Ugh, losing a parent is so hard, and it's something I worry about often. I think I'll definitely come back to this book when the inevitable happens, but it had me in tears even though I haven't had this experience.

Eliza Levinger just lost her dad, and lost her mom 10 years earlier. Her aunt gives her a letter helping Eliza navigate the loss of her parents. I thought it showed a beautiful portrayal of grief and how everyone handles it differently; reminding us there is no right way to do so. This could easily be a book club pick, but just be extra sensitive to the members in your book club and whether or not they've lost a loved one. It might not be the right timing to read this book.

Thank you to netgalley, the author and publisher for this arc in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Dear Eliza by Andrea J. Stein tells the story of Eliza Levinger, who receives a letter from her mother 10 years after her death and days after the death of her father. The story follows Eliza as she processes her grief and the information in the letter.

This was a good novel that I read quickly. The characters are well-written and the story moves at a good pace. It is a good look at how secrets, loss, and grief are handled by the characters.


Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read this book.

Dear Eliza by Andrea J. Stein is a thought-provoking novel that left me thinking about the characters for days after I finished the novel.

Eliza's father dies and her maternal aunt gives her a letter from her long-dead mother that she was to give to Eliza only after her father's death. The information contained in the letter changes Eliza's life forever and the way that she views the world and her relationships.

Having lost both parents ten years apart, it is incredibly easy for me to commiserate with Eliza as she deals with grief, the shock of the letter, and trying to fight her way through hurt, anger, and sadness. Eliza's relationship with her brother and his wife was very relatable as well. Watching Eliza struggle with what she wants career-wise and romantic relationship-wise was incredibly interesting. I won't reveal any spoilers, but I was rooting for our main love interest from their first encounter in this book.

I've not read Ms. Stein's other works, but I plan on rectifying that immediately! If you're looking for a thoughtful, well-plotted book with likable and not-so-likable characters, this one is for you.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in consideration of an honest opinion

Dear Eliza examines how family ties unravel when the loss of a parent exposes a shocking secret. Fresh, modern and relatable, this is a perfectly-paced exploration of loss, love and learning how to carry on when your world is turned upside down. Brimming with just the right mix of humor and heart, Dear Eliza is sure to be a book club favorite.

"Dear Eliza" is a poignant and emotionally gripping novel that explores the complexities of loss, family dynamics, and the unexpected twists life throws our way. Ten years after the devastating loss of her mother to cancer, Eliza Levinger's carefully constructed life is shattered once again when she receives a mysterious letter from her deceased mother.

The narrative unfolds with a perfect blend of heart-wrenching moments and unexpected revelations. Eliza's journey is raw and authentic, as she navigates through the turmoil brought on by the letter, which unravels long-held secrets and challenges her relationships with her family and friends.

The characters are richly developed, each with their own struggles and flaws, making them relatable and complelling. Eliza's internal conflict, torn between her desire for independence and her need for connection, is palpable, drawing readers into her world with empathy and understanding.

The dynamics between Eliza and her brother, stepmother, and best friend are intricately woven, showcasing the complexities of familial bonds and the impact of secrets on relationships. As Eliza grapples with the fallout of the letter, her journey of self-discovery is both heartbreaking and uplifting as she learns to confront her past and embrace the possibility of a new beginning.

One of the most captivating aspects of the novel is the slow-burn romance between Eliza and Josh, her brother's best friend and her high school crush. Their chemistry is palpable, adding an extra layer of tension and emotion to the story. Their relationship unfolds organically, filled with moments of vulnerability and growth, ultimately offering hope and healing for both characters.

Overall, "Dear Eliza" is a beautifully written tale of love, loss, and resilience. With its interesting characters, heartfelt storytelling, and unexpected twists, it's a must-read for anyone who enjoys contemporary fiction with depth and emotion.

This is lovely novel, about death and rebirth. Eliza who lost her beloved mother at 16 is coping with the death of her semi-estranged father when she receives a letter penned by her dead mother that reveals a long held secret. Eliza has to examine everything she felt about her mother, brother and father. As she searches for a new identity, she is supported by her brother’s longtime best friend, Josh. So, there is a lot that is obvious and predictable, it’s so engaging that as a reader, I didn’t mind.

