Dolly All the Time - a single mother and a wealthy bachelor pretend to be dating in this sweet beach read.

Dolly Brick, a kindergarten teacher nearing 40, lives in Boston raising her teenage son Gus alone. They typically spend a few weeks each summer in Whitfield, R.I., visiting her father and brother, who struggles with mental illness. When her childhood home has a fire, she decides to spend extra time to help with the repairs and work alongside her father at the Brick Fish House. During a delivery to the Whitfield estate, she runs into Stewart Whitfield, who needs help changing a flat tire. The press has been trailing the dashing Stewart since it was discovered that his fiancée cheated on him with a member of the Yankees. A photo of Dolly and Stewart hits the paper, and the wealthy heir sees this as an opportunity to improve his public and professional image. Dolly, needing money to repair the family home, agrees to pose as his new girlfriend. The very likeable Dolly proves to be a great asset for Stewart as they start having feelings for one another, but there are obstacles that lie ahead.

Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan makes for a perfect beach read. The main characters are charming, and although their path to romance is predictable, the story addresses life's pressures and challenges with warmth and sincerity. Be sure to pack this delightful book with your sunscreen.

Rated 4.25 out of 5 starts.

Romance | Contemporary Fiction.

Publication Date: May 26, 2026.

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