Dear Kate—Dear Dad,

by Denali Majesto

A global scavenger hunt, designed by a terminally ill father for his little girl, turns into a young woman's journey of self-discovery.Twenty years ago, in a time earlier than I can remember, my dad passed away. But on the night of my twenty-first birthday, a life-changing letter from my deceased parent falls unexpectedly into my hands. Sent in the dead of winter on an impromptu, global scavenger hunt, I discover not only who my father was, but who I am and what my life is meant to be ...

230 pages, Paperback

Published January 20, 2024

About the author

Denali Majesto spent his earlier years in the private business sector, yet he never felt quite at home in what he was doing. After an early retirement from the world of business, Majesto dedicated his life to the three activities he treasures most: loving his family, exploring the globe, and writing. He has since written a small library’s worth of stories, which he has begun unveiling to the world—one story at a time. Through both his writing and the tireless work of his ambassadors, it is Majesto’s wish that he might entertain and bring hope to the lives of countless others.

Reviews

[Larae Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dear Kate, Dear Dad is an emotional and beautifully written novel that deeply resonated with me. The premise—a series of letters exchanged between Kate and her deceased father—tugged at my heartstrings. I was moved to tears as I followed Kate’s journey of self-discovery, piecing together the legacy left behind by her terminally ill father. The global scavenger hunt he designed for her was an unexpected, poignant way to guide her through her grief, allowing her to understand both her father and herself in ways she never could have imagined.

The author masterfully captures the complex emotions surrounding loss and love, reminding us of the profound impact our loved ones have on shaping who we become. Kate’s transformation, as she learns not only about her father’s secret plans but also about the depths of her own strength and resilience, is both inspiring and heart-wrenching.

While the book made me reflect on my own grief and even miss my mother, it also offered comfort, showing that the bonds we share with those we lose continue to shape us in ways we may not fully understand.

[Aubrie Lane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writing this review brings up so many emotions because I felt everything from start to finish with this book. At its core, it’s a heartwarming coming-of-age story about love, loss, and family. Told through a series of letters, the story follows Kate as she embarks on a world wild scavenger hunt for her father’s letters that not only helps her discover who her father truly was but also leads her to find herself.

I believe anyone who has lost a loved one too soon will deeply connect with this story. The idea of someone you love returning to you, even in a small way, evokes so many feelings.

By the end, I was in tears, especially as Kate seemed to be truly saying goodbye to her father—it really hit home for me. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick read with emotional depth and a heartfelt coming-of-age journey. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Stacy B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a beautiful story of a daughter who never had the opportunity to know her amazing father. This was a perfect example of how the love of a father can continue long past their death.

Kate, the daughter of the story, is sent on a wild and grand adventure. This adventure causes her to take a look at her life in a way she never has before. Kate ends up taking a completely different direction towards a future she never imagined for herself.

I absolutely loved this book and would recommend it to everyone who has ever been a child.... so, everyone!!

[Mabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book was both heartwarming and heartbreaking. The concept of the treasure hunt was truly inspiring. My first cry came early at page fourteen and there were a handful of pages that also required tissues.

I can honestly say that this book touched my soul! The beautiful words expressed within this book were breathtaking. I couldn’t put this book down as I had to find out what Kate found in her next letter. With each letter my heart felt more compassion for Kate and her father.

I look forward to reading more awe-inspiring books from this author. I feel truly blessed that I was able to read this unforgettable book. Dear Kate - Dear Dad, is now in my top ten favorite books!!

[Nicole Gemme · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars, Dear Kate, Dear Dad

This was a unique story of heartbreaking and heart warming moments all in one!

I cried and smiled! The self discover the FMC experienced with the help of her deceased dad was such an interesting and welcomed approach by the author! I definitely needed tissues!

“A chapter ends. A chapter begins. Our stories go on, until they don’t anymore” 🖤

[Sophie Shield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I just say, this is my favourite read of 2024 so far and it has set the bar high! So, I will tell you a bit about the story line and why I have rated it so high. Kate has just turned 21 and unfortunately her father passed away when she was just a baby. On her birthday her mum gives her a letter and a journal. The letter was from her dad explaining that he had set up a scavenger hunt in various countries and had given her the means to set off and complete it. The journal was for her to write in as she visited each location and received the next letter from her dad. This book was so beautifully written. Each chapter is either a letter from her dad or Kate writing in her journal. The last 30 or so pages had me in tears as she had finished the scavenger hunt and then years later decided to write in her journal again to give her dad a life update. All her dad wanted was to be there to guide and teach her but what he didn’t realise was that she would learn more through her travels than he and she anticipated. I cannot recommend this book enough. It is a must read and I can’t wait to see what else this author comes out with.

