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The Way You See Me
Sometimes love hides in all the messy places
Scarlett Ray’s life has never been steady. Every few months, there’s a new apartment, a new job, a new boyfriend…
The only constant is Daisy, her unruly shelter dog, and the man who raised Scarlett — Gramps. So when Gramps calls from the hospital, Scarlett abandons her messy life yet again, and heads to the coast to take care of him.
But being closer to Gramps means being closer to her past — a past that promised a version of herself that Scarlett lost somewhere along the way. And without the safety of distance between them, the messy truth keeps threatening to spill out.
Determined to show Gramps he can rely on her, Scarlett commits to rekindling her relationship with him as he recovers. And much to Scarlett’s resistance, the devilishly handsome guy next door is committed to reconnecting with her.
When an unexpected visitor suddenly appears on Gramps’s doorstep, Scarlett finds herself confronted by a truth that reopens wounds she thought had long turned to scars.
With the past and future vying for her attention, Scarlett is forced to make a choice: live with the mess she’s created, or place her trust in someone who has always let her down — herself.
Scarlett Ray’s life has never been steady. Every few months, there’s a new apartment, a new job, a new boyfriend…
The only constant is Daisy, her unruly shelter dog, and the man who raised Scarlett — Gramps. So when Gramps calls from the hospital, Scarlett abandons her messy life yet again, and heads to the coast to take care of him.
But being closer to Gramps means being closer to her past — a past that promised a version of herself that Scarlett lost somewhere along the way. And without the safety of distance between them, the messy truth keeps threatening to spill out.
Determined to show Gramps he can rely on her, Scarlett commits to rekindling her relationship with him as he recovers. And much to Scarlett’s resistance, the devilishly handsome guy next door is committed to reconnecting with her.
When an unexpected visitor suddenly appears on Gramps’s doorstep, Scarlett finds herself confronted by a truth that reopens wounds she thought had long turned to scars.
With the past and future vying for her attention, Scarlett is forced to make a choice: live with the mess she’s created, or place her trust in someone who has always let her down — herself.
- GenresRomance
195 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2023
20 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Bitner
6 books175 followersKatherine has been crafting stories since she learned to write. She has a passion for story-telling, all things romance, and loves a gritty character.
When she isn’t thinking up the next binge-worthy love story, she is probably taking pictures of her pitbull or rewatching The Office for the 400th time.
When she isn’t thinking up the next binge-worthy love story, she is probably taking pictures of her pitbull or rewatching The Office for the 400th time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
September 13, 2023
*POTENTIAL SPOILERS*
One, thank you so much to Katherine for giving me an eARC of this book <3
Two, I finished this book in one day and I could not put it down.
Scar & Rowan are incredible.
Gramps made my heart break in so so so many ways. I lost both of my grandpas within 3 months of each other and one of them was my "Gramps". This hit home in that sense.
Scarlett is incredibly relatable and that's sad because my heart hurt for her so so so many times throughout this.
My mom died 3 years ago due to addiction and while she physically died 3 years ago, she mentally/emotionally died 7 years prior to that - so the abandonment of a parent hits hard too.
"We all get scared and depressed and make bad choices when we're young. You can't run from it. You get yourself together, and you return. And you be the fucking mother you were supposed to be."
"Even if the world dealt me every bad card in the deck, I wouldn't leave Daisy. So how could this woman across from me leave her own child?"
"Or maybe her cold demeanor was reserved only for me."
Me literally SOBBING, tears streaming down my face, reading this whole entire ending.
ALSO.
THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THE BOOK.
Daisy. Are. You. Kidding. Me.
Katherine, thank YOU for being an incredible writer, who put so much thought, effort, detail, passion and LOVE into this book - but also thank you for being an advocate for pitties. I liked that you for the most part had Daisy portrayed as a vague breed because anyone, with any breed, can relate to the love Scarlett has for Daisy. But Daisy is SO perfect and was SUCH a huge part of this book. I love that the true love is Daisy. And Ray. And UGH Katherine, this was incredible.
I cannot give you enough praise for this. This book is just heartbreakingly beautiful.
10/10 <3
One, thank you so much to Katherine for giving me an eARC of this book <3
Two, I finished this book in one day and I could not put it down.
Scar & Rowan are incredible.
Gramps made my heart break in so so so many ways. I lost both of my grandpas within 3 months of each other and one of them was my "Gramps". This hit home in that sense.
