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The Incredible Kindness of Paper
For fans of Matt Haig and Clare Pooley, an enchanting novel about a pair of long-lost childhood friends who find themselves magically linked through origami flowers as adults—from the
New York Times
bestselling author of the “fresh, magical, and hopelessly romantic” (Sarah Addison Allen,
New York Times
bestselling author)
The Hundred Loves of Juliet
.
In elementary school, Chloe Hanako Quinn is assigned Oliver Jones as her pen pal partner. Before sending her letter, she also whispers a note into it…and he hears her. Little does she know it would be the beginning of a friendship that would bloom into something more. That is, until disaster strikes, and Oliver and his family disappear without a trace.
Now over twenty years later, Chloe is a high school guidance counselor in New York City. But life in the Big Apple is not what she dreamed it would be as she faces a layoff, rising rent, a situationship, and loneliness. Desperate for encouragement, she gives herself a pep talk via uplifting messages written on yellow origami paper that she folds into roses. When one of the roses unexpectedly finds its way to a neighbor in need of cheering up, a desire to spread kindness and optimism is sparked in Chloe, who begins folding more roses and leaving them around town.
Across the city, Oliver has picked himself up from the rough circumstances that forced him to leave everything behind as a teenager—including Chloe. Now a successful financial analyst, Oliver’s past continues to haunt him. But when the city is suddenly inundated with yellow origami roses, a specific one finds its way into his hands and changes his life forever…
In elementary school, Chloe Hanako Quinn is assigned Oliver Jones as her pen pal partner. Before sending her letter, she also whispers a note into it…and he hears her. Little does she know it would be the beginning of a friendship that would bloom into something more. That is, until disaster strikes, and Oliver and his family disappear without a trace.
Now over twenty years later, Chloe is a high school guidance counselor in New York City. But life in the Big Apple is not what she dreamed it would be as she faces a layoff, rising rent, a situationship, and loneliness. Desperate for encouragement, she gives herself a pep talk via uplifting messages written on yellow origami paper that she folds into roses. When one of the roses unexpectedly finds its way to a neighbor in need of cheering up, a desire to spread kindness and optimism is sparked in Chloe, who begins folding more roses and leaving them around town.
Across the city, Oliver has picked himself up from the rough circumstances that forced him to leave everything behind as a teenager—including Chloe. Now a successful financial analyst, Oliver’s past continues to haunt him. But when the city is suddenly inundated with yellow origami roses, a specific one finds its way into his hands and changes his life forever…
Audible Audio
First published August 12, 2025
169 people are currently reading
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About the author
Evelyn Skye
17 books2,461 followersEvelyn Skye is the New York Times bestselling author of many novels, including The Incredible Kindness of Paper and The Hundred Loves of Juliet. She has also written for books for Netflix and Disney. Evelyn’s novels have been published worldwide and translated into sixteen languages.
Evelyn is a graduate of Stanford and Harvard Law School. She lives in California with her husband and daughter.
Evelyn is a graduate of Stanford and Harvard Law School. She lives in California with her husband and daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 617 reviews
September 25, 2025
This book was sweet! The definition of a cozy, hopeful, warm hug in a book.
We follow our two main characters in two timelines (previously when they met as children, and currently as they haven’t spoken in over a decade, but are now in the same city). The FMC spreads hope on little origami flowers with uplifting notes around NYC - which definitely played into the theme of seeking connection with those around you & spreading kindness.
This one fell a bit flat for me because it felt like too many storylines going on at once in such a short book. We got multiple POVs from characters who found origami notes along with our two main characters, all while also trying to understand the connection/why our characters haven’t spoken in years. The FMC was a bit too naive & the romance plot line didn’t seem very convincing (ALSO how these notes found people at the right time felt unbelievable), but like I said - it was a hopeful, easy read
We follow our two main characters in two timelines (previously when they met as children, and currently as they haven’t spoken in over a decade, but are now in the same city). The FMC spreads hope on little origami flowers with uplifting notes around NYC - which definitely played into the theme of seeking connection with those around you & spreading kindness.
This one fell a bit flat for me because it felt like too many storylines going on at once in such a short book. We got multiple POVs from characters who found origami notes along with our two main characters, all while also trying to understand the connection/why our characters haven’t spoken in years. The FMC was a bit too naive & the romance plot line didn’t seem very convincing (ALSO how these notes found people at the right time felt unbelievable), but like I said - it was a hopeful, easy read
November 13, 2025
no idea what to think of this one. insanely saccharine and unrealistic but also... not at all unpleasant. if you want an incredibly low stakes feel-good read about random acts of kindness, it's worth a listen. the audiobook is nice.
August 8, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
I am going to echo the very words that Evelyn Skye's editor used: this book is a warm hug. It's a Hallmark Hall of Fame storyline full of coincidences and sweet messages, and pure love wrapped up in origami yellow paper.
