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The Break-up Before Christmas: An irresistibly hilarious and uplifting romance
This holiday season, love is going off-script.
Celebrated advice columnist ‘Dear Dotty’ Ellison has made a name for herself by solving everyone else’s problems.
But her life is upended when she unknowingly advises her girlfriend of ten years to break up with her. Through her own advice column.
Newly single, Dotty realises her life behind the picture-perfect brand wasn’t as flawless as she thought. Determined to rediscover who she really is, she decides it’s time to learn how to take her own advice. She begins writing letters to herself through her column.
But everything she thought she’d learned through her journey of self-discovery is thrown into question when she meets the gorgeous Alia at a cooking class.
Now, with Christmas approaching, will she discover that love and life aren’t something you can write, edit or schedule?
Funny, feel-good and painfully relatable, this is a romantic comedy for anyone who’s ever felt like the expert of anything except their own life. Perfect for fans of Claire Lydon, Clare Ashton, Beth O’Leary, Alison Cochrun or Mhairi McFarlane.
Readers have already fallen head over heels for Charlotte
‘The perfect romcom.’
‘Had me laughing and crying . . . Sit down with this book and you will not notice the time go by.’
‘A real treat. It synced perfectly with my sense of humour.’
‘Bursting with warmth, love, soul, heartache and happiness! You will laugh, you will cry, and you will start believing in happy ever afters.’
‘Advertised as hilarious and heartwarming. And let me tell you, it absolutely lived up to that! I absolutely devoured this book in one sitting and I did not want to put it down.’
‘Absolutely amazing.’
‘Loved, loved this story!’
Celebrated advice columnist ‘Dear Dotty’ Ellison has made a name for herself by solving everyone else’s problems.
But her life is upended when she unknowingly advises her girlfriend of ten years to break up with her. Through her own advice column.
Newly single, Dotty realises her life behind the picture-perfect brand wasn’t as flawless as she thought. Determined to rediscover who she really is, she decides it’s time to learn how to take her own advice. She begins writing letters to herself through her column.
But everything she thought she’d learned through her journey of self-discovery is thrown into question when she meets the gorgeous Alia at a cooking class.
Now, with Christmas approaching, will she discover that love and life aren’t something you can write, edit or schedule?
Funny, feel-good and painfully relatable, this is a romantic comedy for anyone who’s ever felt like the expert of anything except their own life. Perfect for fans of Claire Lydon, Clare Ashton, Beth O’Leary, Alison Cochrun or Mhairi McFarlane.
Readers have already fallen head over heels for Charlotte
‘The perfect romcom.’
‘Had me laughing and crying . . . Sit down with this book and you will not notice the time go by.’
‘A real treat. It synced perfectly with my sense of humour.’
‘Bursting with warmth, love, soul, heartache and happiness! You will laugh, you will cry, and you will start believing in happy ever afters.’
‘Advertised as hilarious and heartwarming. And let me tell you, it absolutely lived up to that! I absolutely devoured this book in one sitting and I did not want to put it down.’
‘Absolutely amazing.’
‘Loved, loved this story!’
286 pages, Paperback
Published September 3, 2025
96 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
August 22, 2025
Well-known life advice columnist Dotty “Dear Dotty” Ellison has everything going for her. A successful career, great friends, and a long-term girlfriend. Until she doesn’t. When responding to a letter from a reader seeking relationship advice, Dotty gives them the cold hard truth and advises them to call it quits. So the anonymous reader does just that when they break up with their girlfriend…Dotty. Oh, the irony. After some much-needed reflection, Dotty ultimately embarks on a journey of self-discovery with support from friends, family, and even her fans. She even meets a beautiful woman along the way…
A laugh-out-loud read that was chock-full of dry humor and sarcasm I just couldn’t get enough of. Through all of that humor, though, there was Dotty’s tough year-long journey of self-discovery that was a winding road. I remained optimistic and rooted for her throughout the book because, yes, change can be scary. Thankfully, Dotty had the best support anyone could possibly want, and those moments tugged at my heartstrings. I absolutely loved the support system that consisted of her hilarious close-knit group of friends and her caring mom. Now for the romance. A part of me wished that there was more romance, because when I finally got there it felt like an afterthought, and it was something I was really looking forward to. I wasn't too disappointed because I was happy with the overall outcome. So if you’re looking for something that's uplifting, heartfelt, and laugh-out-loud funny, I recommend giving this one a read.