Scarlett is incredibly relatable and that's sad because my heart hurt for her so so so many times throughout this.
My mom died 3 years ago due to addiction and while she physically died 3 years ago, she mentally/emotionally died 7 years prior to that - so the abandonment of a parent hits hard too.
"We all get scared and depressed and make bad choices when we're young. You can't run from it. You get yourself together, and you return. And you be the fucking mother you were supposed to be."
"Even if the world dealt me every bad card in the deck, I wouldn't leave Daisy. So how could this woman across from me leave her own child?"
"Or maybe her cold demeanor was reserved only for me."
Me literally SOBBING, tears streaming down my face, reading this whole entire ending.
ALSO.
THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THE BOOK.
Daisy. Are. You. Kidding. Me.
Katherine, thank YOU for being an incredible writer, who put so much thought, effort, detail, passion and LOVE into this book - but also thank you for being an advocate for pitties. I liked that you for the most part had Daisy portrayed as a vague breed because anyone, with any breed, can relate to the love Scarlett has for Daisy. But Daisy is SO perfect and was SUCH a huge part of this book. I love that the true love is Daisy. And Ray. And UGH Katherine, this was incredible.
I cannot give you enough praise for this. This book is just heartbreakingly beautiful.
10/10 <3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2024
I absolutely loved this book! It had me laughing out loud in some places. As a pitbull mama, when Scar is speaking about Daisy and says, "She is my whole heart and the bane of my existence," I totally related. This is a heartfelt story that makes you root for Scar to find what she is looking for in life.
February 10, 2023
ARC Book Review
The Way You See Me
A Novel Written By Katherine Bitner
Fiction
Puished 2023
172 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book will be available on February 14.
The main character and narrator, Scarlett, packs her life, her belongings, and her dog Daisy in her Volkswagen van and heads to the Outer Banks after getting word that her grandfather has had a heart attack. Once there she realizes she needs her grandfather as much or maybe more than he needs her. Once again she has put on hold her dream of traveling cross country to California to put her feet in the Pacific Ocean.
There is so much to love about this book.
- It is a quick read, only 172 pages.
- Scarlett’s dog, Daisy is a sweet minor character.
- Scarlett and her grandfather have a loving and caring relationship.
- The neighbor, Rowan, is generous, kind, and just what Scarlett needs in her life.
- The book’s message is so important: Never give up on your dream.
Despite being let down by so many people throughout her life, Scarlett finds the means to achieve her goal from two unlikely sources.
“Make a home in your own heart, and you’ll never feel lost.”
“ Home is where you accept every messy bit of yourself, exactly where you are.”
The Way You See Me
A Novel Written By Katherine Bitner
Fiction
Puished 2023
172 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book will be available on February 14.
The main character and narrator, Scarlett, packs her life, her belongings, and her dog Daisy in her Volkswagen van and heads to the Outer Banks after getting word that her grandfather has had a heart attack. Once there she realizes she needs her grandfather as much or maybe more than he needs her. Once again she has put on hold her dream of traveling cross country to California to put her feet in the Pacific Ocean.
There is so much to love about this book.
- It is a quick read, only 172 pages.
- Scarlett’s dog, Daisy is a sweet minor character.
- Scarlett and her grandfather have a loving and caring relationship.
- The neighbor, Rowan, is generous, kind, and just what Scarlett needs in her life.
- The book’s message is so important: Never give up on your dream.
Despite being let down by so many people throughout her life, Scarlett finds the means to achieve her goal from two unlikely sources.
“Make a home in your own heart, and you’ll never feel lost.”
“ Home is where you accept every messy bit of yourself, exactly where you are.”
March 29, 2023
I picked this one with the promise of the dog, and honestly it didn’t disappoint at all! Not only was Daisy the perfect character in the book! The rest of the book was really good as well! We have Scarlett who is a little all over the place, she has a dream of driving to California in VW with her dog Daisy. She never stays in one place long or one job long, than she gets calls from her grandfather who raised her saying he has a heart attack and she runs back home to the outer banks to help him. When she gets there it’s not what she expected and when she runs into the hot ex marine next door she definitely isn’t expecting him. I thought Scarlett had such great character development, i related with her so many ways not just the bond that her Daisy had but the way she felt like she was never enough, and how she was raised by her grandfather. We really see her come into her own her, and I absolutely loved the scenes with her grandfather they where so sweet! The romance was good too! A fade to black for the one 🌶️ scene. But I really thought her growth wouldn’t of gone as good with out the help Rowan, and the ending was so sweet I loved it so much!