I must say that I really felt the author missed the DNA boat. I can’t believe that a situation this complex, involving paternity and inheritance wouldn’t have had DNA tests thrown into the mix.

Eliza is a lovely, well described heroine, emblematic of millennials. She is surrounded by a very likable supporting group. Stein has created a charming novel which totally enchanted me as a reader.

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to review this delightful, heart tugging novel.

I really enjoyed reading Dear Eliza by Andrea J. Stein. Everyone deals with grief differently and Eliza’s character was real and honest and relatable. I couldn’t put it down!

Thank you to Girl Friday Productions, NetGalley, and Andrea J. Stein for the complementary ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

It’s never easy to lose a parent but when you lose a parent before you have a chance to build (or rebuild) your relationship with that person, you’re always left wondering, what if?

“Dear Eliza” by Andrea Stein handles loss and the complexities of family dynamics in a thoughtful and heartfelt way. Eliza is reeling over the sudden loss of her dad, Jack, when her maternal aunt gives her a letter from her mom, Laura (who passed away when Eliza was a teen). The letter not only hints that Laura may not be the perfect person Eliza made her out to be, but that the man she has called “Dad” is not her biological father. Instead, her mother had an affair and the letter reveals someone else in Eliza’s dad.

There is a lot more going on in this novel, including the antagonistic relationship Eliza has with her stepmother, Carol, which partially explains why Eliza grew apart from her dad after her mom’s death. Meanwhile, Carol is contesting the will, arguing that Eliza should not inherit—which could put Eliza against her older brother, Scott. Then, there is the burgeoning romance between Eliza and Scott’s close friend, Josh. And the story of Eliza reaching out to her biological dad and deciding whether she wants a relationship with him. But Stein does a good job juggling the different plots without confusing the reader. A few of the resolutions were a bit convenient but still believable. I also appreciated that this novel stayed in a single POV. Too many novels distract the reader with multiple narratives. Eliza was a bit too self-absorbed but you could not help but empathize with someone who had the world as she knew it yanked out from under her. This is a great sophomore effort from Andres Stein.

Four out of five stars.

Thank you very much to the author, Girl Friday Productions and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novel.

Dear Eliza was a fast paced enjoyable read. I loved the realistic dilemmas with love interests, experiencing grief and finding other possibilities. I was compelled to keep the enjoyment going til the end!

Thank you to Net Galley and Girl Friday for the opportunity to read Dear Eliza by Andrea J. Stein, a lovely, respectfully written story. It touched my heart.

"Dear Eliza" is a heartrending journey through loss, family, and life's surprises. 💌💔 Eliza's world is upended when she receives a mysterious letter from her late mother, revealing secrets that challenge everything she knows. 🕵️‍♀️ The story unfolds with gripping emotion and unexpected twists, as Eliza navigates relationships and self-discovery. 💔👩‍👦‍👦 The characters are rich and relatable, their struggles adding depth to the narrative. 💪📖 And amidst it all, a slow-burn romance ignites between Eliza and her high school crush, Josh, adding layers of tension and hope. 💕✨ "Dear Eliza" is a beautifully crafted tale of love, resilience, and second chances. 📚💖

This is a good book about family and grief and moving on after.
Eliza doesn't deal well with the news from this letter from her mother first. But with the support of her brother and her friends she finds her way again.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.

This was a lovely story. It was definitely an emotional read, as it follows the heroine in the days after her father’s death, as a letter from her deceased mother rocks her world. There are multiple themes involving challenges to conquer, hope, romance, and familial bonds.

This is a touching and beautifully written story about a woman's search for her biological father, which leads her on a journey to finding herself. It balances the heaviness of grief with the lightness of love, creating an uplifting tale without ignoring the deep emotions involved. The book's pace is just right, mixing humor with the serious themes of dealing with long-held family secrets and understanding what family truly means. It's an engaging and heartfelt read that really hits home.

I really enjoyed this book overall. The main character, Eliza, was well rounded, flawed, and likable. The love interest, Josh, was very sweet and I really enjoyed their friendship throughout the book. I really wish I had been able to see Josh’s POV, because it would have helped to build up their romantic relationship. I didn’t love some of the side characters throughout the story, but at least they got better right at the end.

A sweet read about grief, family, and love.

