I really loved this heart felt book! We should all be lucky to have an Aunt Dotty! Rosie learned so much from her aunt long after she’s gone. Rosie learns to navigates her own life and trying to figure out her friendships, love life, and career.

Thank you Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. I am highly recommending this one to my friends.

THANK YOU, NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC


This book was so, so sweet!! I loved it so much. It’s a beautiful homage to the power of family and the power of independent women. The characters are well developed and they all hold their own kind of sweetness (excluding Nadine, of course).

There was a lot of conflict in this book, but I would’ve enjoyed a little more being added to the plot so that this can be a true page turner. That’s my only qualm with this book, otherwise I love love loved it :)

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 was a cute story about a woman’s relationship with her aunt and how her death changed her life. Nothing unexpected happens, but the book does well at reflecting the highs and lows of life, challenges in relationships, and how the choices we make inform who we are. The heroine came across a little immature, but I think this book probably skews towards the interest of “new” adults. A cute read overall. Round up to 3.5. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc.

This book has now been out in the world for a week!!!
If you haven’t yet, go pick it up!
It gave me all the feels of working in downtown San Francisco, the dating, that atmosphere, even the kickball. It felt so familiar to me. I pulled some pictures from Pinterest that reminded me of the vibes, it was hard to get too specific but I tried.
There was so much about this that I loved! I love letters or messages or in this case emails. Rosie has such a great relationship with her Great Aunt Dotty and she is a buffer against her family in a way. A buffer it turns out she didn’t need. But in losing her and trying to learn more about this amazing woman she learns about herself and her family. She becomes closer to her unattainable brother and her parents' impossible standards.
Rosie tries for outwardly successful jobs only to be unfulfilled as she ignores the opportunities of the jobs that she has always wanted but are less pay or far from where her friends are.
I loved her best friends secret and what it did to her relationship, I enjoy reading tension like that. The person her friend ended up with is exactly what would happen in a small town in a small industry anyways.
Romance wise this one is closed door and I liked who she ended up with. Sometimes the dream isn’t as good as you expect we are all just people. Sometimes you need someone more like you.

“You never know how big or small of a role someone will play in your life.”

This book was a wonderful collection of stories of the life of a free spirit great aunt. Mixed with family trauma, good and bad decisions, growing up and taking on new challenges. This book was adorably sweet and beautifully moving. I cried several times throughout the book and I know I’ll think about this one for a while. It really felt like I could feel how the character were feeling in that moment, whether it be grief, disappointment, excitement or anxiousness.

This book hits home for me as I had a great aunt Ruthie that I was extremely close with. Unfortunately, she passed when I was in middle school so I didn’t get as much time with her. My great aunt and Dotty were so similar in many ways and I pictured her throughout the book. I wish I were able to get as many stories about her life as Rosie did about her great aunt.

This is not my usual genre that I read, but I tore through this book and highly recommend it. I am so very grateful to have received this as an ARC in exchange for my honest review. Thank you NetGalley, Avon Books, Harper Voyager, and Jaclyn Westlake for this incredible novel.

3.5 stars - this was a sweet book (sometimes too sweet) that was a bit slow in the middle. The message was nice but I doubt I will remember much about it a couple of books from now. ARC from Netgalley.

Dear Dotty serves as a reminder that one person has the ability to impact and influence countless people. Rosie is relatable, authentic, and someone you can’t help but cheer for as she struggles to figure out what she wants and who she is. By the end of the book, my heart felt lighter 💛

Rosie is a happy twenty-something finding her place in the world when her Aunt Dotty dies. Dotty was her confidant and something of a role model and now Rosie feels lost. As she navigates the next chapter of her life she writes a series of emails to her deceased Aunt’s friends and lovers that that give her a glimpse into her Aunt’s life. Dotty has a lot to teach Rosie even after her death.
I liked this sweet and funny coming of age story! Dotty is the aunt we all would have liked to have. The stories from Dotty’s past are eye-opening and entertaining. I enjoyed this book, 4 stars.

