A review by april_reads
One Last Gift by Emily Stone

emotional hopeful inspiring sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

One Last Gift was my final “Christmas” read of the year, and without a doubt, it was the best holiday book I read this season.

This heartfelt story revolves around Cassie, Tom, and Sam. Cassie and Tom, siblings who lost their parents at a young age, share an incredibly close bond. Cassie has harbored a crush on her brother's best friend, Sam, but after he breaks her heart, she decides to distance herself from him as much as possible.

A cherished family tradition is Tom’s annual Christmas scavenger hunt, which he creates for Cassie to find her gift. This ritual has always been a highlight of her holiday season.
However, when tragedy strikes and Tom dies suddenly at Christmastime, Cassie discovers that he had already planned her scavenger hunt before his passing. This final gift becomes a poignant journey for her, even as Sam spirals into grief and guilt.

While the story is undeniably sad, it’s also infused with hope, love, and resilience. It beautifully captures the complexities of loss and healing, making it an incredibly touching and endearing read. I highly recommend One Last Gift to anyone looking for a story that balances heartbreak with warmth and joy.
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