Eliza's mom passed away a decade ago and she is still having a hard time. Now, her father has also passed away, and despite their difficult relationship, Eliza feels lost. To complicate matters, Eliza receives a letter from her mother exposing a secret that will change Eliza’s future and cause her to question her past. This was an enjoyable read with some surprises, a delightful romance subplot between Eliza and her former crush, and a satisfying conclusion.

Thank you very much to Girl Friday Productions and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.

Ten years ago, Eliza’s mom passed away from cancer. Before she died, her mother wrote a letter, sealed it, and gave it to her sister—Eliza’s dear Aunt Claude—with instructions to deliver it to Eliza upon the death of her dad.

And now Eliza’s father has suddenly died.

When Eliza reads the mysterious letter, she—and the rest of her family—are blindsided by its contents. As Eliza leads the development team at a NYC non-profit, she must remain strong, putting one foot in front of the other to finalize plans for the upcoming educational gala.

But how?

It’s hard for her to process her grief while stewing over her mother’s words. She stumbles through her days, not knowing who to trust and rethinking all her relationships.

Is her beloved mother the person she always thought her to be? What did her dad know of the letter’s contents? And why burden Eliza with this secret information?

No one understands her, can even imagine what she’s going through. Except perhaps her brother’s best friend, Josh ...

A delightful read with characters readers will root for!

So good!! Eliza's parents are both dead and her mother, 10 years ago, left her a letter that wasn't to be given to her until her dad dies. In it she finds a shocking secret.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!

Eliza’s world is shattered when she’s handed a letter from her long-deceased mother soon after her father’s death. She struggles to come to terms with grief, disappointment, and anger over her mother’s devastating secret, all while juggling deadlines at work, a romantic interest or two, and sticky family relationships. Along the way, Eliza discovers unexpected truths about love, family, and forgiveness. Author Andrea Stein has written a heartbreaking, heart-mending story in DEAR ELIZA, and I could have happily spent another two hundred pages with Eliza, her friend Mo, brother Scott, and romantic interest Josh. I hope Stein is at work on another novel, because I’m looking forward to reading more from her!

Thank you to NetGalley for making this book available in exchange for an honest opinion.

Great summer read! A interesting story following a young women, Eliza, as she navigates loss and the discovery of a family secret that turns her world upside down! Unique story with good character development. The story line was not too predictable but also not too confusing or convoluted. I really enjoyed the main character, Eliza and found the “will they won’t they” aspect of the book to be done very well.

Thank you to Andrea J. Stein for arranging for me to receive a copy of the book in exchange for a review.

Eliza’s father has just passed away. As she begins this new chapter in her life, she faces it without either of her parents, both of whom have now passed away. Fortunately, she has a close relationship with her brother, Scott, who supports her as she moves forward. Eliza is also close with her aunt, who gives her a letter from her mother, Laura. The letter, meant for Eliza to read after her father's passing, reveals a shocking secret: her father is not her biological father. Instead, her mother had an affair and reconnected with her first love at a high school reunion.

The book is fast-paced and hooks you quickly from the start. I really enjoyed it and found it hard to put down. Books with Jewish representation always appeal to me, and Eliza’s character was particularly endearing. She is emotional, caring, and sometimes a bit of a mess, which makes her easy to connect with because we all feel like that at times.

I highly recommend this book. It’s a quick read with a sweet romance, but it also delves into themes of friendship, relationships, and coping with grief.

Eliza is such a fascinating character that I believe there’s potential for another book exploring her life’s direction. Even though the story ties together well, her intriguing emotional depth suggests that continuing her journey in another book would be compelling and interesting.

In her acknowledgments, the author mentions that there’s “universality in grief” and this book proves exactly that. I loved the way “past” and “present” grief was intertwined in this novel. The book touches on the constant guilt the often accompanies grief which was very healing. The way it dwells on the fact that losing someone often brings to surface previous losses so Eliza in this case was mourning different people simultaneously. On top of that, she has to navigate tricky family dynamics while also grieving the possibility of new relationships. This book is for those people who grieve silently, have constant internal conversations, and are terrified of the constant fragility of relationships.