“Don’t let me be ordinary. Let’s aim for extra.”
I’d like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.
A laugh-out-loud read that was chock-full of dry humor and sarcasm I just couldn’t get enough of. Through all of that humor, though, there was Dotty’s tough year-long journey of self-discovery that was a winding road. I remained optimistic and rooted for her throughout the book because, yes, change can be scary. Thankfully, Dotty had the best support anyone could possibly want, and those moments tugged at my heartstrings. I absolutely loved the support system that consisted of her hilarious close-knit group of friends and her caring mom. Now for the romance. A part of me wished that there was more romance, because when I finally got there it felt like an afterthought, and it was something I was really looking forward to. I wasn't too disappointed because I was happy with the overall outcome. So if you’re looking for something that's uplifting, heartfelt, and laugh-out-loud funny, I recommend giving this one a read.
“Don’t let me be ordinary. Let’s aim for extra.”
I’d like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.
November 28, 2025
This book was absolutely boring and had little to do with Christmas. I was counting down the seconds until it was finished. At 64% into the book they finally added something to the plot to make it somewhat enjoyable. Don’t waste your time, especially if you are anticipating a Christmas book!
January 7, 2026
Didn’t really get this book: I mean, I understand the story, but never found the flow of the book so it was a hard read. 2* harsh but the best I can do. Sorry.
September 29, 2025
I love my Christmas books but don't let the title fool you, this is NOT a Christmas Book. The break-up happens 5 months before Christmas so even if it's technically correct, the title is awfully deceiving. I honestly couldn't stand Dotty either. This book was not my cup of tea.
September 23, 2025
2.5/5 ⭐️
The first 100 pages focus heavily on the lead-up to the breakup. Because of the title, you already know it’s coming, which took away some of the emotional impact for me. I think this part would have been more engaging if the title hadn’t spoiled the breakup in advance.
Since I’ve never been through a similar situation myself, I found it hard to really connect with Dotty or her emotional journey. That disconnect stayed with me throughout the rest of the book. It’s not a bad book, but it just wasn’t the right fit for me personally. This also resulted in me taking quite some time to read this book.
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read this book as an ARC.
The first 100 pages focus heavily on the lead-up to the breakup. Because of the title, you already know it’s coming, which took away some of the emotional impact for me. I think this part would have been more engaging if the title hadn’t spoiled the breakup in advance.
Since I’ve never been through a similar situation myself, I found it hard to really connect with Dotty or her emotional journey. That disconnect stayed with me throughout the rest of the book. It’s not a bad book, but it just wasn’t the right fit for me personally. This also resulted in me taking quite some time to read this book.
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read this book as an ARC.
October 1, 2025
Dotty is an advice columnist, having written the ‘Dear Dotty’ column in a London online and print magazine for nearly 10 years. Her column is popular, but not excessively so. She isn’t famous, posting many well arranged and curated photos to her instagram every week, but never ever including her face. The only image of her available is a small headshot taken about a decade previously.
However, that all changes when Caitlin, her girlfriend of ten years leaves. And during a drunken binge in her sadness Dotty makes embarrassing posts of herself that go viral.
This is different. We see Dotty trying to recover from the breakup, we see her eventually with a new lease on life, and possible new relationships. We see her becoming famous.
In a ‘usual’ sapphic romance we have a character or characters that are just getting over a breakup, and then meet someone new. This is a juxtaposed version of that, maybe a slice of Dotty’s life from a few months earlier, then we see her transformation into Dotty 2.0.
Part of Dotty’s success as a columnist is how deeply she thinks about things. This gives her an intuitive view of possibilities for her readers. But it also enables her to overthink her own situation, her own relationships. We see that a great deal, and eventually she shares that with her readers when she begins writing her ‘transformation’ letters to herself.
