If you are looking for a book that feels like a cozy blanket and a crisp glass of white wine by the ocean, Annabel Monaghan has delivered exactly that. Dolly All the Time hits all the right notes for a contemporary romance, but it brings a surprising amount of grounding emotional weight that lifts it far above your average beach read.

As a 39-year-old single mother and schoolteacher, she feels incredibly real from the very first page. She is the ultimate “caretaker” – the person who fixes everyone else’s lives while letting her own needs slide to the absolute bottom of the to-do list. Anyone who has ever felt the heavy mental load of motherhood, or the pressure of carrying a family’s burdens, will instantly see themselves in her.

The relationship between Ali and her teenage son, Gus, is the heart of the story. Their conversations feel warm, natural, and real.

The fake-dating arrangement with the wealthy Stewart Whitfield is pure, delightful wish-fulfillment. While the setup requires a tiny bit of classic romance-novel suspension of disbelief, the way their relationship evolves is what makes the book special.

Instead of jumping straight into a whirlwind, their connection grows through quiet, beautifully written moments, sunset boat rides, shared laughs, and genuine conversations. Stewart isn’t just a cardboard-cutout rich guy; he has his own family pressures and vulnerabilities that make him a wonderfully matched partner for Dolly.

Is it a comforting, feel-good romance where you can root for a happy ending? Absolutely. But it is also a beautifully written, emotionally mature story about identity. It gently reminds us that no matter how good you are at taking care of everyone else, it is okay to let someone else take care of you for a change. It’s the perfect weekend escape.