From the publisher:
What’s a twenty-something gal to do when her parents announce a divorce after thirty years of marriage, she finds out her best friend has cozied up to her archnemesis, and she accidentally sleeps with the Wrong Guy? Turn to her great-aunt for advice, of course.
Rosie Benson has always struggled to fit in with her over-accomplished family, type-A roommate/best friend, and workaholic boss. But she’s nearly losing herself as she strives to become everyone else’s idea of perfect. When Rosie is abruptly fired from her job at a tech start-up where her boss was way too enthusiastic about synergy and company swag, the illusion that she has life figured out is shattered. Knowing she needs a push, her great-aunt Dotty—a globe-trotting, martini-swilling occasional nudist, and the only person Rosie has ever truly felt herself around—challenges her to pursue a long-buried dream, others’ expectations be damned.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley, I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Wow, there’s a lot to unpack and say about this one and I’m almost scared that I’m not going to remember to say it all. There’s so much I want to say.

For starters, I think we all need a Dotty in our life. Our FMC, Rosie, is a bit of a mess. But honestly, it’s not that out of the ordinary than any other 20 something year old trying to figure out what they want to do with their life. Her great aunt, Dotty, was a free spirit and did whatever. She was very supportive of Rosie and all of her endeavors, leading her to be someone Rosie felt she could tell anything to. But then Dotty passes, and Rosie feels lost.

I think this book has a lot of moments that exemplify that the little things people say can leave a last effect on a person and they may not even notice. Like her parents essentially telling her to grow up (on their end they want what’s best for her), but Rosie takes it as she is doing everything wrong. So she makes even more mistakes in her stumble to try to do right, and then suffers alone in her own misery because she doesn’t feel like she can tell anyone. There’s a moment with her sister-in-law that I thought important, where she tells her that being a grown up doesn’t mean you can’t ask for help.
I also really loved the emails sent about peoples’ experiences with Dotty. It really framed Dotty’s life, and helped Rosie learn from her great-aunt, even after she passed. Dotty still ended up being a guide for her, through the memories and impacts she left on other people.

Rosie is trying to conform herself and fit in a box— a career building job, the boyfriend—- but it doesn’t feel right to her. Nothing is wrong with Donovan. On paper he’s perfect, and he’s actually a really nice guy. But he’s not for her. She didn’t realize that her having her hesitations, or not including him in her regular plans and thoughts was her body’s way of telling her that.
This book takes us through Rosie’s journey of growing up through the aftermath of her great aunt’s passing. It’s sad, its heartwrenching and it’s also joyful. This was a beautiful book and I immensely enjoyed it.

If you don’t have a Dotty in your life, hopefully you’ll let this fictional one guide you to be your most authentic and happiest self.

Thank you @jaclyn_writing @avonbooks and @harpercollins for the read!

Such a sweet, adorable book! I find it hard to believe this is a debut novel - it just reads so well. This is a coming of age, finding yourself kind of book. There is a good deal of humor her too and I found myself laughing in places. Throughout it is told from Rosie's point of view. We get to know Rosie closely - what she is going through at work, with her family, with her roommate. She is dealing with a lot. And then she has to deal with the loss of her great-aunt Dotty. We get to know Dotty through Rosie's eyes and through her research into her life. Dotty taught Rosie a great deal and is still teaching her, even after her death. I truly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who likes books about family, coming of age, or just a sweet story.

Thanks to Avon and Harper Voyager through Netgalley for an advance copy.

This is a stellar read that encapsulates how the loss of a family member can impact all parts of life and how truly important it is that we learn to leave a positive impact on each person we meet.
Can’t wait to read another book by this author!!

Happy Publication Day!

Rosie is trying to figure out what she wants to do with her life. She’s long admired her Aunt Dotty who was confident and independent; she seemed to know all of life’s secrets and was the one Rosie reached out to in times of trouble.

But when Dotty unexpectedly passes away, Rosie’s devastated. Per Dotty’s request, no funeral is held yet Rosie still wants to let her aunts friends know about her passing. Upon emailing them, Rosie finds herself emailing Dotty to continue to share her thoughts and feelings as she struggles to find her path in life.

Dear Dotty was a wonderful coming of age story that I highly recommend!

I adored this book! I loved following Rosie and her ups and downs through life, and I love that she had her Aunt Dotty to help guide her through it. This book was very heartwarming!

I found this book to be a little to dry. After a few chapters I lost interest. DNF



*****************I received an ARC for my honest opinion from NetGalley.****************

Dear Dotty by Jaclyn Westlake was such a sweet debut title.
I really enjoyed the characters and their story.
I felt the pain and hurt Rosie was feeling. This was such a different read and it made my heart happy.
The storytelling was fascinating, refreshing and thought-provoking.
Westlake’s writing was utterly compelling and I found it extremely hard to put away.