I lost my Mom 2 years ago before I turned 30 and let me tell you, that was one of my biggest fears. Reading this book really touched my heart and I felt as though I was Eliza and that my Mom wrote to me. I know everyone handles grief differently and if I would have tried to read this book even a year ago, I might not have been able to do it, but now it felt like the closure I needed. I would definitely recommend this book to my patrons.

I really enjoyed this book! Once I started it I literally could not put it down. The plot was really interesting, with grief, secrets, and family trauma at the forefront. I think this plot could have really been mishandled by someone else, but Stein did a fantastic job at executing this. The characters within this all felt well written and incredibly real, with motivations that made sense. I really enjoyed the romance within, it was one that I saw coming early on but was really happy with how it turned out. Overall, I was so impressed with this book, it was such an enjoyable read

Thank you to NetGalley and Girl Friday Productions for allowing me to read an ARC of Dear Eliza by Andrea J. Stein, in exchange for my honest review.

I really liked this book! I liked the "ah-ha!" moments Eliza had as she dealt with her grief. The characters were well-written, with realistic thoughts, reactions, and behavior. I felt the ending was a little abrupt; however, it all tied together neatly.

I look forward to reading more by Ms.Stein.

I really enjoyed Dear Eliza. It was very well researched and well written and I loved the way Ms. Stein explored the theme of family relationships and how they shift and get redefined, especially after significant life events. Dear Eliza hooked me from the beginning and kept me interested to the very end. The love story plot line was also well done and enjoyable. This was an excellent second novel. Readers who were awaiting Ms. Stein’s sophomore novel will not be disappointed!

Andrea Stein really puts a voice to her characters and draws the reader into this evocative tale of heartache, grief, family dynamics and complex feelings.

When Eliza’s father dies unexpectedly, she is left without a parent in her life. But when her aunt hands her a letter, written by her deceased mother long ago, Eliza must come to terms with a whole new sense of who she is. Her once peaceful and orderly life takes the new shape of confusion, emotional trauma and so much heartache.

Eliza is a wonderful character, written with such eloquence and understanding of the grief process. This book will take you on the journey of grief with Eliza and have you turning page after page in the hopes of a happy ending.

Thank you, NetGalley and Girl Friday Products for the eARC of this 5-star read.

hank you to NetGalley and Flashpoint for the arc.

This was a story about grief, what constitutes a family, and how to move forward when faced with life's complexities when one is in their 20s. The main character is Eliza Levinger, a young woman living in New York City, whose father has just died. Immediately after the burial and shiva, Eliza is given a letter from her mother (via her mother's sister), who had died ten years ago from cancer. The contents of the letter create major upheavals in Eliza's life.

Eliza is still processing her mother's death, and while trying to absorb the impact of her father's death, she's faced with antagonism from both her brother and her stepmother. Eliza's job as the program director of a nonprofit creates a diversion from her relationship issues, specifically since the nonprofit's largest fundraising event is taking place in a few weeks. Eliza juggles all of these matters, amongst the ramifications of her mother's letter, with anger and sadness, but she's resolved to try to work things out herself, and not be a burden to her brother, her best friend Mo, and Josh, her brother's best friend, who also happens to be Eliza's high school crush.

Eliza has lost the ability to trust anything while working through her grief over the years, holding back on showing her true self to anyone to avoid getting hurt if that person(s) disappears from her life. But she slowly realizes that she can't handle everything on her own, and that she needs to open herself up to others, namely her brother and her friends.

I thought this was an interesting story of someone handling their grief over the death of loved ones, but I felt it dragged in certain areas, primarily in the descriptions of Eliza's work environment, and the big fundraiser. The author could have minimized those sections because I thought they took away from the story.

I did like how the author, Andrea Stein, dealt with Eliza's relationship with her brother, Mo, and Josh, because the dialogue was honest and heartfelt. I could totally see how each character interacted with Eliza. Overall, it was an interesting book, albeit sad. But the ending was hopeful.

thank you for sharing this book. I liked it. I liked Eliza and Josh very much. I thought it was a little slow and repetitive.

Dear Eliza is a lovely book a book about family grief healing.Wonderful writing an author I will be following.and recommending.#netgalley #girlfriday.

First of all, thank you to Andrea for the ebook! I’m happy I took the chance to read this one because I really enjoyed it!

