Cassie's life had been forever altered when her parents died in an accident and she and her brother Tom ending up living with their maternal Aunt Claire who wasn't the caring, motherly type. Tom who was only a few years older than Cassie became her lifeline. Tom's best friend Sam was Cassie's crush. It seems Sam has feelings for Cassie as well and when they kiss on a ski vacation, Cassie wants to tell Tom and proceed with the relationship and Sam is terrified and rejects Cassie. Fast forward five years, and Cassie is meeting up with Tom pre Christmas and Sam is along, of course. Sam is now engaged to his boss's daughter, another lawyer. Cassie learns Tom has broken up with Amy, his girlfriend of several years and Tom won't explain why. Tom and Sam are to be leaving on a trip to Argentina to mountain climb. Sam ends up missing the plane and Tom has an accident while climbing there and dies. Tom had always made a treasure hunt for Cassie to receive her Christmas present. This year's is to be epic. After his death, both Cassie and Sam are a mess. The first clue of the treasure hunt is given to Cassie soon after the funeral. It takes Cassie a few months before she is ready to tackle the treasure hunt and we see how she heals over the months and what Tom's faith in her helps her to do. Loved the last clue/letter and the closure for both Cassie and Amy. 4 1/2 stars.

I enjoyed reading “Always, in December” by Emily Stone, so I was excited for a chance to review “One Last Gift.” I found this tale to be especially poignant and tender. It was heartbreaking and beautiful in the best possible way. Highly recommend.

One Last Gift

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I read the description before starting this one and I’m so glad I did. Emily Stone’s Christmas books center around the holidays, but are so much heavier than a Christmas romcom.

Cassie and Tom are siblings who’s parents died when they were young and they’ve had to look out for each other. Tom ends up passing and this is as much about Cassie’s grieving as it is about her romance with Sam, Tom’s best friend.

These characters had real depth to them and everything seemed honest. I enjoyed the dual perspectives once they started, it added a lot more to the story.

If you’re looking for something that has depth and feeling around the holidays, check this one out after it publishes, October 11th!

Thanks to @netgalley for this advanced copy.

The relationship between Cassie and Tom is what siblings aspire to. It started with unfortunate circumstances after their parents passed away and they went to live with their aunt Claire. Claire was not the warmth and fuzzy type so Cassie and Tom relied on each other. When Tome tragically dies days before Christmas, one of their special holidays, Cassie and everyone who knew Tom is devastated. Tom’s Christmas present to Cassie has always been a treasure hunt and Tom set the clues up before he passed. Now Cassie must decide if she is read to go on this last journey.

What I loved about this book is the first 25% is before Tom’s death so you really understand Tom’s relationships and the relationships around him. I also loved how well Tom knew Cassie. Each clue is perfect for her and takes her out of her comfort zone. The book skips sections of time to make the timeline realistic and I loved that. The treasure hunt is not the only focus of the story as the rest of Cassie’s life is told as well. This is not the first book I’ve read by this author and it won’t be the last. I love the writing style. You can easily get lost in the book. If you enjoy sweet books that are not predictable, you will love this book!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy. The premise of this had me intrigued, but, unfortunately, the book didn’t deliver. First, it was probably a good 75 pages too long and felt very slow at times. Second, the main characters, Cassie and Sam, were not particularly likable. Cassie was very immature and Sam was a jerk until the very end. The third thing that bothered me was the scavenger hunt. It was just so unbelievable that Tom would have been able to set all of that up and have it all still work out even though Cassie didn’t start the hunt until months after she was supposed to open the first clue. That part was all just a little too neat and not particularly realistic. All in all, I think Stone’s books may not be for me as I wasn’t in love with her debut last year either.

This was my first Emily Stone book and certainly won’t be my last. If you’ve been following me for a while, then you may notice I stick to happy romcoms and avoid emotional or books with heavy content because it tends to be too much for me. I believe it was after CH 5 of this book I sent a message to my buddy read group that I didn’t think I’d be able to handle this book, lol. But I finished it, and when I say this book had a chokehold on me, I was reading it every break I got because I was so swept up in it.

