In her compelling latest book titled "Sealed With A Kiss: The World War II Love Letters of Second Lieutenant Paul E. Roberts, 320th Rifle Infantry Regiment, United States Army," Paula Bernice Roberts shares an extraordinary tale of love, bravery, and fortitude set in World War II.
The book delves into the heartfelt correspondence between Lt. Paul E. Roberts, a young soldier from upstate New York, and his beloved Bernice Getter. In more than 350 letters written while serving abroad, Paul expressed his profound love and yearning for Bernice. Ending each letter with 'SWAK' - sealed with a kiss - served as a touching symbol of their enduring love.
Paul wrote these letters while on the battlefield during World War II. The letters also express the hardships and sacrifices of the 'greatest generation.' In spite of the weariness caused by war and the monotony of army life, Paul's letters are genuinely filled with tender sentiments and romantic musings that transport the reader to the romantic heart of a young soldier longing for his love.
On one side were the enchanting stories of love, while on the other were the harrowing accounts of wartime horrors as Paul grappled with the loss of his comrades and the challenges of war.
After returning from the war, Paul married Bernice. They settled down in Glenville and raised two children. He ran a piano shop in Schenectady until his death from Parkinson's disease in 2003, followed by Bernice's two years later.
While tidying her childhood home in Glenville following her parents' passing, Paula unexpectedly discovered a trove of letters hidden in an attic trunk. Unaware of their existence beforehand, she was overwhelmed and delighted by the discovery, encountering her father in a new way.
For Paula, discovering her father's letters was a revelation, offering a window into a side of him she had never known. Paula, residing in Massachusetts, expressed that her father was deeply romantic and had immense love for her mother, sentiments she had not realized while growing up.
Inspired by a similar project involving Civil War letters, Paula compiled her father's letters into a book with the help of her partner, Stanley. Transcribing the handwritten letters took two years, during which Stanley read them aloud.
Through these letters, Paula uncovered unknown aspects of her father's life, including a touching tribute to his fallen comrade Michael, after whom her brother was named. The book contains fewer letters from her mother, as soldiers were instructed not to retain letters from home to avoid revealing troop locations.
The letters unveiled Paul's profound romanticism and steadfast love for Bernice, going beyond his roles as a dedicated father and diligent businessman. Despite the years that have passed, their enduring love serves as a testament to human resilience amid challenges. Paula ponders her parents' potential reaction to publishing their love letters.
"Sealed with a Kiss" is more than just a collection of letters. It is a touching story of love during war, showing how two people stay connected through love and sacrifice. You can buy it on Amazon now.
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