I loved this so much that I probably would have read it in a day if I didn't have parenting to do! It is a warm snuggle, magical realism romance that was exactly the kind of story that makes me smile and tuck in. An incredibly kind (see what I did there lol) fmc and a mmc with a complicated past are drawn together repeatedly.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. I regret letting this sit on my tbr for months--it's very sweet.

As posted to GoodReads

Evelyn Skye has written a beautiful and emotionally tender story in The Incredible Kindness of Paper. I don't normally like things billed as sweet (T.J. Klune or Matt Haig comps are usually a turnoff for me) but Evelyn Skye has gifted us something so pure without being saccharine and it could not have come at a time where I needed it more.

A melding of romance and magical realism, The Incredible Kindness of Paper starts with Chloe and Oliver, childhood pen pals. Oliver's family disappears without a trace one day and leaves Chloe heartbroken. Many years later, we meet Chloe again as an adult. She's lost her job and feels totally adrift. She begins leaving origami roses all throughout NYC. Eventually she realizes that these roses are finding their way to people who need them, Oliver among them.

Truly an adorable story for the world weary among us. While it came to an end rather quickly for my taste, it was a delightful read.

This book is like Red String Theory by Lauren Kung Jessen and Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston had a love child, I mean that in a good way. You have to suspend a little disbelief and be willing to go with some magical realism for this cozy romance. This book is a quick read. It's not very realistic, but it is very charming. It makes nyc feel like a small town. The main and supporting characters were so likeable. Chloe couldn't be cuter or more optimistic. Oliver couldn’t be more gruff and protective. I couldn't wait for these two to figure it out. I read this book in like 2 hours, it was easy to read and hard to put down. There were some plot lines that were suuuuuppper convenient (Oliver's incarcerated mom being released just in time to be a part of the oragami movement), but they were easy to forgive because of the charm. And Ms. Skye needs to partner with a creamery and make these ice cream flavors stat!

A great summer read full of charm. Light, sweet, and interesting like the confections in the book. 3.5 stars. Thanks to Net Galley and Atria Books for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I love reading a book with a plot that's new to me. Yay, this book was definitely that.

Yes, there were also typical tropes, but I love the idea of whispering into paper as you send it along. You never know who might be really "listening."

The ending was a little hokey, but not so much that it ruins the book.

Thanks to Netgalley, and the publisher, for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Incredible Kindness of Paper is a gentle, uplifting tale that asks: Can one small act of kindness change the trajectory of a life? Evelyn Skye weaves an enchantingly hopeful narrative following two former pen pals, Chloe Hanako Quinn and Oliver Jones, whose childhood connection resurfaces decades later in the most unexpected way.

• Chloe is now a high school guidance counselor navigating life in New York City: layoff jitters, rising rent, an unfulfilling “situationship,” and pervasive loneliness. To inject some hope into her world, she folds uplifting messages into yellow origami roses and leaves them around town—sparking a wave of unexpected connections.
• Oliver has rebuilt his life after fleeing a painful teenage past and now works as a financial analyst but ghosts linger. When one of Chloe’s roses finds its way to him, it nudges him toward hope and ultimately back to her.

This is a feel-good, magical realism-infused romance that exudes warmth, hope, and tenderly whimsical charm. I loved the ripple effect theme of small acts of kindness demonstrated through the origami roses that lift strangers and bring people together. I enjoy books where themes of fate, reconnection, and second chances prevail and they very much do here.

The Incredible Kindness of Paper is a poignant, heartening novel perfect for readers craving a blend of light magic, emotional connection, and hopeful romance. Evelyn Skye’s prose is gentle yet affecting, and the story’s central metaphor—origami roses carrying messages into strangers’ lives—rings beautifully symbolic and timely. If you're looking for a book that combines warmth, a touch of whimsy, and the uplifting notion that we can all be agents of kindness, this one’s for you.

4 stars. This feel-good book, in mostly good ways but also some not-great ones, reminds me of the many Hallmark movies I have watched with my mom over the years, along with the many Spanish telenovelas we have also watched together. Like both of those kinds of shows, you sometimes have to suspend a fair amount of disbelief to fully enjoy what you're watching. This is especially true when you have a book that features some elements of magical realism; these drive some of the book's events but not in an overwhelming way.

My biggest criticisms of the book involves Oliver, one of the book's two main characters, who I didn't find as compelling or relatable as Chloe, the other main character and the book's beautiful heart and soul. These MCs met in the first grade and became inseparable friends growing up in Lawrence, Kansas, and then, at age 16, realized they loved each other. That budding romance was quickly cut short when Oliver's family disappeared suddenly, and now, 16 years later, they bump into each other in New York City, except... Oliver pretends he has doesn't know her, which, C'MON!, people don't change THAT much from 16 to 32! I always roll my eyes when characters in telenovelas don't recognize each other, and I call BS here as well.

