Emily does sad romances very well! Christmas book in May? I’m down. She does heavy topics very well (check TWs, some themes are likely triggering for certain people). There’s a meet cute, there a little bit of fate, there’s a loveable grandma. And if you love crying, this one is definitely for you!

Thank you NetGalley for eARC in exchange for an honest review. This one will be out in Sept.

This book was so, so beautiful.

Short Synopsis:
After having an adorable meet-cute with a guy in a coffee shop, Holly and her sister get into a car accident that tears her family apart. And ever since then Holly has been apart of a Dear Stranger letter campaign to bring lonely people letters to make them feel not so lonely. But one Christmas she receives a letter that she eerily connects to and tracks down the sender.

My Thoughts:
I’m to the point where I will read Emily Stone’s grocery list. I’m a big fan girl here. (Hence why I read this holiday book when I got my hands on it …. In May. 🤷🏼‍♀️😂)

This book is so heartbreakingly but hopefully beautiful. Holly is sad, and lovely, and clumsy, and well-intended and I just love her and her journey so much. And her unlikely friendship with Emma. And the romance - best romance of Emily Stone’s yet.

I just adored everything about this book. Please preorder it, or add it to your Christmas wishlist.

Read if You Like:
🎄 Sad romances
🎄 Books that span a year
🎄 Fate
🎄 Lovable and snarky grandmas
🎄 Grief, acceptance and forgiveness

TW: infertility

Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Dell for the copy of this ARC.

Emily Stone… you’ve done it again. If you like Christmas and crying, she’s the author for you!

But all funniness aside, Emily Stone writes beautifully touching stories that somehow relate back to Christmastime - but can really be read at any time of year. In Love, Holly, Emily touches on grief, loss, and how to face the end, but also provides us with heart-filling love story. The meet cute between Holly and Jack is funny, but they also work on coming to terms with their own company in the process of falling in love. They have to deal with devastating moments in their lives that have ruined relationships - and then learn how to forgive themselves and others and repair their relationships. I love the raw emotion and real-world scenarios that Emily brings into her stories - she does it so eloquently that it really just pulls at the heartstrings in the best way possible.

Read if you:
- love real and raw romance with lots of plot
- enjoy sad romance or need a cry
- appreciate tenacious and charming elderly characters
- want to explore grief, loneliness, and forgiveness

“Love, Holly” is the newest heart-warming tale by Emily Stone, author of the memorable “Always, in December.”

I grew up with pen pals, so I loved the premise of the book—writing to a lonely person during the holidays and then receiving a letter in return. Holly is such a person—spending her holidays in solitude after a tragic accident separated her from her family. Holly’s letter this year introduces her to a woman searching for her grandson. But as Holly joins the quest, she discovers the missing person is connected to the life-changing car accident.

I liked this book, but I didn’t love it. I didn’t connect to Holly the way I had to Stone’s previous protagonists. There were moments in the story that were quite tender, and I appreciate stories laced with hope, but I wanted to care more than I did.

Three stars.

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. My thanks also to the publisher and the author, Emily Stone.

The characters in the novel are endearing and relatable, drawing readers into their lives and struggles. Holly's resilience and compassion make her a compelling protagonist, while Jack's complexity and emotional journey add depth to the story. Emma's longing for reconciliation and the challenges she faces resonate deeply, evoking empathy and compassion from readers.

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.

Dear Emily,
Do you believe in fate? I believe fate has a hand in everyone’s lives. I believe fate brings people into our lives for a reason. Maybe not everyone stays, but those that do often are there to teach us a lesson.

I believe fate brought your stories into the world to discover. Your books make me cry, not only sad tears but tears of happiness as well. There is always a lesson to learn as well amongst the sadness of grief, forgiveness while finding yourself.

Your stories are beautifully written. Though there is grief, there is always healing and always love.

The idea of the Dear Stranger Club was inspiring. Imagine the impact this would make on someone feeling less lonely. What a beautiful idea.

So to you Dear Emily, know that somewhere, someone, wherever they are, are feeling less lonely, feeling comfort, after reading your beautiful stories. So thank you for that.

Love,
Marian

A special thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. My review will be posted to Goodreads on 5/18/23. I will also post my review to Pinterest, BookBub, and Amazon on publication day.

Fate, Second Chances, and all the feels!

Love, Holly was beautifully blended emotions without leaving the reader forelorn. Taking a reader through a variety of emotions isn't easy as a writer and I think it is well done in this story. I found myself wiping away a few tears but didn't need to schedule a therapy session afterwards! As a romance junkie, I enjoyed the romantic aspect but love that it didn't over shadow other story lines of second chances, forgiveness, and friendship. I enjoyed the twists of fate and as a believer myself, believe things happen for a reason!

4.5/5 stars

Thank you to Emily Stone, NetGalley, and Random House for an ARC of this book. These honest opinions are my own.

Another christmas love story by emily stone?! sign me up!! I was so excited about this title and it lived up to my hype. This was a beautifully written love story and was unlike anything I've even written The multiple timelines and relationships were easy to follow and kept me on my toes. everyone has to pick this up this Christmas season!

