I have never read an Andrea J Stein novel before, but I’m sure glad I read DEAR ELIZA! What a beautiful story! I’m very excited to read her previous book now. This absorbing story combines both the beautiful sensory details of heartfelt characters, a moving plot, and a story with so much depth. DEAR ELIZA is an emotional read with characters I rooted for, and some lovely details that brought the city of New York City to life. I highly recommend this story if you need a complete escape from life. It will also give you all the feels!

DEAR ELIZA explores family dynamics, loss, secrets, and a new romance! Andrea J Stein handles difficult topics and has the reader cheering for everyone to succeed. When I started reading DEAR ELIZA, I didn’t know I’d come to love it this much. Where to start? Eliza is such a great character, full of life and warmth. I loved how she didn’t let her past troubles destroy herself completely. Ten years after her mother died and her father just passing away, Eliza is struggling. She received a letter that her mother wrote to her from her aunt that wasnt to be opened until the death of her father, and Eliza’s world turns upside down. While all of this is going on she leans on her old friend, Josh. Oh and I have to mention that Eliza has a step mother, Carol who married her dad and never quite fit in with Eliza’s family! She has a very big part in this story!

I don’t want to say too much for fear of giving away too much of DEAR ELIZA but once I started reading this beautiful and heart breaking story, I could not stop! Everyone should have this unforgettable book on their fall reading list. After the letter is opened, Eliza’s older brother is mad at her and Carol was to disinherit her. The dialogue between Eliza and Josh is sometimes funny and other times frustrating! They both have secrets and without letting them out, they will not be able to move forward. I was instantly emotionally invested in all of the characters from page one and I can not wait to read more by this wonderful and heart tugging author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

How do you remember people you’ve lost in your life? I like to reread old letters from my grandmothers that I received in the past. It’s fun to “hear” their voices again. I also love looking at old pictures.

In Dear Eliza, Eliza Levinger receives a letter ten years after her mother died of cancer that rocks her world. Her mother, Laura, had given the letter to her sister, Claude, to give to Eliza after her father’s death. In it, she discovers a shocking revelation. It rocks Eliza’s world, and she has to deal with the fallout. How will she move forward with this new knowledge? What is holding her back in life?

My thoughts on this novel:
• I greatly enjoyed this book and all the characters. I loved Eliza, her brother Scott, sister-in-law Maren, best friend Mo, and her brother Scott’s life long best friend Josh. I enjoyed their friendships, relationships, and wanted to read more about them. I was sad when this book ended as I wanted to spend more time in their world.

• I loved the friends to lovers, slow burn, and kind of second chance romance between Eliza and Josh. I loved how supportive Josh was to Eliza, but wondered why he wasn’t there during her time of need after Eliza’s mother’s death. Josh and Eliza had wonderful interactions.

• This novel deals with grief in many ways. After Laura’s death when Eliza was 16, Eliza was floundering with no help. Her father married not long afterwards, and Eliza did not have a good relationship with her stepmother Carol. Eliza never was able to properly grieve. Her relationship with her father never was the same and was distant. When he dies, Eliza feels terrible for what was and what could have been.

• Although Laura was not alive in this novel, she made me angry. I didn’t like the bombshell that she had her sister give to Eliza right after her father’s death. It was a time of intense grief and not a time for Eliza to have to deal with a whole new set of problems. I wish she would have left positive messages that Eliza could have gotten after her death. I guess if I were Eliza, I would have liked to know what Laura had to say, but there could have been a better time for it.

• I liked the New York City setting.

• I like how Eliza was able to reset her life after the news. She realized that her relationships were not the best with her family or in her love life. I like how she was able to make a change for the better.

• I want to talk about this book more, but I don’t want to give away the details and ruin it for anyone else. I think this would be a great book club selection. I would also like to watch a movie based on this novel.

Overall, Dear Eliza by Andrea J. Stein is a beautifully written novel of self-discovery, grief, love, forgiveness, family and starting over again. I enjoyed this novel, and I can’t wait to see what Stein writes next!

Book Source: Review copy from author Andrea J. Stein. Thank-you! Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Conflicted on how to review this one.

I think the author accurately depicted the way grief affects someone in all aspects and changes them forever, while also changing family dynamics at times. Losing a parent when you’re still a teen without a fully developed brain and realizing in adulthood that someone you miss so deeply was in fact human and not perfect, is difficult. Eliza’s experience with all of this truly showed the reader how many emotional whirlwinds happen, even years into grief.

However, I only gave 3 stars as I found it difficult to find the characters believable and find myself wanting to root for them. Even the side love interest felt forced and just done out of convenience. Honestly, there weren’t any dynamics between characters I truly loved fully which unfortunately made it difficult to rate this higher.

