Mary Campisi
Mary Campisi
Mary Campisi

Charles's Final Letter to Gloria

gloria

Press play to hear the letter to Gloria.

You can scroll down to read along, if you like. It will not stop the audio.

Charles_-_Letter_No.1p1-fx Charles_-_Letter_No.1p2 Charles_-_Letter_No.1p3
Categories: News
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

61 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Barbara Sly
Barbara Sly
8 years ago

Loved it

Mary Campisi
Mary Campisi
8 years ago
Reply to  Barbara Sly

Hi Barbara:

Many thanks! Can’t wait for you to hear more…

Happy New Year!

Mary

Lucy wright
Lucy wright
8 years ago

Mary I love all your books, you make me keep check of how I treat others and the choices I make… Thank you for doing that 🙂

I loved hearing Charles voice come to life 🙂

Donna M Comeau
8 years ago
Reply to  Lucy wright

Dear Mary, I fell in love with your books right away. You show the readers how families interact and struggles, and choices we must do. The love for each person in towns just gleams. I cannot wait to read the last book, but feel so sadden it is the last. So full of emotions. Thank you for such great books to read.

Mary Campisi
Mary Campisi
8 years ago
Reply to  Donna M Comeau

Hi Donna:

Thank you for the kind words. I’m so happy you’re enjoying these books. But don’t worry, the books aren’t finished yet. We’ve got quite few more to go…lots of loose ends to tie up. A Family Affair: The Secret releases next Tuesday, January 5, 2016!

Happy New Year!

Paula Murphy
Paula Murphy
8 years ago
Reply to  Lucy wright

As you may remember from past emails, I am an avid follower of all your books but Magdalena is my favorite! I even bought the pizzelle maker.

Charles’ letter is beautiful and I only wish Gliria had been able to read it, but she probably wouldn’t have let him go easily.

Can’t wait fir the next book!

Mary Campisi
Mary Campisi
8 years ago
Reply to  Paula Murphy

Hi Paula: Of course I remember you! You bought the pizzelle maker!! I tried to convince my kids to let me try almond or cinnamon in the flavoring, but my oldest told me to “stick with the traditional” so I did. (She meant vanilla, not anise.) I still plan to make the almond ones and add a dash of cinnamon…and a reader recommended red or green coloring! I’ll take pics when I do… Charles is such a tormented man. Did you notice he never mentioned another woman or a child? I think he knew that with Gloria it had to… Read more »

Nanci Aiken
Nanci Aiken
8 years ago
Reply to  Paula Murphy

Me too! I had never heard of pizzelles til these books – love the books and now love pizzelles. I’m having so much fun trying various recipes. And my children and grandchildren love them now too. They go very well with our native New Mexican food. (My favorite is green chili…..) I love all your series, Mary – but my favorite is Magdalena. And Pop! Side note: there is a Magdalena, New Mexico- very small town in the mountains of central New Mexico.

Mary Campisi
Mary Campisi
8 years ago
Reply to  Nanci Aiken

Hi Nanci!! Was I mistaken, or did you say you made green chili pizzelles?? If so, what other variations have you tried? I’m very curious. What a great idea. I love hearing you’re making these and your kids and grandkids are enjoying them. When I decided to write about pizzelles and Pop’s obsession with them, I have to admit I didn’t think about people not knowing what a pizzelle was. We grew up with them and I just figured everyone would know…I soon learned that wasn’t the case, but many people were very curious about them. I recently learned there… Read more »

Barb
Barb
8 years ago

Love the idea of the letters first one is great. Makes you wonder all that could of happened if he lived

Mary Campisi
Mary Campisi
8 years ago
Reply to  Barb

Hi Barb:

Thank you! I know – imagine if Charles had lived?? We’d be having a different conversation.

More letters to come!

Happy New Year!

Mary

Nirlean Simmons
Nirlean Simmons
8 years ago

Mary,
I love your stories particularly this family. Their love seems so real. That kind everyone wants and
Needs.

