deniseaz2021's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Very satisfying read.
onceuponagracey's review
4.0
3.5 rounded up to 4. Didn’t love this as much as Always in December, but still a sweet Christmas story with lots of fun elements. Sam drove me a bit crazy, but alas I was happy with the ending.
gretuciukas's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
stationannie's review
2.0
This is a 2.5, but I didn’t feel strongly enough to round up.
Another holiday romance where the focus isn’t on a romance at all, but rather on a dead brother. This book was more contemporary fiction where Cassie is trying learn how to live her life after the passing of her brother. The romance was just a side plot of the book. Actually, there were lots of random side plots that I didn’t feel moved the story forward much and would have been fine without them.
Overall, it wasn’t a bad book, but it was advertised as a holiday romance, which is a bit misleading. There isn’t much relationship development between Cassie and Sam besides their history of growing up together. I didn’t really feel anything that made me think that Cassie and Sam would be good together - there wasn’t any chemistry.
In fact, there is a lot of misunderstanding/communication, and nothing makes me think that this issue is resolved by the end of the book. It will likely continue to be a problem between the two of them because they both react without all the information.
Another holiday romance where the focus isn’t on a romance at all, but rather on a dead brother. This book was more contemporary fiction where Cassie is trying learn how to live her life after the passing of her brother. The romance was just a side plot of the book. Actually, there were lots of random side plots that I didn’t feel moved the story forward much and would have been fine without them.
Overall, it wasn’t a bad book, but it was advertised as a holiday romance, which is a bit misleading. There isn’t much relationship development between Cassie and Sam besides their history of growing up together. I didn’t really feel anything that made me think that Cassie and Sam would be good together - there wasn’t any chemistry.
In fact, there is a lot of misunderstanding/communication, and nothing makes me think that this issue is resolved by the end of the book. It will likely continue to be a problem between the two of them because they both react without all the information.
asanford's review against another edition
4.0
Adorable! I loved the sibling connection and the best friends support and conflict. A fun and easy read that is lighthearted and loving.
burghblakebooks's review
3.0
This was a very cute book. Enjoyable at Christmas or really any time of year. It’s a tear-jerker so if you cry easily at books, have the tissues ready.
While it was a fun, easy read, I didn’t come away loving it. I never really felt convinced by the redemption arc that the outcome so clearly relied on to work. The rest of the plot was unique and interesting though. I almost wished we’d spent more time on the treasure hunt!
While it was a fun, easy read, I didn’t come away loving it. I never really felt convinced by the redemption arc that the outcome so clearly relied on to work. The rest of the plot was unique and interesting though. I almost wished we’d spent more time on the treasure hunt!
shankl's review
4.0
Emily Stone clearly knows how to pull on the heart strings with holiday themed stories. One Last Gift shares two points of view after the passing of a beloved brother and best friend. Cassie and Sam have been skirting their feelings since their youth, and now these feelings are tested for a chance at true love.
This romance is a second-chance, friends-to-lovers story where the reader witnesses how grief effects their ability live life on their terms rather than someone elses. In learning to seize the moment, Cassie and Sam step out of their comforts zones to harness their talents to help others including themselves.
A simple holiday tradition brings love alive in this book. I am so happy it had a HEA.
Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Dell for the #gifted copy of this book.
This romance is a second-chance, friends-to-lovers story where the reader witnesses how grief effects their ability live life on their terms rather than someone elses. In learning to seize the moment, Cassie and Sam step out of their comforts zones to harness their talents to help others including themselves.
A simple holiday tradition brings love alive in this book. I am so happy it had a HEA.
Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Dell for the #gifted copy of this book.
phastings's review
4.0
If you cry easily, be ready for many tears. This book was not a light Christmas romance but rather a heart wrenching story of grief and family that happens to take place around the holidays. I loved the switches in perspective between Cassie and Sam, which kept me reading late into the night. My main drawback was I got frustrated at some of the time jumps that felt unnecessary.
jrv45's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.25