One Last Gift was a beautiful romance that ultimately was about the love between siblings, with a bit of coming of age thrown in as well. While this is a friends to enemies to lovers romance, I found the most important connection was between Cassie and Tom. Every Christmas since they were children Cassie’s brother would leave her a scavenger hunt to unveil her gift. When tragedy ensues and Tom passes, Cassie is left with one last scavenger hunt to fulfill. I loved this plot point. I loved Cassie receiving her clues, figuring them out, and finding out who had helped her brother pull off the scavenger hunt. The scavenger hunt felt a little too easy, if I’m being honest, and I think could have been drawn out a little more if we weren’t making way for the tertiary plot (saving the pub), but I enjoyed what we did get. It was also a great way to show Cassie's transition through her grief, as well as finally learning to listen to Tom when it comes to her job.

It also felt like it took a little bit to get to the point where Tom dies. It’s mentioned in the synopsis so I found myself waiting for it at every turn. In one sense this is great, because it gives us longer to get to know Tom and see how much he loves Cassie (it also allows us to see her entire situation with Sam), but it also felt like it was lingering over everything knowing it was coming. I would have preferred if it just wasn’t mentioned, or was phrased differently in the synopsis.

As for Sam and Cassie. I loved the way their story played out and the way Sam was written. I completely believed that he saw Cassie as a little sister, and maybe even more later on. I also completely felt for Cassie when they had her falling out. Usually, in romance stories the “enemy” in enemies to lovers stories feels silly because the protagonist either doesn’t have a real reason to “hate” them or they are completely misreading every situation to a point of being annoying. That was not the case in this story. I disliked Sam just as much as Cassie did, though I didn’t hate him so much that I didn’t want them to get together. It is a fine line to walk, and Emily Stone pulled it off with the finesse of a professional tightrope walker.

Overall this is another winner from Emily Stone, and one I think will go over a bit more smoothly perhaps with those who didn’t like the ending of her first story. I can’t wait to see what else she has in the future and I will be pre-ordering anything she puts out.

What a great start to the upcoming holiday season, this story was really good! I fell in love with Emily Stone last year with Always in December, so I was thrilled to get to read this ARC!

The grief in this story felt so real, for both our FMC and MMC. It was painful to see them struggle with the weight of their respective grief but I really liked the healing process that happened throughout the book in such a creative way.

From start to finish I kept thinking I knew what was coming next, and I was always wrong. I love that so much!

Overall, a great book and I want to read more from this author!

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!

3.5 🌟 rounded up! I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from this novel and I was pleasantly surprised. It was a cute story with great character development and overall I felt this was a quick, easy read. I felt like the pacing was a bit off for me - with too many time jumps and not much changed besides the season. The time jumps would have worked well for me if the jumps were considered time for characters to grow and we learned about it as the book went on. However, most of the time jumps continued almost as it was prior to the jump, with a few months in between. I love how the ending brought it all full circle and honestly, I will recommend this to friends! Although not all parts worked for me, it was a wonderful cute read that’s perfect as we head to Christmas!

I felt all the feels with this book. The love and support of a bother and sister, the love and support of two best friends, and the love between two people who were always meant to be together is what this story has. Based on a Christmas scavenger hunt that a loving brother puts together for his beloved sister, you experience loss, love and peace. After suffering a horrific loss, Cassie, has one more scavenger hunt she must complete. Having left clues with people in her live she is able to finally end with what will find peace, happiness, and love. This a heartwarming story.

A huge Thank You to The author, The publisher and NetGalley for providing the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Like a treat! So good! So sweet!

Oooff. This one will hit you in the heart. Be prepared with some tissues but at the same time there’s lots of uplifting and heartwarming moments too. It’s he story of love and loss and grief and dealing with the loss of a loved one and how that process looks different for everyone.
It alternates between the POV of Cassie and Sam, who are dealing with the loss of Tom, who had a mountain climbing accident in Argentina. Tom was Cassie’s brother and Sam’s best friend and they all three basically grew up together. Cassie and Sam have had feelings simmering for each other for a while,now, but neither acted on them because they weren’t sure how Sam would handle it. As his Christmas gift to her every year, Tom made a scavenger hunt for Cassie and he had prepared the one for her and had it all set up before his accident and once she was a little further along in her grieving process, she decided she wanted to do the last hunt he had for her as his last gift. In the process, she learns more about herself, her friends and her family, and of course, what her heart really wants.
Thanks to Dell Publishing and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.