Mary Campisi
Mary Campisi
8 years ago

Hi Nirlean:

Thank you very much. Yes, I agree – these stories are about family, love, forgiveness, second chances…knowing that no matter what happens, family is there for you.

Thank you and best wishes for the New Year!

Mary

Debbie Duncalf
Debbie Duncalf
8 years ago

Hello Mary,
How wonderful it is for us as readers to finally get to hear Charles’ voice and to know that he wanted to make his life with Miriam. I can’t wait to read your next instalment.?

Mary Campisi
Mary Campisi
8 years ago
Reply to  Debbie Duncalf

Hi Debbie:

Charles is such an important part of this series and yet we only know about him through others. There were the few, random letters from him written years ago to Gloria and his sister, but that was before betrayal and duty weighed him down…I thought it very fitting to finally hear from the man himself!

Happy New Year!

Mary

Lonz
Lonz
8 years ago

Wow! I love how you develop characters and bring them to life, even in death.

Mary Campisi
Mary Campisi
8 years ago
Reply to  Lonz

Hi Lonz:

Thank you! Some people just will not go away…even though Gloria Blacksworth is long dead, her presence lingers and her desire to corrupt relationships lingers on…one day we’ll meet Lester Conroy, the private investigator who gathered information for Gloria…and he will seriously regret the day he ever agreed to investigate Charles Blacksworth and the residents of Magdalena.

Happy New Year!

Mary

Chilala Banda
Chilala Banda
8 years ago

So nice to ‘hear Charles’. Wonder what would have happened if he hadn’t died. (Just thinking)

Mary Campisi
Mary Campisi
8 years ago
Reply to  Chilala Banda

Hi Chilala:

I know! What if he hadn’t died? What would have happened? It really makes you think about it. Would Christine have visited Magdalena? Would Harry have ended up there? Probably not…it could have been a whole different story.

Happy New Year!

Mary

Jessica
Jessica
8 years ago

Thank you, Mary. Your stories are wonderful & you bring Magdalena to life with all of the characters & their many stories. It’s been a pleasure reading them all. Can’t wait for the next installment. Have a Happy New Year! ?

Mary Campisi
Mary Campisi
8 years ago
Reply to  Jessica

Hi Jessica:

Thank you very much! I’m really enjoying the characters and loving that I can check in on them a book or two later and see how they’re doing. I tend to get attached…

Happy New Year!

Mary

Judith
Judith
8 years ago

I really enjoyed reading these books, I could picture in my mind all the different places there. Please keep writing about them as it will be lovely to know what happens to them all.

Mary Campisi
Mary Campisi
8 years ago
Reply to  Judith

Hi Judith-Ann:

Thank you! One of my many plans is to draw the town of Magdalena with the storefronts, etc….it’s on my list! I’m so glad you’re enjoying these stories.

Happy New Year!

Mary

Samantha Lane
Samantha Lane
8 years ago

I absolutely love The Family Affair series and love all these little added bonuses to the stories. I look forward to more.

Mary Campisi
Mary Campisi
8 years ago
Reply to  Samantha Lane

Hi Samantha:

Many, many thanks for the kind words. Adding the extras is what’s really making it fun and I think it will give readers the best “Magdalena” experience possible. I wanted to hear Charles say the words…and the narrator did an excellent job capturing Charles’s feelings.

Thank you and Happy New Year!

Mary

terri annibale
terri annibale
8 years ago

I just read letter one from Charles. looking forward to the rest. Great job

Mary Campisi
Mary Campisi
8 years ago
Reply to  terri annibale

Hi Terri:

Thank you! I think you’ll enjoy the letter to Christine…and Lily will be after that…you know that’s going to be a sad one…

Happy New Year!

Mary

Bonnie hunt
Bonnie hunt
8 years ago

Love all your books. Can not till the next one is out.