June 16, 2023
“Find joy in your journey”
This book was SO amazing. The themes of letting yourself be loved when you feel your most unlovable and finding home in yourself truly hit me in the heart. This book made me nostalgic for warm summer nights filled with sand and summer love. But it also made me want to take a cross country road trip like crazy 😂
This is the PERFECT beach read. Quick, heartfelt, and I loved Scarlett’s story. If you like sweet rescue puppies,, OBX setting, “we can’t be together, I’m leaving soon” vibes, a hottie next door who brings your rescue puppy a WHOLE TREE LIMB because she wanted it and a wonderful journey of self discovery, this book is for you!
This book was SO amazing. The themes of letting yourself be loved when you feel your most unlovable and finding home in yourself truly hit me in the heart. This book made me nostalgic for warm summer nights filled with sand and summer love. But it also made me want to take a cross country road trip like crazy 😂
This is the PERFECT beach read. Quick, heartfelt, and I loved Scarlett’s story. If you like sweet rescue puppies,, OBX setting, “we can’t be together, I’m leaving soon” vibes, a hottie next door who brings your rescue puppy a WHOLE TREE LIMB because she wanted it and a wonderful journey of self discovery, this book is for you!
January 13, 2023
Beautifully written story of a young woman learning to love and trust herself, despite her past.
The character development for Scarlett is top tier writing and makes the book super relatable. I especially loved how the author explored the dynamic of the grandparent/grandchild relationship. And who doesn’t love a story with a rescue dog as a supporting character?!
Katherine writes like a seasoned author and I cannot wait to read everything she publishes!
Favorite quote: “Home is where you accept every messy bit of yourself, exactly where you are.”
The character development for Scarlett is top tier writing and makes the book super relatable. I especially loved how the author explored the dynamic of the grandparent/grandchild relationship. And who doesn’t love a story with a rescue dog as a supporting character?!
Katherine writes like a seasoned author and I cannot wait to read everything she publishes!
Favorite quote: “Home is where you accept every messy bit of yourself, exactly where you are.”
February 20, 2023
All I can say is wow. This book hooked me from the very beginning, and it kept me hooked all the way till the very end. The Way You See Me is about a young woman who is learning to love and trust herself, despite her past. Scarlet and Gramps stole my heart. I loved the relationship that they had. This story is the perfect example of showing that your past does not define your future. I highly recommend this book.
January 29, 2023
*provided an arc for a honest review*
This book was good, easy read as less than 200 pages. I liked the main characters and the story line in the book, some parts felt like it jumped from scene to scene and could of been described a bit more.
It’s quite predictable so I guessed what would happen towards the end, overall a good book but just as exciting as I usually like.
This book was good, easy read as less than 200 pages. I liked the main characters and the story line in the book, some parts felt like it jumped from scene to scene and could of been described a bit more.
It’s quite predictable so I guessed what would happen towards the end, overall a good book but just as exciting as I usually like.
February 18, 2023
I received an ARC of The Way You See Me and it was the perfect read for this week! I read it in a day and it gave me all the feels. If you love good doggos and gramps and grumps, read this book! Katherine has a way of writing that pulls emotions out of the pages and puts them right in your heart.
I look forward to reading this again and again!
I look forward to reading this again and again!
May 16, 2023
3 star listen
Not to bad, short and sweet. Adorable family. Coming of age story about a 24 year old finding her way in life.
Audio isn’t bad the female narrator does good with all voices.
Hea
Little to no steam but there is a romance and an adorable dog.
Not to bad, short and sweet. Adorable family. Coming of age story about a 24 year old finding her way in life.
Audio isn’t bad the female narrator does good with all voices.
Hea
Little to no steam but there is a romance and an adorable dog.
April 18, 2023
A quick, cute, heartfelt read.
July 2, 2025
This story is told by the main character Scarlett, who packs her belongings, and her dog daisy in her Volkswagen van and heads to the Outer Banks to take care of her grandpa after he suffers a mild heart attack, although once she gets there she questions weather she needs her grandpa more then he needs her. While staying here, Scarlett has put off her dream of driving to the Pacific Ocean to put her feet in and find her “sunset”.
Also I love me a girl and dog duo!!
