Twenty-four-year-old Rosie Benson is still figuring out what she wants from life. Stuck in an unfulfilling job, she doesn’t want to disappoint her parents or her best friend/roommate whose career is thriving. The only person she can share her insecurities with is great-aunt Dotty, who has always lived life on her own terms and who encourages Rosie to pursue her own dreams. When she is fired from her job, Dotty is the only person Rosie confides in, especially after her parents announce their divorce after thirty years of marriage leaving the whole family in shock and she has a falling out with her best friend. Rosie does manage to find another job and embarks on a new relationship, but remains conflicted over the choices she is making. When Dotty suddenly dies, Rosie loses the only person she believed had been in her corner and who understood her. Rosie, alone and grieving, conveys the news of Dotty’s passing to everyone in her great-aunt’s contact list and requests them to share their memories of Dotty. The stories shared by Dotty’s friends and acquaintances not only shed light on aspects of Dotty’s life she never knew but also inspires Rosie to take stock of her life, rethink her priorities and follow her heart.

Revolving around themes of family, friendship, grief and healing, self-acceptance and hope,Dear Dotty by Jaclyn Westlake will touch a chord in your heart. Rosie is an endearing protagonist – a tad immature at times and though we might not agree with all of her choices, let’s admit that most of us learn from the mistakes we make, as does Rosie. I was invested in her journey – I laughed with her and cried for her - and didn’t want to put the book down until I was sure she would be okay. I adored Dotty and loved getting to know more about her through the stories shared by those who knew her. The characters were well thought out - flawed, realistic and relatable. I appreciated the maturity, insight and humor with which the author depicts adult relationships and how our dynamic with the people close to us can change and evolve – be it family, romantic relationships, lifelong friendships or professional relationships – how important it is to give one another the space to grow and to know when to let go. I loved the segments with the animals at the sanctuary. I wish we had more scenes with them!

Beautifully written and full of heart, wisdom and humor, this is the kind of story that leaves you with a smile on your face and hope in your heart.

Many thanks to William Morrow for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on June 4, 2024.