Mary Campisi
Mary Campisi
8 years ago
Reply to  Bonnie hunt

Hi Bonnie:

Thank you very much. Just a few more days…A Family Affair: The Secret will release on Tuesday, January 5, 2016!!

Happy New Year!

Mary

Danielle
Danielle
8 years ago

Wow that was wonderful. I listened to it so many times. I feel like I know them even more. Love his voice and LOVE your books. Thank you and Happy New Year!!!!

Mary Campisi
Mary Campisi
8 years ago
Reply to  Danielle

Hi Danielle:

Thank you! I am working on the last letter – the one Charles writes to Miriam. After that, I’ll send to my narrator so he can work his magic. It’s been a great collaborative effort between myself, the narrator, and the tech guy. I’m glad I only have to write the letters, not speak them or find the perfect font and paper… I’ve got some really cool things in store for 2016!

Happy New Year!!

Mary

fee
fee
8 years ago

Mary I love this place and all the families Looking forward to finding out what is in the rest of the letters and what unfolds

Mary Campisi
Mary Campisi
8 years ago
Reply to  fee

Thank you! I have some other great ideas that will intrigue readers and pull them right into Magdalena. I’m really enjoying “thinking outside the box” to bring readers the best “Magdalena” experience possible. After all, it’s a place of love, forgiveness, family, and second chances – what could be any better than that?

Happy New Year!

Mary

Isabel Teixeira
Isabel Teixeira
8 years ago

I absolutely adore your books.
How wonderful to hear and read Charles thoughts.
I have recommended your books to my daughter and friends too. Can’t wait for the next instalment.

Mary Campisi
Mary Campisi
8 years ago

Dear Isabel:

Many thanks for the kind words and for the recommendations. I am truly grateful. I’ve been thinking of the name “Isabel” for a future character – beautiful name. I fell in love with Don Warrick’s voice (narrator for Charles’s letters, AFA: Summer and The Betrayed Trilogy. He’s working on AFA: Fall.) Reading the letters and hearing them were very emotional for me – I could feel Charles’s torment.

There’s much more to come!

Best,

Mary

Jenny Pye
Jenny Pye
8 years ago

Wow this is amazing. I am from the UK and love your family affairs books. I haven’t read any second chance ones yet but will do in the future. I can’t wait for the next book to pop onto my kindle in January (pre-ordered of course :)) so exciting and what a fabulous idea with the letters. so strange to hear the voice of ‘The’ Charlie Blackworth. It brings the books alive… cant wait for the next instalment 🙂

Mary Campisi
Mary Campisi
8 years ago
Reply to  Jenny Pye

Hi Jenny! The Way They Were is free on Amazon, iBooks, Nook, Kobo, and Google Play right now. You won’t want to miss it as it’s the prequel for AFA: The Wish (coming in Spring 2016!) It’s only going to be free for another day or two, so grab it now. The prequels give you a nice glimpse into who some of the characters really are and of course, you’ll know their issues and their heartaches… Thank you for following our friends in Magdalena – I’ve got lots more planned! I also loved hearing Charles’s voice….just wait…you aren’t going to… Read more »

Suzanne Walker
Suzanne Walker
8 years ago

I look forward to seeing when you have a new book out I am one of your greatest fans you have gave me a lot of good reading hours over the years Thanks

Mary Campisi
Mary Campisi
8 years ago
Reply to  Suzanne Walker

Hi Suzanne: Thank you for the very kind words! I can’t wait for everyone to see what happens in A Family Affair: The Secret. I think…maybe…I’ve found a way to redeem Natalie Servetti. I’ll let all of you decide:) In AFA: The Secret, Natalie’s past is going to find her and it won’t be pretty. Just a few more days until you see what’s going on in Magdalena. I can tell you one secret if you don’t already know…Lucy Benito had a baby girl and named her Teresina Lucinda Benito! Again, many thanks for choosing to spend time with my… Read more »

Mary Lee
Mary Lee
8 years ago

Mary, listening to Charles while reading the letter gives me more insight to his feelings. His passion for a new life is captivating and shows through his dialogue. Yet, he is careful how he words his feelings to Christine. This shows to me that he knows she will not accept this “lying down”. Again, you make me feel like I am part of their lives. You are great!