This story is heavily about grief, finding yourself after losing a loved one, and a mixture of friends to enemies to lovers to second chance romance - it’s everything. There’s one bed. DO I REALLY NEED TO SAY MORE?

This story was so beautifully written, and I am just so happy with how it ended. I was so happy for every character in this book, and couldn’t have asked for it to have wrapped up any other way.

I’d recommend checking content warnings for this one if you have any sensitives to the death of family members. Otherwise, enjoy and let this story sweep you away!

Happy October! One of the things I love
most about working in the publishing industry is that the holiday season for books definitely begins in October! I love me a great #holidayread & Emily Stone’s previous title, Always in December was perfect so I cheered when I saw her new book, One Last Gift. Light a fire, make some hot cocoa &
curl up with this kick off to the season! #happyoctober
#fridayreads #onelastgift #fallreads

When I saw Emily Stone had another book out, I had to get my hands on it. If you read her debut book, Always in December, you know that her style isn't light-hearted holiday romance books. One Last Gift shared this quality. Although Christmas plays a key role in the story, this book can be enjoyed at any time of year, and does a great job tackling emotional topics and complex characters in a nuanced way.

Near the beginning of the book, Cassie's older brother Tom unexpectedly dies right before Christmas. However, as he has done every year, he left Cassie a treasure hunt to complete as her Christmas gift. In the months that follow, Cassie navigates her grief (as well as her complicated relationship with Tom's best friend, Sam) while completing the hunt.

Again, I emphasize that this is not a light-hearted read, but I flew through One Last Gift and really connected with Cassie and Sam and their complex emotions. Both characters were well-developed and I enjoyed seeing their growth throughout the book. I generally don't get emotional while reading, but this one got me a few times!

Final Thoughts: I would definitely recommend this book for those who enjoy holiday reads and are looking for something with substance. Emily Stone delivered with this one, and I look forward to her future books!

CW: death of sibling, death of parents

Author Emily Stone has found her niche of writing cozy romances for the holidays. In her latest novel readers meet Cassie and Tom. The loss of the parents at an early age, forged a deep bond. When the sudden death of Tom sparks another significant loss for Cassie, she is floundering. While grieving, Cassie discovers that Tom has left her with one last Christmas scavenger hunt. Opening the first card sends Cassie to places beyond her wildest dreams. Along the way, she finds herself face to face with one of her, and Tom’s, childhood best friends, Sam. One Last Gift takes readers on an incredible journey across many quaint European cities with an incredible cast of characters providing witty banter, heartfelt conversations and a real look at second-chance romance. Readers looking for a chance to curl up on the couch during the holidays will delight in One Last Gift!

A sincere thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I gotta be honest, I didn’t love the authors first book: Always in December. It didn’t feel Christmasy, it wasn’t happy, it was a gut punch and it left me angry since I thought it was going to be a cute book. HOWEVER I knew I liked the writing style and wanted to give the author another chance. Enter, this book. I dragged my feet on reading this one after I got approved (see above… scared I wouldn’t like). Welllllllll, I loved it! It’s a beautiful story about grief and love and everything in between. The pacing was a bit wonky imo with all the gaps. I wanted to see more of Sam and his dads relationship by the end. BUT this book was beautiful and just what I needed at the time. 4.5⭐️

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

One Last Gift by Emily Stone is a fantastical story about giving life and love one more chance when all seems lost.

Cassie and Tom lost their parents at a young age. Ever since they have relied on one another and friends to get through it. Tom's best friend, Sam, has always been there for Cassie and Tom. Now, at twenty-five years old, Cassie has lost Tom. In a way, she has also lost Sam. Over the year, their differences have drifted them apart. She has never been more alone.

