Dear Father

Review - Explore Authors Magazine

A woman goes on a sentimental journey during the 1950s and 1960s as she struggles with grief, love, and ultimately, self-discovery in the somber but hopeful novel, Dear Father, by Author Dee Miller.

The story begins on a sad note as Betty "Betz" Doyle, an employee of Becker Insurance holds the hand of her deceased mother, Anneliese Doyle, who has just passed away after a long battle with cancer. Grief gives way to determination as Betz begins a journey to find her long-lost father, after discovering a single yellow rose on her mother's grave.

Anneliese's death strikes the right emotional chords and also hits close to home as Betz struggles with the grief of losing her mother, something we all will experience at some point in our lives, making the character's sadness relatable.

Eventually, she is distracted from trying to find her father and directs her attention to Kenneth when he is drafted into the Korean War. Unable to wait, she weds Kenneth days before he ships out for training. Her life further changes when she decides to become a nurse and discovers she's pregnant.

Betz's inner strength allows her to rise above each situation, not unlike her mother, who always faced challenges head-on. Dear Father isn't only about Betz's struggles, there is also warmth, love, and a general feeling of hope that energizes the story, ultimately rewarding Betz for all that she endures during the most trying times. While the story mostly focuses on Betz and her evolution from a grieving daughter to a resilient mother, you also see growth in supporting characters. Betz's long and winding road to discover her father's identity does take a backseat to the hustle and bustle of life, and it often takes a life-altering event to reignite Betz's search.

The characterizations of the heroine and supporting characters are handled well, as is the structure of the story and the relationship dynamics between the characters. While it would enhance the reading as a sequel to Anneliese, Dear Father also works as a standalone novel.

Dear Father is a short but very worthwhile read that left me yearning for more after a big reveal concludes the story. An enjoyable read and a high recommend for me. âââââ- Elijah B. (Explore Authors Magazine)

A fascinating story of resilience and inner strength, Dear Father is a moving slice-of-life novel that strikes a chord in your heart. Author Dee Miller tells an absorbing tale that is emotionally resonant and filled with romance, intrigue, and drama. With grounded and relatable characters, Miller's narrative draws you in from the first page and refuses to let go until the end. âââââ- Pikasho Deka (Reader's Favorite)

Dee Miller's remarkable writing helped me identify with the characters and share in their joy, laughter, and sadness. I was inspired by Betty who, despite first feeling inadequate and anxious, learns that she is braver that she initially thought. Interesting historical detail is brilliantly infused into the plot, making the story realistic...Dear Father is a powerful historical novel with splendid characters and useful lessons. Highly recommended to all readers. âââââ- Edith Wairimu (Readers' Favorite)