Love, Holly: A Novel

Emily Stone

Sept 2023 · Sold by Dell

About this eBook

A young woman tries to heal a rift in her elderly pen pal’s family in time for Christmas, all while falling in love—and maybe even reuniting with her own family—in this dazzling romance from the author of Always, in December and One Last Gift

Sometimes it takes a stranger to bring you back to yourself.

Ever since a car accident tore her family apart, Holly has been part of a lonely-hearts holiday letter–writing club. Each December, she writes to a stranger who is also spending Christmas alone, and receives a letter from another lonely person in return. 

Usually, the letters go unanswered. That’s the point—the letters are anonymous, and the senders write whatever is in their heart. But this year, the letter Holly receives is different; not only is the letter full of a grief she knows all too well, but its writer, Emma, mentions a place that Holly has visited. When she realizes that she might actually be able to find the letter’s author, Holly becomes determined to reunite Emma with the estranged grandson, Jack, with whom Emma is desperate to reconnect.

When Holly finally tracks him down, she remembers that she’s met Jack once before . . . and the connection was electric. The spark between the two of them is still there—until a misunderstanding risks their burgeoning romance and his strained relationship with Emma, too. But Holly is determined; if she can fix Emma’s family, she might also be able to fix her own. Though as it turns out, Holly might have less time to put things right than she thought.

Ratings and reviews

Love, Holly by Emily Stone is a heartwarming, second-chance holiday romance that delicately explores the complexities of grief. If you're in the mood for a book that will make you shed a tear or two this holiday season, Love, Holly is the perfect choice for you. The author has an ability to evoke genuine emotion while tackling tougher topics with sensitivity and grace. After reading this gem, I am eagerly looking forward to exploring more of Emily Stone's works. Thanks to NetGalley for free eARC

This was my first read by Emily Stone & the writing has so much heart. The depth of raw emotions experienced by the characters & the very real struggles they must overcome were heart wrenching. This was an eventful Christmas read covering matters of the heart from guilt, pain, resentment, & bitterness to loss, grief, healing, & grace. Top it off with loneliness and a mission to find a new lease on life, this found family and friendships read brought all the emotions with a bittersweet ending.

A heartfelt, lovely story of friendship, estrangement, and a touch of love. The relationship that builds between Holly and Emma is touching. It leads Holly to search for Emma’s estranged and so dearly loved grandson. Fate has a hand throughout the story and its thread ties everything together. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the author

Emily Stone is the author of Always, in December and One Last Gift. She lives and works in the UK and wrote her first novel in an old Victorian manor house with an impressive literary heritage.