Title: One Last Gift
Author: Emily Stone
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Published On: October 11, 2022
Publisher: Dell (Penguin Random House)
Source: digital (Netgalley)
Pages: 379
Synopsis:
When a young woman finds herself lost and at a crossroads, one last gift from her brother just might give her another chance at life and at love in this epic holiday romance from the author of Always, in December
Sometimes the best gifts in life are the ones you don’t expect.
Cassie and Tom lost their parents at a young age and relied on each other–as well as a community of friends–to get through it. Especially Tom’s best friend, Sam, who always made sure Tom and Cassie were surrounded with love. But now, twenty years later, Cassie has lost Tom as well. And in a way, she’s also lost Sam; over the years they’ve drifted apart, and now the man she always had a crush on is someone she doesn’t even recognize anymore.
She’s never felt more alone.
Then she finds an envelope with her name on it, written in Tom’s terrible handwriting, and she knows immediately what it is. It’s the first clue in the Christmas scavenger hunt Tom made for her every year; he’d promised her for months that this year’s would be the grandest one yet. At first, she’s too scared to open it–what if she can’t figure out the clues without his help? Or what if she does figure them all out, and her last connection to Tom is gone?
Tom’s clues set Cassie on a heart-wrenching and beautiful journey that will change her life–if she lets them. And as she travels from London to the Welsh mountains to the French countryside, she reconnects with old friends, rekindles a lost love, and most importantly, rediscovers herself. But once she’s solved the final clue, will she be brave enough to accept the gift her brother has given her–and the love it’s led her to?
My thoughts
(Spoiler free)
One Last Gift is Emily Stone’s second novel, her follow-up to the heartwarming and heartbreaking Always, In December, which I still find myself thinking about a year later. So when I was approved to read an advanced copy of her newest book, I was eager to pick it up. While it didn’t quite live up to its predecessor for me, I found plenty to keep me turning pages.
Stone’s talent lies in creating inimitable, flawed characters that keep the reader invested. I liked Cassie and Sam. I wanted them to find happiness, but much like I felt about Always, In December, I was okay if it meant they didn’t find happiness together. For me, that’s a sign that an author has done a good job of creating characters who can stand on their own. But, I know most romance readers would disagree with me.
“…Cassie allowed herself a moment to look up, to breathe in the cold night air. To imagine that her parents were up there, watching her. She didn’t often give in to that—the idea that they were ‘out there’ somewhere—but tonight, on Christmas Eve, with the stars twinkling above her, felt like a night to allow herself the fantasy of it.”
Emily Stone; One Last Gift
However, while I loved the characters, there were some things about this novel that took me out of the story, which always makes reviewing a book extra hard.
I think the first 20% of the book was my favorite. Which, yes, is the entirety of the book before the inciting incident occurs that becomes the whole point of the novel—the death of Cassie’s brother. But, it wasn’t because of Tom’s death or Cassie’s grief, it was simply because I enjoyed the flashbacks that established the story, while also being the most festive part of the book. Stone is wonderful at writing joyful occasions as well as grief, so it makes sense that she writes about both emotions in her stories, but I’d love to see a book by her that doesn’t use grief as a plot point. She’s good at infusing the bits of humor and I’d like to see more of that.
Or maybe it’s also because Cassie and Tom had lost their parents when they were young, so there’s a kind of double-dose of grief in this story.
While I adored Cassie, I wanted a little more action from her and less re-action, if that makes sense. Cassie is always reacting to her life, reacting to family and friends’ influences, rarely making decisions independently, even in the end. Alternatively, while Sam is not very likable in the beginning, his story arc is genuine. Having been raised by only his mother, Sam struggles with the status and safety wealth can give him, as well as whether or not to have a relationship with his wayward father. Stone does do a good job of showing how both of these characters mature and change for the better.
Once again, Stone succeeds at creating unique and memorable side characters, as well. Each one stands out. They may not be necessarily likable, but they make sense in the story and as they relate to Cassie and Sam.
So, it’s a very rare situation that I find myself in with this review. I loved the characters, but some of the plot points gave me pause—including some points I can’t discuss without spoilers. And while this review may make it sound like I didn’t much like One Last Gift, I actually enjoyed it overall. I’m probably being overly particular, but I think I had very high expectations which made me read this one with a closer eye.
This dual point of view romance starts very festive, but the rest of the novel mostly takes place between Christmases. So, if you’re a seasonal reader, it can work for any time of the year.
And I will happily pick up the next book by Stone, but I’ll be harboring a hope the plot isn’t centered around grief.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy.
(All quotes are taken from the advance copy and are subject to change in final print.)
Rating:
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Levels inspired by The Well-Read Librarian from Sourcebooks
About the Author
A Song For A Book
I was determined NOT to pick a Christmas song for One Last Gift. Stone mentions one artist in the story that stayed stuck in my head throughout my reading, so that’s who I decided to go with. I’ve chosen to highlight Michael Bublé’s version of
“For Once in My Life”. I thought the lyrics were pretty perfect for Cassie, the classic sound fit the romance, and the upbeat tone reflected the overall hopefulness of One Last Gift.
For once in my life, I’ve got someone who needs me
Someone I’ve needed so long
For once unafraid, I can go where life leads me
And somehow I know I’ll be strong
For once I can touch what my heart used to dream of
Long before I knew someone warm like you
Could make my dreams come true
For once in my life, I won’t let sorrow hurt me
Not like it’s hurt me before
For once I have someone I know won’t desert me
I’m not alone anymore
For once I can say, “This is mine, you can’t take it
Long as I know I’ve got love, I can make it”
For once in my life, I’ve got someone who needs me
At least for once I can say, “This is mine, you can’t take it
Long as I know I’ve got love, I can make it”
For once in my life, I’ve got someone
For once in my life, I found someone
For once in my life, I’ve got someone who needs me
Have you read One Last Gift? Or did you add it to your tbr? Let me know in the comments!
Happy Wandering!
This sounds adorable and heartbreaking all at the same time – will definitely add to my TBR 🙂
Perfect way to describe it! I hope you get to pick it up soon. <3
Emily Stone sounds like an author I need to check out. Loved your review of this one. 🙂
She’s a great writer and definitely does characters very well!
This was a very different experience than Stone’s previous book. I had quite a few emotional moments and shed some tears, so that’s a plus. I think I was fully won over by the scavenger hunt. It was really touching that her brother thought of the things he included. Those things were bigger than any gift in a box and really made an impact on Cassie’s personal journey.
I did enjoy the scavenger hunt aspect. I was worried it would get a little unbelievable, but it worked well for the story.
This was definitely heartbreaking for me as well. I really enjoyed this story so much. I love the Michael video!
I’m happy to hear you enjoyed it, as well! I was worried my review would come across as negative, but it was a sweet story overall. Well worth the read!
I haven’t added this one to my TBR because it seems too heavy for December. Maybe give it a try during spring.
Great review, Dedra. I liked your comments and reflections. I got to the top of the list for this one, but was going away and it was a 7 day book, so I had to wait. I am hoping to read it when I get home from my daughter’s place. It sounds so heartbreaking, yet uplifting as well.