christmas rom-com heaven!! this story was unlike anything ive ever read!! my first from this author and will not be my last. wonderful story that tugged at your heart strings. likeable characters and great pacing! would recommend this one!!

A Winter Wish by Emily Stone

Lexie is left her estranged father's travel comp may when he unexpectedly passes away. She has been adventuring around the globe, picking up small jobs in different cities, never being tied down. She wants to seel the company and continue her life but there is one problem, her dad also left half the company to Theo, his protege.

I was looking forward to this book because I had really enjoyed Love, Holly. This is in the same vein, exploring love and loss, what really makes a family, and what life we may be giving up due to fear. Lexie was a such a likeable character. Her heart a bit bruised by her dad, misinterpreting his actions and feeling a little less than.

What I loved:
Ange, such a fun character with her earrings swinging! I could picture her perfectly.

Rachel and her persistence in wanting to connect with Lexie.

Theo and how he used his words. Also the adventures in Ireland, especially his friend's inn.

The travel! I felt like I was there. And want to go on all these trips.

Fran- being brave and accepting.

Didn't love:
Harry, I didn't know enough about him.

Mike, was he a needer character? I kept waiting for he and her dad to be secret lovers or something.

I really enjoyed this book. I think it would make a great movie for Netflix. I look forward to more books by Ms. Stone. 4.25 stars. Thanks to Net Galley and Dell Publishing for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Emily Stone’s A Winter’s Wish continues her tradition of blending heartfelt narratives with complex, relatable issues, and this latest offering is no exception. Known for her skillful portrayal of characters facing profound challenges, Stone tackles themes of grief and reconciliation with both sensitivity and authenticity.

The novel revolves around Lexie and Theo, who are grappling with the death of Lexie’s father, Richard. Their reactions to his passing are shaped by their very different relationships with him. For Lexie, Richard was an absent figure who failed to meet her emotional needs and left a legacy of disappointment. In contrast, Theo saw Richard as a surrogate father and mentor, a supportive and guiding presence in his life. The contrasting perspectives on Richard’s impact create a rich backdrop for the story’s exploration of grief.

Upon Richard’s death, Lexie and Theo are left with half of his company each, with the stipulation that they must collaborate for a year to turn a profit before they can sell it. This arrangement forces them into close quarters and compels them to confront their shared loss and their divergent views on Richard’s life and legacy.

The novel excels in its portrayal of the messy, nuanced process of grieving and healing. Stone’s writing captures the emotional complexity of losing a parent with whom the relationship was fraught. Lexie’s struggle with her feelings about her father’s death is depicted with a depth that will resonate with anyone who has faced a similar loss.

Stone’s ability to delve into the imperfections of her characters and their relationships allows readers to see the humanity in everyone, even those who have caused pain. The journey of Lexie and Theo, as they navigate their grief and learn to work together, is both poignant and hopeful. Their story is a testament to the healing power of facing past wounds and the possibility of finding resolution and growth even in the aftermath of loss.

In summary, A Winter’s Wish is a moving exploration of grief, forgiveness, and personal transformation. Emily Stone’s adept storytelling and empathetic character development make this a compelling read for anyone who has experienced the complexities of mourning a flawed but loved parent.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Dell for the opportunity to read this advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest opinions!

Such a cute wintery story. A little predictable, but still super cute and sweet. I enjoyed the main characters and the little surprises that popped up throughout. I will continue to read more from this author.

This book hurt my heart in the best ways, I was not expecting this to be filled with so much grief and sadness but it was done beautifully. This was my first Emily Stone book, but I’ll be going back and reading more!

I always like reading Christmas books in July. This was a nice read with all the feels.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher. ~I was given this book and made no commitments to leave my opinions, favorable or otherwise~

I really enjoyed Always in December when I read it a few years ago, so I was thrilled to receive this as an ARC, thanks to #NetGalley and #RandomHouse #Ballantine.

An easy, Christmas read that I'd give 4.5 stars! It was a great way to start off the holiday reading season (in July!) and with a novel that encompassed both light and deep elements.

This novel featured a cute, unique twist on the classic enemies to lovers cliche. Lexie's grief, and shocking inheritance, added a deeper meaning and feeling to the overall story. Some of it felt predictable, but I loved the character development and depth. I appreciate that Stone's books incorporate life's hardships, while still providing the comfort of a holiday novel.

Forever an Emily Stone fan girl.

Short Synopsis:
Lexie’s estranged father passes away and leaves her half of the company. The stipulation being that she has to help run the company for at least a year. Lexie doesn’t want anything to do with her dad or his company though.

