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cobaltbookshelf's review against another edition
3.0
A relatively enjoyable, pretty cute holiday read - if anyone who's looking for a fluffy holiday romance,this is book for you. Despite some issues with pacing, and some scenes that I just did not like. Overall I like pen pals trope so this gave me a little of that.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
monicaannlew22's review against another edition
4.0
As someone who has been challenged with spending Holidays without a very important person in her life, this really hit home. This book has a good amount of curiosity, humor, love, friendship, and grief.
A few things frustrated me, however, with character and relationship development specifically.
A few things frustrated me, however, with character and relationship development specifically.
rebicon's review against another edition
5.0
I just… this book is beautiful. I love the story and the characters. My heart melted, I cried, and everything ties together. I essentially read most of this is a few hours because I just had to keep reading.
Everything about this book is moving. It covers grief, loss, growth, and connection. I think some things get glossed over a little from the actions Holly makes but in the end it’s worth it with how the story is written and ends. I also have to say Emma is my favorite. She’s snarky and is set in her ways but Holly helps her to live her life. Likewise, Emma also helps Holly realize a few things in her own life to get her moving in the right direction.
The jumps between time don’t feel crazy or change how the story flows. The memories that the characters have mid conversation take you into how they are truly feeling.
If you like books that will get you into the feels while still being heartwarming, this is a book for you.
I was sent the NetGalley eARC by the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
Everything about this book is moving. It covers grief, loss, growth, and connection. I think some things get glossed over a little from the actions Holly makes but in the end it’s worth it with how the story is written and ends. I also have to say Emma is my favorite. She’s snarky and is set in her ways but Holly helps her to live her life. Likewise, Emma also helps Holly realize a few things in her own life to get her moving in the right direction.
The jumps between time don’t feel crazy or change how the story flows. The memories that the characters have mid conversation take you into how they are truly feeling.
If you like books that will get you into the feels while still being heartwarming, this is a book for you.
I was sent the NetGalley eARC by the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
idle_reader's review against another edition
4.0
What a beautiful story about fate and the people it brings into our lives. I went into this book thinking it would be mostly a romance with the focus on our male and female characters. But there was SO much more. The relationship that Emma and Holly created was my absolute favorite. It was the highlight of the book. The letter written at the end had me SOBBING. I read this in a day.
The reason I didn’t give this book 5 stars had to do with a little annoying thing the author did. The character’s inner monologue would get lost in memories for too long. Then, they’d return to present day. I just felt that some of them went on so long you’d forget what they were even talking about.
Other than that, such a good read. I’ll be checking out her other holiday reads.
The reason I didn’t give this book 5 stars had to do with a little annoying thing the author did. The character’s inner monologue would get lost in memories for too long. Then, they’d return to present day. I just felt that some of them went on so long you’d forget what they were even talking about.
Other than that, such a good read. I’ll be checking out her other holiday reads.
frafrin's review against another edition
4.0
This is a lovely story about fate, family, and forgiveness. If you like your holiday romances with a bit of an emotionally heavy side, this is for you. After a chance meeting in a coffee shop, Holly and Jack don’t meet up again for much longer than planned. Happenstance brings them together again and pushes Holly to work harder on her own journey with her immediate family and her found family. Overall I enjoyed this book, I struggled with a bit of the pacing from time to time but aside from that, this was a a charming read
Tw: infertility, pregnancy loss, car accidents,
Tw: infertility, pregnancy loss, car accidents,
saycheeze37's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
slicciardi's review against another edition
4.0
I look forward to Emily Stone’s newest book each holiday season. This one did not disappoint
blondierocket's review against another edition
4.0
I am so glad that NetGalley gave me the chance to read this book early. I have loved every Emily Stone book and this one was the perfect travel read.
When boy meets girl in a random coffee shop, they have no idea how intertwined their lives truly are until the very end.
There are so many heart wrenching moments, mistaken agendas, laughable flubs, and butterflies. I was turning pages as fast as possible to find out what happens next.
I also loved how Stone transitions and shows passage of time to make sure the whole story is told in the most effective manner.
When boy meets girl in a random coffee shop, they have no idea how intertwined their lives truly are until the very end.
There are so many heart wrenching moments, mistaken agendas, laughable flubs, and butterflies. I was turning pages as fast as possible to find out what happens next.
I also loved how Stone transitions and shows passage of time to make sure the whole story is told in the most effective manner.
knod78's review against another edition
5.0
I haven’t had a book make me tear up in a long time. And this book is a tear jerker. Yes, it’s predictable, but that good kind of predictable. This book could trigger you if you lost a baby, been in a bad car accident, and/or had someone die in a car accident. I loved the characters and the story, and I really love the Dear Stranger letters idea. I will say that I was angry with Lilly, and especially the parents.y heart hurt for how they made Holly feel for something that was going to happen regardless. Their parents immediately said to give space and created a boundary where Holly didn’t feel welcome. So, I honestly didn’t like that she felt at fault for the loss of a relationship. And it brought up a lot of feelings that I have with my own sister and our lack of relationship.
I don’t like sad books, but this one hit me differently and I’m so glad I read it.
I don’t like sad books, but this one hit me differently and I’m so glad I read it.
emoser_9's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 - this was really sweet. And sad. But heartwarming