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

Emily Stone is the queen of ripping your heart out around Christmas, and I'm here for it. It was beautiful and crushing, with sibling relationships, friendships, some romance, and lots of grief and hope. While there's one main storyline, the minor storylines add to the story really well and had me very invested in this book. I think the less you know going in, the better, but definitely recommend this book!

This heartfelt novel had childhood friends-to-almost lovers to enemies-to... what if? It covers intense feelings of grief, family that isn't always blood relatives, humor and what it means to chase one's dreams and if sacrifices for that dream can still bring happiness. I cried, I laughed, I cheered for Cassie. This sweet story, often revolving around a Christmas clue hunt for a gift from her brother, contemplates what it is the face our fears, how to move forward after tragedy, and the things we do for those we love. Cassie's friends were favorites of mine, and the author does well with the hate to love him aspect of Sam's troubled character. Also, I really miss living in Europe after reading this one with this setting. A charming book for the cozy season.

I usually avoid books that look sad but I absolutely loved the author’s previous book, Always, in December, so I had to give this one a try but unfortunately it lacks the magic of that book. I found the beginning depressing because we are basically waiting for the brother to die and Cassie to be blind sided. There are several points where I expected it could happen but it doesn’t which drags down the momentum as we are basically waiting for the story to start. I think it would have been better to start after his death. I found myself annoyed a lot with Cassie, she does not stand up for herself or go after anything. Even the scavenger hunt itself she waits to start. Obviously it will be emotional as the last one but if you had one final moment to share with a dear lost loved one how could you put it off and risk missing it entirely.

I strongly disagree with calling this a romance. The love interest is a bore. I was really annoyed with the chapters he narrated which brought nothing to the story. I think we’re supposed to appreciate his personal growth but I just found myself annoyed with him. Also this is one of those stories that relies far too heavily on the girl’s best friend who the main character needs, and there’s an extra work friend to support her as well. There are too many annoying bad decisions by the characters here. It’s a big disappointment from her previous book so if you have not read that one skip this and read that. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

One Last Gift is Emily Stone’s second novel, her follow-up to the heartwarming and heartbreaking Always, In December, which I still find myself thinking about a year later. So when I was approved to read an advanced copy of her newest book, I was eager to pick it up. While it didn’t quite live up to its predecessor for me, I found plenty to keep me turning pages.

Stone’s talent lies in creating inimitable, flawed characters that keep the reader invested. I liked Cassie and Sam. I wanted them to find happiness, but much like I felt about Always, In December, I was okay if it meant they didn’t find happiness together. For me, that’s a sign that an author has done a good job of creating characters who can stand on their own. But, I know most romance readers would disagree with me.

However, while I loved the characters, there were some things about this novel that took me out of the story, which always makes reviewing a book extra hard.

I think the first 20% of the book was my favorite. Which, yes, is the entirety of the book before the inciting incident occurs that becomes the whole point of the novel—the death of Cassie’s brother. But, it wasn’t because of Tom’s death or Cassie’s grief, it was simply because I enjoyed the flashbacks that established the story, while also being the most festive part of the book. Stone is wonderful at writing joyful occasions as well as grief, so it makes sense that she writes about both emotions in her stories, but I’d love to see a book by her that doesn’t use grief as a plot point. She’s good at infusing the bits of humor and I’d like to see more of that.

Or maybe it’s also because Cassie and Tom had lost their parents when they were young, so there’s a kind of double-dose of grief in this story.

While I adored Cassie, I wanted a little more action from her and less re-action, if that makes sense. Cassie is always reacting to her life, reacting to family and friends’ influences, rarely making decisions independently, even in the end. Alternatively, while Sam is not very likable in the beginning, his story arc is genuine. Having been raised by only his mother, Sam struggles with the status and safety wealth can give him, as well as whether or not to have a relationship with his wayward father. Stone does do a good job of showing how both of these characters mature and change for the better.

