Member Reviews
Love, Holly by Emily Stone is a a lovely story about human connection which will leave you rooting for these wonderful characters. I love a good holiday read which brings out all the feels. We have a meet cute, tragedy, and finding love after a heartbreak. I loved this book and the author truly delivered a good read.
This was heavier than I expected. I appreciated the amount of time that the book spans and the working through grief. I really liked the pen pal relationship (maybe more than the love interest?) So sweet!
Emma Stone has a way of writing romance stories that are so much more. This book is about forgiveness, second chances and a lot of fate. It is a a holiday book without being overly filled with Christmas references. This book is perfect to get lost in on a lazy day wrapped in a cozy blanket. There are a number of trigger warnings, from cancer, miscarriage, and loss of family. While so much of the story was predictable, that also provides some comfort in the read. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing access to a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I love a good Emily Stone book. This one was no different. This book is a tear-jerker, holiday romance... and it is perfect!
I loved all Emily Stones books, but this one fell short for me. I did not feel the connection to the main character, I loved the small town and the art that is talked about. This story does ask the question of fate, right time, right place? What is the reason they are all interconnected?
I loved the cover of this book and the synopsis. I started this book and got a few chapters in, I personally am not enjoying it. I'm not sure why but I'm not connecting to the characters. This is my opinion and will only be posted on netgalley.
Thank you for the advance copy. It started very Christmasy, but most of the story isn't super Christmasy. I enjoyed the English setting and lingo. It was a little predictable, but not too cheesy as some holiday books are. It could be read at any time of year. I was glad it wasn't too spicy and the language wasn't too bad. A few F words sprinkled throughout.
I love Emily Stone's writing and this one was one of the best. It was so heartwarming with so much hope. I love the Christmas holiday theme. Perfect to read cuddled up with a blanket and hot beverage on a cold Winter day.
A huge thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for gifting me a copy of this ARC!
I really enjoy Emily Stone's writing, and this book was no different. Her stories and characters are so heartfelt, which can sometimes be difficult to find in today's romance section without being campy. The best way I can describe it is like watching "The Holiday" around Christmastime - it's tasteful and heartwarming and so pleasant. I would re-read this next holiday season, and likely will!
“Some people you know for a lifetime, but they never really make an imprint on your soul- and some people you only have to know for an instant, to know they will be a part of you forever.”
This was such a heartwarming story filled with healing and hope; which is something I needed right now. I really enjoyed this one.
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Love, Holly was not the Christmas book I was expecting. That being said, I really enjoyed it! It works through the complexities of family relationships especially around the holidaysand learning how to forgive yourself. This is not your typical happy go lucky Christmas novel. There is more depth to it.
The serendipity of this story was really magical. I also appreciated that the Christmas aspects of this book were at a tolerable level of corny. The story was fun, the characters were cute, and I had an overall great time reading it.
This is probably my favorite Emily Stone book to date! What a heartwarming holiday story. Tissues are definitely needed for this story. This is such a beautiful story of dealing with grief. Holly being estranged from her family because of an accident that happened years ago is a very real response that happens to a lot of families when dealing with tragedies. I love the concept of the letter club "Dear Stranger" to help people get their feelings out without having to worry about the reader knowing the writer's identity. And Holly running into Jack right before the big accident? I loved the series of events that happened throughout this story and will definitely be recommending this book to friends. Thank you so much for the advanced copy.
3.25 This book was full of loss grief love and healing it was a really beautiful story but not what I was in the mood for right now. This story follows Holly a young woman trying to cope after a bad car accident from a year ago. Feeling alone Holy writes to other lonely people around Christmas. This year Hollys penpal is local and she can find out who she is and make a difference. Holly tracks down Emma an elderly woman who is trying to reconnect with her son, Jack. Jack was someone Holly had met once before and sparks had flown but with time past Holly doesn’t quite know what to expect.
This was a really beautifully written book but it was pretty deep book having to deal a lot with grief and loss and was really meaningful. With that being said this book was a bit of a downer so if you are not in the greatest headspace I would wait to pick this up. I have really enjoyed this authors past books so I think I will give this one another try when this doesn’t seem so heavy. I would like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for a chance to read this book for an honest review.
I enjoy lighthearted Christmas books, but when one comes around that has emotional depth and characters that are working through traumas, I will most likely devour it in one sitting. It broke me heart to watch the rifts between Holly and her sister, and Jack and Emma. Horrible, unforeseen accidents happen every day and it hurts knowing that loved ones stop talking because of them. I did, however, love the relationships Holly had with Jack and Emma separately. Both were beautiful love stories in their own right. Emma's crotchety, yet lovable character was my favorite. This is my third novel by Stone, and she has solidly put herself into my auto-read author category,
Love, Holly is a touching and insightful narrative that delves into the depths of grief, the journey of healing, and the twists of fate. It's a poignant exploration of forgiveness and the chance for redemption. While the holiday season often sparkles with joy and magic, it's important to remember those who are grappling with loneliness, grief, or depression. This book sheds light on these often-overlooked themes, offering a refreshing perspective on the Christmas season.
What stood out to me were the heartfelt letters exchanged between characters, adding an intimate touch that harkens back to a bygone era. The dialogue surrounding grief and loss felt raw and authentic, while glimpses of Holly and Lily's past added layers to the story. The theme of found family resonated deeply, and the romance evoked reminiscent feelings of the beloved movie, Serendipity.
I appreciated the dual points of view, although I wished for brief chapters from other characters' perspectives. As a firm believer in fate and the intricate workings of the universe, I found the portrayal of serendipitous moments in the book to be compelling. It skillfully weaves the idea that there are no coincidences in life, with the notion that certain people cross our paths for a reason, even if only for a season. Love, Holly is a captivating read that celebrates the power of destiny and the beauty of fleeting connections.
I am so happy NetGalley allowed me to read Love Holly. I loved it. It was just what I needed during the holidays. The main characters are very likable. I loved Holly's relationship with his grandmother. I was so frustrated with her sister, but I didn't want to spoil anything. I highly recommend Love Holly.
Love, Holly is a wonderful story of family and second chances! After Holly meets a handsome stranger in a coffee shop with her sister, she and her sister, Lily, are involved in a car accident which leaves Holly and her family estranged. Meanwhile, the stranger, Jack, is connected to her forever as a result of the accident that he wasn't actually involved in. We also meet Emma, an elderly lady who has been affected by tragedy and estrangement in her own life. Stone does a masterful job weaving the storylines together to create this beautiful work of fiction. All readers can relate to this story of love, family, tragedy, and second chances.
Emily Stone really knows how to pull at the heart strings and this book is no exception. This book dives into complicated feelings of grief, guilt, anger and forgiveness of oneself and others. If you are looking for a lighthearted, holiday romance, this is definitely not that, but if you are looking for a book that makes you feel all the emotions the characters are feeling, then this is the book for you.
A really sweet little novel that isn't really Christmas themed. I loved the main characters, especially the quirky Emma, and the story.