Dear Dotty

by Jaclyn Westlake

Rosie Benson does not have it all together. Like most twenty-somethings, she struggles to figure out life and soon finds herself following the advice of her late great-aunt through a series of revelatory emails about pursuing long-buried dreams rather than society’s idea of perfect in this fun, highly relatable debut. Perfect for fans of Beth O’Leary, Lizzie Damilola Blackburn, and Sophie Kinsella.

“Compelling characters, a page-turning plot, and laugh-out-loud humor…A remarkable debut!” —Stacey Swann, author of GMA Book Club Pick  Olympus, Texas

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.

But then Dotty dies.

And Rosie spirals.

As new details of Dotty’s past emerge through revelatory emails from her many friends, Rosie realizes that maybe her aunt’s life wasn’t as charmed as she thought. With her career, friendships, and family unraveling, Rosie must drown out the noise of the world telling her what she should pursue—boyfriend, babies, boss-babe role at a corporate job—and finally focus on what she actually wants.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Audiobook, Coming Of Age, Book Club

368 pages, Paperback

First published June 4, 2024

About the author

Jaclyn Westlake writes about funny, flawed women doing their best to find their way in the world. A former recruiter turned career advice columnist, her work has appeared in The Muse, Business Insider, and Inc. Her debut novel, Dear Dotty, is available wherever books are sold, and her second novel, Lucky Break, hits shelves on July 15th.

She always wants to see pictures of your pets.

You can follow her adventures in writing, beach living, and beyond on Instagram @jaclyn_writing or at jaclynwestlake.com.

Reviews

[Sujoya - theoverbookedbibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph

[Delaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so, so, SO SWEET 🥹 got a tiny bit slow in the middle but, overall, I loved this. Perfect heartfelt, feel-good read. 💗

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Bbecca_marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear Dotty by Jaclyn Westlake

Thank you so much partner Avon Books for the gifted ARC.

Blurb:
Rosie Benson does not have it all together. Like most twenty-somethings, she struggles to figure out life and soon finds herself following the advice of her late great-aunt through a series of revelatory emails about pursuing long-buried dreams rather than society’s idea of perfect.

✨My thoughts:
Here’s another book you need to bury me with! I would have read all 350 pages in one sitting if I didn’t have to put my toddlers to sleep. This story right here is something special. It made me feel a lot of things and it made me cry but mostly… it made me miss my Tia Penny like crazy. She was my aunt Dotty. This story had me looking back at past conversations with my tia about life, love, and everything in between and I had this deep urge of longing. Longing for another conversation… to run to her and pick her brain on whatever small or big thing happening in my life. From the cover, to the pages, Dear Dotty is a book and story I’ll cherish for many years to come. Even if it’s a tiny window into my own memories of my very own version of aunt Dotty, my Tia Penny. It’s the books that hit so close to home that are the ones you didn’t know you needed and they ALWAYS come at the right time. I will be getting myself a finished copy to keep with me forever. Jaclyn Westlake, you have a gift and this story is absolutely exceptional. I am not crying 😭 you are crying! Dear Dotty is our tomorrow 6/4/24!!

Happy reading 📖

[Cecelia Farmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet and fun read. Had some laugh out loud humor and just overall enjoyable read. Will definitely be on my list of books to read again.

[LoveBooks2119 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
A funny, touching story about a young woman who struggles to find her way. She learns how to love herself and live happily on her terms without regrets while learning about who her aunt was and how she impacted others lives.
Definitely recommend to all women and animal lovers.

[Andrea | andrea.c.lowry.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dear Dotty is a light and enjoyable story about self discovery in your early 20s.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:

Finding Yourself
Cute little pug
Family Drama
Fun and free spirited Aunt
Friendships
Feel-good story
Funny moments

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲?

A compelling story that kept a steady pace.

𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?

This is a charming debut full of layers that will keep you turning the pages.

3.5 stars

Thank you Avon for this gifted copy in exchange for my honest opinions.

[Kelly {SpaceOnTheBookcase] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear Dotty is a warm hug on a day you didn’t know you needed one. Rosie Benson doesn’t have her life together, yet everyone around her does. When her work life explodes, Rosie can’t imagine things getting much worse, and then they do. A story about discovering who you are, and most importantly, for those around you to accept who you are, Dear Dotty is an uplifting story about individualism and finding oneself.

This is my first book by Jaclyn Westlake and I really enjoyed her writing structure and pacing. I grabbed the book this morning to start while my daughter was at dance and within the first hour knew I wouldn’t put it down until I was finished. I instantly fell in love with Rosie and her Great-Aunt Dotty, but also the side characters who were sometimes the friend and the foe depending on where in the story we were. I think Dear Dotty is a fabulous summer read and would make a really great book club or buddy read.


Thank you Avon Books for the gifted copy.

