Return to Sender

by Stephanie Parente

A heartwarming debut about overcoming grief and finding love when—and where—you least expect it

Twenty-six-year-old Violet’s usually bulletproof optimism is faltering. Crushed by the sudden death of her father and subsequent custody of her rebellious teenage sister, Phoebe, it’s a struggle to do much of anything other than survive each day and try not to feel like she’s the world’s worst sister. 

Then Phoebe discovers a love letter written by the man who used to live in their apartment, a letter begging for its recipient to give him another chance. Reading it, Phoebe shows signs of life for the first time since their dad died—and Violet will stop at nothing to keep that smile on her face. Together, they track down the letter’s author, hoping to rectify a derailed happily ever after. 

Despite Dex being rather abrasive (valid) and more than a little enigmatic (intriguing), Phoebe talks him into a cross-country road trip to put the letter in the right hands.

Violet is thrilled to see Phoebe thriving again, and with every pit stop they chip away at Dex’s moody exterior, finding that he’s actually charming, funny, and unfalteringly interested in everything Violet shares with him. Violet and Dex’s chemistry only grows the further west they travel, but the closer they get to their destination—and Dex’s former great love—something’s got to give.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Adult, Summer Reads, Contemporary, Road Trip

352 pages, Paperback

Expected publication July 14, 2026

Reviews

[ivy · Rating 4 out of 5]

࣪ ˖ ֪ꮽ᱖܄ 4 stars˚ִִ꒱꒱ ִ݂

⤻ no spoiler review . disclaimer: this book contains a huge theme of grief. i have personally never lost someone uber close to me, so please do not take my word on how well done it is;; make sure that you are in the right headspace to read this 🫶🏻

་ 💭 ⊹ ࣪୨୧ preface. ‘return to sender’ follows violet, who has recently lost her father, and has to raise her little sister on her own. she’s dealing with immense grief, and long story short, decides to go on a 2 week long road trip with her little sister and a named dex. along the way, they stop at scenic locations, and of course, violet and dex fall in love.

i have been in a huge slump recently ( dnf’ing books left & right ) and to finally finish a book felt so amazing 🥹 this book was so easy to read and reminded me of why i love love. a major plus about this book was that while the main characters were travelling to multiple locations, we got to experience it along with them, and the author definitely did not shy away from describing how beautiful the scenery was. i mean, they first went to coney island, and then they went to Oregon, Chicago, Montana ?! 🙏🏻💐 i need them to take me with them next time 😩 the cover literally describes the book perfectly (which, by the way, is one of the most stunning i’ve seen) <3

⸝⸝ the characters ⁺໒꒱

ᡣ𐭩 — violet. violet is the sister that i’ve always wanted but never had. she has to take care of her sister amidst grappling with the crushing feeling of losing her last and only parent. i felt so bad for her because … poor girl, wow. and not once did she complain or lash out at her teen sister (who, mind you, deserved it at times), and instead took it in stride and loved her unconditionally. she is (most genuinely) the definition of admirable 💗

ᡣ𐭩 — dex. i will always wish fictional men are real, because dex was the sweetest, most giving, and careful person ever 🥹 he was SO understanding towards Phoebe & violet that even i was like, woah, i could never be able to do this.

𖥔 ݁ ˖ ⌗﹒ my only gripe with this book was that it was pretty unrealistic. it’s a romance book, so i tried to suspend my disbelief, but some things that happened in this book were genuinely crazy 😭.

﹏﹒✦ overall, this was such a fun book and i’m so happy i requested this book! the book definitely does the cover justice, and this is the most perfect option if you’re on a road trip and want to binge a book 😽💌

thanks a million to netgalley for the ARC!