Chloe and Olivier were childhood friends who promised to be more if Olivier's family didn't disappear in the middle of the night with no explanations. Now, years later, fate is about to give their love a second chance. But are they both willing to take that step towards forgiveness?
Such a sweet story. Once in and while, these plots find me, and my heart just sings with joy.
Truly lovely.
Expected Publication 12/08/25
Goodreads Review 07/08/25
I am going to echo the very words that Evelyn Skye's editor used: this book is a warm hug. It's a Hallmark Hall of Fame storyline full of coincidences and sweet messages, and pure love wrapped up in origami yellow paper.
Chloe and Olivier were childhood friends who promised to be more if Olivier's family didn't disappear in the middle of the night with no explanations. Now, years later, fate is about to give their love a second chance. But are they both willing to take that step towards forgiveness?
Such a sweet story. Once in and while, these plots find me, and my heart just sings with joy.
Truly lovely.
Expected Publication 12/08/25
Goodreads Review 07/08/25
June 6, 2025
▶︎ •၊၊||၊|။||||။၊|• invisible string, Taylor Swift
I had to put this TS quote here because while reading this book, I was getting major invisible string vibes. Chloe and Oliver even describe their connection as a string that's tugging them back to one another.
What to expect *⁀➷
➳ Childhood friends-to-lovers
➳ Second-chance romance
➳ Pen pals
➳ Grumpy x sunshine
➳ Magical realism
➳ Multiple POVs
➳ 3rd person POV
Synopsis *⁀➷
The Incredible Kindness of Paper follows Chloe, a 32-year old woman who just got laid off from her job as a high school guidance counselor. After an origami rose she makes, with some uplifting words written in the center, lands in the lap of someone who desperately needs it, Chloe starts leaving more roses throughout New York City. The roses start finding other people who desperately need them, one of them being her childhood sweetheart, Oliver. These two are drawn to the same places time and time again, and although Oliver recognizes Chloe, Chloe doesn't recognize him...
I love a good second-chance romance. This book had a lot of heart. I think Chloe could come off as a little naive sometimes, but she really is just trying to see the good in people. Oliver, on the other hand, is at a point in his life where he only sees the bad. He's so different from how he was when he was a kid that Chloe doesn't even recognize him. Honestllyyyy, I love that as a plot device. I love when only one person recognizes the other. It's just so much fun 💅
I do kind of hate when things go "viral" in a book (in this case, the origami roses - people just love 'em), but I'm trying to move past it. Mostly because I actually do really like the origami roses. Some of my favorite parts of the book were the small chapters where people found and read their origami roses. I'm such a sap and reading how much those words meant to them was so sweet 🥹
My only issue is that because this book was pretty short (clocking in at just 241 pages), the ending felt a little abrupt. I would have liked another chapter or two, or a little more breathing room in those last 20-40 pages.
Overall, this was a cute, short read. Sometimes I just want to feel like there's good in the world. Sue me.
Releasing: August 12th
── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
pre-read *⁀➷
I won this ARC in a Goodreads giveaway babbbyyyy. This looks so cute and I'm so excited to start reading it!!
And isn't it just so pretty to think all along there was some invisible string tying you to me?
I had to put this TS quote here because while reading this book, I was getting major invisible string vibes. Chloe and Oliver even describe their connection as a string that's tugging them back to one another.
What to expect *⁀➷
➳ Childhood friends-to-lovers
➳ Second-chance romance
➳ Pen pals
➳ Grumpy x sunshine
➳ Magical realism
➳ Multiple POVs
➳ 3rd person POV
Synopsis *⁀➷
The Incredible Kindness of Paper follows Chloe, a 32-year old woman who just got laid off from her job as a high school guidance counselor. After an origami rose she makes, with some uplifting words written in the center, lands in the lap of someone who desperately needs it, Chloe starts leaving more roses throughout New York City. The roses start finding other people who desperately need them, one of them being her childhood sweetheart, Oliver. These two are drawn to the same places time and time again, and although Oliver recognizes Chloe, Chloe doesn't recognize him...
I love a good second-chance romance. This book had a lot of heart. I think Chloe could come off as a little naive sometimes, but she really is just trying to see the good in people. Oliver, on the other hand, is at a point in his life where he only sees the bad. He's so different from how he was when he was a kid that Chloe doesn't even recognize him. Honestllyyyy, I love that as a plot device. I love when only one person recognizes the other. It's just so much fun 💅
I do kind of hate when things go "viral" in a book (in this case, the origami roses - people just love 'em), but I'm trying to move past it. Mostly because I actually do really like the origami roses. Some of my favorite parts of the book were the small chapters where people found and read their origami roses. I'm such a sap and reading how much those words meant to them was so sweet 🥹
My only issue is that because this book was pretty short (clocking in at just 241 pages), the ending felt a little abrupt. I would have liked another chapter or two, or a little more breathing room in those last 20-40 pages.
