Publication Date: October 8, 2024
Ten years after her mother’s death, Eliza Levinger never imagined she’d hear from her again. But then The Letter arrived.
Eliza’s world broke apart when she was sixteen and her mom died of cancer. Now, years later, she has rebuilt her life to include a director-of-development job at a nonprofit, a Manhattan apartment, and an easy-on-the-eyes bedroom buddy—just the kind of no-strings relationship she wants, even if it’s less than her best friend, Mo, thinks she deserves. But when Eliza’s dad dies unexpectedly, her beloved aunt Claude arrives at the shiva with a letter from her mom—to be opened only after her father’s death. Inside the letter? A bombshell.
Suddenly, all of Eliza’s relationships are upended. Her brother is angry, her stepmother is threatening to disinherit her, and Mo—who has always been her rock—doesn’t seem to understand what she’s going through. But as Eliza struggles to cope with the shocking news, she finds an unexpected ally—her brother’s best friend, Josh—her high school crush, whom she’s tried hard to forget. It’s not in Eliza’s nature to trust . . . but maybe it’s time for that to change.
Perfect for fans of Emily Giffin, Katherine Center, and Jennifer Weiner, Dear Eliza explores the meaning of family, the complexities of grief, and the beauty in finding your way again.
Andrea J. Stein’s Dear Eliza is a beautifully layered novel that balances loss, love, and self-discovery.
The protagonist, Eliza, is dealing with profound grief after losing her parents. Her world is turned upside down when she discovers a letter from her mother revealing a long-held family secret. This revelation sets her on a journey that causes her world to slowly crumble around her.
Through the chaos, Eliza is reunited with Josh, her high-school crush she spent years putting out of her mind. Readers will be captivated by the mystery, romance, and emotional healing. Dear Eliza offers readers a touching story about navigating life’s unexpected turns.
As shown by my rating, I was a fan of this of Dear Eliza. One of the book’s strengths is the emotional depth Stein brings to her characters. Eliza is relatable in her vulnerability, making her journey feel all the more personal to readers. The story isn’t just about loss but also about how the past informs the present—whether it’s through the people we love or the secrets we didn’t know were there. The themes of self-discovery are handled with care as Eliza uncovers the truth about her family while coming to terms with her grief.
The writing style is gentle and engaging, making it an easy read while still carrying significant emotional weight. The mix of romance, familial drama, and heartfelt moments creates a well-rounded narrative that will resonate with anyone who has experienced loss or family complexities. There’s a warmth in the way Stein writes about difficult emotions, which makes it a hopeful story even in the midst of heartache.
For fans of contemporary women’s fiction, Dear Eliza hits all the right notes—it’s the kind of book that stays with you after you’ve turned the last page. If you love stories that blend heartfelt emotion with mystery and personal growth, this one is definitely worth your time.
Andrea J. Stein is a lifetime lover of books. Born in Brooklyn, she was raised in New Jersey before attending a small, quirky liberal arts college and a large, preppy university, both in New York State. A book publicist by profession, she lives with her husband and sons in suburban New Jersey. Her debut novel, Typecast, was an International Book Award, National Indie Excellence Award, and Independent Press Award winner in the women’s fiction and chick-lit categories.