Thank you to NetGalley and Flashpoint Books for the arc in exchange for an honest review!

It always seems like death has a way of revealing secrets, whether we want death to do that or not.

The story begins with the death of Eliza's father, Jack. Then it spirals into how Jack is NOT Eliza's father but someone else is! That is the main crux of the story.

The characters are complex and yet simple. For instance, Eliza's brother, Scott has had to deal with his sisters new knowledge, while questioning his parents relationship, while also trying to be a good husband. Its a lot, but that is life.

The parts about the city and most of the middle of the book, drug on for me. I kept screaming at the book, just take a DANG DNA test already. Find out if this is real.

The drama with Carol was superb, I really thought about how Carol would feel and emphasized with that character .

Overall this is an enjoyable book, that drug in the middle and everything was neatly tied up in the end.

Thank you to Girl Friday Productions | Flashpoint and NetGalley for an electronic advanced readers copy of this novel.

Eliza is experiencing the unexpected death of her father, with whom she had a distant yet loving relationship. Her father had married soon after her mother's death from cancer, and Eliza didn't take it well. The day of her father's funeral, she receives a letter that her mother wrote and gave to her aunt for safekeeping, which said on it, "To be opened after Larry's death."

I don't want to give spoilers, but Dear Eliza by Andrea J. Stein is an entertaining but touching novel about the power of grief, finding out your parents are people also and lost opportunities. I wanted to root for Eliza as her grief and uncertainty really shone through on the pages. I enjoyed this one a lot.

Amy Schneider’s Dear Eliza is a poignant and well-crafted novel that delves into themes of grief, family, and self-discovery. The story follows Eliza as she comes to terms with the sudden death of her father and uncovers shocking revelations through a letter from her deceased mother. At the same time, she navigates the complex landscape of romantic and career challenges typical of one’s late 20s.

Despite not having personally experienced the loss of a parent, I found Eliza’s journey profoundly relatable. Schneider’s writing captures Eliza’s emotions in an authentic and accessible way, making her struggles with grief and self-discovery universal. The novel also thoughtfully examines family dynamics and the complexities of human relationships, presenting them in a way that feels both nuanced and real.

While the narrative is engaging throughout, some plot points can feel a little predictable. However, this does not detract significantly from the overall impact of the story. Schneider's prose shines with emotional depth and care, keeping readers invested in Eliza's growth and healing.

Overall, Dear Eliza is a moving exploration of grief and the journey to find oneself amidst loss. Though it may not break new ground, it is a heartfelt and relatable novel that will resonate with many readers.

Although the premise of Dear Eliza really drew me in, the execution fell quite flat. Between the writing style and the unlikeable characters, I couldn’t connect with the storyline. The conversations felt very unnatural and often made the characters feel more like caricatures than well-developed, believable people. It also struck me as odd that Eliza kept referring to her parents by their first names, and it kept taking me out of the story.

I did appreciate the journey Eliza needed to take- not only navigating grief, but also having to face the reality that her parents were fallible humans. However, I wish her journey had brought out more emotion from me. Even though I’m an easy crier, I somehow didn’t shed one tear while reading this story about a woman whose life has been turned upside down by the discovered secrets of her late mother.

Dear Eliza comes out October 8, 2024. Thank you to NetGalley and Girl Friday Productions for an early copy of Dear Eliza.

Andrea J. Stein’s *Dear Eliza* takes readers on an emotional journey that blends family drama, love, and the unexpected revelations that force us to reevaluate our lives. At its heart, this novel explores the profound impact of grief, the complexities of family relationships, and the struggle to find closure—or at least peace—after the death of a loved one.

Eliza Levinger, the protagonist, is a woman who has painstakingly rebuilt her life after her mother’s death from cancer a decade earlier. She’s seemingly doing well with her career as the director of development at a nonprofit, her apartment in Manhattan, and a casual relationship that suits her emotional guard. But just as she begins to feel some semblance of stability, everything crumbles when her father dies suddenly. His passing sets off a cascade of events, starting with a mysterious letter from Eliza’s late mother that was to be opened only after her father’s death.

The letter reveals a shocking family secret that turns Eliza’s world upside down. It throws her into turmoil, further straining her relationships with her brother, whose anger threatens their bond, and with her stepmother, whose sudden hostility adds tension. Eliza’s best friend, Mo, who has always been her emotional anchor, seems distant, leaving her feeling isolated at a time when she needs support the most. This sense of alienation and the chaos the letter creates is something Stein handles with authenticity and depth.