This book follows Eliza, who 10 years after the loss of her mom is now grieving the loss of her dad. When she receives a letter that was written by her mom with the intent to be given to her after her father‘s passing, her world is turned upside down. Personally, I have had the fortune of not losing a parent, but I felt that Eliza‘s journey of grief was very relatable. And although this book is mainly centred around grief, I found it to be hopeful and romantic as well. Make sure to add it to your fall TBR!

Pick this one up if you enjoy:
-family drama
-brother’s best friend as a love interest
-heartwarming stories
-sibling relationships

Dear Eliza by Andrea J. Stein is a emotionally engaging novel that looks at grief and it's effect on family members of different ages, the damage secrets can do, the importance of family and friendship, and the overcoming of life's challenges through the help and support of those connections. Beneath it all is a romance that is biding its time to flourish.
Stein has crafted a well-written, compelling novel, using flashbacks to gradually explain the events of the past and their effects in the present. It's a tale of family, love, and forgiveness that is sure to resonate with readers.
I'm glad to have received an ARC of #DearEliza from #NetGalley.

This was a slow burn for me. I immediately felt a connection to Eliza as we both lost our moms young and our dads remarried quickly. It took me longer to warn up to her as a person, which makes sense with all the walls she had built up around her. I was so angry with her mom for dropping this bombshell in her lap when she had just lost her father. A new identity followed by her stepmother contesting her inheritance and her brother's wife asking her not to burden him with her issues would be hard for anyone. I grew to feel for the burden of it all on Eliza's shoulders and cried through the last quarter of this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Andrea J Stein for the ARC of Dear Eliza.

Dear Eliza is a gorgeous novel that delves into the complexities of grief and what truly makes a family. I found the character of Eliza to be so real and believable, as she navigates the death of her father and the ripple effects of the letter from her long-deceased mother. There is so much loss and yet so much love and hope within this story, and I found myself completely immersed in Eliza's journey. It's fascinating because of course I wanted to know what would happen, but also found myself wondering what I might do if confronted by similar circumstances. Questions about how much we should venerate people after they're gone, and how to hold both love and anger towards a person (especially after they're gone) make this a powerful and moving novel.

"Dear Eliza" by Andrea J. Stein chronicles the life of Eliza Levinger, who grapples with the lingering impact of her mother's death a decade prior. As she navigates the challenges of adulthood, maintaining a stable job and a casual relationship, her sense of stability is abruptly disrupted by the unexpected loss of her father. During the shiva, her aunt presents her with a letter from her mother, which is intended to be opened only after her father's demise. The revelations contained within this letter serve to upheave Eliza's life, straining her connections with her brother, stepmother, and her best friend, Mo.

The narrative delves into significant themes such as grief, family dynamics, and the journey of personal growth as Eliza confronts the startling truths unveiled in the correspondence. In the midst of her turmoil, she discovers unexpected solace in her brother's best friend, Josh, who rekindles feelings she believed had long been suppressed. Eliza's path is characterized by a rich tapestry of emotions, encompassing anger and confusion, alongside moments of tenderness and levity, as she endeavors to rebuild her capacity to trust and confront her sorrow.

Stein's narrative is both engaging and relatable, immersing readers in Eliza's emotional odyssey and the complexities of her interpersonal relationships. The text not only illuminates the challenges inherent in coping with loss but also celebrates the vibrancy of life and the bonds we cultivate. With its intricate character development and heartfelt storytelling, "Dear Eliza" offers a profound exploration of navigating grief and underscores the critical importance of rediscovering joy and connection in the aftermath of tragedy.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy in exchange for my honest review.

This book was an emotional examination of grief, personal identity, family dynamics and friendship. Eliza was dealt a really sad and difficult hand in life, and the people around her didn't always offer the best support. I felt so sad for her and wanted to give her a hug! I was absolutely disgusted by the actions of her step-mother, and felt so angry with her throughout the book. I always feel that when a book evokes such strong emotions about a character, it means it's written very well, and this book is no exception! The only thing I wished had been different was the ending. The relationship between Josh and Eliza was the very definition of slow burn (it also wasn't meant to be the focal point of the story, so I was ok with the slowness of it) but then I felt like the ending was rushed. I would have liked to see a few more chapters to really flesh out what happened between the characters! But all in all, I thought it was a wonderful book with a main character I cared about so much.

