Dear Dotty: A Novel BY Jaclyn Westlake

The Right Thing to Do by debut author Emma McCarthy is a delightful and relatable exploration of a young woman's journey to self-discovery and true happiness. Rosie Benson, a twenty-something struggling to navigate life’s complexities, finds herself at a crossroads when her parents announce their divorce after thirty years, her best friend betrays her, and she ends up in a regrettable romantic entanglement.

Feeling adrift and overwhelmed, Rosie turns to her late great-aunt Dotty for guidance. Dotty, a free-spirited, martini-loving adventurer, had always been Rosie’s beacon of authenticity, the one person who understood her true self. However, just as Rosie starts to seek solace in Dotty's advice, Dotty passes away, leaving Rosie grappling with her loss and her own unraveling life.

In the wake of Dotty's death, Rosie receives a series of revelatory emails from Dotty’s friends, revealing unexpected aspects of her great-aunt’s life. Through these emails, Rosie learns that Dotty’s life wasn’t as perfect as she once believed. Inspired by Dotty’s courage to live authentically, Rosie begins to reassess her own life choices and the expectations imposed upon her by family, friends, and society.

The Right Thing to Do is a heartwarming and humorous tale about breaking free from societal pressures and embracing one's true desires. Rosie’s journey to find herself amidst life’s chaos and rediscover her long-buried dreams offers a compelling narrative filled with humor, heartfelt moments, and personal growth.