We don’t really see much of Dotty’s new relationship with Alia, really just one date, which is a pity for us romance lovers. However, this is a story mostly about Dotty and her work, her love life (or lack thereof) and her wonderful friends. This is written in a sympathetic way, with no real angst even during Caitlin leaving.
Overall, I loved this. It’s totally different; no real new deep romance that we see, no spicy bits, but there is a deep undercurrent of love, between Dotty and her friends and her mum.
However, that all changes when Caitlin, her girlfriend of ten years leaves. And during a drunken binge in her sadness Dotty makes embarrassing posts of herself that go viral.
This is different. We see Dotty trying to recover from the breakup, we see her eventually with a new lease on life, and possible new relationships. We see her becoming famous.
In a ‘usual’ sapphic romance we have a character or characters that are just getting over a breakup, and then meet someone new. This is a juxtaposed version of that, maybe a slice of Dotty’s life from a few months earlier, then we see her transformation into Dotty 2.0.
Part of Dotty’s success as a columnist is how deeply she thinks about things. This gives her an intuitive view of possibilities for her readers. But it also enables her to overthink her own situation, her own relationships. We see that a great deal, and eventually she shares that with her readers when she begins writing her ‘transformation’ letters to herself.
We don’t really see much of Dotty’s new relationship with Alia, really just one date, which is a pity for us romance lovers. However, this is a story mostly about Dotty and her work, her love life (or lack thereof) and her wonderful friends. This is written in a sympathetic way, with no real angst even during Caitlin leaving.
Overall, I loved this. It’s totally different; no real new deep romance that we see, no spicy bits, but there is a deep undercurrent of love, between Dotty and her friends and her mum.
October 5, 2025
This was my fifth read by this author and I was really excited because the other four have been thrillers!
From the title and jolly front cover image here, I didn't think this was going to stray very far from the romcom genre it looked like - but you never know!
Well, this was wholly romcom and I loved it!
Such a contrast from the other four reads - but really well written and made for an enjoyable mini festive read.
The cover suggested a full-on festive romance, but this is a little misleading as it's not fully set through the Christmas period at all - but we do get to see some festive spirit along the way.
I loved Dotty - a well known advice columnist, who accidentally, through her column, convinces her long term partner to leave her!
Trying to regain herself, she writes herself letters through the column to try and get her life back on track.
This was a great concept and the journey that Dotty took reminded us that we don't always need to cope on our own all the time!
Dotty and her friends (and her mum too) were great support to each other and this was such a great thing to see and remember for our own lives.
This was a quick read for me, but an enjoyable one all the same.
Nice to see this different style from an author I've read before and I can now look forward to seeing what comes next - another romcom, thriller - or something else completely!?
From the title and jolly front cover image here, I didn't think this was going to stray very far from the romcom genre it looked like - but you never know!
Well, this was wholly romcom and I loved it!
Such a contrast from the other four reads - but really well written and made for an enjoyable mini festive read.
The cover suggested a full-on festive romance, but this is a little misleading as it's not fully set through the Christmas period at all - but we do get to see some festive spirit along the way.
I loved Dotty - a well known advice columnist, who accidentally, through her column, convinces her long term partner to leave her!
Trying to regain herself, she writes herself letters through the column to try and get her life back on track.
This was a great concept and the journey that Dotty took reminded us that we don't always need to cope on our own all the time!
Dotty and her friends (and her mum too) were great support to each other and this was such a great thing to see and remember for our own lives.
This was a quick read for me, but an enjoyable one all the same.
Nice to see this different style from an author I've read before and I can now look forward to seeing what comes next - another romcom, thriller - or something else completely!?
September 10, 2025
This was a fun Christmas read! It was such a joy reading this book. The story was excellent. I liked the cover; it was very understated for a festive read. It was really colourful, which was pleasing to the eye. The book was written well and flowed nicely. I liked the inclusion of some of Dotty's letters in the chapters. It was a nice touch. The setting is good. For the most part, the book is set in London and for a short time, the village where Dotty's mum lives. This worked very well. I loved all the characters, and they fit in so well. I adored Dotty. She was fun and pretty resilient once she got going. I loved her friends and her mum too. They were all good women. Elza, Dotty's boss, made me giggle. If you want a fun, festive read with a happily ever after, then I one hundred percent recommend this!
