Our Take

Walters has crafted a soulful meditation on connection in the digital age through the timeless medium of handwritten letters. The novel's dual timeline structure—weaving between Violet's contemporary journey and the historical romance revealed in the letters—creates a rich tapestry that explores how love manifests across different eras. The prose itself is a standout element; Walters writes with a lyrical quality that feels both modern and timeless, perfectly capturing the emotional intimacy that handwritten correspondence can convey. What elevates Dearest beyond similar romantic literary fiction is its thoughtful exploration of how we process grief and move forward after heartbreak. Violet's evolution from observer to participant in her own life makes for a compelling character arc that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt stuck in patterns of the past. This is a novel that celebrates the beauty of vulnerability and the courage it takes to embrace love after loss.