Dear Ella

by Rebekah Santoro

Twenty-two year old Midwesterner Lizzie Armstrong is lost and searching for direction after graduating college and being thrust into adult life. Her only solace from anxiety and frustration is her best friend Ella Chen. When Ella is tragically killed in a terrible accident, Lizzie searches for a way forward by channeling her best friend and spontaneously moving to Colorado to complete a bucket list the two of them dream up just before Ella's death.

Along the way, Lizzie writes letters to Ella in hopes of staying connected to the only person who truly understood her while trying to come to terms with the fact that Ella's gone. Amidst trying to honor her best friend, Lizzie discovers an irresistible connection with the charismatic and kind Charlie Dupont, who helps her complete the list and mend her soul. With mountain climbing, an adventure to England in search of inspiration from Jane Austen, skydiving, and more, Lizzie's healing journey intertwines with her pursuit of purpose as she learns how to overcome her biggest fears and inner demons.

269 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 26, 2023

About the author

Rebekah Santoro is a New Adult author based in the Greater Cleveland area of Ohio. Her two novels, "Dear Ella" and "Regret & Romance" are available on Amazon as a paperback and e-book! When not writing, she is the Head of Marketing and Emerging Technology at Huron Public Library. She has a degree in Intercultural Studies with a double minor in Sociology and Political Science. She also loves spending time with her husband, son, family & friends, and her two beloved cats.

Reviews

[Jill Cohen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love books that are told via letters or diary entries and those are my favorite part of this book. The letters to Ella are moving and real and so full of heart.
The book does seem to wander a bit, especially in the last 50 pages. But this is a first novel and to be expected.
Saying that, as a first novel this is exceptionally good. Interesting characters, well written and engaging.
I look forward to reading more from Ms. Santoro in the future.

[Dinah Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author provides an inspiring portrait of a young woman grieving the sudden, tragic death of her friend, who was like a sister. Having lost my own sister in an accident, I could relate to the raw emotions and was inspired to the way Lizzie learned to move on with her own life by completing the bucket list she and Ella had written shortly before Ella's death. Learning to deal with grief is a personal journey for everyone, and I am drawn to learning about other people's journeys (whether in memoir or fiction).

[Alexa Goodreid · Rating 5 out of 5]

The personal growth of the main character is inspirational! Plus I love the whole bucket list idea, maybe I’ll make one with my best friend!

[Lisa Vanmeter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best friends forever

What a beautiful story this was. I felt as though I was right there with Lizzie throughout her journey. what a wonderful honor to best friends everywhere