All that said, I found this story a quick and lovely read. Moreover, we need more hope and kindness in the world, so any author/book that can help spread those, I strongly endorse and support. This warm hug of a book is a great antidote to the cynical, dark times we are in.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publishers for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

I requested this title because I was intrigued by the thread of magical realism woven through the story. Alas, I DNF @ 42%. I could not connect with the main character. I found her to be so naively positive. The guy she was dating was toxic, she doesn’t recognize her childhood best friend, her roommate, although rude, was correct in her opinions and Chloe was just floating around, making flowers instead of seriously looking for a new job.
I’m sorry this one missed me, but it seems to be well liked by plenty of others.
2.5 stars, rounded down.

This was my first book by this author, and I was instantly drawn in by the charming title and gorgeous cover. The premise caught my attention too—I’ve had a pen pal before, so the idea of heartfelt letters and connections really resonated with me.

While there were moments that required a little suspension of disbelief, I loved the bigger picture at the heart of this story: Chloe spreading kindness through her yellow origami roses. Each rose finds its way to someone who needs it most, carrying a hand-written message that feels perfectly timed and, in some cases, life-changing.

This isn’t exactly a rom-com—it’s more of a rom-magical tale, if such a category existed. With multiple subplots, there are definitely emotional highs and lows, but the overall takeaway is uplifting and powerful with a beautiful reminder that light can be found even in the darkest places.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This is an incredibly sweet story. If you don't like magical realism, it may not be for you, but I really enjoyed this. Chloe and Oliver became friends in first grade as penpals, where she would whisper messages into the paper, and then Oliver read them, he could hear her whispers too. As they grew up, they fell in love, until Oliver and his family had to vanish without a trace when they were 16.

16 years later, Chloe lives in NYC and just got laid off from her school counselor job. With her free time, she starts writing hopeful message into the hearts of yellow origami roses, leaving them around the city for the messages to find people who need them most.

This book has so many interconnected characters, who almost seem like they've been put there to help bring Chloe and Oliver back together. This may seem hokey to some, but I found it sweet, endearing, and hopeful. If you're looking for a simple writing style, with cute characters, and lots of hope, give this one a read.

This is a feel-good love story full of serendipity, second chances, a touch of magic and the courage to do the right thing. It’s cute, uplifting, and fun, with a hopeful spirit that lingers after the last page. A quick, charming read I’d definitely recommend.

The Incredible Kindness of Paper was a real good, feel good book. While being a very a unlikely thing to happen, the magical element added a little extra zing to the story. This book shares a message that many need to hear: the good in the world can come from the smallest things and you can make them happen.

I enjoyed this book so much and encourage anyone who needs a light, uplifting read to give this one a go.

**Received ARC through NetGalley. Voluntarily reviewed. **

“The Incredible Kindness of Paper” by Evelyn Skye is magical realism that is exceptionally well written. The story is heartfelt, the plot is engaging, and overall it was a very powerful read. Chloe is very relatable and you can’t help but cheer her on. The richly detailed setting and strong character development kept me fully engaged throughout.
Thank you to NetGallery and Atria Books Books for an advanced copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.

*cues Invisible String by Taylor Swift*

This novel was so cute! I loved Chloe's desire to spread joy and the way that she stayed true to herself even when she became popular. The romance between her and Oliver was also great although I definitely would have liked to see more!

I want to express my gratitude to @evelyn_skye and @atriabooks for the #gifted e-book and @simon.audio for the #gifted audiobook.

This novel is an enchanting and uplifting gem that leaves a lasting impression. I was truly moved by the abundant kindness woven throughout its pages.

The story follows Chloe and Oliver, who forge a unique friendship in grade school, only to be separated when Oliver moves away. Fast forward two decades, and after losing her job, Chloe begins creating yellow origami roses adorned with uplifting messages, scattering them around New York City. When Oliver stumbles upon one of Chloe's roses, everything shifts in their lives.

What sets this book apart is its immense heart. While Chloe actively seeks out the goodness in others, Oliver struggles to see anything but the negative. The beautifully crafted magical realism shines as the paper rose, with its heartfelt message, finds its way to the perfect recipient, ultimately transforming their lives. I was especially touched by how the messages exchanged between Chloe and Oliver resonated with both of them in profound ways. The overarching theme, that small acts of love and kindness have the power to triumph over life’s challenges is simply beautiful.

