i can’t even put into words how much i love this book. i just finished it and i am a sobbing mess! it is so beautiful in every sense of the word and really makes you want to live life to the fullest.

these character really dig their way into your hearts and you’ll understand how and why if you read this book. holly, jack, and emma are puzzle pieces that just fit together. their story is long, emotional, but it’s all so worth it. they’ve created such a warming family and found the places they were meant to be.

just by reading this book, i can say that emily stone is a phenomenal author! her characters have so much depth and just make the readers fall in love with them as well as the amazing story they’re apart of. i can’t wait to read more of her work!💗

Oh my gosh. My first Emily Stone book, and it will absolutely not be my last! I wasn’t sure if I was going to feel the holiday magic in this since I’m reading it in Nashville in may— but I ADORED this story. These characters wedged their way into my heart in the best way. All of them had their quirks.. but the burden they all carried… was heartbreaking. I loved that eventually they realized that forgiveness was the key all along.

Emma and Holly were truly the best duo— and brought out the best in each other. Hollys gift to her for Christmas seriously brought tears to my eyes with how thoughtful and sweet it was 🥺

Thank you Random House and NetGalley for an eARC copy to review ahead of publishing. This will definitely be on my recommendation list this holiday season and will probably end up in more than a few stockings! 🎄

Is it fate? Do our stories really intertwine? I think they do. I think people are brought into our lives for a reason. Sometimes for a season and sometimes for a lifetime. I absolutely love this book. If you have a relationship in your life that you have had a hard time repairing, don't let any more time pass by before you do something about it. The more time that passes, the harder it gets. Great book!!

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.

I wanted to read this book because I really enjoyed Always, In December, also by Emily Stone. Like that book, this book is much more about the challenges the characters in it are facing in life than it is about the main characters falling in love, although they do. This story was a little bit slow at times, but always relatable and often so sad. Definitely different than a syrupy sweet holiday romance. A very enjoyable read.

Emily Stone has done it again. I loved this book. The emotion and growth that Emily puts in her writing are perfect. This story drew me in and I couldn't put it down. I will be recommending this book to others!

I really enjoy Holly Stone and how she writes. I love a good romance book and this book did not disappoint! The characters were well developed, there was great, witty banter.... what more can you ask for? :)

Thank you to NetGalley, Emily Stone, and the publisher for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

when I say I’m a fan of Emily stone, I’m completely an obsessed fan and will forever read all of her books…

This one was absolutely so wholesome

A young women name Holly tries to find healing through her trauma by joining a stranger letter club where she meets an elderly women through this club.
They both write letters without knowing each other and go for the adventure of healing together..

through the grief they push each other for better outcomes of life and do whatever they can to make their own lifestyle a turn around.

This is absolutely a book to enjoy..
We get a bit of romance, grief, and obviously so laughter.
I will appreciate this one big time ❤️

definitely stole my heart
thank you netgalley for this book.

I'm definitely a mood reader, and I think I would have rated this book higher if I read it during the Christmas holidays where a majority of the story takes place. It was a cute rom-com about two people trying to connect as they grapple with family issues both due to car accidents in their past. I loved the character of Emma and the witty banter. Save this for the winter, and you'll have a hit on your hands.

Thank you netgalley for this ARC.

At once heartwarming and heartbreaking. Emily Stone’s Love, Holly is an ode to fate, family, friendship and forgiveness. Holly is a vividly drawn, relatable, lovable character, and this is a gem of an immersive tale set in charming Windsor and other lovely towns in England as well as in gorgeous Venice, Italy. This is not a classic Christmas romance, however, in spite of the cover. While the holiday plays a main role in the plot at times, the main story spans a timeline of over a year. Also, tissues or a hanky are necessary props for this reading experience.

Overall, this is a fine story, well told, which I highly recommend.

Many thanks to Net Galley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for a complimentary ARC. Opinions are my own.

I love a good romance book and this did not disappoint. Well developed, characters, witty banter, what more can you ask for?