Overall, this was a cute, short read. Sometimes I just want to feel like there's good in the world. Sue me.
Releasing: August 12th
➳ Thank you to Atria books for gifting me an early copy. All opinions are my own.
── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
pre-read *⁀➷
I won this ARC in a Goodreads giveaway babbbyyyy. This looks so cute and I'm so excited to start reading it!!
July 26, 2025
3⭐️ This was a sweet story about reconnecting with a lost love. Chloe and Oliver were childhood sweethearts separated when his family moved away.
Their story is told in alternating chapters by Chloe and Oliver going back and forth past and present. Both end up in NYC. Chloe finds herself unemployed and starts folding small yellow origami roses with feel good messages that “choose” their recipients. Oliver has a job at a high powered firm. Of course their paths cross!
This really is a feel good story and Chloe is almost too nice. The magical realism with the found roses is a little stretch. The happy ending is just as expected. But it was a quick read and a nice break from anything too tragic or heavy.
Thank you NetGalley and Atria books for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Their story is told in alternating chapters by Chloe and Oliver going back and forth past and present. Both end up in NYC. Chloe finds herself unemployed and starts folding small yellow origami roses with feel good messages that “choose” their recipients. Oliver has a job at a high powered firm. Of course their paths cross!
This really is a feel good story and Chloe is almost too nice. The magical realism with the found roses is a little stretch. The happy ending is just as expected. But it was a quick read and a nice break from anything too tragic or heavy.
Thank you NetGalley and Atria books for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 15, 2025
Well, that was absolutely delightful. If you could use some positivity and hope in your life, read this book. It’s sweet, it’s corny, it’s second chance romance “it’s always been you,” with unexplained magic. I loved it.
August 12, 2025
This was a really sweet romance book. The audiobook narrators did a great job of portraying each character. I loved the NYC setting in the present day. It's one of my favorite cities. The idea of spreading kindness throughout the city with the origami flowers was really cute! It's well written and has a nice message of kindness. I thought this was a hopeful and uplifting book.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
September 3, 2025
5 stars. Be still my heart.. Chloe and Oliver.. if you enjoyed the movie Serendipity you’ll love this. Such an adorable, whimsical romance.. and Chloe’s spreading of kindness throughout the city with (yellow meaning “friendship”) origami roses noted with positive messages of encouragement to the receiver.. each rose finding who needs it most. Beautiful story. Loved this. ♥️
Pub. 8/12/25 🎧
Pub. 8/12/25 🎧
April 27, 2025
I’m sorry but I found this one too cheesy and unrealistic for me 🙈 I know it’s magical realism, but there were other parts that were too unbelievable for me to enjoy the story. & I’m all for happy characters that want to spread joy… but it gave off a little toxic positivity to me
However, I went into the story looking for a happy, light read, & it delivered as an easy 1 day poolside read. If you’re able to suspend belief and want a quick, magical, kinda grumpy/sunshine, kinda second chance, you might really enjoy!
However, I went into the story looking for a happy, light read, & it delivered as an easy 1 day poolside read. If you’re able to suspend belief and want a quick, magical, kinda grumpy/sunshine, kinda second chance, you might really enjoy!
August 18, 2025
4 stars. This feel-good book, in mostly good ways (but also some less-great ones), reminds me of the many Hallmark movies I have watched with my mom over the years, along with the many Spanish telenovelas we have also watched together. Like both of those kinds of shows, you sometimes have to suspend a fair amount of disbelief to fully enjoy what you're watching. This is especially true when you have a book that features some elements of magical realism; these drive some of the book's events but not in an overwhelming way.
My biggest criticisms of the book involve Oliver, one of the book's two main characters, who I didn't find as compelling or relatable as Chloe, the other main character and the book's beautiful heart and soul. These MCs met in the first grade and became inseparable friends growing up in Lawrence, Kansas, and then, at age 16, realized they loved each other. That budding romance was quickly cut short when Oliver's family disappeared suddenly, and now, 16 years later, they bump into each other in New York City, except... Oliver pretends he has doesn't know her, which, C'MON!, people don't change THAT much from 16 to 32! I always roll my eyes when characters in telenovelas don't recognize each other, and I call BS here as well.