Mary Campisi
Mary Campisi
8 years ago
Reply to  Mary Lee

Hi Mary Lee:

Charles is indeed hesitant in regard to his feelings. It’s hard enough to acknowledge them, let alone commit them to pen and paper. He loves Christine and doesn’t want to hurt her or have her think ill of him…but he’s at a crossroads. He’s sending her a message which she will later learn was meant as much for him as for her. That message? Follow your own path, live your own life, not someone else’s.

Thank you very much for taking the time to write. There’s so much more to come!!

Gwen Leader
8 years ago

I love your books Mary, I especially look forward to reading how all the residents of Magdalena are getting on a place I would love to live and people I would like as friends, I thinks it great that some of the Second Chance characters come to Magdalena looking for happiness and find it too. Can’t wait for the next letter and the next book in this series.

Keep them coming and Happy New Year to you and your family.

Mary Campisi
Mary Campisi
8 years ago
Reply to  Gwen Leader

Hi Gwen:

I really believe in second chances…and third…even fourth:) I loved creating a place where there is always hope, a chance to get it right, surrounded by family and/or friends who will stand strong in difficult times, and a community of love, forgiveness, and redemption – Of course this place has to have plenty of perennial flowers and good food!

I’ve got more surprises in store for my readers this year!

Thank you for your loyal readership and the very best wishes for the New Year!

Mary

Rosey
Rosey
8 years ago

This is great! I love the secretcy. Oooo, very interesting letter. I love it. Can’t wait for more!

Mary Campisi
Mary Campisi
8 years ago
Reply to  Rosey

Hi Rosey:

Thank you! Yes, there is secrecy!! The real question will be whether or not Christine and Nate share the letters and create more havoc and heartache…

Happy New Year!

Mary

Sally
Sally
8 years ago

Mary, I read the letter the other day, just listened to Charles reading the letter he wrot to Gloria. It’s does make a wonder of difference, I see a strong looking man (also helped seen pic from investigator for Gloria from notebook). Waiting for my preorder too as other fans are, thank you for all your books…..

Mary Campisi
Mary Campisi
8 years ago
Reply to  Sally

Hi Sally:

I do so love listening to “Charles” read the letters. We haven’t really had much of an opportunity so far to get to know the real Charles/Charlie Blacksworth. The letters give us a glimpse of what’s in his head and his heart. I’m glad you remembered the pic from Gloria’s notebook. I didn’t want to show his face as I like readers creating their own image of what they think he looks like.

Just a few more days and AFA: The Secret will be out!

Happy New Year!

Mary

Marla Kelsey
Marla Kelsey
8 years ago

After I read the first Family Affair book I was hooked. I purchased them all and pre-ordered the one coming out January 5th and the one coming out in April. Also have purchased the first 3 of the Second Chance Series. Thanks so much for writing such wonderful books. Can’t wait to read the next 4 letters either.

Mary Campisi
Mary Campisi
8 years ago
Reply to  Marla Kelsey

Hi Marla:

Thank you very much for your loyal readership. I’m so excited to hear you’ve got the first 3 books in That Second Chance series. As prequels to the AFA books, they really answer a lot of questions and give you a better feel for who some of the characters were in other books (as secondary characters before they got their own story.)

Enjoy the letters…!!

Best and Happy New Year,

Mary

Sandi
Sandi
8 years ago

Hi Mary,
The letter was great – it answered many questions I had…the “what ifs”. I really love your books. The characters and settings you have created are so incredibly true to life and I really love to follow their lives and their dreams. Thank you.

