver to London to Paris to Marrakesh then India.