The character of Eliza is compelling because of her vulnerability and complexity. She’s not just grieving; she’s grappling with trust issues and a reluctance to let anyone in, scars left by the traumas of her past. Stein masterfully portrays Eliza’s internal conflict, capturing both the weight of loss and the fear of emotional intimacy. Eliza’s no-strings-attached relationship seems to reflect her guarded nature—she’s in control of her life, or so she thinks, but the letter forces her to confront the reality that she’s been living in survival mode rather than truly thriving.

A bright spot in her unraveling life is Josh, her brother’s best friend and her high school crush. Josh emerges as an unexpected ally, and their reconnection adds a layer of warmth to the story. Their relationship is beautifully written, offering a slow-burn romance that contrasts with the chaos around Eliza. As she learns to trust Josh, she also starts to rediscover parts of herself that she had buried in the wake of her mother’s death. Their relationship feels authentic—rooted in shared history and mutual understanding rather than the whirlwind passion of typical romance novels.

One of the novel’s standout themes is the idea of trust, both in others and in oneself. Eliza’s journey isn’t just about grappling with grief but also about learning to trust again—to open up to the people who care about her, despite the fear of being hurt. Her evolving relationship with Josh and the reconciliation with her brother show how trust and vulnerability are crucial to healing.

Stein’s writing captures the emotional weight of grief and the ways in which loss ripples through every aspect of life, long after the fact. But the novel also offers hope. Eliza’s journey shows that even when life shatters unexpectedly, it’s possible to rebuild, often with the help of others. The story is both heartbreaking and uplifting, with moments of raw emotion tempered by the possibility of new beginnings.

*Dear Eliza* is a deeply moving story about family secrets, the enduring effects of loss, and the transformative power of love and trust. Andrea J. Stein has crafted a narrative that feels personal, yet universal in its exploration of grief and healing. Readers will find themselves rooting for Eliza as she navigates the difficult terrain of her past and present, and they may even find echoes of their own struggles in her story. For anyone who has dealt with the loss of a loved one or faced a family revelation that changes everything, this novel will resonate deeply.

4.25 Stars!

This is a beautiful story that touches on dealing with grief and family drama.

When Eliza’s dad passes, she receives a letter that her mom has written her before she passed away. This letter changes Eliza’s world.

I enjoyed following Eliza’s journey and it all felt very real. I also enjoyed the heartwarming romance that was included but not the sole focus.

It was very well-written and the pacing was good. Be sure to check it out!🩵

As a woman who lost her mom- this book absolutely made me feel all the feels.

Grief, love, frustration, etc. Add in hard family dynamics and the struggle of sometimes prioritizing yourself.

I found so much of myself connected to Eliza. A super powerful story that is well written & thought out and can truly bring out every emotion in you.

An absolutely amazing story, 4 star worthy and absolutely worth the read.. publish date 10/8/24!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this super touching arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

I wanted to like this book a lot more but the added romance that didn’t quite fit into this book ruined it a little bit for me and took away from the book as a whole. I think the writing style was great, and the feelings of grief, growth, loss, and love were so well described and I felt for the main character. But then the added part of the romantic scene was too much

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for an honest review!!

This book made me laugh, cry, and sweat! The portrayals of grief are poignant and honest. Eliza’s struggle to see her parents as they are - imperfect humans with real flaws - hit close to home and had me sobbing with her more than once. This may not be an “easy” read for those who find themselves on a grief journey, but it was absolutely worth it. The tension and spice is an effective balm (or at least, a distraction) for the grieving soul, too!

'Dear Eliza' is a sweet and very sad story about loss, correcting your mistakes, giving second chances and trying to continue to live even if it seems like there's no way out. I liked Eliza as a character. She's very smart, strong and faithful.

I was going to give this book 3.5 stars, but a scene with Eliza and Josh towards the end of the book just ruined it a bit for me.
Overall, I enjoyed it.

Thank you NetGalley and Girl Friday Productions for this ARC.

Dear Eliza by Amy Schneider is a well-written novel that explores themes of grief, family, and self-discovery. The story follows Eliza as she grapples with the unexpected death of her father and the shocking revelations contained in a letter from her deceased mother, while also navigating the romantic and career challenges of your late 20s.

Though I have not personally lost a parent, I loved that both Eliza and her journey were relatable and authentic, making it easy to connect with her emotions. The also book delves into important themes such as grief, family dynamics, and the complexities and nuances of human relationships. But, while the overall story is engaging, some parts feel a bit predictable.

Overall, Dear Eliza is a solid read that offers a poignant exploration of grief and healing. While it may not be groundbreaking, it is a well-crafted story that will resonate with many readers. I'd rate it 3.5 stars, rounded up.

I wanted/had planned to give this 4 stars, but my biggest grievance was the ending. The spicy scene felt unnecessary, forced, and didn't fit the overall vibe of the book. Unfortunately, it left a not-great taste in my mouth in terms of how the story wrapped up.