Once again, Stone succeeds at creating unique and memorable side characters, as well. Each one stands out. They may not be necessarily likable, but they make sense in the story and as they relate to Cassie and Sam.

So, it’s a very rare situation that I find myself in with this review. I loved the characters, but some of the plot points gave me pause—including some points I can’t discuss without spoilers. And while this review may make it sound like I didn’t much like One Last Gift, I actually enjoyed it overall. I’m probably being overly particular, but I think I had very high expectations which made me read this one with a closer eye.

This dual point of view romance starts very festive, but the rest of the novel mostly takes place between Christmases. So, if you’re a seasonal reader, it can work for any time of the year.

And I will happily pick up the next book by Stone, but I’ll be harboring a hope the plot isn’t centered around grief.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy.

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Summary
Cassie and Tom have always been close growing up, when they were young they lost their parents and that forged a strong bond between the two of them. Between Tom and his best friend Sam, Cassie always felt looked out for. As adults, Sam and Cassie's relationship becomes strained and then she loses Tom too and Cassie feels all alone. But when she's given a letter, with the start of Tom's annual Christmas scavenger hunt inside, Cassie finds a way to stay connected to him a little longer. He promised this year's would be bigger and better than ever before and it has her traveling all over the country.

Review
Emily Stone does it again. I was privileged to read her first book, Always, In December, as an ARC last year. If you want to get a good cry in, pick up that one or this new one. A box of tissues nearby is a must. Emily does a beautiful job of ripping your heart out and then slowly putting it back together, one piece at a time. Cassie and Sam both have journeys they need to go on to remember who they are, what they want and to figure out what they need. The way they cope with grief is honest and real. I appreciated the emotional journey through all the grief stages as you witness them work through them.

With PS, I Love You vibes, One Last Gift is about grief, healing, rediscovering yourself and your dreams and finding your way back to those you love.

Emily Stone's debut novel was one of my favorite books of last year so I was very ready for her second book. I cried so much at Always in December so I had my tissues ready for this one.

Cassie was such an awesome heroine. She went through so much and was able to get through it and I was in awe. She had a great support group and I loved seeing them be there for her. Especially when Sam couldn't be there for her.

Sam was definitely a more complicated hero. He had a lot of insecurities and issues. When he realized how intense her feelings were for Cassie, he pushed her away. He was also going through a lot as well. But I found myself less sympathetic for him for some reason. But he did have a good character arc and grew a lot.

The relationship between Cassie and Tom was maybe my favorite part of this book. They were so close and supportive of each other. Since their parents died at such a young age they really were the only ones they had left. And Tom putting together this scavenger hunt every year around Christmas was so sweet. You could tell how much Tom loved her. This was the love story of this book to me.

This is not a light hearted rom com, but it is definitely worth reading!

4/5

One Last Gift is a story about two people who are trying to find themselves and their way through grief.

What appealed to you the most in this story?

I really enjoy Stone’s writing, because she tackles difficult topics that draw the reader into the story on an emotional level. This is a sweet story about facing your fears, dealing with grief, and finding yourself in the process. One Last Gift isn’t going to wreck you the way Always in December most likely did as Cassie’s story stay’s lighter. Cassie is a character to root for as she works her way through her grief and fears.

How was the pace?

About the first half was fast paced and the rest of the story was more of a slow burn.

Do you recommend this book?

It's a bittersweet tale, at times funny and touching and at times heartbreaking, but it's worth reading regardless. Be prepared because this isn't a light Christmas tale, it’s a journey - an enjoyable journey that might break your heart a little and put a smile on your face.

Thank you, Random House and Dell, for this gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.

Cassie and Tom are siblings, very close because they lost their parents when they were young, raised by their Aunt Claire who gave them everything they needed except a warm, loving environment. They each have best friends, Sam, who they’ve known since they were young, and Hazel who Cassie knew from school.

Every Christmas Tom sets up a treasure hunt for Cassie, rhyming clues and all. It’s always something that Cassie looks forward to, except for the year that tragedy strikes. That Christmas there is the usual envelope waiting but it takes Cassie months before she attempts the search.

I found this book to be emotional but hopeful at the same time. I think it’s a bit long and could be shortened though. Cassie and Sam’s push-pull relationship was a huge theme in the story, as was Cassie’s unhappiness at her job. I don’t do spoilers, so you’ll have to read the book to fill in the blanks.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

one last gift is a story about two siblings named tom and cassie and ever since their parents’ passing when they were kids, they’ve been each other support systems along with their friends sam and hazel. throughout the years and at every christmas tom puts together a scavenger hunt filled with clues for cassie and it’s something she always looks forward to.

except years later, when tom dies unexpectedly in a rock climbing accident she can’t find herself to open the envelope with the first clue.

one last gift is mainly about cassie’s journey working through her grief with losing her older brother as she goes on this one last scavenger hunt. her journey throughout the book was written in a way that was very realistic to me. the best chapters in this book for me were the chapters focused on tom’s clues.

if you’re looking for a cute brother’s best friend romance this book is not for you. i liked cassie and sam’s chemistry right from the very beginning but then a few chapters in it just fell flat for me. at certain times, i found it hard to really root for either one of them.

there’s not a lot of romantic or fluffy scenes in this book either, so the romance in this book between cassie and sam is definitely a subplot and a very slow burn at that.

thank you to netgalley and random house publishing group - ballantine for sharing this arc with me in exchange for my honest review!

Stone really knows how to write about loss and grief. I liked how this book moved through time giving plenty of background and character development. Cassie's brother, Tom, makes her a scavenger hunt every year for Christmas and after he passes she discovers that he had already created her scavenger hunt for the year so that is his "one last gift" for her. I read this in one day as I did One Day in December. The stories just flow so easily.

Emily Stone has done it again! She broke my heart with another terrible death during the Christmas holidays.

Cassie loses her brother Tom in a tragic accident just days before Christmas. Before his death, he set up one last treasure hunt for her. She starts it months later and slowly recovers from her grief as she follows Tom’s clues to one last gift that will change her life… if she is brave enough to accept it.

Recommended for: fans of enemies-to-lovers romance

Content warning: death at Christmas time

I received a digital ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Rounded up to 3.5 stars

For all you Hallmark lovers out there, this one may be for you.

At times this was a heavy Christmas read. The story revolves around 4 young people. Tom and Cassie who are brother and sister and their best friends Hazel and Sam.

It starts out strong with the love vibe. Cassie has a huge crush on Sam and it’s apparent he feels the same. A few kisses and bad choices later, Sam is an ass and their friendship seriously strained.

Then some terribly sad things happen and the book slows wayyy down. We learn more about Tom and Cassie and how they lost their parents early in life. We learn their bond is so strong and each Christmas, Tom sends Cassie on a scavenger hunt to find her gift.

Then finally about the 80% mark it picks back up with Sam and Cassie years later.

This is a story of love, loss, family, friends and forgiveness. I did enjoy it and I would recommend it.

One Last Gift is an emotional book. I decided not to read the synopsis and go in blind. I am glad I did. The book description gives away a spoiler, in my opinion.

After reading Always, In December last year, I expected to read a sad romance from Emily Stone. Well, she delivered. The romance did not move me as much as I hoped it would. But the sibling bond between Cass and Tom was so dear. I loved the treasure hunt Tom set up for his sister.

This book was about loss and grief and second chance and forgiveness. and it was about sibling love as much as romantic love. It was a different kind of Christmas romance but I really enjoyed it.

Cassie and Tom are incredibly close as brother and sister. Tom sends Cassie on a treasure hunt every year at Christmas. Except this year it’s different and tinged with much sadness.
This book was sad. Cassie has to cope with a huge loss and as she tries to decipher Tom’s clues, she has to face her own issues in life.
She has great support from her friends.
The only part I didn’t get on board with, was Sam. I didn’t care for his character and didn’t like his story line.