All that said, I found this story a quick and lovely read. Moreover, we need more hope and kindness in the world, so any author/book that can help spread those, I strongly endorse and support. This warm hug of a book is a great antidote to the cynical, dark times we live in.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publishers for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
My biggest criticisms of the book involve Oliver, one of the book's two main characters, who I didn't find as compelling or relatable as Chloe, the other main character and the book's beautiful heart and soul. These MCs met in the first grade and became inseparable friends growing up in Lawrence, Kansas, and then, at age 16, realized they loved each other. That budding romance was quickly cut short when Oliver's family disappeared suddenly, and now, 16 years later, they bump into each other in New York City, except... Oliver pretends he has doesn't know her, which, C'MON!, people don't change THAT much from 16 to 32! I always roll my eyes when characters in telenovelas don't recognize each other, and I call BS here as well.
All that said, I found this story a quick and lovely read. Moreover, we need more hope and kindness in the world, so any author/book that can help spread those, I strongly endorse and support. This warm hug of a book is a great antidote to the cynical, dark times we live in.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publishers for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
March 10, 2025
A syrupy sweet story for fans of serendipity and second-chance love.
After losing her job, Chloe begins folding yellow origami flowers and writing encouragement inside them to hand out to people or leave places for others to find. Her flowers become a sensation, connecting people of the Big Apple and beyond, including reconnecting Chloe to her childhood love, Oliver.
There is some clunky writing at times and the serendipity often felt forced or too obvious. I also had a hard time believing that Chloe wouldn’t recognize Oliver if they had been best friends from ages 7-16, and then run into each other at 32…
That said, I’m a sucker for a grumpy/sunshine pairing. I also like that Zac, her situationship, is never villainized in Chloe’s eyes. This speaks well to Chloe’s overall positive and loving attitude that stays consistent throughout the story. While Oliver’s sour attitude is very off-putting initially, the author does a great job building his backstory gradually so you begin to feel compassion for him. Finally, I love the messages about avoiding monetizing kindness and reminding readers that most people are good, they might just need a little push.
Thanks to NetGalley and Atria for the ARC!
After losing her job, Chloe begins folding yellow origami flowers and writing encouragement inside them to hand out to people or leave places for others to find. Her flowers become a sensation, connecting people of the Big Apple and beyond, including reconnecting Chloe to her childhood love, Oliver.
There is some clunky writing at times and the serendipity often felt forced or too obvious. I also had a hard time believing that Chloe wouldn’t recognize Oliver if they had been best friends from ages 7-16, and then run into each other at 32…
That said, I’m a sucker for a grumpy/sunshine pairing. I also like that Zac, her situationship, is never villainized in Chloe’s eyes. This speaks well to Chloe’s overall positive and loving attitude that stays consistent throughout the story. While Oliver’s sour attitude is very off-putting initially, the author does a great job building his backstory gradually so you begin to feel compassion for him. Finally, I love the messages about avoiding monetizing kindness and reminding readers that most people are good, they might just need a little push.
Thanks to NetGalley and Atria for the ARC!
December 16, 2025
What a perfect story for the season we’re in. The message of kindness fills the pages of this book! And boy is it something the world could use more of now.
In elementary school, Chloe and Oliver are assigned to be pen pals and they quickly become close friends. Circumstances beyond their control separate them, but years later they both end up in New York City. Chloe has lost her job. Her passion for making origami roses that contain uplifting messages takes off after one lands in the hands of one who needs it most. It’s not long before one finds its way to Oliver and the story moves on from there.
There’s a touch of magical realism, found family, and how even how the smallest acts of kindness can ripple out in ways we can’t imagine. I just love this story and Chloe has one of the purest hearts of any character that I’ve read in a long time.
In elementary school, Chloe and Oliver are assigned to be pen pals and they quickly become close friends. Circumstances beyond their control separate them, but years later they both end up in New York City. Chloe has lost her job. Her passion for making origami roses that contain uplifting messages takes off after one lands in the hands of one who needs it most. It’s not long before one finds its way to Oliver and the story moves on from there.
There’s a touch of magical realism, found family, and how even how the smallest acts of kindness can ripple out in ways we can’t imagine. I just love this story and Chloe has one of the purest hearts of any character that I’ve read in a long time.
June 19, 2025
Okay, I, uh, really hated that.
There’s a very sweet message buried in this about repeated missed connections and the value of being a good person spreading joy. But it is catastrophically lost in the middle grade jumble of a far too simple plot that is further ruined by every single character having the emotional maturity of a paperclip and steeped in toxicity of all flavors.
— Things are told and not shown. Problems arise to be immediately explained and solved in the same paragraph. There is no time to make connections for yourself.
— It is too sunshine and rainbows, every problem being solved with a simple platitude and a plucky good attitude.
— I hate the message that you can just let go of toxic relationships with zero effort or resistance and be magically healed and fine with it all.
There is zero real life in here, and maybe that makes me as jaded and pessimistic as Oliver, but the message is absolutely lost when it is completely out of touch with reality.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC and the opportunity to read and review this title.
