Chloe and Oliver met as elementary school pen pals. Their friendship blossomed through written words and whispered secrets in their shared letters. As time goes on, their friendship grows and flourishes into something much stronger. But just as their relationship takes the next step, Oliver's family quickly leaves town, and Chloe is left with a broken heart and questions she's not sure will ever be answered.

Many years later Chloe is living in a new city, working as a high school guidance counselor, and casually dating a wealthy man. When she finds out budget cuts have left her jobless and her roommate informs her the rent is being raised, she turns to one thing that always helped the students she counseled. She takes out a square piece of paper, writes a positive message on it, and folds it into an origami rose.

Though she created the rose as a pick-me-up for herself, it ends up in the hands of a neighbor who discovers a message within that's exactly what she needs to change her life. Chloe realizes what's happened and soon the city is flooded with yellow friendship roses containing magic messages that somehow find their way to the exact person they're meant for. When one returns to her with a negative response, she begins a new correspondence that unlocks doors that were previously closed and leads her to the truth from her past she'd been so desperate to know.

Full of heart and hope, The Incredible Kindness of Paper is a sweet story that reminds us how impactful even a small act of kindness can be. I truly love the message of this book and found it uplifting and enjoyable. It was just the right blend of magical realism that kept me immersed in the story without it being too cheesy or lacking depth. If you're looking for a good palate cleanser that feels like a warm hug, this is the book you want to read!

4.5 Stars.

Big thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing me with an ARC copy of this book.

The Incredible Kindness of Paper is a heartwarming story about childhood pen pals Chloe and Oliver, whose connection was severed when Oliver’s family disappeared. Fast-forward to adulthood, and Chloe, now a guidance counselor in NYC, is grappling with unemployment and finding solace in creating and sharing origami roses. Meanwhile, Oliver, a successful financial analyst, is haunted by the shadows of his past. When one of Chloe’s origami roses unexpectedly lands in Oliver’s hands, it sets off a chain of events that could reunite the two and rekindle their bond.

This book is a sweet and hopeful tale that feels like a warm hug. It’s brimming with magical realism, positivity, and a celebration of human connections made in the smallest, most meaningful ways. While at times it leans into sentimentality—perhaps even verging on the cloying—it’s exactly the kind of story so many of us need. It reminded me of the power of kindness and resilience in the face of life’s challenges.

I loved every minute of this joy-filled, tender read. Even with its occasional sappiness, it left me feeling uplifted and inspired. I’m giving it four stars and highly recommend it to anyone in need of a feel-good, life-affirming story.

I started reading this one evening and found myself at one am knowing I should go to bed but not being able to stop. It's a beautiful, tender, surprising story with a sprinkle of magical realism that starts with the premise: What if I did a small little kindness just because I want to, with no ulterior motive? It's about a friendship and family shame and trying to bury your past and reconnecting with a lost love. So, so good.

I loved the premise of this book! I love how people's lives could be changed even for a day with a kind word. The book was almost like a tale of serendipity too. The characters were full of life. I loved the dog lady <3.

There is sex referenced/described. It's completely unnecessary and could have been left out of the book, without any changes to the storyline. I hate when things like that are just thrown in. Just say he was as intense in that way as he was in everything else. No descriptions were necessary. Or just not mention it at all. (roll eyes)

Some swearing. But not much.

I would give this one 4 stars because it was a solid story. It kept me interested to see how everything worked out.

*Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC of this novel. All opinions are 100% my own.

I have been a fan of Evelyn Skye since a group of my students read The Crown's Game for a historical fiction unit (which peep the Easter Egg in this new book!) so I was excited to get a copy of her latest book. It was my first read of the new year, and what a lovely start this book made my 2025 reading journey! Found family, the power of connectedness, and most importantly the powerful act of small kindnesses was just the message I needed. To see how everyone's storied intertwined made me smile throughout the book.

They say not to judge a book by its cover… but in this case, I’m glad I did. I was drawn to this book by its cover and title and it did not disappoint!

The Incredible Kindness of Paper tells the story of how one act of kindness, born out of a difficult time, creates a far-reaching butterfly effect. With a dash of magical realism and serendipity, it is an uplifting story that gives a much needed reminder that humanity really is good. In a world where we are often surrounded by bad news, this book allowed me to disconnect from that each time I picked it up and left me feeling hopeful.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing me with an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

You know, this was cute. A little underdeveloped in terms of characters- Oliver is hot? A redhead? Did not peg either of those. Jennifer? Needed way more info. Chloe seemed pretty chill for losing her job….the plot was there with some magical realism and the spreading of hope but I just wanted more character development. Cute, could be good for young readers, since there’s no spice.

