Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan
Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan is a witty, heartfelt contemporary romance about love, family, independence, vulnerability, and second chances. This charming summer romance follows Dolly Brick, a hardworking single mother who returns to her seaside hometown and unexpectedly enters a fake-dating arrangement with wealthy businessman Stewart Whitfield—only to discover that pretending may lead to something real. The novel became an instant New York Times bestseller and a Good Morning America Book Club Pick.
About This Book
Dolly Brick is the person everyone can depend on. At thirty-nine, she returns with her son to Whitfield, Rhode Island, hoping to help her father and brother save the family home. Dolly has spent much of her life taking care of other people, solving problems, and relying on herself.
Her summer takes an unexpected turn when she encounters Stewart Whitfield, a wealthy and attractive member of the local Whitfield family who has just experienced a very public breakup.
Dolly's natural instinct is to help, but Stewart has another idea: an arrangement that involves them appearing together publicly. What begins as a practical and pretend relationship gradually becomes much more complicated as dinners, high-society events, boat rides, and time together create genuine chemistry between them.
Dolly is accustomed to being independent and being the person others rely on. As her relationship with Stewart develops, she must consider whether she can allow someone else into her life—and whether accepting help means giving up the independence she has worked so hard to build.
The novel balances romantic chemistry and humor with family responsibilities and emotional vulnerability, making it more than a simple fake-dating romance.
Key Themes
- Contemporary romance
- Romantic comedy
- Fake dating
- Summer romance
- Family relationships
- Single motherhood
- Independence
- Vulnerability
- Love and relationships
- Second chances
- Small-town romance
- Emotional growth
- Family responsibility
Why Read This Book?
Dolly All the Time is a warm and entertaining choice for readers who enjoy fake-dating romances, summer love stories, witty banter, strong female characters, and emotionally satisfying contemporary fiction.
Its combination of romance, family dynamics, humor, and personal growth makes it an appealing beach read and book-club pick.
Who Should Read This?
Ideal for romance readers, contemporary fiction fans, summer-read lovers, women's fiction readers, fans of fake-dating stories, and readers who enjoy humorous and heartfelt relationship novels.
Product Details
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Title: Dolly All the Time
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Author: Annabel Monaghan
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Language: English
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Genre: Contemporary Romance / Romantic Comedy
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Themes: Fake Dating, Family, Love & Personal Growth
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Publication Date: May 26, 2026
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Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons
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Pages: 400
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ISBN: 9780593853979
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Format: [Edition dependent]