Dear Eliza is the journey of Eliza, who immediately after her fathers death, receives a letter from her late mother confessing that her biological father is not in fact who she believed him to be all her life.

Her usually stable life flips into turmoil as she comes to terms with the bombshell and tries to reconcile her identity with the news.

Stein’s writing is lovely. It’s full of heart with a sprinkle of subtle humour. It’s a very enjoyable book.

I initially was concerned this would be a formulaic romance, but I was happily surprised. This explores grief, family dynamics, and opening your heart.
Grief can also be complicated and different for each person, which we see with Eliza's brother.

A secret is discovered after the death of their father, with whom Eliza had a complicated relationship. Her mother passed when she was young, so she held a sort of idolized memory of her mom.

As Eliza tries to get her life in order, maneuver through discoveries and grief, and navigate changing relationships, she will come to terms with everything as she knew it, and what might be reality.

What a really nice book. I loved it.
Thank you to Gal Friday Productions and NetGalley for a digital ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and Girl Friday Productions for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

In Dear Eliza by Andrea J. Stein, readers are drawn into the tumultuous life of Eliza Levinger, whose world is upended by the death of her father and a letter from her long-deceased mother. The letter reveals a shocking family secret, unraveling Eliza's carefully constructed life and forcing her to confront her family's hidden past and her own unresolved grief. Stein’s portrayal of Eliza’s emotional journey is both raw and heartfelt, capturing the complexities of grief, betrayal, and self-discovery with sensitivity and depth.

The novel deftly balances the heavy themes of loss and family secrets with a glimmer of romance, as Eliza finds solace in her brother’s best friend, Josh. Their budding relationship provides a hopeful counterpoint to Eliza’s tumultuous internal struggles and family conflicts. Stein's writing is engaging and relatable, making Eliza’s journey through grief and personal upheaval both compelling and authentic.

While some readers may find the combination of family drama and romance a bit formulaic, Dear Eliza stands out for its emotional resonance and character-driven narrative. The novel offers a poignant exploration of how family secrets can reshape our understanding of ourselves and those we love, making it a touching and worthwhile read for fans of contemporary fiction that delves into the heart of human experience.

Received ARC through NetGalley

I loved this, I was gripped from the start and read it in one sitting.
Eliza’s character was immediately compelling and felt so relatable you can’t help but root for her from the get go.

I just wish there was more!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the EPUB in exchange of an honest review.
Dear Eliza by Andrea J. Stein is novel that explores grief, family ties and personal growth. Ten years after her mother’s death, Eliza Levinger’s world is turned upside down by a letter from her dead mother, that was revealed by her aunt after her father’s sudden passing.

Stein’s writing is heartfelt and engaging, drawing readers into Eliza’s emotional journey. The author is so good at balancing heavy themes like loss and forgiveness with moments of hope and love. The characters are relatable and likable making it easy to root for them and to sympathize with their struggles.

I highlight recommend this if you’re looking for a heartwarming and compelling story that doesn’t shy away from conflict and grief.

Eliza's mom died of cancer when she was 16 and and now 10 years later her dad has died suddenly. After Eliza's dad's funeral, her aunt Claude gives her a letter that her mother wrote before she died but didn't want Eliza to read until after her father's death. The shocking details of the letter turn Eliza's life upside down and make her question everything she thought she knew about her family and herself.

While Eliza is trying to navigate her grief and process the shocking information revealed in her mother's letter, she is also managing a busy workload at her non-profit job and turmoil in her personal relationships. Her brother is grieving and angry with Eliza's choices, her stepmother wants to disinherit her and her best friend doesn't understand what she's going through - it seems the only person she can depend on is her brother's best friend, Josh, who she had a crush on in high school.

Dear Eliza is a well-written story of a young woman coping with grief whose experience will especially resonate with anyone who has lost a parent. The book explores grief, identity and a range of personal relationships (parent/child, sibling, friendship and romantic) and although it's primarily about Eliza learning to cope with her grief, there is also a sweet, slow-burn romance side plot that is a nice addition. The subject matter may seem heavy but it's a feel-good story that will tug at your heartstrings and have you rooting for Eliza to get her happy ending!