There’s a very sweet message buried in this about repeated missed connections and the value of being a good person spreading joy. But it is catastrophically lost in the middle grade jumble of a far too simple plot that is further ruined by every single character having the emotional maturity of a paperclip and steeped in toxicity of all flavors.
— Things are told and not shown. Problems arise to be immediately explained and solved in the same paragraph. There is no time to make connections for yourself.
— It is too sunshine and rainbows, every problem being solved with a simple platitude and a plucky good attitude.
— I hate the message that you can just let go of toxic relationships with zero effort or resistance and be magically healed and fine with it all.
There is zero real life in here, and maybe that makes me as jaded and pessimistic as Oliver, but the message is absolutely lost when it is completely out of touch with reality.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC and the opportunity to read and review this title.
January 31, 2025
Unfortunately I did not enjoy this book. I wanted to like it, and it started out hopeful, but I just could not get over how coincidental and unrealistic everything was. There were too many unnecessary words and descriptions that added nothing to the story. Also, the random sex scene in the middle of an otherwise sweet story was strange.
Overall, I think this would have been better as a short story rather than a novel.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, I think this would have been better as a short story rather than a novel.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 4, 2025
3.5 stars. Started strong. Weak MCs. Weak ending.
January 30, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for my ARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be published August 12, 2025.
This is my first book by this author. I was originally drawn to the title and the beautiful book cover but the plot appealed to me as well since I’ve had a pen pal since first grade.
I had to get past moments of disbelief to enjoy the bigger picture: Chloe was spreading kindness via her yellow origami roses.
We meet a cast of characters who stumble upon a rose and find a hand-written message that is perfectly suited for them and actually changes their life.
This isn’t a rom-com. It’s more “rom-magical” if that’s a category. There are some emotional ups and downs as there are many subplots but overall I was left with this message: KINDNESS WINS. 💛
This is my first book by this author. I was originally drawn to the title and the beautiful book cover but the plot appealed to me as well since I’ve had a pen pal since first grade.
I had to get past moments of disbelief to enjoy the bigger picture: Chloe was spreading kindness via her yellow origami roses.
We meet a cast of characters who stumble upon a rose and find a hand-written message that is perfectly suited for them and actually changes their life.
This isn’t a rom-com. It’s more “rom-magical” if that’s a category. There are some emotional ups and downs as there are many subplots but overall I was left with this message: KINDNESS WINS. 💛
January 22, 2025
The Incredible Kindness of Paper by Evelyn Skye
Thank you to the author, NetGalley and Atria books for this ARC.
This book was absolute perfection! The main character, Chloe, is instantly likable and will have you rooting for her thru out the entire story! This book will make you believe in the kindness of humans and magic! I loved this story and wish it were real life so I could run up to the characters and give them a great big hug!
This book will be available in August of 2025 and I will be recommending it to all of my reader friends!
Thank you to the author, NetGalley and Atria books for this ARC.
This book was absolute perfection! The main character, Chloe, is instantly likable and will have you rooting for her thru out the entire story! This book will make you believe in the kindness of humans and magic! I loved this story and wish it were real life so I could run up to the characters and give them a great big hug!
This book will be available in August of 2025 and I will be recommending it to all of my reader friends!
August 26, 2025
Сигурно светът се крепи на прощаващите хора. На добродушните, които са се родили без лоша памет и шедра душа. Те обикновено дават втори шанс на пълните провали около себе си. Нова възможност на хората да получат прошка и след време да се завърнат към лошите си привички и недобри постъпки, продължавайки с провалите.
Има хора, които са родени с по- светъл поглед върху реалността. Осъзнават, че тя е сива, гадна и носеща риск, но пак търсят оправдание за оплесканите отношения и за социопатията наоколо.
Мисля си, колко разочароващо за такива слънчеви хора е да виждат сивотата на емоциите и самотата в погледите на другите около тях? Сигурно искат да намерят начин да създадат добри моменти и да раздават надежда? Клое успя да предаде оптимизма с изенадващи форми и сърдечни фрази. Успя да обърне възприятията за случващото се на все повече непознати. Но пътят за самата нея към преодоляването на разочарования и неуспехи, отхвърляне и самота, не беше без препятствия.
Клое страшно много ми напомня за Луиза Кларк от " Аз преди теб " на Джо Мойс! Цялата цвят, ентусиазъм, усмивки и ведро отношение към всички наоколо. Топлотата в отношението на Клое към света идва от семейство й. Защото да обичаме себе си и другите е резултат от силната любов към нас на най - важните първи хора в живота ни. След това можем да отлетим от семейното гнездо, но сме взели доказателство, че любавта е по - силна от всичко!