This book is sweet. So, so, sweet. If you are a lover of cotton candy, then this book is for you! That doesn't mean that it's a cozy book where nothing happens, and despite it's sweetness, the characters really do come to life, and I found myself loving them (or rooting for their demise) quite a bit!

Childhood friends, first met as penpals, destined to be together, but unforeseen circumstances tear them a part. The universe, however, has other plans. Chloe, after losing her job, starts making origami flowers with messages inside them, sending them out into the world to find the people who needs them the most. One of those recipients is Oliver. But his is more than just a message, a magical line of communication opens and allows him the chance to reunite with Chloe.

There are some loose threads that I wish weren't left hanging, but all in all, this is a very uplifting book. If you are someone who is always looking for hope and tries to find the good in people, then this book should hopefully find its way to you.

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

Thank you Evelyn Skye, Atria Books, and Net Galley for an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Chloe is in her early thirties and living in New York when she is suddenly let go from her job. Out of chaos and sadness comes an idea for a project. Her unending belief in the good of man had guided Clo so far in her life, maybe it could pull her up from the trenches once more.

Oliver is a mathematician who works in the banking sector, but even he couldn’t calculate the odds of how his life was about to play out. After leaving his childhood best friend behind to flee from the shadows of their past chasing his mother, Oliver gave up hope that happy ending existed for people like him so he chose instead to put his mind to a career he knew nothing was a safe bet.

What do these two people have in common? A yellow piece of paper and more than they could imagine.

Oh. My. God! I LOVED this book more than I can put into words. Siri please play “Invisible Strings” by Taylor Swift. I initially was turned off by the choppy writing style, but as the book progressed I completely fell in love with the lay out of the book. It is hard to write a back and forth narrative like
This and make it flow seamlessly and Evelyn Skye did it so beautifully and naturally. I’m probably going to try to find some more of her novels to add to my TBR, because wow, can she write.

One of my absolutely favorite parts of this novel was the one off character chapters that tied every invisible string back to Chloe and Olive, Clover if you will. Getting to see how each person found their yellow rose and ended up back at Chloe is very indicative of how absolutely bright and magnetic she is as an MC. But every character had their own personality, background, and fully fleshed out storyline that a lot of people wouldn’t spend the time to build on side characters which made them feel so authentic and true.

Chloe. Wow, what can I say about her. I identified with this character so much. I also work very hard to make sure my interactions with others are a bright spot on their day and I also have heard the same thing. But she doesn’t let her hope make her naive, she is open to other’s opinions, but ultimately she trusts herself above all others, she makes mistakes and accepts responsibility for it. She is so human and such a great example of how we should be in the world.

I hope this bookie gets the success it deserves, because it is so incredibly written and such a unique and beautiful storyline.

chloe and Oliver are pen pals. She also sends her notes with something more. They date in high school and then he leaves suddenly. They both end up in New York. They have many missed connections. She ends up sending these yellow roses and the messages help others. She ends up making friends and finding Oliver again. Loved the romance and finding home.

This was a very enjoyable, light-hearted book. I was hoping for just a little bit more of how Chloe would worry about her life changing right at the start of the book, because that didn't seem very realistic, but everything else was just sweet and enjoyable to read. Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC.

This book was the perfect in-between a romance and a literary fiction book. Quite literally the only reason I am not giving this book a 5 star is because I waiting to see how it sticks with me over time, therefore right now it is a 4.75 star.

After getting laid off from her guidance counsellor job, Chloe starts a passion project to remind herself about what she loves. This project stems from memories starting at the age of six, writing letters to her pen pal Oliver. As this project becomes known city-wide and soon further, Chloe is forced to reevaluate her relationships. As it turns out, everyone she meets along this journey stems back to one person. A yellow origami flower that both Chloe and Oliver cannot seem to escape, whispering wagers back and forth forces them to reassess their outlooks on life. With this element of magical realism, Evelyn Skye demonstrates how first loves and twin flames tie a tighter knot than you think on that invisible string.

The way that Chloe's internal monologue discusses Zac is a breath of fresh air compared to a lot of romance books. Just because you don't understand the way someone shows they care or love does not mean that the way they show they care is wrong, it is just being directed to the wrong person. Likewise, Chloe standing up for her cause and showing realistic emotions and reactions at every turn of her life makes these characters truly pop off the page.

Omg. I loved this book so much!!! It was everything I love in a book ❤️ This is the first book I have read by this author and it definitely won’t be the last. Thank you for the opportunity to read this one. It’s definitely one I will be recommending.

"All I want is more joy in the world, more small moments of lightness and hope for as many people as possible."

This book was a cute light-hearted read. Not my normal genre but the synopsis made me want to check it out. I don't believe I have read anything by Evelyn Skye but I will be sure to check out her other books.

Chloe and Oliver, "Clover", inseparable until one day Oliver's mom makes the family pick up everything at the last minute and move out of town. What happens in between them getting back together again will have you flipping through the pages seeing if it will even happen at all..

I received this digital ARC from Netgalley and Atria Books. Thank you.

This book was exactly what I needed at this moment. It had me smiling from start to finish, and I found myself reluctant to turn the final page. This story is a testament to the power of hope, the beauty of connections, and the undeniable force of fate that shapes our lives in ways we may never fully understand. If you’re looking for a story that reminds you of the magic in everyday encounters, this is a book that will resonate long after you turn the final page. It’s the kind of story that stays with you long after you’ve read it.

I’d describe this book as a beautifully crafted piece of magical realism, much like the works of Matt Haig and Heather Webber (two authors whose books I adore as well). It has that same enchanting blend of whimsy and heart, where the ordinary is touched by the extraordinary in the most delightful way.

If you are looking for a book that feels like a hug, I highly recommend this one.

Happy reading!

Thank you very much to Evelyn Skye, Simon & Schuster Publishing, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Incredible Kindness of Paper. This was my first time reading one of Evelyn’s books, and this will not be the last. First and foremost, wow - what a wonderful book. I read this from start to finish in one day.

This story was rich in character development, plot, and I took such a liking to our lead Chloe. After facing a bad layoff, she found a way to create connection and good in the world by making origami roses in the shape of hearts. In these hearts she includes short uplifting notes, and they magically find their way to the exact person who needs the message most. What a beautiful book.

Chloe’s kindness takes off, and these hearts make their way all throughout New York City, eventually spreading across the nation. And of course, we have our wonderful Oliver, who’s difficult background has changed him in many ways, but who’s heart and love always remains for Chloe. When he runs into her one day in NYC, everything changes…

This book comes out August 12th, 2025 so add it to your TBR’s and get ready for the sweetest story you’ll read this year.

Thank you again Evelyn - your book & Chloe’s story has made me want to spread a little more kindness in my own community.

The Incredible Kindness of Paper by Evelyn Skye was such an original story. It was such a good read.

5 stars

A little magic can go a long way. It reminds me of YA stories back in the 2010s. I love it!

The Incredible Kindness of Paper is a heartfelt and uplifting story both about spreading kindness and about a second chance at first love.
Chloe and Oliver grew up as best friends after meeting via school pen pals, but one day, at the age of sixteen, Oliver and his family disappeared without a trace. Chloe is devastated and heartbroken, but eventually picks herself up and moves on with her life. Oliver is devastated and heartbroken as well, but he experiences trauma due to his dysfunctional mom and makes the decision to close himself off to any new friendships or relationships. He finds solace in doing math and providing for his dad and brother. Through both outward happenstance in Chloe’s and Oliver’s lives and some sort of magical, soul-level connection that they’ve always shared, this book is the story of how they find their way back to each other.

Overall, I liked the pacing the author used to interweave Chloe and Oliver’s history with their present-day circumstances. It was also beautiful to get details of the stories of others who were uplifted by Chloe’s messages in the origami flowers. I could feel the difference between the lonely beginning, and the blossoming of community, which is something everyone wants - even the closed-off Olivers of the world! So many of the characters grew personally in some way throughout the book, and that fills my heart in a way I can’t describe. Doesn’t everyone want that in their lives?

Some criticisms: The nemesis-at-work schtick was a bit Hallmarky and the secondary characters seemed to be too well-connected to be believable. It also felt like there were some parts that weren’t quite clicking yet as far as characterization and descriptions of scenes - it swung between feeling unrealistically cliche-like to feeling very down to earth and relatable. For now, I’m chalking that up to reading an advance review copy. Maybe there are a few scenes that will be reworked before publication?

Some other positives:
I found it redeeming that Mr. Not Right was not completely villainized and was given a more complex character than some romance books would.
Though parts of Chloe’s characterization felt a bit exaggerated to me, she was also a really loveable protagonist. I really appreciated how she stuck to her principles and refused to take advantage of how popular her origami flowers became.

As far as content warnings go, there are a handful of four-letter words sprinkled throughout (that I could always do without). Sex is alluded to euphemistically or at least vaguely with no open-door scenes, which is a huge plus for me when reading romances!

If you’re looking for a generally clean read, a sweet (if somewhat unbelievable) love story, and a feel-good message, this book is for you!

This book is *chefs kiss*

The whole premise of spreading kindness, things happening for a reason, and the connection of people in this book had my heart so happy!!!!! Just imagine if this is the way more of us lived our lives!

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC of this book.

Release Date: August 12, 2025