What a great holiday read full of both swoon worthy charm as well as the tackling of real life and hard topics. I knew I would love this one since I enjoyed her previous 2 books- definitely recommend if you're a fan of hers or looking for a deeper romance!

Holly always participated in writing and receiving a dear stranger letter around Christmastime. This year, the letter she receives is different. She decides to track the woman down to help her find her lost grandson. When she finds him, she realizes they had a missed connection right before Holly was in a car accident that changed her life.

I really loved the friendship between Emma and Holly in this. I feel like that was the real story. I appreciated that this was not a typical Christmastime rom com. Yes, there's some romance in there, but there was such a bigger story with Emma and her life. There's grief, forgiveness, letting go, and also giving yourself permission to be forgiven and to be able to move on.

Thanks so much to Random House Publishing- Ballantine and to NetGalley!

4.5 stars

Each time I embark on another Emily Stone novel, I don layers upon layers of sweaters, mentally bracing myself for the powerful punches the author may deliver. However, I am acutely aware that even the sturdiest steel vest cannot shield me from the emotional turmoil that awaits, as emotional blows often inflict deeper wounds than physical ones. This semisweet yet heartwarming book is best savored with a fine bottle of wine, accompanied by your favorite snacks or a comforting cup of tea, all while nestled on your comfiest couch. If the weather is less than favorable—much like this year's unexpected rainy and cold climate in Los Angeles—snuggling under a blanket would be an ideal accessory.

While I found the main character to be somewhat blunt and at times a touch unlikeable, her blossoming relationship with Emma became the most heartfelt aspect of the book, igniting a strong sense of empathy and making me wholeheartedly root for their characters.

I often found myself wondering where the romance would emerge within the story, and thankfully, Emma's grandson, Jack, stepped in to save the day. Jack is a sensitive and caring man burdened by his own emotional struggles and the demands of his job. The sweet and genuine romance that develops between Holly and Jack is not only endearing but also remarkably plausible.

Though the relentless and somewhat intrusive meddling within the story occasionally crossed the line, veering into the realm of irritation, I still found myself rating this book higher than its predecessors, rounding up my 3.5 stars to a solid 4-star rating. Prepare your napkins, as you will undoubtedly find yourself succumbing to moments of raw vulnerability and letting your emotions run free.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to NetGalley and Random House Publishing/Ballantine/Dell for graciously providing me with this digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

I wanted a change from my normal romcoms… and this was a great choice. Beautifully written. Tears and laughter, sometimes on the same page. Just finished and feeling very emotional. If you are looking to feel all the feels, here you go!

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Watch for Love, Holly to come out on September 26, 2023.

While Holly is dealing with trauma and loss of family, fate brings her together with a woman suffering from the same and more. This is a sweet story about addressing and overcoming hurt by healing.

Thank you Netgalley for an arc of Love, Holly by Emily Stone

Holly fell a little flat as a character, but I enjoyed her friendship with Emma. Flashbacks could be a little confusing at time. Uplifting theme even though there is some sadness and survivors guilt to grapple with. Holly definitely has no problems butting into other peoples lives lol. Good read for someone who wants a feel good story but with some difficult emotions. Christmas setting is always a bonus.
Will post a review on Instagram closer to release.

I have been enjoying Christmas books more and more but I find the are hit or miss for me. This one has a great cover but the main character Holly just didn't do it for me. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. Two stars.

I thought this book was honestly spectacular. It is a blend of happy/sad and all the feels.

I think I would have liked it to be clearer whenever the characters start to think of something that happened in the past- those are really great touches, don't get me wrong, but one moment I'm reading the current moment and the next I'm in the past without warning.

I think Holly also had a bit of a free pass towards butting into other people's lives and I wish there was a bit more consequence for that, instead of it almost being brushed to the side.

thank you Netgalley for the free copy

A bittersweet and cozy read. Love, Holly invites you to curl up on the couch with a blanket and cup of tea while enjoying the story.

Holly is grieving three years after a car accident. She feels sad and lonely, and disconnected from her family. When Holly gets her annual “Dear Stranger” letter around Christmas and the stranger includes her full name, Holly feels inspired to help the stranger (Emma) reunite with her family. Emma is shocked and unnerved that Holly has tracked her down though they soon form a tender friendship. But will Holly’s continued meddling threaten to destroy this newfound friendship?

I had a great time reading Love, Holly. The friendship between Holly and Emma is really lovely and Emma’s grandson Jack (conveniently handsome and around Emma’s age!) enhances the story as well. Jack has his own baggage regarding his work, professional aspirations, and relationships. He has to decide whether he is willing to let Emma back into his life. And in addition to all of that, Holly and Jack feel an intense connection with one another and have to figure out whether they should or shouldn’t pursue it given everything else going on in their lives. Recommended to anyone looking for an emotional and sweet read about grief, family, forgiveness, and love.

Thank you to Random House Ballantine and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

This one doesn't pack the emotional punch that Stone's other books do, mostly because the characters are pretty bland or, in Holly's case, irritating.

Love, Holly by Emily Stone is 5⭐️. Emily does a fantastic job of representing grief, survivors guilt, and the love that can heal us all.