[Cheryl Tabor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won a giveaway from Majesto Stories Ambassador Team.
This story of a 21 year old Kate is given a letter her father wrote for her. He had also planed a scavenger hunt of more letters from him. Her father died when she was a toddler, so in his dieing days he did what Father's do to reveal life, love and passions, etc.Through a Father's love, through letters, and places, experiences, along life lessons. This store was written with passion, sadness, ups, downs, pain and lots of love. I felt all the emotions. Also thinking of my Dad and all the stories we shared. A must read for any and everyone. Life is short, love strong.❤💝

[Veronica Hooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good! I felt so many emotions while reading it. Isaac died when his daughter, Kate, was a toddler. The letters that Isaac left her were to be opened on her 21st birthday were so powerful, beautiful, and full of immense love. Each one led her to another location around the globe in a type of scavenger hunt. Kate found more than just the love of a father for his daughter, she also found herself and so many important lessons.
Beautifully written! I highly recommend!!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book?? Incredible. The writing was so well done and the story had me entranced from the first line.

[Susan Moxley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of Kate that receives a letter on her 21st birthday from her long dead Father. A letter that will change her life forever and send her on an adventure of a lifetime.

[sammi_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate's dad died when she was too young to even remember him. On her 21st birthday she receives a letter from him, presenting her with an opportunity to do a scavenger hunt across the globe, collecting letters from her dad. He also requested that she writes back to him in a journal.

This started out very strong. I was invested until after Alaska. I don't think I cared for the love interest- I just didn't buy into how it started or his backstory- and I thought Kate's personality shift at the end and goal changes were too extreme for her character. However, I loved what she found in Iceland. I also loved the part in Norway the best. Although the first three legs were all my favorites.

This was interesting because although they were father daughter, there is distance in the letters. Kate doesn't really know him. She's getting close to the age he was when he wrote them. The letters are sentimental, but vague because they're reaching for a relationship they never got. I liked seeing Kate's travels. I wish we got more of the step-by-step journey, like at the start. The book could have been longer and easily kept my attention.

Overall, this is a fast read. It will make you want to travel and the writing feels fresh. I hope others will get the chance to enjoy it. Thanks so much to Denalu Majesto for my free copy. My review is unbiased and opinions my own.

[Margaret Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was beautiful written. When Kate receives a letter from her deceased dad on Christmas Day, which is also her 21st birthday, she embarks on a journey. A scavenger hunt that her dad planned out for her before his illness robbed him of his life and time with his daughter. Kate's dad leaves her a journal where she begins to write life and scavenger hunt updates to her dad. This was such an emotional journey for me, but one that had me reflecting on my own relationship with my dad and how much I miss him. Life is short, and we need to cherish our loved ones.

[Natasha Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is so beautifully written. A story between a father and his daughter.
Isaac, “dada”, died when Kate was very young, too young for her to remember him.
He wrote letters, travelled the world, placing each letter in a different location.
Kate gets her 1st letter on her 21st birthday, Christmas Day and the adventures, self growth, and love for her father begin.
Cherish every second of every minute of every hour of every day.

[Jenée · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grab your tissues, you’re going to need them.

This is an emotional and intimate story. I can’t think of a better way the author could have told the story. I felt like I was right there with Kate while she was on the scavenger hunt her dead father sent her when she turned 21. As a parent and daughter this book touched a very special place in my heart. It’s a story i will treasure and hold with me for years to come.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone that liked The Correspondent, this is a must read. I’ve read a lot of good books this year but this one tops the list so far. There are so many life lessons written within these letters from a dad to his daughter and her letters back to him. I couldn’t put it down so I read it in one sitting! A definite tear warning comes with this one!

[Alinar Den · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me want to write a letter to my dad...

For everyone who believes that they will always have enough time with their parents... or enough time to live their life and chase their dreams.
For everyone who is feeling lost.
For everyone who loves traveling and appreciates breathtaking adventures.

Read this book.

[Lisa Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an endearing story. A young woman sent on a quest to find hidden letters from her dad that he’s hidden around the world. During her journey she not only makes a connection with her father, she also finds herself. I loved this story.

[Tanya Pratt-Dubois · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a beautiful book! I can’t stop thinking about it. What this father does for his daughter when he knows he’s dying is incredible. Kate turns 21 and she receives a letter from her father that was written 20 years earlier. the letter sends her on an adventure of a lifetime. Kate finds herself through her dad’s letters while also he to know her father. This is a must read!!!

[Lauren Slater · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful story has earned a place in my top five favorite books of all time. It is full of wisdom, humor, and heartache, but most of all, love. The characters and lessons within will stay in my heart forever.