* " Her mom and dad understood that sometimes people needed help fixing a situation gone wrong. Sometimes they just needed someone to listen but they would later solve the problem on their own. And sometimes words were no good, but a hug and a reminder that they were loved was the best thing a parent could offer. "
* But in the early days of getting to know someone, you made excuses for them. And it was good, actually, not to judge things as patterns before you had a chance to see the whole picture of the other person, because what they did might be oneoffs. "
Има хора, които са родени с по- светъл поглед върху реалността. Осъзнават, че тя е сива, гадна и носеща риск, но пак търсят оправдание за оплесканите отношения и за социопатията наоколо.
Мисля си, колко разочароващо за такива слънчеви хора е да виждат сивотата на емоциите и самотата в погледите на другите около тях? Сигурно искат да намерят начин да създадат добри моменти и да раздават надежда? Клое успя да предаде оптимизма с изенадващи форми и сърдечни фрази. Успя да обърне възприятията за случващото се на все повече непознати. Но пътят за самата нея към преодоляването на разочарования и неуспехи, отхвърляне и самота, не беше без препятствия.
Клое страшно много ми напомня за Луиза Кларк от " Аз преди теб " на Джо Мойс! Цялата цвят, ентусиазъм, усмивки и ведро отношение към всички наоколо. Топлотата в отношението на Клое към света идва от семейство й. Защото да обичаме себе си и другите е резултат от силната любов към нас на най - важните първи хора в живота ни. След това можем да отлетим от семейното гнездо, но сме взели доказателство, че любавта е по - силна от всичко!
* " Her mom and dad understood that sometimes people needed help fixing a situation gone wrong. Sometimes they just needed someone to listen but they would later solve the problem on their own. And sometimes words were no good, but a hug and a reminder that they were loved was the best thing a parent could offer. "
* But in the early days of getting to know someone, you made excuses for them. And it was good, actually, not to judge things as patterns before you had a chance to see the whole picture of the other person, because what they did might be oneoffs. "
September 17, 2025
This book left me happy. It’s about connection, and sharing of oneself, and joy. It’s cozy, and full of love and warmth.
And like a number of Japanese and South Korean novels I’ve read recently, it’s about how one woman’s kindness and openness brings a number of disparate people together, and brings them all hope, love, and community.
We meet Chloe in New York City; she has just been laid off as a school counsellor. She's depressed, worried about how to pay rent, and even though her current boyfriend says something will turn up, Chloe feels down in the dumps.
She decides to turn to origami, something that has always brought her much comfort and happiness. She begins making yellow paper roses, and giving them out, randomly in the city. When she sees how people are uplifted by the sensitive and kind messages she leaves in the flowers, she decides to make more, sitting in Central Park, and then travel around the city, giving them out.
We also meet Oliver, a closed off young man who works as a financial analyst in New York City. He's tense, unhappy with a particular coworker, who happens to be Chloe's boyfriend and who is doing his best to sabotage Oliver's work efforts. Oliver is lonely, and feels incredibly responsible for taking care of his younger brother and his disabled father. He feels he has no room in his life for anything but sensible pursuits.
Years earlier, Chloe and Oliver were best friends, and did everything together. Then one day, he and his family disappeared without a trace, with young Chloe devastated. She eventually moved on, and years later, ended up in NYC.
In the present, Chloe's yellow paper roses begin bringing happiness to random strangers and comments begin proliferating about these roses on social media. A small number of people Chloe has touched begin helping her, sitting in the park and making paper flowers with her. Oliver ends up getting one, and he's annoyed with it, as he feels his life has no room in it for whimsy, after the terrible things that split him and Chloe apart. He disparages the kind of hopefulness and trust that Chloe constantly leaves herself open to.
That these two would eventually connect, and take things further, was a given, but how author Evelyn Skye got us there was lovely. This is a heartwarming, sweet story, and I just loved this.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Atria Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.
And like a number of Japanese and South Korean novels I’ve read recently, it’s about how one woman’s kindness and openness brings a number of disparate people together, and brings them all hope, love, and community.
We meet Chloe in New York City; she has just been laid off as a school counsellor. She's depressed, worried about how to pay rent, and even though her current boyfriend says something will turn up, Chloe feels down in the dumps.
She decides to turn to origami, something that has always brought her much comfort and happiness. She begins making yellow paper roses, and giving them out, randomly in the city. When she sees how people are uplifted by the sensitive and kind messages she leaves in the flowers, she decides to make more, sitting in Central Park, and then travel around the city, giving them out.
We also meet Oliver, a closed off young man who works as a financial analyst in New York City. He's tense, unhappy with a particular coworker, who happens to be Chloe's boyfriend and who is doing his best to sabotage Oliver's work efforts. Oliver is lonely, and feels incredibly responsible for taking care of his younger brother and his disabled father. He feels he has no room in his life for anything but sensible pursuits.
Years earlier, Chloe and Oliver were best friends, and did everything together. Then one day, he and his family disappeared without a trace, with young Chloe devastated. She eventually moved on, and years later, ended up in NYC.