Mary Campisi
Mary Campisi
8 years ago
Reply to  Sandi

Hi: Thank you very much! I’m so glad you’re enjoying my work and can’t wait for you to find out what’s happening in AFA: The Secret! I think I’ve even found a way for Natalie Servetti to redeem herself…maybe:) I loved “listening” to the letters…have heard Christine’s, Lily’s, and Harry’s and will share them over the next few weeks. It made me so sad to think that Charles was going to die soon after he wrote the letters. I haven’t decided whether or not Christine and Nate will share them – if Harry reads his, it will torment him forever… Read more »

Mary Campisi
Mary Campisi
8 years ago
Reply to  Sandi

Hi Sandi:

So sorry I didn’t use your name in the previous post. I was studying your email name and never saw “Sandi” …. I can only use the excuse that I’m sitting on the floor in my study, keyboard in my lap, surrounded by furniture and a mess – getting this room painted tomorrow and so not looking forward to it. I like my “hovel/cave/sanctuary” and don’t like upheaval…but it does need a coat or two of paint and I suppose I’ll even have to semi-organize it:)

Mary

Linnea
Linnea
8 years ago

So perfect!!
Exactly what Gloria needed to hear!
Love it!

Mary Campisi
Mary Campisi
8 years ago
Reply to  Linnea

Hi Linnea:

Thank you! I am really enjoying “reading” and “listening” to Charles. Christine’s letter will be out soon. Can’t wait for you to see that one.

Take care and Happy New Year.

Mary

Pauline MC Donnell
Pauline MC Donnell
8 years ago

Mary I just can’t get enough of the family affair books, it’s a breath of fresh air to read about all the characters especially pop he is so fantastic at helping to sort out nearly all of their problems. Now I can’t wait to read a family affair the secret. Congratulations on your writing such fascinating books. Pauline Mc Donnell from (Ireland)

BJ
BJ
8 years ago

Hi Mary, LOVE the letters from Charles. Just listened to GLoria’s letter, now onto Christine, and I just got notified that the new book is in my kindle!!! Can’t wait to start reading!! Of course I will not be able to put it down. Hope you and your family had a fantastic holiday and a very Happy New Year!

Mary Campisi
Mary Campisi
8 years ago
Reply to  BJ

Hi BJ!

Happy New Year to you, too!! I truly appreciate your loyal readership. I’ll be curious to see what you you think of Roman Ventori and Angie Sorrento:) And how about Natalie Servetti? Are you warming up to her? She’s going to have her work cut out for her in the redemption department!

Best,

Mary

"D" Schulhoff
"D" Schulhoff
8 years ago

Hi Mary. It was great here the voice of Charles and his thoughts about his life with Gloria

Mary Campisi
Mary Campisi
8 years ago
Reply to  "D" Schulhoff

Hi “D”:

Yes! I love listening to these letters…the narrator, Don Warrick, is working on AFA: Fall in audio. He’s already completed AFA: Summer…he does a great job.

Best,

Mary

Janet Maxim
Janet Maxim
8 years ago

Mary, you are bring me back to Magdalena in a big way! After finishing your latest AFA The Secret, I had to go back in my Kindle and retread The Way We Were. I can’t believe I cried thru most of this book even I had read it within this past year! I just finished reading the first letter by Charles to Gloria. However, I was not aware I could actually hear him speak. How can I get that on my laptop? Again, like all other readers, I can’t wait for the new stories to come alive! Can you tell… Read more »

Mary Campisi
Mary Campisi
8 years ago
Reply to  Janet Maxim

Hi Janet: Thank you!! I also want to thank you for reading The Way They Were – reading the prequels to the A Family Affair books (prequels started with AFA: Winter) makes the reading experience richer and gives the reader a great feel for the backstory. I’m including a list of the order in which the books should ideally be read. You’ll see A Family Affair books as well as books from That Second Chance series. The book that should be read before AFA: The Wish comes out is Paradise Found. Please let me know if you have any questions.… Read more »

Where to Buy

  • Buy from Apple Books
  • Buy from Amazon
  • Buy from Barnes & Noble
  • Buy from Google Play
  • Buy from Kobo
  • Buy from Audible
Your Cart