More Than Pen Pals Review

More Than Pen Pals by Dana Wilkerson

I gave More Than Pen Pals by Dana Wilkerson 4 stars, and this book was such a delight from beginning to end.

I love a story told through letters—BE STILL MY HEART—and this one absolutely delivered. There’s just something so personal and intimate about that format, and it made Ash and Leslie’s connection feel even more special. Their history as childhood pen pals who reconnect as adults is incredibly endearing, and I was invested in them from the start.

The wit and banter in this book were spot on. I laughed out loud more than once, and the dialogue felt natural, playful, and full of personality.

“It’s funny how the right words, at the right time, can change everything.”

One of my biggest qualms was Leslie’s indecisiveness when it came to dating Ash. At times, it felt a bit drawn out and frustrating, but I do appreciate that the story addresses it in a way that keeps her from becoming unlikeable. You understand her hesitation, even if you don’t always agree with it.

Ash, on the other hand, was easy to love. His character felt steady, genuine, and completely worth rooting for.

“Some people come into your life quietly… and then suddenly, they’re everything.”

And can we all just agree to hate Ash’s dad? Because wow. That whole situation added a layer of tension that definitely kept things interesting. Wendy was such a fun surprise throughout the story, and Randall was wonderful too—I really enjoyed the side characters and how they added depth to the world.

My only other issue was the lack of closure with the situation involving Ash’s dad. It felt like such a big moment toward the end of the book, and then… nothing. It was never really addressed again, which left me wanting more resolution there.

“Not every story wraps up neatly, but that doesn’t make it any less meaningful.”

Overall, this was a charming, heartfelt read with lovable characters, great humor, and a romance that felt both nostalgic and fresh. And the fact that it was completely clean—no spice—was a huge plus for me.