August 17, 2025
It's never too early for a festive novel. This was such a fun and uplifting read. I loved following Dotty as she gets over a break up and improves her self. I also loved the relationship that she had with her mum and her group of friends. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Choc lit for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
💝 Thank you to Choc lit for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
September 6, 2025
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book
dear dotty is spiralling....her job as dear dotty has her answering agony aunt type questions but when her life implodes on her she really doesnt know what to do....
after all she actually gave her partner the advice to leave her.... and now she reaps what she has sown....
along the journey she takes dotty will learn quite a lot about herself and others....
its an interesting read
dear dotty is spiralling....her job as dear dotty has her answering agony aunt type questions but when her life implodes on her she really doesnt know what to do....
after all she actually gave her partner the advice to leave her.... and now she reaps what she has sown....
along the journey she takes dotty will learn quite a lot about herself and others....
its an interesting read
December 28, 2025
If you're looking for a christmas romance that is NOT what this is, despite the title and cover trying to sell it as one. the holidays don't come around u til maybe the last 25% and even then it barely has any effect on the plot or characters. Speaking of plot, this book doesn't have one so this might be one for you if you're just looking for vibes and don't mind an annoying MC.
October 5, 2025
I feel slightly cheated with this book, because I went into thinking I was getting a cute, Christmas Rom-come, but the first mention of Christmas was at around 70% in, and before that it was Dear Dottie, her misfortune, her written letters, and a whole lot of woe is me. Up until that point I was getting ready to DNF because i found it a drag to get to that point. However, the last 30% was more interesting, did actually talk about the Christmas festivities, and it flew by. But if like we you think you’re getting a cute full festive read then you’ll be disappointed, because the cover and title does not suit this book in my opinion. The break up happened months before Christmas.
September 2, 2025
A fun read. It’s light and has funny parts. As well as things that you know you’ve felt and said.
A change of pace read for me which was very welcome.
Dear Dotty advice columnist, helps others with their life problems. What happens when things turn around and you feel you need the help?
This book covers it all, human feelings, friendship, fun and life from all directions.
A great read.
A change of pace read for me which was very welcome.
Dear Dotty advice columnist, helps others with their life problems. What happens when things turn around and you feel you need the help?
This book covers it all, human feelings, friendship, fun and life from all directions.
A great read.
October 20, 2025
Definitely misleading... it's not a funny rom com. It's basically about a woman's self-discovery post break-up. Not what I was hoping for. I wanted witty banter, tropes and Christmas!
September 16, 2025
Here is my review for The Break-up Before Christmas by Charlotte Barnes
I found this was quite an enjoyable, fun and easy to read romance story that I got into right from the start of the book. Dotty Ellison worked from home a lot of the time as she wrote an advice column as ‘Dear Dotty’ for an online site on a daily basis. She had been writing the column for ten years which was as long as she had been in a relationship. It seemed she could offer advice through her column and derail her relationship when her partner writes in asking for advice. She advises them to split up with their other half! Her partner gives her chances but Dotty doesn’t take them and then missing their 10 year anniversary was the last straw. Dotty is single! This was a great read and brilliantly written. It had been well thought out by the author and well plotted. I liked the storyline. Dotty’s character was great and I really liked her but she was absorbed by her work. The split from her partner was a wake up call which she didn’t take too well but her editor, Elza, was there for her. The setting was London and we were taken on location occasionally for cake and coffee. It was a fun read but uplifting which brightened my day. It was a quick read. I would like to read more books by Charlotte Barnes in the future.
Blurb :
This holiday season, love is going off-script.
Celebrated advice columnist ‘Dear Dotty’ Ellison has made a name for herself by solving everyone else’s problems.
But she derails her seemingly perfect life when she unknowingly advises her girlfriend of ten years to break up with her. Through her own advice column.
Suddenly single, Dotty realises her life behind the picture-perfect brand isn’t as flawless as she thought. Determined to rediscover who she really is, she decides it’s time to learn how to take her own advice. She begins writing letters to herself through her column.