Eliza has just lost her father. They hadn't had a close relationship since her mother passed during her teen years but Eliza is shocked by the sense of lost. Adding to her grief is a letter that leaves her wondering just how much she knew about anyone or anything in her life. As, Eliza navigates all the questions her big school crush also reenters her life. Will anything ever be normal again?

This was a good read. I didn't feel completely taken in and stopped may times throughout but did finish. There is lightly described sex scene that really didn't feel like it was needed and actually left a bad taste in my mouth lessening my enjoyment of the book. Ovrfsll , a good read but not a great one.

Ten years after her mother’s death, Eliza Levinger’s life is turned upside down by a letter from the past—one that shatters her sense of stability and forces her to reevaluate everything. As she navigates the fallout of this bombshell, Eliza must confront strained relationships, family secrets, and her own guarded heart. With the help of her brother’s best friend—and former crush—Josh, she begins to find her footing again. A story about healing, love, and learning to trust again.

When Eliza was 16, she lost her mother, and 10 years later she lost her father. Eliza’s aunt gives her a letter written by her mother revealing a shocking secret.

Dear Eliza is a heart-wrenching story that had me hooked from the beginning. I felt bad for Eliza; her mother left her in emotional turmoil. I was rooting for her throughout the book. I enjoyed reading about Eliza’s journey from confusion to finding herself in a better place.

My only issue was jumping into the past timeline in mid-chapter; it would have been better if it was told in a dual timeline. The pacing of this book was odd.

Overall, it was a great book to read.

4.5/5 stars

Dear Eliza is an emotional read. I would describe it as contemporary women's fiction with some romance. I'd also consider it a family drama.

The story takes place in New York City. The narrator is 26 year old Eliza (3rd person POV).

This book has good Jewish rep. There are lots of Jewish references, including the book starting at Eliza's dad's shiva. I knew before reading Dear Eliza that the character's mother had passed away 10 years earlier. But I was not expecting this to be such a big part of the story. So between this and the dedication (to the author's mom) parts of this book were quite hard for me to read.

I definitely connected with Eliza. In this book she receives a letter from her mother. I would suspect that many readers (like myself) would do anything to be able to receive a letter from their mom. So I did find this main aspect of the book to be very relatable.

I liked the relationships that Eliza had with her brother Scott and her best friend (Mo). I thought that the relationship with her stepmother Carol made the book very interesting. I really liked the romantic lead a lot. However I definitely wish that the romance had been a bigger part of the story. Also, I found that the secret in the letter and how that played out was such a good plot point.

Overall, this was such a quick read. I was very invested in the story. It was a moving story and made me feel a lot. I just didn't realize how much of the book would focus on her mom's death.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗮 𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲?

This is the central question in Dear Eliza, a novel about grief, family dynamics, and self-discovery.

This is the central question in Dear Eliza, a novel about grief, family dynamics, and self-discovery.

Eliza was only sixteen when her mother passed away and her relationship soon became rocky with her dad when he was quick to remarry. Ten years later, her father has also passed away, and Eliza is still learning how to live with the grief of not having her mother around. When her aunt gives her a letter from her mother, only to be opened after her father's death, the content rocks her world, and she has to re-evaluate everything she thought she knew about herself.

I felt so many emotions for Eliza while she struggled to figure out her next steps. I was sad for her, and mad for her, I felt protective over her, and I felt hopeful for her. It had me wondering what I would do if I were put in the same position. The book was so realistically written and captured how our parents aren't always perfect people, that people we love are flawed and nuanced, and what we have to make of that. I also liked that Eliza, who idolized her mother as a child and had a picture in her head of this perfect person, actually got to know and understand her mother better after her death. There's also a little romance that balanced the book well and gave it some sweet moments.

If you like character driven novels, stories about growth, and found families, this book is for you. This is also such a great book for discussion because, like real life, so many of the characters and situations weren't black or white. If you have read Dear Eliza, I would love to discuss it with you!!

Was this an especially timely read for me because I just got back from a spa weekend with my own mom, who I'm now getting to know as a friend and not just a parent? 100% yes.

Thank you to the author, Girl Friday Productions and Netgalley for an arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

I adored this moving story of grief, siblings, friendship, and love. Eliza has so many reasons to be afraid of love and losing even more people in her life, but I admired the way she persevered in finding answers and a measure of acceptance for herself. Josh is an amazing source of comfort and stability for her and I enjoyed watching their relationship bloom. Andrea does a great job of handling grief and all the confusing emotions that came with a difficult revelation with sensitivity and I liked that she wasn't afraid to explore them and work through them. A truly beautiful novel that will leave you smiling.