I received a complimentary copy of this book "Love, Holly" and all opinions expressed are my own. Love Holly! I Loved This Book. I really loved the way this book was written. The characters were great and I just didn't want to put this book down. Heartwarming and sad, romantic and tragic. Definitely read this one. Do you believe in fate? serendipity? I love books with this topic.

Love, Holly by Emily Stone is a captivating Christmas novel that beautifully explores the themes of serendipity, fate, and the power of love. The story revolves around Jake and Emma, whose paths cross on a fateful Christmas Eve. Although tragedy strikes shortly after their meeting, their connection remains strong in their hearts.

Fast forward three years, and both Jake and Emma find themselves alone during the holiday season. In an effort to combat their loneliness, Emma writes a heartfelt letter to a stranger, unknowingly sending it to Jake's grandmother, who is battling cancer. The intertwining of their lives through these letters showcases the magic of destiny at work.

The novel skillfully delves into themes of grief, loss, redemption, and the pursuit of love. It handles these topics with grace and sincerity, avoiding any sense of sentimentality or melancholy. The concept of fate and the exploration of the characters' emotional journeys make for a touching and heartwarming read.

Love, Holly is a perfect choice for fans of Christmas novels. It offers a compelling story, well-developed characters, and a sense of hope that will warm your heart during the holiday season.

This book was literal perfection! I loved the writing, and I really enjoyed the story. The end had me in tears!

If you’re looking for something with the spirit of the holiday season, you’ll absolutely adore this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The start was extremely exposition heavy. I found myself skimming even the first two paragraphs. I only made it to 3% before I gave up. Not a great start. I'm disappointed because it seems to be rated highly and well-received.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC.

Love, Holly by Emily Stone is a heart warming story that begins and ends with a letter to a stranger. How emptying your heart to a stranger, can bring hope and comfort, to not only their heart,, but also to your heart.

Thoughtful and sentimental book, beautiful setting, had me very invested, beautiful story and love the characters and plot

I fell in LOVE with "Love, Holly". This is a romance story that explores the power of fate and reminds you about the power of forgiveness. Holly is driving with her sister and stops at a small cafe to get a coffee. While there she randomly meets a handsome stranger. Little does she know that her life is going to change dramatically in the next few hours. This story had an emotional impact to me as I had a loved one in the same situation as Emma. I did shed a few tears along the way but I really enjoyed this story. It was a wonderful novel that had so many wonderful connections and I loved how the characters were all intertwined in ways I couldn't imagine. A great read for anyone looking for a book that will touch your heart strings especially one set during Christmas.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group, Ballantine, Dell Books for this advanced copy.

This book was my first ARC and I was pleasantly surprised by it. It starts off like a classic cozy Hallmark movie and then suddenly gets very deep. This story is filled with raw emotions, death & loss, guilt, and forgiveness. The writing was done well and it didn’t feel cheesy. It felt just slightly too long but overall I liked it.

This book is more than a love story of 2 people. It's a story of hope, chance and forgiveness as well. We are able to follow along with two storylines and see how everything comes together. It seemed a little long and wordy at first but I realize I was trying to skip over such a beautiful story between two people who have a lot in common. Would definitely recommend this to all.

Did you really read Emily Stone if you didn’t have at least two me tear slip out? The answer is no, probably not. Love, Holly is no different than Always, In December and One Last Gift in that regard. I’m not usually a crier, but this one got me mostly teary-eyed & choked up with a few escapees.

What a beautifully written story about grief and facing it. About how everyone handles it and how it can even cause an immediate divide between people who are so close. How the path for healing from grief varies for each and every person. Alone, together, tears, no tears, held together, or falling apart. This book speaks to how there is no right way.

It was beautiful. That’s all I got really.

My nit-picky things: there were a couple spots where I had to go back and reread because the flow was off and/or the section just didn’t make much sense. Usually this takes about .5 to 1 off of a rating. But ultimately, the story and themes win out on this one because I’m still rating it a 5.

There are definitely some triggers. So keep that in mind.