Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan is a charming, heartfelt contemporary romance that blends small-town life, family responsibilities, fake dating, personal growth, and undeniable chemistry into an utterly irresistible summer read. Filled with sharp humor, emotional depth, memorable characters, and a romance that feels both swoony and genuine, this Good Morning America Book Club pick delivers exactly the kind of story that keeps readers turning pages long after they intended to stop.

The story follows Dolly Brick, a hardworking single mother who has spent most of her life solving problems on her own. After returning to her Rhode Island hometown for the summer, she finds herself unexpectedly entangled with Stewart Whitfield, a wealthy and highly successful member of one of the area's most prominent families. What begins as a mutually beneficial arrangement gradually evolves into something far more complicated as both Dolly and Stewart confront old wounds, family expectations, and the possibility of building a future neither of them expected.

Overall, I absolutely devoured this book in a single day. I simply could not put it down. While the premise initially sounds like a familiar rich-guy-meets-small-town-girl romance, Annabel Monaghan elevates the trope through exceptional character development, emotional authenticity, and dialogue that feels effortlessly natural. From the very beginning, I found myself completely invested in both Dolly and Stewart. Their chemistry is undeniable, their individual journeys are compelling, and I spent the entire novel rooting for them to find their way to each other. This is one of those books that reminds you why certain romance tropes become classics in the first place.

A Heartfelt Romance with Unforgettable Characters

One of the novel's greatest strengths is its characters. Dolly is fiercely independent, resilient, and wonderfully relatable, while Stewart proves to be far more complex and vulnerable than his polished exterior initially suggests. Their relationship develops in a way that feels believable, allowing readers to become emotionally invested in both their romance and their individual growth.

Annabel Monaghan also excels at creating a strong sense of place. The Rhode Island coastal setting provides the perfect backdrop for the story, adding warmth, charm, and atmosphere without overshadowing the emotional heart of the novel. Themes of family, responsibility, trust, vulnerability, and learning to accept help from others are woven throughout the narrative, giving the romance meaningful emotional weight.

While the book embraces several familiar romance conventions, it never feels formulaic. Instead, Monaghan delivers a story that feels fresh, emotionally satisfying, and deeply human. The result is a romance that is equal parts funny, tender, and impossible to stop reading.

Readers who enjoy emotionally rich contemporary romance, strong character-driven storytelling, coastal settings, and romances with genuine heart will likely find themselves completely captivated by Dolly and Stewart's story.

Where to Purchase Dolly All the Time

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Themes: Family, Vulnerability, and Second Chances

At its core, Dolly All the Time explores:

• Single motherhood and family responsibilities

• Learning to trust and rely on others

• Personal growth and self-discovery

• Love across different worlds and backgrounds

• Family expectations and obligations

• Vulnerability and emotional healing

• Second chances at happiness

Who Should Read Dolly All the Time

This novel is best suited for readers who enjoy:

• Character-driven contemporary romance

• Coastal and small-town settings

• Fake dating and relationship-of-convenience tropes

• Emotionally layered love stories

• Strong female protagonists

• Romances with humor and heart

If you enjoy contemporary romances filled with emotional depth, memorable characters, sparkling chemistry, and stories that make you root wholeheartedly for the central couple, Dolly All the Time is an excellent addition to your summer reading list.

Final Thoughts

Dolly All the Time is everything I want in a contemporary romance: emotionally engaging, wonderfully written, and impossible to put down. Annabel Monaghan takes a familiar premise and transforms it into something that feels fresh, heartfelt, and completely captivating. Between the unforgettable characters, strong emotional core, and satisfying romance, this was easily a one-day read that left me smiling long after I finished the final page.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Advanced Reader Copy received via NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons.

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