Dedicated: Dear Dotty by Jaclyn Westlake (Review by Ashley Dugger)

4/5 Stars

In Dear Dotty, everyone knows what Rosie Benson should be doing with her life – except Rosie Benson. Twenty-something Rosie is struggling to feel like a real adult, and her recent firing from her job that she kind of, sort of liked doesn’t help. On top of that, her best friend is keeping a big secret from her, and she’s a constant disappointment to her parents. The only person who keeps Rosie grounded is her confidante and great aunty Dotty. 

Then Dotty dies, and Rosie spirals. Numb to her own grief, Rosie does whatever she can to reconnect with her aunt who, she’s only just now realizing, she never really knew. From emails from those who knew Dotty to volunteering at the animal sanctuary where Dotty spent nearly every weekend, Rosie learns that Dotty’s life wasn’t as picture perfect as she thought. She followed the beat of her own drum, but Rosie can’t do that. Too many people depend on her.

It’s sometimes hard to root for a character who blindly follows the advice of others no matter how well-intentioned they may be. It’s especially frustrating to watch those around Rosie treat her like such a child when the reader sees she is trying to do her best and make everyone happy. But her spirit and determination to figure out what’s right for her keeps readers invested.  

As the story develops, the reader gets a sense of Rosie’s true passion, aided by Dotty’s squishable pug aptly named Bug, Barb the bossy cow, and some mischievous goats who love to cause a little chaos. Rosie comes alive at the animal sanctuary where Dotty volunteered, and the reader knows it’s only a matter of time until Rosie finds her footing.

While parts of this story can be frustrating – a bad boss, dating the wrong guy, fighting with her best friend, her family drama – it is so satisfying when Rosie finds her voice and finally does what is right for her, not what’s right for others.

Fans of Beth O’Leary and Sophie Kinsella will appreciate the quirky moments of levity mixed in with the heaviness of grief. The ending is sure to lift readers’ spirits as they get the perfect amount of time with the new Rosie after spending so long with an unhappy, uncertain Rosie.

Buy the book!