ALA Booklist (Thu Jun 01 00:00:00 CDT 2017)

Cautious, predictable Lottie has always had a plan for her life, but it gets thrown to the wind when her beloved and wild Aunt Helen passes away and leaves her 24 letters containing instructions that lead to secrets, love, and self-discovery. Aunt Helen isn't just the source of entertaining summers and happy memories; she's also the best-selling author of the most popular children's books of all time, the Alvin Hatter series. Spurred on by tasks as harmless as "don't be afraid to let yourself cry" and as reckless as "do something you're not supposed to do," Lottie discovers her aunt's extraordinary secret past that inspired her books, and she rushes headfirst into a love that comes with major strings attached. Scattered with insightful excerpts from the Alvin Hatter series, Leno's (The Lost & Found, 2016) latest novel borrows some narrative inspiration from Rainbow Rowell's Fangirl (2013) and a little magic from Natalie Babbitt's Tuck Everlasting (1975) to create a truly captivating tale about grief and the affirming power of self-examination.

Horn Book (Wed Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2018)

When high-school senior Lottie's aunt Helen dies, the world-famous children's book author leaves her anxiety-prone niece twenty-four letters to ease Lottie into the grieving process, push her beyond her comfort zone, and help her uncover her aunt's biggest secret. Lottie's perceptive narration acknowledges each character's unique way of mourning. Excerpts from Aunt Helen's novels introduce just enough fantasy to make a late-in-the-game surprise believable.

Kirkus Reviews

When Lottie's favorite aunt dies, she leaves behind a wave of grief—and a mysterious series of letters.High school senior Lottie Reaves isn't the only one mourning her beloved aunt Helen after she succumbs to cancer—Helen is the record-selling author of the Alvin Hatter series, which follows the adventures of two immortal siblings and has achieved J.K. Rowling-level fame. But it turns out that Aunt Helen had a surprise in store for Lottie—24 letters with a sequence of challenges to help her get through her grief and fight her anxious tendencies…as well as a secret she's never revealed. As Lottie completes the missions with her best friend, Em, younger brother, Abe, and mysterious not-quite-boyfriend Sam, she learns more about her aunt, herself, and the natures of life, death, and time than she ever expected. Excerpts from Alvin Hatter books give readers a taste of the books that captured the world, and diversity is seamlessly integrated throughout the book— mixed-race Lottie has a Peruvian mom and a white dad, and her white best friend is a lesbian with an unaccepting mother. Lottie's anxieties are discussed in a gentle yet candid manner, and her close-knit relationship with her family members is refreshing and realistic. A charming and sophisticated take on handling grief with a mystical twist ending that is sure to engage teens nostalgic for the magic of reading Harry Potter or Tuck Everlasting for the first time. (Fiction. 13-18)

School Library Journal (Thu Jun 01 00:00:00 CDT 2017)

Gr 7 Up-elen Reaves was the world-renowned author of the books about the immortal Hatter children. After the eccentric writer dies from cancer, her niece Lottie is saddened. However, before Helen passed, she created a scavenger hunt as a way to say goodbye to Lottie. As each envelope is opened, a secret about Helen's life is revealed and a task is put before the protagonist. The game slowly pulls Lottie out of her overly cautious lifestyle and challenges her to live a little. When the hunt leads Lottie to the mysterious Sam, her life is turned upside down, and she throws caution to the wind. Told from Lottie's point of view and through a series of letters written to Lottie from her aunt, this is a compelling novel and a wonderful story about loss, anxiety, love, and the importance of a life well lived. VERDICT The perfect beach read for any teen. Recommend to fans of Maureen Johnson's 13 Blue Envelopes, Natalie Babbitt's Tuck Everlasting, or Laura Ruby's Bone Gap.Ellen Fitzgerald, Naperville Public Library, IL

Voice of Youth Advocates (Thu Apr 28 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

Lottie’s Aunt Helen has always been somewhat of a mystery. Aunt Helen is also an internationally famous author of a popular children’s fantasy series. Never married or with children of her own, she is close to her niece and nephew. When she finds out she has terminal cancer, Aunt Helen uses the short time she has left to put her affairs in order. Her special connection to Lottie means this process includes preparing a series of letters for her niece to read after her death to help her work through her loss. The letters give Aunt Helen a voice from the grave, but also include instructions for Lottie to follow, culminating in a revelation of a magical secret that brings new meaning to Aunt Helen’s life, death, and works.
Anyone who has lost someone will be able to relate to this novel. Lottie’s experience with grief is a meandering journey. As each letter brings new attention to her emptiness, and as she completes each mission, she discovers that following the instructions brings levity and healing to the void. Lottie’s internal battle with anxiety is mentioned, highlighting an important issue. Leno’s writing is flawless. The way the novel is put together—filled with its own narrative, excerpts from Aunt Helen’s book series, and the letters left behind—creates a beautifully interwoven story filled with much depth. Readers of all ages will find themselves swept away, right along with Lottie, until the very last page.—Cyndi Fenske.