My Thoughts:
Emily Stone writes books that aren’t for everyone. Her debut is one of my all time favorite books, but it’s rated ridiculously low and I think that has to do with the topics the author doesn’t shy away from. The covers make it look like romcoms, and they are so much more than that.

A Winter Wish is a story of grief, complicated relationships, finding yourself and forgiveness. It was done beautifully. I was rooting for Lexie to find peace and R&L to thrive. Her relationship and growth with her sister was the highlight of the book for me. This stone-heart girl got a little teary-eyed. 🥹

If you’re a fan of sad girl romances, definitely recommend this book (and all of Emily Stone’s books!)

What You’ll Find:
Minor Christmas themes
Opposites attract
Heavier themes (grief, forgiveness)
Workplace romance
Traveling

Emily Stone does it again! I've read some of her books before and this one was just as great as the others. I'm not one to read winter/holiday reads before the holiday season, but I am glad I read this one! I cannot wait to see what my patrons at the library think of this.

✨ Just finished a book that wrapped me in its cozy charm until the early hours and wow, what a delightful ride! 📚💖 If you love modern British romances with characters that are as complex as they are relatable, this one's for you! The plot might lead you to think you know where it’s headed, but trust me, it’s full of delightful twists that keep you on your toes. Plus, you'll find yourself dreaming about spontaneous trips to hidden European festivals—who knew a lemon festival on the French Riviera could sound so enticing? 🍋🌊

Honestly, it’s the kind of story that tugs at your heartstrings while making you chuckle at the quirks of love and life. You’ll want to savor every page and maybe even stay up a little late (or a lot!). So grab your favorite blanket, a cozy drink, and dive in! Let’s just say, if you’re looking for a read that sparks joy and a dash of wanderlust, then you’re in for a treat! 🌟❤️ #BookLovers #RomanceReads #FeelGoodVibes

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for honest feedback.

Since finishing college, Lexie has been a bit of a nomad, never settling in the same place for more than a year. After her mostly estranged father leaves half of his business to her, she’s feeling more than a little confused. Why would he leave her a business after such little contact over the years? More importantly why is she forced to share ownership with her dad’s employee, the handsome but moody Theo?

It feels so weird reading a Christmas themed book this time of year, but I must say I do love a nice Christmas book. I especially loved learning (or in some cases being reminded of) the Christmas traditions from other countries, as well as some of the other cultural events.

This book took me through a bit of an emotional roller coaster. I really felt for Lexie in her situation. The death of a family member is already so hard but she had the added challenge of not having had the best relationship at the time of her father’s death. And knowing you’ll never fully get closure must be so difficult to deal with. I liked the way the author infused both happy and sad memories to further drive home the complicated emotions Lexie is feeling about her dad. I also appreciated that while they had an icy start, Theo came around and made sure to let her know that whatever she was feeling about her dad was not wrong and that it’s okay to feel conflicted given the circumstances.

I enjoyed the premise of the travel agency, even if it feels a bit old school. From a personal standpoint, I like the idea of someone doing all the planning of a trip because doing the research and trying to figure out the best attractions can stress me out. I particularly liked that it wasn’t your average travel plan; it was intended to immerse you into the traditions of whatever location you choose for whatever festive occasion you may want to experience. And of course, the fact that the creation of the company had a sentimental meaning doesn’t hurt either. Similarly I liked both the concept of the wish jar and just the idea that things like wishes can feel magical even if sometimes a wish is just something to hope for and work towards.

They say love and hate are two sides of the same coin so I love an enemies-to-lovers trope because they often tend to be the steamiest kind of romance. Something about fighting with someone turning into sarcastic comments and playful flirtation is so hot to me, I don’t know. This is now my second Emily Stone book and I can’t remember if there’s much spice in Love, Holly, but I support it. The spice level was low but welcomed in my opinion and not cringy which can sometimes happen. On that note, I know that this is an HEA and the happy ending is basically a guarantee, but I did also appreciate that after they broke off their first kiss and didn’t take things to the next step, he (later) was transparent enough to be like no matter what you think, that’s not a one-time thing. So often in this situation, you spend chapters watching one or both of them trying to pretend it didn’t happen bit secretly longing for more and it gets dragged out, so it was a bit of a comfort when he said that.

I have to also say that the letter Lexie reads towards the end of the book had me essentially inconsolable. I was not expecting it to make me cry that hard. I actually feel like I have more I want to say but am struggling to contain all my thoughts without spoiling anything. Overall I really thoroughly enjoyed this book.

While it didn’t impact my rating of the book, and I realize this is an uncorrected proof, there were some mistakes in grammar, spelling, punctuation and on a couple of occasions gender. I only mention it because I don’t know the process it takes to publish a book but I hope this will go through additional editing before final print.