Then, Cassie finds an envelope with her name, written in Tom's writing. Immediately, she knows what is it - her first clue for the Christmas scavenger hunt Tom made every year. At first, she is too overcome with grief to open it. Can she figure out the clues without Tom's help? What if she can figure it out but loses her last connection to Tom?

Tom's scavenger hunt set Cassie on a heart-rending and alluring journey that will change her life. She travels from London to the Welsh Islands to the French countryside. She rekindles her relationship with friends and a lost love. Most importantly, she rediscovers herself. Once she opens the last clue, will she be brave enough to go on without Tom by her side?

I read Stone's debut novel Always, in December and was quite intrigued about what her second novel would unveil. While the writing is exquisite, it lacks much of the heart Stone's first novel had.

It was lovely to see Cassie mature and grow into being her own person. However, there are too many miscommunications and indirects between Sam and Cassie to ultimately care about them.

Read if you want to get into the Christmas spirit with a nostalgic feel.

Cassie and Tom have always relied on each other since losing their parents at a young age. Growing up and into adulthood they were close with Tom's best friend, Sam. Over the years Cassie and Sam drifted apart. Years have gone by and Cassie has lost her brother and Sam, the man she once had a crush on, is no longer the person she once knew.

Then Cassie receives an envelope in Tom's handwriting that she knows is her first clue to their Christmas scavenger hunt, a game they've been playing since they were kids. Tom has promised her that this year the hunt would be the most epic hunt yet. But Cassie doesn't want to open the envelope because Tom is no longer here and the memories are too painful.

When Cassie finally starts following her brother's clues they lead her on a life-changing journey. She travels across London, to Wales, to France, she meets old friends, reignites an old love, and finds herself again. Not wanting her brother's gift to end, Cassie didn't want to go to the last clue, but she knew it would be the greatest gift Tom would ever give her.

When you sit down to read a novel written by Emily Stone be prepared to be taken on a journey full of emotions. You'll laugh, cry, be enraged, have an aww moment, have to walk away, cry some more, need take an emotional break, so many feelings. Last year her novel completely ripped, shredded and destroyed my heart; I still haven't fully recovered. This year she's made me feel completely conflicting emotions towards the protagonist of One Last Gift. There were times I was completely commiserating with Cassie, then times I completely hated Cassie and wanted to throw something through the book at her for being such a jerk. On the other hand I completely adored Sam. While he does some things that may seem mean, you realize that he does them with what he deems are the best intentions. One Last Gift is not your typical holiday romance. Don't go into this book expecting a typical sweep you off your feet love story because that's not what you're going to get. This is a story of loss, heartbreak, and a long journey back to happiness. Any Emily Stone novel is one definitely worth investing your time and emotions in, they are are beautiful journey.

This was a much more serious Christmas book than I am used to but not in a bad way. I really enjoyed it. I will recommend this book to friends for sure. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC.

More of a serious Christmas story than I’m used to, but I think it has a place in the market. So often holiday books are light/funny, and sometimes we want to read something with depth around such a special season! Really enjoyed this!

I love when books are relatable, not with only the plot of the book, but the characters as well. Cassie and Tom’s relationship was so much like my brother and I’s, I cried quite a bit while reading about their relationship. I was very happy to get some flashbacks of memories Cassie shared not only with Tom, but with Sam as well. Their relationship meant just as much, and I’m happy the author highlighted that. I wished the “reason” Cassie was upset with Sam was a bit more… justified? Otherwise, I really enjoyed this novel, and I believe it is a very easy holiday read!