In this book Scarlett meats Rowan who is the neighbour living with Lola who happens to be her grandpa’s special lady friend. I wish this book explored more development of Scarlett and Rowan’s relationship as I felt it was rushed and wrapped up very quickly of their happily ever after because the book was a novella.
I loved Scarlett and her grandpas relationship as you could tell how much throughout the book her grandpa cared for her and protected her when her mother walked out on her. Despite being let down by many friends, her mother, and past relationships I was so glad Scarlett had her grandpa, Lola and Rowan to come back to.
My favourite quote in this book was definitely: “Make a home in your own heart, and you’ll never feel lost”
I loved the ending and how the author went into the future and as promised had Scarlett return to grandpa’s at Christmas as promised!!! I love how much In Katherine’s book the small town vibes and how wholesome the characters are!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2024
I am a sucker for a cute romance - something that holds my attention and has relatable characters.
Scar and Gramps’ relationship had my heart swelling with love from the very beginning. I was never raised with a grandpa- but if I did have one… I would like to think he’d be just like Gramps. Katherine did an amazing job forging that relationship & making it realistic.
Who doesn’t love a book with a dog in it?! Daisy is a good girl, and she deserves her own stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
There were some really cute moments in this book that made me said “awwww” out loud.
Heartwarming. I would also like to add: I love how Scarlett never gave up on her dreams even when times got tough…. Even when she met someone new. I think that’s a powerful message: staying true to oneself.
I listened to this on audible on my roadtrip back home from camping & it made my drive fly by! I can’t wait to read more books from Katherine!
Scar and Gramps’ relationship had my heart swelling with love from the very beginning. I was never raised with a grandpa- but if I did have one… I would like to think he’d be just like Gramps. Katherine did an amazing job forging that relationship & making it realistic.
Who doesn’t love a book with a dog in it?! Daisy is a good girl, and she deserves her own stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
There were some really cute moments in this book that made me said “awwww” out loud.
Heartwarming. I would also like to add: I love how Scarlett never gave up on her dreams even when times got tough…. Even when she met someone new. I think that’s a powerful message: staying true to oneself.
I listened to this on audible on my roadtrip back home from camping & it made my drive fly by! I can’t wait to read more books from Katherine!
June 12, 2024
beach read perfection!
This book was GIVING all the perfect vibes I needed to get pumped for my upcoming annual trip to OBX + a perfect storyline with even better characters! This was my first Katherine Bitner book and I ate it up. I adore Scarlet and her independent, travel loving, dog mom, life. After getting a call from her grandpa that he was in the hospital, Scarlet makes the trek from Asheville to the Outer Banks to spend some time with him at his house, where she meets Rowan. Rowan is a local who helps Scarlet’s gramps out with things around the house and is the ideal book boyfriend! If you’re looking for a a great read with a beach setting and a delicious slow burn, here ya go book besties!
This book was GIVING all the perfect vibes I needed to get pumped for my upcoming annual trip to OBX + a perfect storyline with even better characters! This was my first Katherine Bitner book and I ate it up. I adore Scarlet and her independent, travel loving, dog mom, life. After getting a call from her grandpa that he was in the hospital, Scarlet makes the trek from Asheville to the Outer Banks to spend some time with him at his house, where she meets Rowan. Rowan is a local who helps Scarlet’s gramps out with things around the house and is the ideal book boyfriend! If you’re looking for a a great read with a beach setting and a delicious slow burn, here ya go book besties!
August 11, 2024
This was a fast read! I really enjoyed it!
Scarlett's journey was beautiful. Her story was saddening but loved the growth she had throughout her book. Her relationship with her grandpa warmed my heart. I love that she found a beautiful love. The man she ended up with loved her for her chaotic mind and never tried to change her. I was so worried when he ghosted her for three days, but then when he surprised her with the van interior transformation I teared up. I was so worried the book would end without closure for them. She turned around for him, and I shouted "YES" standing up on my couch. I scared my kids lol.
It was a short, heartwarming read! I recommend it!
Scarlett's journey was beautiful. Her story was saddening but loved the growth she had throughout her book. Her relationship with her grandpa warmed my heart. I love that she found a beautiful love. The man she ended up with loved her for her chaotic mind and never tried to change her. I was so worried when he ghosted her for three days, but then when he surprised her with the van interior transformation I teared up. I was so worried the book would end without closure for them. She turned around for him, and I shouted "YES" standing up on my couch. I scared my kids lol.