Christmas in August! Not my favorite by this author but a nice holiday story. I recommend to get you in the spirit! Thank you NetGalley!

Charm, likable characters, and a relatable dilemma. What's not to enjoy in Stone's novel? I was rooting for Lexie and Theo from first to last. And wasn't disappointed when I was done.

Recommended when you ned an engaging story about possibilities and hope in the midst of life's challenges. Figure it out with Theo and Lexie on your commute, during a quiet night, or just before Christmas.

Overall I enjoyed this one - I enjoyed the dynamic between Theo and Lexie and how they really seemed to be kindred spirits without realizing it. I also really enjoyed how the author made you feel like you were really on the trips with the characters.

My first Emily Stone book and I really enjoyed this read!! Loved all the travel references and banter between Lexie and Theo. Enjoyed that it dove deeper into topics about grief, forgiveness, acceptance, and finding yourself! Not quite as Winter Holiday-ish as I was expecting but I enjoyed it nonetheless! Will definetly recommend when it comes out.

3.75

Her whole life might be in one suitcase and a rucksack, but Lexie sure has a lot of baggage!

After last year’s “Love, Holly”, I was really looking forward to reading this book. I was slightly disappointed, in that it doesn’t have the really creative dynamic of ‘Holly’, but is still a “rom-com” with an interesting and sweet play on the friends-to-lovers trope.

Lexie does have a lot of baggage and I definitely cannot blame her. In fact, it gets a bit frustrating that she bottles so much of it up and, when others are waxing about the generosity and importance of her dad in their lives, she doesn’t fire her back with all of the justification of his abandonment of her. It’s especially hard to hear of his relationship with her half sister Rachael. I think she takes it remarkably well, especially when she’s not known to give credence to her feelings.

There are some obvious licenses taken. It’s hard to imagine this travel agency, with their fancy building in the heart of Bath and the overhead of creating these tours, could even get off the ground. There’s one throwaway line where Lexie says that most of their business is done online, but it’s hard to imagine them being able to do what they do, as well as run the online side of things, especially when Harry is devoted to being the receptionist and frontline, though loose-cannon, sales assistant.

Otherwise, this is a very sweet and attention-grabbing story if you’re one to enjoy these modern British romances with complex characters and vulnerabilities. It grabbed me and kept me reading until late, or rather early, and that’s always a good sign (if not immediately apparent the next morning). The characters are interesting and you don’t know how this will come together at first. Obviously, they will get together (duh!), but then they turn a corner and you know pretty much exactly how things will play out for the majority of the book. Still, you don’t know the detailed playbook, so it’s time well spent. As a bonus, you will learn about some of the lesser known celebrations in Europe and wishing you could go too. Who knows, after this book is released, maybe there’ll be an uptick in visits to the lemon festival on the French Riviera!

Thank you to the author Emily Stone, NetGalley, and Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine for providing me with a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.

This book has a good concept. I love a good enemies to lovers book. I just wish it had more spice. I live a good spicy enemies to lovers romance. But overall I was happy with the character Development and I stayed entertained

In “A Winter Wish,” Emily Stone crafts a touching narrative that explores the complexities of family ties, grief, and unexpected connections. The story follows Lexie, who is faced with mixed emotions after her estranged father passes away, leaving her not only his travel agency but also an unexpected business partner in Theo, her father’s young associate. As they navigate the challenges of running the business together, Lexie and Theo’s initially strained relationship blossoms into something deeper, deftly capturing the beloved enemies-to-lovers and forced proximity tropes. Stone’s novel beautifully weaves through the holiday season, adding warmth and charm to this poignant tale. I highly recommend “A Winter Wish” to fans of romance and anyone who enjoys Emily Stone’s heartfelt storytelling.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of A Winter Wish by Emily Stone.

Lexie comes home for her estranged father’s funeral. By coming back a bunch of feelings are brought to the surface. A big one is that her father left his wife and her for another lady. He eventually married Jody and they had a daughter. Lexie felt betrayed and pushed aside, never forming a relationship with her little half-sister Rachel. After the funeral she finds out that her dad left half of his travel company to her and one of his employees Theo. The catch is that Lexie has to work the business for a year.

This book is about dealing with all of things from your past. Eventually she learns all of the reasons her dad let her down through the people who were in his life at the end. The spice level wasn’t too bad, definite tension and the make out scenes didn’t go into super detail which was nice.

Cute holiday read!! Fast paced, written in third person.
I loved the character development and all the focus on traveling! Definitely recommend this winter.