This wasn’t your typical Christmas romance book. I was pleasantly surprised with this heartwarming story of grief and second chance romance. I enjoyed the slow burn romance of friends to lovers, as well the realty of grief journey. It was sad and emotional. This was my first book by this author and it won’t be my last, I plan to pick up her other books! Very well written book and it needs to be made into a Hallmark movie! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

THE GOOD:
- I really should start paying closer attention to the synopsis before reading the book because this was not at all what I expected.. BUT IT WAS SO GOOD.
- Main character Cassie was a strong, smart and brave girl despite not feeling like she could tackle her fears. She showed such strength through numerous life changes.
- Hazel as bff to Cassie was a gem of a supporting character, but the real mvp was Tom as Cassie’s big brother.
- The annual scavenger hunt Tom created for Cassie’s Christmas gift was so sweet and thoughtful. Everyone needs a big brother like Tom looking out for them.

THE BAD:
- Pacing? If you can call it that. There were a lot of inconsistent time jumps. Five years here, three months there, etc. Giving a then vs now structure would have been a better reading experience.
- Ditto to the dual pov. I spent the first chunk of the story living in Cassie’s head and then bam, all of a sudden we got a Sam POV. It didn’t feel meaningful.
- Sam. I just didn’t like Sam. I kept wanting him to just speak his mind.

Verdict: still very much worth the read!

Read this if you love:
♥️ romance / women’s fiction genre
♥️ second chance love
♥️ slow burn
♥️ friends to lovers

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review. This review will be posted on @booklovingtaylor on IG 9/28/22.

The timeline was a bit jumpy, but overall this was an emotional and well thought out story about grief and going after what you want in life.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steam Level: 🔥🔥 (kissing and closed door sex scenes)
Trigger Warning: death of a loved one

Cassie and Tom Rivers lost their parents when they were both young, so Tom and his friend Sam always looked out for Cassie. In fact, every year at Christmas Tom created a scavenger hunt that led Cassie to her gift. When Tom tragically dies in an accident, Cassie and Sam are left behind to deal with their grief. But they haven't been close for years after they tried, and failed, to be more than friends. Now, Cassie has one last treasure hunt that her brother had set up before his death. As she sets off to find the last gift from her brother, she and Sam will have a chance at fixing the mistakes of the past and being brave just like Tom had been.

This was a beautiful story about dealing with the loss of a loved one and finding yourself in the process. While it does include a romantic storyline, it's definitely more women's fiction as Cassie and Sam's grief over Tom's death is the central focus. If you have recently lost a loved one, I think this will be an extremely emotional read, and you'll definitely want to consider that before starting it. I really did love how Tom was remembered and how the scavenger hunt he left behind allowed Cassie to get one last moment with him and heal in the process. The romance between Cassie and Sam left me a bit conflicted at times. Sam does some things in the beginning that made it a little hard to root for him. I liked the You've Got Mail vibes in the middle, but then it felt like things progressed really quickly between them. I loved the ending, but I still wish the journey these two took to be together had been a bit less bumpy. Overall this was a very heartfelt read that will most likely have you in tears and feeling deeply for the characters.

Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Cassie and Tom lost both of their parents in an accident when they were younger. Losing their parents so young, Cassie and Tom became the best of friends. Tom decided after their parents died to start doing a Christmas day scavenger hunt that he kept up when they were adults and it is something both of them look forward to yearly.. Cassie also as an adult starts to grow feelings for Tom's best friend, Sam. There is much more to the story, but I went into it without reading the description fully first, so I want to do the same here. I will in a nutshell say this book covers loss of loved ones, family dynamics, relationships, and community.

I read Emily Stone's book last year, Always in December, and it was not an upbeat holiday book . This one is no different. If you are picking this up thinking "this will be a fun holiday book to read", you are wrong...very very wrong. This isn't a Hallmark channel book, it's much deeper. I did enjoy it, but will say I saw everything that was coming many many chapters ahead. It was predictable in every way, but still enjoyable. Part of me wishes the love story didn't exist as I loved Cassie and Tom's story so much more. Overall I enjoyed it, but wouldn't personally classify it as a Holiday time read. There was a little bit of holiday sprinkled in, most of the story was not related to Christmas though.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dell for this e-Arc. One Last Gift is available on 10/11!