But when Dotty meets a gorgeous stranger at a cooking class, everything she thought she’d learned through her journey of self-discovery is thrown into question.
Now, with Christmas approaching, will Dotty discover that love and life aren’t something you can write, edit or schedule?
Funny, feel-good and painfully relatable, this is a romantic comedy for anyone who’s ever felt like the expert of anything except their own life. Perfect for fans of Claire Lydon, Clare Ashton, Beth O’Leary, Camilla Isley, Alison Cochrun or Mhairi McFarlane.
I found this was quite an enjoyable, fun and easy to read romance story that I got into right from the start of the book. Dotty Ellison worked from home a lot of the time as she wrote an advice column as ‘Dear Dotty’ for an online site on a daily basis. She had been writing the column for ten years which was as long as she had been in a relationship. It seemed she could offer advice through her column and derail her relationship when her partner writes in asking for advice. She advises them to split up with their other half! Her partner gives her chances but Dotty doesn’t take them and then missing their 10 year anniversary was the last straw. Dotty is single! This was a great read and brilliantly written. It had been well thought out by the author and well plotted. I liked the storyline. Dotty’s character was great and I really liked her but she was absorbed by her work. The split from her partner was a wake up call which she didn’t take too well but her editor, Elza, was there for her. The setting was London and we were taken on location occasionally for cake and coffee. It was a fun read but uplifting which brightened my day. It was a quick read. I would like to read more books by Charlotte Barnes in the future.
Blurb :
This holiday season, love is going off-script.
Celebrated advice columnist ‘Dear Dotty’ Ellison has made a name for herself by solving everyone else’s problems.
But she derails her seemingly perfect life when she unknowingly advises her girlfriend of ten years to break up with her. Through her own advice column.
Suddenly single, Dotty realises her life behind the picture-perfect brand isn’t as flawless as she thought. Determined to rediscover who she really is, she decides it’s time to learn how to take her own advice. She begins writing letters to herself through her column.
But when Dotty meets a gorgeous stranger at a cooking class, everything she thought she’d learned through her journey of self-discovery is thrown into question.
Now, with Christmas approaching, will Dotty discover that love and life aren’t something you can write, edit or schedule?
Funny, feel-good and painfully relatable, this is a romantic comedy for anyone who’s ever felt like the expert of anything except their own life. Perfect for fans of Claire Lydon, Clare Ashton, Beth O’Leary, Camilla Isley, Alison Cochrun or Mhairi McFarlane.
September 10, 2025
First off, this should be called Dear Dotty, not The Breakup Before Christmas, because the breakup happens SEVERAL MONTHS prior to Christmas. I thought I was in for a cute Christmas rom-com, and it's not that. It's about an advice columnist named Dotty who accidentally advices her long-term partner to break up with her and then the subsequent rebuilding of and finding herself. Yes, this includes meeting a new woman months after the breakup and learning to be okay with trying a relationship again, but we don't even meet Alia until 65% into the book. So the romance part, while sweet, is very surface level because we get hardly any time to see their relationship develop.
This book is mostly about transformation of Dotty into being more of herself and challenging herself to not just be fine with her life but to actually be vulnerable and authentic. It's fairly humorous, and I liked the idea of writing to herself. I love that she has a supportive friend group and an amazing mom. It made me want to call my own mom.
It was an interesting read, but it's not the seasonal romance I was expecting.
Thank you to publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review.
This book is mostly about transformation of Dotty into being more of herself and challenging herself to not just be fine with her life but to actually be vulnerable and authentic. It's fairly humorous, and I liked the idea of writing to herself. I love that she has a supportive friend group and an amazing mom. It made me want to call my own mom.
It was an interesting read, but it's not the seasonal romance I was expecting.
Thank you to publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review.
December 1, 2025
A few things this book is NOT. It's not a romance. It's about the personal journey a woman goes on after her girlfriend of ten years breaks up with her. While technically before Christmas, the breakup happens late summer/early fall, so this is definitely NOT a holiday book. Also NOT funny, unless you think self-deprecating is hilarious, because Dotty spends most of the book bashing herself.
The first 25 % book is pretty interesting, but once the break-up happens, the next 50% of the book is Dotty's self-improvement activities. You can honestly skip most of this. The only bits of importance is Dotty's letters to herself, (They basically just summarize the plot, but big plot point: she uses the letters to reinvent her column and gets a book deal out of it.) and her cooking class where she meets Alia, finds her the most beautiful person on the planet, and then proceeds to not call her for a date. The first date doesn't happen until about the 85% mark, and by then, I honestly didn't really care about Dotty or any potential romance at all.
The first 25 % book is pretty interesting, but once the break-up happens, the next 50% of the book is Dotty's self-improvement activities. You can honestly skip most of this. The only bits of importance is Dotty's letters to herself, (They basically just summarize the plot, but big plot point: she uses the letters to reinvent her column and gets a book deal out of it.) and her cooking class where she meets Alia, finds her the most beautiful person on the planet, and then proceeds to not call her for a date. The first date doesn't happen until about the 85% mark, and by then, I honestly didn't really care about Dotty or any potential romance at all.
September 7, 2025
First, I want to thank Charlotte Barnes, Joffe Books and Zooloo Book Tours for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review.
The Breakup Before Christmas by Charlotte Barnes is a very fun, quick and easy read that had me smiling from all the pop culture references in the book.
I loved how Charlotte dedicated the book to her Mum and says that she is the best Mum in every story she writes.
Fans of advice columns will love this book because it revolves around Dear Dotty, an advice columnist. I enjoyed reading the letters that Dotty received from the people needing her guidance.
I got a kick when Jenny totally was fangirling over Dotty when she ran into her! Both Dotty and I were shocked when she said she dumped her boyfriend because of her!
The Breakup Before Christmas was not as fast paced as I would have liked it to have been and it took me a while to get into the book.
The Breakup Before Christmas by Charlotte Barnes is a very fun, quick and easy read that had me smiling from all the pop culture references in the book.
I loved how Charlotte dedicated the book to her Mum and says that she is the best Mum in every story she writes.
Fans of advice columns will love this book because it revolves around Dear Dotty, an advice columnist. I enjoyed reading the letters that Dotty received from the people needing her guidance.
I got a kick when Jenny totally was fangirling over Dotty when she ran into her! Both Dotty and I were shocked when she said she dumped her boyfriend because of her!
The Breakup Before Christmas was not as fast paced as I would have liked it to have been and it took me a while to get into the book.
August 12, 2025
Too early for a book with "Christmas" in the title? Well, yes, but this story starts in summer, so really you don't need to get in a Christmassy mood until Dotty does (reluctantly) in the last quarter of it.
Before that there is, of course, the "break-up" part of the title. That means, despite many mentions of romantic relationships in this book (Dotty's and those of the people who write to her for advice), not much actual romance. And guess what? I didn't miss it. Dotty's journey to self-improvement (in moderation) is full of humour, and includes very good friends, plus a special bond with her mother too - more than enough, in my opinion. But yes, don't worry, romance does come back into her life at some point.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Before that there is, of course, the "break-up" part of the title. That means, despite many mentions of romantic relationships in this book (Dotty's and those of the people who write to her for advice), not much actual romance. And guess what? I didn't miss it. Dotty's journey to self-improvement (in moderation) is full of humour, and includes very good friends, plus a special bond with her mother too - more than enough, in my opinion. But yes, don't worry, romance does come back into her life at some point.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 11, 2025
I really liked the main character and her friendship group, I think its so positive to showcase strong friendship groups and how important they can be. I loved the idea of the Dear Dotty column and have found those letters and responses when shared so good. I really enjoyed the twist in the letters too, what a clever idea!
I did think the title of the book was a little misleading. I entered into this thinking it would be a festive romcom, when actually tbe majority of the tale is set in summertime with Christmas playing a very small part late in the book.
I think the moral of the story was a really important message. Don't become complacent, do lean on others and be a support back to them too, and be careful what you say!
This is a quick, light read that I'm sure many will enjoy thoroughly.
I did think the title of the book was a little misleading. I entered into this thinking it would be a festive romcom, when actually tbe majority of the tale is set in summertime with Christmas playing a very small part late in the book.
I think the moral of the story was a really important message. Don't become complacent, do lean on others and be a support back to them too, and be careful what you say!
This is a quick, light read that I'm sure many will enjoy thoroughly.
September 16, 2025
While this IS a book with a Christmas twist you can enjoy it any time of year. Dotty is a modern day woman- successful, driven, plagued with her self-worth, and losing her way in her relationship in the noise of everything. She’s got a spunky gal pal group (which includes her mom- love it) who is there to uplift, support, ground, and recenter her when she needs it.
Dotty’s job is advice- giving it, writing it, sharing it, and in a very public way through her job at the magazine- but when she finds herself in a situation (via breakup) where she’s the receiver instead of the giver of said advice- can she take the advice presented to her to change her outlook, her mindset, her life?
Really enjoyed getting to read through this one- devoured it in a day and I’m still thinking about it! Definitely recommend!
Dotty’s job is advice- giving it, writing it, sharing it, and in a very public way through her job at the magazine- but when she finds herself in a situation (via breakup) where she’s the receiver instead of the giver of said advice- can she take the advice presented to her to change her outlook, her mindset, her life?
Really enjoyed getting to read through this one- devoured it in a day and I’m still thinking about it! Definitely recommend!
October 18, 2025
I finished this and I have to say, it’s such a cozy, feel-good holiday read. Dotty’s this advice columnist who’s great at solving everyone else’s drama… but then her own girlfriend breaks up with her using Dotty’s own advice column. Like, can you imagine? Total mess, but also kind of hilarious.
So now Dotty’s navigating being single for the first time in years, dealing with holiday chaos, and somehow ends up in a cooking class where she meets Alia — and yep, there’s some sweet sparks. It’s funny, warm, and honestly kinda real about figuring out who you are when your life turns upside down.
If you want a rom-com that’s more than just fluff, with characters you’ll root for and a little holiday magic sprinkled on top, this one’s a win.
Would I read it again? Absolutely. Recommend? Again absolutely!
So now Dotty’s navigating being single for the first time in years, dealing with holiday chaos, and somehow ends up in a cooking class where she meets Alia — and yep, there’s some sweet sparks. It’s funny, warm, and honestly kinda real about figuring out who you are when your life turns upside down.
If you want a rom-com that’s more than just fluff, with characters you’ll root for and a little holiday magic sprinkled on top, this one’s a win.
Would I read it again? Absolutely. Recommend? Again absolutely!
August 22, 2025
Hilarious in parts sad and reflective in others, this romcom ticks all the boxes.
Dorothy, better known as Dotty to her friends or Dear Dotty, to her readers is a successful agony aunt columnist.
She and her girlfriend live together in a small apartment in London. Dotty loves her partner Caitlin to bits, but things go awry when, through her column, she inadvertently advises Caitlin to split up with her partner. Caitlin takes her advice and the pair separate after ten years. It's a case of rediscovery for Dotty as her whole world is turned upside down. Signing up for a cookery course proves to be the turning point when she meets the lovely Alia.
Funny and sad, Daft and serious, this is a really good romantic comedy. I'm looking forward to more from Charlotte Barnes
Dorothy, better known as Dotty to her friends or Dear Dotty, to her readers is a successful agony aunt columnist.
She and her girlfriend live together in a small apartment in London. Dotty loves her partner Caitlin to bits, but things go awry when, through her column, she inadvertently advises Caitlin to split up with her partner. Caitlin takes her advice and the pair separate after ten years. It's a case of rediscovery for Dotty as her whole world is turned upside down. Signing up for a cookery course proves to be the turning point when she meets the lovely Alia.
Funny and sad, Daft and serious, this is a really good romantic comedy. I'm looking forward to more from Charlotte Barnes
September 4, 2025
3.5 Stars From Me
Agony aunt Dotty was used to solving problems for other people but not so good at seeing problems for herself. Her girl friend of ten years has had enough of her and walks out leaving her bereft. She begins to write to herself about her own problems and when they are published they become a big hit and she is eventually offered a deal to write her own book. Problem is, she cannot let go and although friends and her mum rally round she seems determined to keep beating herself up. I really enjoyed this book to start with but after a while I began to get a bit irritated by her (I am not as nice as her friends) and found myself wanting to shout at her to pull herself together, hence 3.5 stars.
Agony aunt Dotty was used to solving problems for other people but not so good at seeing problems for herself. Her girl friend of ten years has had enough of her and walks out leaving her bereft. She begins to write to herself about her own problems and when they are published they become a big hit and she is eventually offered a deal to write her own book. Problem is, she cannot let go and although friends and her mum rally round she seems determined to keep beating herself up. I really enjoyed this book to start with but after a while I began to get a bit irritated by her (I am not as nice as her friends) and found myself wanting to shout at her to pull herself together, hence 3.5 stars.
September 6, 2025
If you are looking for a feel good read to get you through the changing weather then this is the book you need.
I love how the characters are relatable and the journey Dotty takes just made me love her even more.
I think perhaps Dotty’s mum was my favourite character of all. A strong woman who gets what she wants for her daughters best by any means possible.
This isn’t an overly Christmas book so if you’re not sure about the festive theme then don’t let it put you off.
The book was a gentle read that flowed easily. The use of the letters to break up chapters was a really lovely layout feature and framed the plot well.
I love how the characters are relatable and the journey Dotty takes just made me love her even more.
I think perhaps Dotty’s mum was my favourite character of all. A strong woman who gets what she wants for her daughters best by any means possible.
This isn’t an overly Christmas book so if you’re not sure about the festive theme then don’t let it put you off.
The book was a gentle read that flowed easily. The use of the letters to break up chapters was a really lovely layout feature and framed the plot well.
September 3, 2025
This was a great story set around an agony aunt and her life. Really different and a scenario of which I had no knowledge.
Dotty breaks up with her long term girlfriend and the story moves on from there.
I found the story well written and believable as were the characters. I enjoyed how she worked her way through her pain and eventually arrived the other side.
A feel sure we can all sympathise, admire and cheer Dotty on.
I received this as a ARC copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which this is.
Dotty breaks up with her long term girlfriend and the story moves on from there.
I found the story well written and believable as were the characters. I enjoyed how she worked her way through her pain and eventually arrived the other side.
A feel sure we can all sympathise, admire and cheer Dotty on.
I received this as a ARC copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which this is.
December 23, 2025
I’ve finished this book feeling a bit flat… and it took me an age to read. The title suggests a festive bit of pink and fluffy romance. As much I liked the story line and the characters, Dotty’s story of self discovery and self love, I can’t help but feel the title and the story don’t quite match up. I chose it because of the festive feel the title and blurb dictate but felt that wasn’t conveyed in the story. If you want a festive feel good then I’m not sure this is the one.
August 16, 2025
This was a refreshing modern take on an Agony Aunt with all the new ways of life. Quite welcome and entertaining. Dorothy is so wrapped up in her job as a columnist and Agony Aunt that she doesn’t realise she’s just advised her partner to leave her through her column! The aftermath of that advice wreaks havoc in her life and the ensuing story kept me chuckling to myself. Excellent.
October 14, 2025
Dear Dotty, what a great concept an agony aunt that unwittingly advises her own partner to leave her - brilliant 😂
I loved this book Dotty goes on a journey in this read, a story of starting over, finding yourself and friendships.
I loved the cover and although Christmas does feature it’s not all set at the festive time, so a good read for any time of the year.
I loved this book Dotty goes on a journey in this read, a story of starting over, finding yourself and friendships.
I loved the cover and although Christmas does feature it’s not all set at the festive time, so a good read for any time of the year.
December 21, 2025
I picked this book up thinking it would be a lighthearted Christmas rom-com, and it was! But it was also such a brilliant exploration of self-improvement, growth and not growing complacent with life. The main character Dotty embodies all our fears of change and feeling out of our depth but her approach to it all brought me so much comfort!!
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