Thank You NetGalley and Avon for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Dear Dotty by Jaclyn Westlake is a delightful and heartfelt debut novel that masterfully captures the tumultuous journey of a twenty-something navigating life's uncertainties. Rosie Benson, the protagonist, is a relatable character whose struggles with familial expectations, career setbacks, and personal relationships will resonate with many readers.

The story kicks off with Rosie at her lowest, dealing with her parents' unexpected divorce, a betrayal by her best friend, and a regrettable romantic encounter. Just as she starts to lose her footing, she turns to her late great-aunt Dotty’s emails for guidance. Dotty, a vivacious and unconventional figure, becomes a posthumous mentor, pushing Rosie to rediscover and chase her own dreams.

Westlake's writing shines in her portrayal of Rosie's inner turmoil and growth. The narrative is peppered with laugh-out-loud humor and poignant moments that evoke a wide range of emotions. The epistolary elements, featuring Dotty's emails, add depth to the story and offer a charming glimpse into Dotty's adventurous life.

What stands out most about Dear Dotty is its message about self-discovery and the importance of living life on your own terms. Rosie’s journey from self-doubt to self-empowerment is inspiring and reflective of the universal struggle to find one’s true path amidst societal pressures. The supporting characters, though occasionally archetypal, contribute to Rosie's development and provide a rich backdrop to her story.

While the romance subplot is subtle and not the main focus, it adds a sweet touch to Rosie's narrative without overshadowing her personal growth. The pacing is well-balanced, making the book a quick and engaging read.

Overall, Dear Dotty is a charming and relatable novel that offers both entertainment and introspection. It’s a perfect read for those seeking a story about finding oneself, with a generous dose of humor and heart. Jaclyn Westlake’s debut is a promising start, and I look forward to reading more from her in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager, and Jaclyn Westlake for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I loved this one. I was drawn to the cover because I’m from SF and love to read any stories based here. It’s a sweet story and def got me in my feelings.

Okay, girlies, this is one of the most character-driven books I've ever come across.

Rosie is in a really bad headspace when everything goes wrong with her life at the same time. She takes comfort in her late aunt, Dottie's advice, and manages to reconnect with so many of Dottie's acquaintances who provide incredible stories about Dottie's life.

I really appreciated the message in the book about how you shouldn't jump immediately to an opportunity while you're still grieving from the previous one. There were so many hard-hitting truths mentioned & you couldn't help but feel seen.

Also, there's subtle romance in the background, but keep in mind that's not the main focus & not get much invested in it. Overall, I enjoyed this one!

Thank you Netgalley & Publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely adored Dear Dottie! I don't usually lengthy reviews because I often don't know how to put into words why I like a story, but I will try. I am a sucker for a story with an older person really bonding and having a relationship with a younger person. In this case, Rosie's in her early twenties and her great aunt is 80. But this story was so much More than an age Gap Sweet fiction story. Rosie is hilarious. I love the mixed media of the emails and how it really made the story multidimensional. I loved that a lot of the story took place in her apartment, at her place of work, at a farm, and a few more. Since I haven't read many books quite like this, I'm not sure what they would be called, new adult? Just fiction? It definitely gave off some Jill Mansill vibes. When I discovered her about 10 years ago, I ate them up. I'm so glad to have found an author who feels similar to me, but did it even better. If you love books that feature a lovable furry companion, you will absolutely love Bug the pug. That's just one of many attributes I love in a story, along with complicated female relationships, a little bit of romance, being friends with an older person, mixed media with slight time jumps from reminiscing. I left absolutely everything about this story. Now only if I could do it justice by giving a decent review lol. But like I said I wanted to try. Oh, one other major thing I should mention is a 99.9% listen to audiobooks, when I received the arc ebook of this, I was so interested that I actually physically read the entire thing. Thing. Not only was it easy to get through because I love the story so much, but it has now opened my eyes to giving more physical reading a chance. It took me a lot longer to get through but it was well worth it. I'm a slow reader in it often makes me sleepy. But I definitely could not wait to find out where the story went and kept my attention the whole time.