Ugh, losing a parent is so hard, and it's something I worry about often. I think I'll definitely come back to this book when the inevitable happens, but it had me in tears even though I haven't had this experience.

Eliza Levinger just lost her dad, and lost her mom 10 years earlier. Her aunt gives her a letter helping Eliza navigate the loss of her parents. I thought it showed a beautiful portrayal of grief and how everyone handles it differently; reminding us there is no right way to do so. This could easily be a book club pick, but just be extra sensitive to the members in your book club and whether or not they've lost a loved one. It might not be the right timing to read this book.

Thank you to netgalley, the author and publisher for this arc in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Dear Eliza by Andrea J. Stein is a thought-provoking novel that left me thinking about the characters for days after I finished the novel.

Eliza's father dies and her maternal aunt gives her a letter from her long-dead mother that she was to give to Eliza only after her father's death. The information contained in the letter changes Eliza's life forever and the way that she views the world and her relationships.

Having lost both parents ten years apart, it is incredibly easy for me to commiserate with Eliza as she deals with grief, the shock of the letter, and trying to fight her way through hurt, anger, and sadness. Eliza's relationship with her brother and his wife was very relatable as well. Watching Eliza struggle with what she wants career-wise and romantic relationship-wise was incredibly interesting. I won't reveal any spoilers, but I was rooting for our main love interest from their first encounter in this book.

I've not read Ms. Stein's other works, but I plan on rectifying that immediately! If you're looking for a thoughtful, well-plotted book with likable and not-so-likable characters, this one is for you.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in consideration of an honest opinion

Dear Eliza by Andrea J. Stein tells the story of Eliza Levinger, who receives a letter from her mother 10 years after her death and days after the death of her father. The story follows Eliza as she processes her grief and the information in the letter.

This was a good novel that I read quickly. The characters are well-written and the story moves at a good pace. It is a good look at how secrets, loss, and grief are handled by the characters.


Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read this book.