[Meddings_Musings: Erin Meddings · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Tanja ~ KT Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this! Sweet and completely unexpected. I went from being annoyed with Rosie Benson to being her biggest champion. Truly a coming-of-age story about change, love, forgiveness, and family. Your twenties are a very real and turbulent time for many people. Not having all the answers isn't unexpected, but finding a path that leads you to where you ought to be can be tricky. Dear Dotty is a sweet and hilarious look at life's growing pains. I'm excited to read more from Jaclyn Westlake.


Follow me on
✿KTBookReviews✿Instagram✿Twitter✿Facebook✿TikTok

[Beth Eats And Reads Walsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet coming of age book….i guess? I just couldn’t get past how whiny & entitled the mc was. Hating & blaming her boss for firing her, even though she clearly wasn’t doing well, & then blew off work to go to the beach? And then bringing her dog to her new job? Who does that? And I was *honestly* puzzled at how much grief her family gave her for showing up late when her sister in law had a baby because her boss wouldn’t let her leave work early...”you let the whole family down”…really? Dramatic much? I certainly didn’t go to my nephew’s birth. And especially right after she had been fired from her last job for being irresponsible…idk, I guess I am just too old for this book.
2.5 ⭐️

[Madeline Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was heartwarming, emotional, and filled with lessons and it is perfect to read as a 20-something year old. I feel like I learned life wisdom in this fun, sentimental, and relatable story.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very heartwarming. If you're looking for a good story that will make you cry a bit, this one is it. Rosie has always felt misunderstood by her family, except for her great Aunt Dotty who always supported Rosie living her best life. Typical of a mid-twenty something, Rosie is lost in terms of where she wants to be in her career and life. Then life gets even worse, her parents separate and her beloved aunt dies. She feels like she's falling apart.

Rosie starts trying on a new life: one with a mayor's son boyfriend and a corporate PR job. Her choices are different than she thought she'd make when she was younger of working with animals. But she's growing up, isn't she? She hopes this will be a fit, but life isn't always that simple.

Throughout the story, Rosie reaches out to close people in Dotty's life. Through their stories, Rosie gathers courage to take control of her own destiny.

She discovers more about herself and her loved ones and realizes that growing up doesn't mean giving up your dreams. I liked the characters a lot, and the messaging. It was a rather heartwarming story about family and friendship. Dotty was the most interesting character, I only wish we'd had her around longer.

[Kristina Dowler · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Before I jump into the review, thank you to Jaclyn Westlake, Avon and Harper Voyager for providing this ARC via NetGalley! ❤️😍

This is a book I wish I had read 5-7 years ago as a 20-something year old, and I think every young female should. Watching Rosie's struggle felt like seeing parts of myself on a page that I really hadn't allowed myself to sit with. Dear Dotty is a beautiful story of a young girl trying to figure out who she is amidst a plethora of bad things happening to her and around her. Through it all, she's guided by learning more about her great aunt (someone who was very important to her) and how she lived a life that was full, and most importantly - hers.

I read Dear Dotty quickly, flying through it and when I finished, all I could think was: am I living a life I'm proud of? Am I living one filled with what makes me happiest and fulfilled, no matter what I *think* I'm supposed to do?

And isn't that challenge what reading is all about?

I'm so grateful I had the chance to read this book! ❤️ If you need a little reminder about how to treat yourself with love and build a life that matters to you, pick up a copy of Dear Dotty!

[Krystal Tankard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so beautiful. In someways it felt as if I was reading a little bit of my own life through Rosie. Families are complicated, being a woman is complicated, and following the path meant for YOU is so complicated. Such a good feel kind of book. Please go read this now, okay?

[Anna Vanisko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book!!!!!

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely ADORED This book. What a heartwarming novel. I even teared up at the end and that’s rare for me 🥹

[Mike Sofia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really cute book. After getting some time to finally sit down and read it after a long week, it’s a feel good story. Might not be for everyone but made me reflect on my relationships with family and friends. Not spoiling this one but would recommend to pick this one up if you ever want to get out of a reading slump and need a feel good, cozy book.

[Lexi Musachia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read in one day on a flight. Easy read. Page turner.

[nish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hit close to home for me. I too, had a great aunt that I was very close to, who taught me many life lessons, and was always there for me. She transitioned almost 2 years ago and so this book hit home for me in a lot of ways. I also can relate to just going through life and trying to figure things out even when it feels like everything around you is falling apart and everyone around you has it together-I really empathized with Rosie. Once I got into it, it was easy to keep reading. I definitely think my personal experience kept me going. It's not often that you hear about someone having a close relationship with a great aunt so it felt like maybe a nudge from my aunt from the other side or a message that she is still with me :) Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It took me back to the initial stages of my grief and also showed me how far I've come since then. Definitely would recommend!