In the present, Chloe's yellow paper roses begin bringing happiness to random strangers and comments begin proliferating about these roses on social media. A small number of people Chloe has touched begin helping her, sitting in the park and making paper flowers with her. Oliver ends up getting one, and he's annoyed with it, as he feels his life has no room in it for whimsy, after the terrible things that split him and Chloe apart. He disparages the kind of hopefulness and trust that Chloe constantly leaves herself open to.
That these two would eventually connect, and take things further, was a given, but how author Evelyn Skye got us there was lovely. This is a heartwarming, sweet story, and I just loved this.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Atria Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.
September 3, 2025
A little too syrupy sweet for me.
Read
September 26, 2025DNF @ 50%
I really, really wanted to love this, but I did not. While the concept of the story is very sweet, which is what drew me in, the execution was lacking.
The characters are 2D charicatures of the grumpy/sunshine stereotypes at best and the story reads like a run-of-the-mill Hallmark movie. My biggest issue is that we are expected to believe the FMC doesn't recognize her childhood best friend and LOVE OF HER LIFE because he got more muscular, dyed his hair, and it's been over a decade??? I tried to push past that, but I could not.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books | Atria/Emily Bestler Books for the eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions.
I really, really wanted to love this, but I did not. While the concept of the story is very sweet, which is what drew me in, the execution was lacking.
The characters are 2D charicatures of the grumpy/sunshine stereotypes at best and the story reads like a run-of-the-mill Hallmark movie. My biggest issue is that we are expected to believe the FMC doesn't recognize her childhood best friend and LOVE OF HER LIFE because he got more muscular, dyed his hair, and it's been over a decade??? I tried to push past that, but I could not.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books | Atria/Emily Bestler Books for the eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions.
July 28, 2025
”…the paper flowers are supposed to be like a little gift, Chloe said. "Something kind in exchange for nothing, in a world where there's a price on everything else."
A heartfelt and uplifting read. A gentle reminder to readers that even in life’s heaviest moments, hope endures. With every page, you’ll find comfort, encouragement, and the kind of joy that brings tears to your eyes. A beautiful reminder that light can be found even in the darkest places.
"You know how to dance," she said.
"Not really. But if I'm going to make a fool of myself, I'd like it to be with you."
💛 THINGS AND STUFF 💛
-multiple pov
-dual timelines
-pen pals
-second chance
-grumpy x sunshine
-yellow origami roses
-kindness & goodness
-friendship & joy
-serendipity 🤝 you’ve got mail
-second chance romance
-“it’s always been you”
-#IsThisAKissingBook closed door.
Thank you atria books for the advanced copy!
A heartfelt and uplifting read. A gentle reminder to readers that even in life’s heaviest moments, hope endures. With every page, you’ll find comfort, encouragement, and the kind of joy that brings tears to your eyes. A beautiful reminder that light can be found even in the darkest places.
"You know how to dance," she said.
"Not really. But if I'm going to make a fool of myself, I'd like it to be with you."
💛 THINGS AND STUFF 💛
-multiple pov
-dual timelines
-pen pals
-second chance
-grumpy x sunshine
-yellow origami roses
-kindness & goodness
-friendship & joy
-serendipity 🤝 you’ve got mail
-second chance romance
-“it’s always been you”
-#IsThisAKissingBook closed door.
Thank you atria books for the advanced copy!
October 1, 2025
3.5 🎧
Magical realism lovers this is your book!
This was a short feel good story about being lifted up when you’re down on yourself and your luck.
So cute!
Magical realism lovers this is your book!
This was a short feel good story about being lifted up when you’re down on yourself and your luck.
So cute!
August 14, 2025
A cute love story with a fun magical realism twist! Was it unrealistic? Yes. But was it happy and feel good? Also Yes.
August 20, 2025
A very sweet story with a lovely message. Reads like YA novel.
October 13, 2025
I needed a change from murder and tragedy (in books…and mayhaps real life?). I loved the premise and @evelyn_skye
& @atriabooks amazing promos really had me super intrigued! This book is ALL good feels. Whilst I’m not always the sweetest of humans, this was the half glass full book that I needed right now. Very escapist, romancey and good vibes only kinda feels. So glad I dove in!
& @atriabooks amazing promos really had me super intrigued! This book is ALL good feels. Whilst I’m not always the sweetest of humans, this was the half glass full book that I needed right now. Very escapist, romancey and good vibes only kinda feels. So glad I dove in!
September 30, 2025
Loooooooooove this book so so much🥰🥰🥰
It’s so sweet and wholesome, and just shows you all the good in the world and that people are fundamentally GOOD!