It was a short, heartwarming read! I recommend it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2025
This was a short and easy read that kept me hooked enough to get through it and eventually decide that it definitely was a good read. It made me long for home and reminded me that home is right here in the middle of it all. It left me feeling grateful for my family and the people I love, missing my grandfather, and hopeful for a life where I can fully accept myself while aligning with who I’m meant to be in this exact season. It reminded me that there are people in my life who see me through a lens of love and adoration, even in the moments when I think I should be somewhere different, and that I can pick up and return to these people anytime.
June 3, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 4.
This is a quick, cute, fun beach read! I picked it up in OBX while on vacation after visiting many local bookstores . It was super predictable, but that was okay because how cute the story is and it went exactly how the reader would want. I would recommend this book for anyone looking for a quick read or as a filler book after reading a series or something darker. It is a great palate cleanser
This is a quick, cute, fun beach read! I picked it up in OBX while on vacation after visiting many local bookstores . It was super predictable, but that was okay because how cute the story is and it went exactly how the reader would want. I would recommend this book for anyone looking for a quick read or as a filler book after reading a series or something darker. It is a great palate cleanser
September 8, 2023
I loved absolutely everything about this book! Especially the setting, the Outer Banks. I picked this book up in the OBX while vacationing in my happy place. The characters are so lovable (especially Daisy 🐾), and the storyline is heartwarming! This is one of my favorite reads of the year! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 21, 2024
The connection and progression of characters was amazing. I don’t know if I’ve ever smiled more at words on a page like I did with this book. Gramps and Scar have such a sweet and fun loving connection that definitely got a few chuckles out of me. If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would. 💕
December 22, 2024
Y’all. This book, is amazing. It’s like a warm cup of coffee on a cold day and it’s so freaking heartwarming. I saw soo much of myself in Scarlet and I was rooting for her all along. I read this in a DAY! That’s how much I wanted to just keep reading it. I cannot wait to read more of Katherine Bitner’s books!
June 8, 2025
I have quickly become a big fan of Katherine’s writing style, as she does another fantastic job on this story. Blend characters that feel real, plot-lines I could connect with, then mix in dramatic moments with romance and the end result is a truly entertaining tale.
Katherine creates stories that I love to read, which is why it is so easy to recommend this book and her other works.
Katherine creates stories that I love to read, which is why it is so easy to recommend this book and her other works.
December 3, 2023
This book is a cute, quick read that has the perfect balance of themes like family, romance, and personal growth. Plus, as a dog lover, I adored the relationship between the main character and her pup!
December 12, 2023
💖💖💖.25/5
no spice
a cute, short read
cute quotes:
“Make a home in your own heart, and you’ll never feel lost.”
"Home is wherever you close your eyes at night. Home is four paws and a guy who runs in blue shorts. Home is where you accept every messy bit of yourself, exactly where you are."
no spice
a cute, short read
cute quotes:
“Make a home in your own heart, and you’ll never feel lost.”
"Home is wherever you close your eyes at night. Home is four paws and a guy who runs in blue shorts. Home is where you accept every messy bit of yourself, exactly where you are."
December 29, 2023
This book was super quick, the story is pretty cut and dry but I listened to the audiobook for this and Branden Davis Butler did a really good job of bringing the character to life. It’s a really quick read only 5 hours audio so I would recommend it for audio for a quick trip!
April 25, 2024
The Way You See Me took me right back to summers spent on the beach in North Carolina. More than just a love story, Scarlett’s tale of self discovery was truly special. She was messy and cranky and kind and loving and I loved spending time with her and Daisy. Definitely a recommendation from me!
March 16, 2024
Very Good
This is a sweet story and rather poignant at times. It's quite a short read but packed full of everything you need to enjoy a good story.
This is a sweet story and rather poignant at times. It's quite a short read but packed full of everything you need to enjoy a good story.
May 24, 2024
Love love love! This book was so cozy and heartwarming I wish I could go back in time to re-experience it all over again!
July 7, 2024
this is perfect for a poolside read. it's really short so it won't take long and the story is surprisingly touching and cute!! it was definitely a lost track of time kind of read.
November 16, 2024
A feel good happy story with loveable characters and an adorable dog.
April 15, 2025
There was a “could care less” instead of couldn’t, but honestly I was entertained the whole time soooo 4 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews