I really, really wanted to love this book, but in the end it was just okay. I was initially drawn to the magical realism element as well as the NYC setting. Chloe has recently lost her beloved job as a high school counselor. Searching for something meaningful to fill her days, she begins folding yellow paper flowers with inspirational messages hidden on the inside - a tradition passed down to her from her Japanese grandmother. As the yellow roses gain popularity around the city, Chloe notices that the messages inside tend to find people who need them most. It reminds her of her childhood friend and love Oliver, with whom she used to exchange letters. As Chloe's roses begin to draw strangers to her cause, she also encounters a curmudgeon named Tolle who is critical of her project, yet Chloe and Ollie find themselves magically able to converse through one of them. All the while, Chloe wonders about her childhood friend who abandoned her, and if they will ever find their way back to each other somehow.

Overall, the story lacked depth for me. Everything kept working out in a kind of saccharine, rom-com way, and I think I just expected a bit more. It may also seem minor but Chloe's career as a high school guidance counselor in a public school in Queens had a lot of unrealistic aspects. Chloe apparently got her degree in school counseling at night in one year while working in a completely different field. Then, she is fired by the principal on the last day of school due to budget cuts, which propels the rest of the plot. I am a former NYC school teacher and this is just not how any of it works. A simple google search could tell you about how much work it is to become a licensed school counselor in NY, and that city wide budget cuts are not exactly at the whim on a lone principal. I just feel like often authors make female characters into teachers in a cutesy, convenient way that just doesn't match real life.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

In a world that is becoming increasingly disconnected, it was refreshing to read a story like The Incredible Kindness of Paper. There were so many goosebump-producting moments as simple origami roses spread inspiring messages to people who needed them. I am so glad that I took a chance on this new-to-me author. Her story filled with positivity was just what I needed. Thanks to NetGalley, Atria Books and the author for a copy to read and review.

COZY SWEET READ THAT WAS FUN! I enjoyed the characters but it was the writing that really sood out. Well written and plotted. Ill look for more from this author

Chloe and Oliver were childhood pen pals who become best friends and each other’s first love, until the day Oliver’s family ditches their Kansas town without a word, never to be heard from again. Years later, they’re both in New York City; Oliver as a successful financial analyst and Chloe as a struggling high school guidance counselor. Faced with some tough times, Chloe begins writing encouraging messages on small pieces of yellow paper that she folds into origami roses. What starts as a tiny uplifting act gains momentum, until the tiny paper roses are taking the city by storm, including one particular rose with the power to reconnect Chloe and Oliver.

This special book made me feel so warm inside, with its found family and slow burn second chance romance. This is such a lovely story about the beauty of human connection and the optimistic belief in the goodness of people. I loved the magical realism of the roses and how their tiny bright spots of hope and inspiration connected with the exact right person, each message somehow exactly what the reader seems to need at that moment. In a time where our real world feels difficult and chaotic, this sweet, heartfelt story of joy is just the right book to restore your faith in human kindness.

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!