The narrators truly excelled in bringing the characters to life. Their performances were compelling, and the passion of the ensemble cast resonated profoundly, effectively conveying the characters' emotions with remarkable depth.

Though this book is short, the lessons and the impact of kindness resonate deeply. If you are a fan of heartwarming and inspiring stories, this book is an absolute must-read.

This book was so precious! A little cheesy, but in a feel-good, make-your-face-hurt-from-smiling kind of way!

I loved this adorable love story and the magical realism elements were perfect. I do wish we had gotten a little more info on the magic, but the story wasn't really about that, so I didn't miss it much. This book reminded me to slow down. It reminded me to have empathy and to remember that we're all just humans doing our best. A very necessary message!

Many thanks to NetGalley, Atria Books | Emily Bestler Books for gifting me a digital ARC of this heartwarming book by Evelyn Skye. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Chloe and Oliver were best of friends in elementary school, blossoming into something more as they grew older. But then Oliver left with no word. Twenty years later, Chloe's feeling lost and having too many negative changes in her life. She gives herself an encouraging word written on yellow origami paper that she folds into roses. When it finds its way to a neighbor in need, Chloe decides to spread kindness across NYC. Meanwhile, Oliver has worked hard to recover from his upbringing after leaving Chloe, but is still haunted by the past. One of Chloe's roses finds its way into his life.

Sometimes you just need a book that fills you with positivity, hope and happiness, and this book will do it. Plus, I learned my new favorite way to think about reactions when someone comes to you with an issue - you can fix, listen, or hug. Isn't that the best? I loved this book filled with magical realism and the magic of connection. Highly recommended!

This book is an antidote to the awfulness of the world right now. I dare you to read this and not feel hopeful & inspired.

A beautiful magical realism & romance that shows that even a small touch of kindness & goodness can touch and help people in ways you couldn’t even imagine. The way connections between those you’d never expect are shown just took my breath away. I really can’t say enough about how much I loved this book. And how much I bawled through the last few chapters.

This is also the second book this year that I absolutely love which had origami play a major part. Guess that’s a niche I love now lol

Thank you to Atria Books and Netgalley for providing the ARC for my honest review!

As a child, Chloe became best friends with her pen pal, Oliver. It’s now been 20 years since Olive disappeared and Chloe’s life has quickly gone off course. She loses her job, isn’t sure how she will pay rent, and has a maybe boyfriend? Leaving herself pick-me-up notes in her origami flowers has kept her busy, but when one winds up in a neighbors hand and brings them joy, Chloe decides to spread her kindness beyond her circle. Meanwhile Oliver has made a success of himself after his upbringing, but is suddenly surrounded by yellow origami roses.

This book is a fill your cup kind of read. I started listening while driving to a friend’s, and immediately started it again on my way home and didn’t stop listening until it was finished. The audio was truly so perfect. The way Chloe’s yellow roses helped people was just so heartwarming and wonderful. It had a small bit of magical realism, which is the way I love my magic, so it hit the spot for me! While the romance was exactly what you expect, this book captured me and I enjoyed every second.

Please enjoy my VERY BAD attempt at an origami rose, and my second, mediocre attempt at an origami rose. LOL I tried!

Thank you to @atriabooks and @simon.audio for my gifted copy of this book!

This book was a sweet and fun bit of hope during a dark time in this world. The characters were lovely, the story was uplifting, and the added bit of magical whimsy in the storyline made for a fun read.

My only complaint is that I would have liked more detail to the story. This book could have been an additional 100 pages for me, with more intricacy to the story and characters and I would have eaten up every page. But, as it stands, I would still recommend this to anyone looking for a lighthearted story or personal growth, finding hope in darker times, and love.

Chloe is a small town, kind-hearted soul that has been sharing her positivity and encouragement as a high school counselor in New York City. Giving her students advice in the form of notes folded in yellow origami roses, her life is upended when she is laid off. Oliver works in finance at a large investment bank and has given his all to move on from turbulent young adult years dealing with his destructive mother. When he accidentally bumps into Chloe, his best friend and first love from twenty years ago, he doesn’t know how to react and dismisses the interaction. But then their paths start to cross courtesy of yellow origami roses that have spread all over the city. Will destiny, kindness and love weave their fates together?

This novel is filled with so much easy to read goodness that I devoured it in just a couple sittings. It’s a light romance blended with perseverance, self discovery and healing. It was totally refreshing to read something so lighthearted and ultimately good - - like a self love mental break to all the other things going on in the world. The author does a great job with the story telling and even throws an Easter egg reference in there to a previous young adult duology of hers. I definitely enjoyed this one. 5 stars.

This is an honest review based on a digital Advanced Readers Copy provided by Atria Books and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.