Thank you to NetGalley, Girl Friday Productions and Andrea J. Stein for sending a digital ARC of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

I have been dying to read Dear Eliza since I downloaded it. I absolutely loved Typecast so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read and provide feedback.
Dear Eliza did not disappoint, the story was so well told. I felt the emotions that Eliza felt, found myself angry with Scott and Maren for what seemed like a lack of support. And empathized with Eliza around her feelings for her dad and stepmother. The storyline was so believable - the intricacy of familial relationships, the belief that our parents had never been young or made bad decisions and the real life struggles of managing relationships while wanting to protect oneself from devastating hurts.
Andrea has once again written a story from the heart, with characters that are not perfect but are relatable.

Really enjoyed this heartfelt novel about loss, family, and love. The author did a fantastic job of writing the complex character, Eliza (LOVED the nickname E). She guarded her heart in a believable way. I appreciated the lack of cliches that often are used to describe the grieving/healing process. Eliza came off as genuine; her arc was a vulnerable example of grief. I was hooked from the beginning.

An emotional journey . Eliza just lost her father an her aunt gives her a letter fror her dead mother who died 10 years ago that tells her that the man who always called father is not her biological one . No one can understand her exept from Josh her brother's best friend and her first crush .
I received this book from netgalley , the author and the publicer as an ARC . Thank you . All thoughts and opinions are my own .

When Eliza is given a letter from her late mother, to be opened after her father’s death, her life is thrown into turmoil. She finds out that in fact, she was fathered by another man. As she works through her emotions and subsequent events, she gradually learns more about her parent’s marriage and about why a teenage friend appeared to dump her. The process of dealing with all of this leads her to a better place in her relationships. This book was beautifully written and I enjoyed my journey with these characters. Initially I thought it was a mean thing for her mother to do, but ultimately it lead to healing for Eliza and a chance for new beginnings. Thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book to read and review.

Eliza’s struggle to reconcile her past and present, amidst family conflicts and personal disappointments, is depicted with raw honesty and sensitivity. The writing captures her vulnerability and resilience, making her journey toward healing and trust compelling. Her evolving relationship with Josh, her high school crush, adds a layer of hope and romance to the narrative. This novel beautifully blends the complexities of family and self-discovery, offering a heartfelt and engaging read for anyone navigating their own path through loss and change.

A bitter-sweet tale showing how love and loss affects us all differently; and how to cope without the people you used to rely on to guide you through difficult times.

Eliza is doing the best she can after receiving a life changing letter after her Fathers funeral from her 10 years long deceased Mother (no she hasn’t returned from the dead).

In the letter, she learns news about her life she didn’t expect, and she has to navigate through what to do next without hurting herself or others around her.

A beautifully written, easy to follow novel. A necessary book about life, loss and reminded me to make the most of every moment.

I would add this to you TBR when it’s released!

I adored this moving story of grief, siblings, friendship, and love. Eliza has so many reasons to be afraid of love and losing even more people in her life, but I admired the way she persevered in finding answers and a measure of acceptance for herself. Josh is an amazing source of comfort and stability for her and I enjoyed watching their relationship bloom. Andrea does a great job of handling grief and all the confusing emotions that came with a difficult revelation with sensitivity and I liked that she wasn't afraid to explore them and work through them. A truly beautiful novel that will leave you smiling.

This was a beautifully layered family drama that draws you right into the complexities of grief. After the passing of her father, Eliza receives a letter from her late mother holding a major bombshell, shaking the very foundation of her identity.

With her inheritance at risk and her relationship with her brother placed in the middle, I was so eager to see how everything would unfold. I loved seeing her navigate such a complex situation, with her already conflicted feelings of grief further tested. It’s an incredibly unfair position she’s placed in, and with no one to turn to for clear answers, I could truly feel Eliza’s isolation.

But it’s not all heavy—there’s a sweet, slow-burn romance with her brother’s best friend that I adored. He’s her comfort, always there to provide hope in the midst of all the chaos. It was such a heartwarming contrast to the rest of the drama, and it felt super natural and genuine.

This was an engaging story filled with wonderfully crafted characters who feel like real people. I’ve had this author’s first book, Typecast, on my TBR since its release, and I’m so glad I finally gave her writing a try. I'm definitely a fan!