[Emily Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book but it was never a “couldn’t put it down” type! I wish the back blurb didn’t tell you the entire story line including the death of Dotty. I wish that would have been a shock so I could have felt the feelings with her! Good read, just a little slow.

[Julia✨Book Reviews by Jules✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book for free in exchange for my review! All opinions are my own.

This book was so cute and adorable. I just loved it. It made my heart happy, yet I was also sobbing. What a beautiful book that tears at your heartstrings. I think this book especially hit close to home because sometimes I feel like Rosie. Additionally, my only living grandparent, my grandmother has been going through dementia the last few years, and I feel like I've lost her before she's even truly gone. What a beautiful book that makes you appreciate the little moments in life. <3

—


Many Thanks again to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest review.

********


If you are interested in seeing more of my reviews and other content feel free to connect with me here <3:

https://linktr.ee/bookreviewsbyjules (links to my Instagram, Goodreads, TikTok, Storygraph, My blog and Substack newsletter, etc)

If you are a publisher or author who has questions about my reviews (as well as questions about my stats, reach or engagement), please free to email me. I am also open to requests for book reviews from authors or publishers. Thank you again for taking time to read my review, and I hope you have a wonderful day!

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dear Good Reads

1/2 stars would speak volumes.

This book can’t rise to the level of four stars, but I feel really bad giving it three stars because it’s not really that low. Hence, 3 1/2 stars would be perfect.

I felt like this book was equivalent to a Christmas show on the Hallmark Channel. Predictable, warm, sweet, feel good, did I say predictable? Worth a read, but I’m not gonna exclaim any praises for it.

[Angie Sachs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and quick read! Perfect binge for a couple nights on the deck 😍

[Mamagross · Rating 3 out of 5]

A predictable, yet enjoyable read.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 A young woman finds inspiration from her late great aunt as she navigates through work and romance in San Francisco. Pleasant and predictable.

[Vera-Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC Gifted by Netgalley in return for an honest review*

5/5 Stars

When I requested this, I didn't know what to expect. I thought it would just be a lighthearted book about grief and figuring life out in your 20s.

And while it was that, it was also about a 24-year-old woman who is feeling so lost. Dear Dotty follows Rosie Benson as she is trying to fit into a box that her family seems to want her in. She has the perfect brother who has the perfect wife, and they are expecting their first child. Her and her mother don't get along really well, and the only person that seems to get her is her great aunt Dotty. Dotty is full of life in her 80s, and never really seems to care what people think about her.

Rosie has a great job, and a best friend. Her life seems perfect from the outside. On the inside, though, she is struggling with student loans and hates her job.
When Dotty dies, Rosie's parents get divorced, and she finds out her best friend has been dating her nemesis of a boss, she spirals.

She doesn't know how to do life without Dotty, and she enters into a world of sadness and loneliness.

So let's get into the things I didn't necessarily love, and keep in mind that these all cleared up by the end of the book:
- Rosie annoyed the hell out of me in the beginning. I didn't like her attitude or how she ended up being with her best friend. Throughout the novel, she just made some poor choices that I just didn't agree with.

However, I started to really understand her. Rosie is just trying to catch up, and fit in with her family. She feels like she is an outsider sometimes, and without Dotty, it's hard. Reading through emails from people that Dotty knew seems to help.

I loved the animals in here. Barb, and Bug, and all the goats and chickens were just so much fun to read. They seemed to have their own personalities and it was just so much fun when we got to read about Rosie on the farm.

I did have some tears at some points. I'm not in my mid-20s, but in my early 20s, and feel a lot like Rosie in certain situations. It feels like I can't catch up to my family or friends at all sometimes, and I'm just stuck in this cycle.

I highly recommend this when it comes out. The conversations that happen (especially with Rosie and her mom) had tears in my eyes, and I always found myself smiling along with the story. I fell in love with the characters. They felt real and raw, and how friends grow and we all grow individually. It doesn't mean we have to fully grow apart.

[Amanda Mercedes · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Tiffany Maegley · Rating 5 out of 5]

“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.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book so much! In it we find 24-year-old Rosie who has always struggled to fit in with her over-accomplished family, type-A best friend and workaholic boss. When she's abruptly fired from her job, she turns to her great-aunt Dotty
- a globe-trotting, martini-swilling occasional nudist and her closest confidante - who challenges her to pursue her long-buried dreams.

But then Dotty dies.

And Rosie spirals.

As new details of Dotty's life emerge, Rosie realizes that maybe her aunt's life wasn't as charmed as she thought. With her career, friendship and family unraveling, Rosie must learn to drown out the noise of the world telling her what she should have and finally focus on what she actually wants.
This is such a great reminder to hold a mirror to ourselves and look at our own lives. Are we living the life we want? Are we just going along with the status quo because that's what we think we should be doing? Because that's what makes a
"good" life?

Are we brave enough to admit we want something different?
Are we brave enough to go after it?

An incredible debut novel!