Whatever you’re doing you need to stop and READ THIS BOOK!!! IT’S SO GOOD!!!!😃😃😃😃
I looooove Oliver and how he was just so helplessly in love with Chloe his whole life, from the MOMENT he met her, he’s just so perfect and I love him so so so much…🫶🏻🫶🏻
I love Chloe as an FMC, she was so fun, and I loved her style. I love how optimistic she was and how she always chose to believe the best in people.🫶🏻
It was also super fun to read a book about someone who was from Kansas, cause that’s where I live, so that was awesome! And I’m also twinning with Chloe, cause I ALSO have a big family!! So that was also super cool to see…😄
Any😙hoooo 😄 lol
I think EVERYONE should read this book, it’s so so good, and I MUST own it, and I would love to underline…🫶🏻
So if you decide to read it, happiest of reading, my friend!!😘
It’s so sweet and wholesome, and just shows you all the good in the world and that people are fundamentally GOOD!
Whatever you’re doing you need to stop and READ THIS BOOK!!! IT’S SO GOOD!!!!😃😃😃😃
I looooove Oliver and how he was just so helplessly in love with Chloe his whole life, from the MOMENT he met her, he’s just so perfect and I love him so so so much…🫶🏻🫶🏻
I love Chloe as an FMC, she was so fun, and I loved her style. I love how optimistic she was and how she always chose to believe the best in people.🫶🏻
It was also super fun to read a book about someone who was from Kansas, cause that’s where I live, so that was awesome! And I’m also twinning with Chloe, cause I ALSO have a big family!! So that was also super cool to see…😄
Any😙hoooo 😄 lol
I think EVERYONE should read this book, it’s so so good, and I MUST own it, and I would love to underline…🫶🏻
So if you decide to read it, happiest of reading, my friend!!😘
August 20, 2025
DNF; not sure if its the audiobook or simply the writing but constantly cringing 25% in. Cute idea, just very unrealistic
September 21, 2025
Kindness. The world needs more of that right now. We are living in a time when the news is full of divisiveness, cruelty, and vitriolic rhetoric. It’s easy to get caught in a spiral of despair. Kindness is the ray of light that shines as an antidote to the negativity and this charming book by Evelyn Skye reminds us of that power.
It all begins in elementary school when Chloe Quinn is assigned a pen pal. Her first letter to Oliver Jones is sweet and contains a little something extra—a message whispered into the letter. Thus begins the story of Chloe and Oliver; soon to be known as Clover. They were inseparable until Oliver and his family disappeared and broke Chloe’s heart.
Two decades later, both Chloe and Oliver are living in New York City. Chloe finds herself unemployed and begins using her trademark origami roses to share inspirational messages to herself. One of her roses finds its way to a neighbor who takes the message to heart. The roses soon become a phenomenon; taking the city by storm.
You can guess where this is going and that’s just fine. This book is filled with a touch of magical realism, some whimsy, and a host of unlikely coincidences and I DID NOT CARE. I was completely and utterly under its spell. I tucked away my disbelief and enjoyed this gentle story. I let it soothe my heart and remind me that kindness and goodness have transformative power.
The audiobook narration is a delight! Performances by Ali Andre Ali, Sarah Skaer, Zac Aleman, and Jackie Sanders tell this story from different POV and across various stages of life. I love a story that brings seemingly unconnected characters to a point where they intersect and this does that beautifully.
Treat yourself to a reminder that kindness matters and can be more powerful than the world would have us believe. This book came when I truly needed it. Perhaps there’s a bit of magic working there too.
It all begins in elementary school when Chloe Quinn is assigned a pen pal. Her first letter to Oliver Jones is sweet and contains a little something extra—a message whispered into the letter. Thus begins the story of Chloe and Oliver; soon to be known as Clover. They were inseparable until Oliver and his family disappeared and broke Chloe’s heart.
Two decades later, both Chloe and Oliver are living in New York City. Chloe finds herself unemployed and begins using her trademark origami roses to share inspirational messages to herself. One of her roses finds its way to a neighbor who takes the message to heart. The roses soon become a phenomenon; taking the city by storm.
You can guess where this is going and that’s just fine. This book is filled with a touch of magical realism, some whimsy, and a host of unlikely coincidences and I DID NOT CARE. I was completely and utterly under its spell. I tucked away my disbelief and enjoyed this gentle story. I let it soothe my heart and remind me that kindness and goodness have transformative power.
The audiobook narration is a delight! Performances by Ali Andre Ali, Sarah Skaer, Zac Aleman, and Jackie Sanders tell this story from different POV and across various stages of life. I love a story that brings seemingly unconnected characters to a point where they intersect and this does that beautifully.
Treat yourself to a reminder that kindness matters and can be more powerful than the world would have us believe. This book came when I truly needed it. Perhaps there’s a bit of magic working there too.
August 25, 2025
3.5 stars.
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