I was looking for a festive story and this one was lovely. The story tells of Cassie and her brother Tom and their lovely Christmasses together since losing their parents as children. Each year Tom creates a little treasure hunt for Cassie to complete on Christmas day or the days afterwards. But one year the treasure hunt must come to an end - when Tom dies suddenly in an accident. Cassie, with the help of her friends, completes the treasure hunt which takes the best part of a year. As the year goes by, Cassie and Sam - Tom's best friend - have a difficult relationship, their grief makes them argue, feel confused about their relationships and question everything...

I really enjoyed listening to this. It was predictable and there were moments when I got the treasure hunt clue way before Cassie did... but it was still lovely and enjoyable - inspiring in some areas too about following your dreams and being brave enough to take a risk or change the direction of your life.

A thoroughly wonderful story.

I am not always keen on soppy romance books and often find them just 'too' much but this was an exception. I chose it as I like the author and I just wanted a bit of winter uplift and boy did this succeed! I rarely cry at books these days but (spoiler alert) when Cassie reads her letter to Amy, I had tears pouring down. This book is sad, but at the same time such a feel good tale with plenty going on to keep up the interest. I found it slightly unrealistic and frustrating that (spoiler alert again) the obvious couple do not make a go of things early on but then that's a romance novel for you.... you just have to keep on reading ..... Wonderful and recommended!

One Last Gift -

What a lovely read! Surprisingly this book got me from the get go.

Slightly slow burn initially but i still couldn't stop listening! Did not expect the heartbreaking twist. After recently losing my own dear sister this did tug on my heart and I struggled with a few of my own emotions. Sign of a good read though right?!

Wasn't as predictable as I was expecting either. Quite a few unexpected twists.
As with all rom coms we know Cassie deserves a happy ending but in what shape that will be keeps us guessing for sure.

Loved the narration, loved the story and thoroughly enjoyed and if you like a cosy read (listen) then I thoroughly recommend!

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to listen to this lovely Audiobook and to the publisher Headline Audio and of course to Emily Stone for writing a great read, in exchange for my review.

**Note to publisher, I think there are a few technical issues, perhaps chpt 32 where the audio is repeated.

This had me hooked right from the very beginning. I liked the narration very much but it’s the storyline that had me gripped. Lovely wintery read.

One Last Gift

Earc: NetGalley, Audiobook
Publisher: Headline Audio
Publication Date: 4 August 2022
Genre : General Fiction Adult

A lovely, tearjerking, and cosy holiday tale about Cassie's brother and Sam's best friend losing someone they loved. The year after his death, we follow both of their points of view as Cassie completes a scavenger expedition that her brother has set up (a Christmas tradition he used to do each year).

While there is a slow-burn romance woven throughout the narrative, grief and the diverse and flawed people' reactions to the unanticipated tragedy take centre stage.
#NetGalley #bookstagram #bookreview#goodreads @emilystone #OneLastGift

Lovey narrator reading a beautiful story!

Surprising heartbreak but the author guides you through it along with thr main characters.

A heartwarming, emotional and cozy Christmas story about the loss of a loved one, the brother of Cassie and best friend of Sam. We follow both of their POVs the year after their loss, as Cassie goes on a scavenger hunt journey set by her brother (a Christmas tradition he used to do each year).

While there is a slow-burn romance throughout the story, the main focus is about grief and how the complex and flawed characters cope in the aftermath of the unexpected tradgedy.

Miscommunication does play a part in the story which I'm not a great fan of, but overall the character arcs and growth we're handled really well.

A really thoughtful look at coping with grief and making you way through a difficult time. 4.5 Stars



ONE LAST GIFT: EMILY STONE.

FORMAT: Audio

THE PLOT:
Brother and sister, Tom and Cassie, have been each other’s world since they tragically lost their parents at a young age.
Each Christmas is made special for Cassie, when Tom leaves a paper trail of clues for Cassie to follow and find her Christmas present.

Fast forward twenty years and Cassie is once again grieving following Tom’s death in a tragic climbing accident.
Tom’s best friend Sam is also devastated by Tom’s death.
There has always been a spark between Sam and Cassie, but after one or two close encounters, they both continue to push each other away.
However, their bond is strong and they can’t seem to avoid each other for long.

When Cassie finds a letter addressed to her in Tom’s handwriting, she knows exactly what it is.
As Cassie begins to follow Tom’s clues for the final time, she embarks on a journey that will deliver her one last gift from her much missed brother and change the course of her life forever.

MY THOUGHTS: Just wow! Prepare for this book to knock you sideways.

There is a fabulous cast of characters. I liked Cassie from the start and Sam definitely touched my heart.

I enjoyed the chapters being written from the perspective of either Sam or Cassie.
The whole book was thoroughly well written. Emily Stone’s writing is quite beautiful and very moving.

This is a fabulous story. It will pull at your heartstrings, but it is also full of friendship, love and hope.

One Last Gift, will definitely be in my top ten for 2022 and is one of those books that will leave its mark on your heart.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Audio narration by Heather Long, who does a wonderful job of bringing this book to life.

Out now on all formats.

With thanks to Netgalley and Headline Audio for an audio arc of this title.

Thank you Headline Audio and NetGalley for the audiobook.

This is a childhood friends to lovers romance. A small town cozy romance brewing while the characters navigate through grief, loss and forgiveness.

I honestly enjoyed this book, it felt different than you usual romance.

The audiobook was perfectly done and the narrator was excellent.