⊹ ﹒ ⁺ ﹒ ⊹ ﹒ ⁺ ﹒ ⊹ ﹒ ⁺ ﹒ ⊹ ﹒ ⁺ ﹒ ⊹ ﹒ ⁺ ﹒ ⊹ ﹒ ⁺ ﹒ ⊹

˒˒🪴 pre read ˒˒࿐· started may 24・xxvi 𖦞.˖
i got this ARC a while ago, and i'm finally reading it with my best friend, joni ! 💚 i'm so excited to read with you again, ml <3

ꗃ thank you netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. ഒ

[aoife ⊹]

˚˖𓍢ִ໋ pre-read Ꮺ

𐔌 6/21 to . . . ୭ ˚.

eek i got the arc!! i’m so excited for this 🥹🤭 i’ve been recommended this one lots so i’m super looking forward to it ꩜ .ᐟ

special thanks to netgalley for the advanced reader copy જ⁀➴

[ellie (semi ia) · Rating 3 out of 5]

— 3.25 ☆ .ᐟ ⌗ 🚗 spoiler free + mini review
⤷ aw this was precious

୨ arc @netgalley
⋆˚࿔ 50th review of the year

𐔌♯┆at least tommorow .ᐟ ⊹.

⌗ ꒰ my thoughts ꒱ 🌿
⤷ overall this was such a fun and immersive read. it delivered on the emotional aspects as well as keeping it light. the premise was promising and i enjoyed my time reading. the main reason this wasn't a total win for me was because it fell off a bit during the middle.

despite it being a fast read, i found myself not reaching to pick it up. during the last 20% i was really hooked and i believe everything played out nicely/was realistic. our two main characters had depth. i cant say i related to either, but i understand them. i cant wait for other to try this novel! for a debut book too, this was great! 🪽

୭ book summary: after violet and her younger sister (phoebe) lost their father tragically, life hasn't been easy. phoebe is a bit of a rebel child and violet is struggling. one day a mysterious letter comes to their apartment and they 'accidently' open it. surprisingly its an emotional love confession. they embark on a road trip across the US to well.. return to sender!

im eager to see what stephanie does for her next novel! here you can find the info:

⌗ ꒰ tropes ꒱
⋆ road trip
⋆ unexpected lovers
⋆ sisterly relationships
⋆ finding love thru grief

⌗ ꒰ info ꒱
⤷ find my book review on goodreads @elliexreads
⤷ this is recommended for adult and new adult readers
⤷ adult contemporary emotional romance
publish date: july 14, 2026


₊‧ all ratings and opinions are my own ₊‧
⤷ thank you @netgalley and random house publishing for the arc in exchange for an honest review !


---------

₊‧꒰preview ᝰ.ᐟ꒱ ‧₊ 🌿🚗

₊‧꒰5.8.26꒱ ‧₊
⤷ WOO i got the arc for this gorgeous book! i initially planned on not requesting it had i not laid eyes on the GORGEOUS cover. i was even more convinced after seeing that this is an emotional romance, and i could really use something like that right now! thank you @netgalley for the arc, will share thoughts promptly 💐🩷

[joni ౨ৎ]

𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡ ── pre-read
the cover was beautiful so i obviously requested this one! i am a huge fan of healing & grief representation in stories, so this is right up my alley!

very excited for another buddy read with my lovely best friend ivy 💘


↪ started may 26


thank you dial press for the digital arc via netgalley

[jenny reads a lot · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was *chefs kiss*

themes of grief + road trips + sisterly bonds + a grumpy, stoic, utterly pathetic bisexual man with a heart of gold + an FMC who will do whatever it takes to support and care for her sister, even if that means going on road trip with a stranger.

Lots of tears were shed + plenty of swooning

Definitely worth a read

Whats to love…
- single caregiver (fmc)
- grief exploration
- bi4bi
- stoic, grumpy MMC with a heart of gold and a buttload of money, which is kinda my fav to be honest.
- sisterly bonds
- ROAD TRIP!
- family is everything. (family you’re born into AND the family you choose)

4.5⭐️| IG | TikTok |

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.

[mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

the careful but raw handling of grief, to the slow burn romance, to the characters that i fell in love with from page one - this one is an easy five star.

you think from the (gorgeous) cover you might be getting a cutesy summer romance but oh it is so much more than that. i cried, and i felt so seen, and i was just so into this the entire time for the pure emotion that was in every single word. such a unique premise as well.

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc!

[Sarah (bookofsari) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

This book worked better for me emotionally than it did structurally.

The grief in this story felt very real. Violet trying to suddenly become a parent figure to Phoebe after losing their dad carried a heaviness that grounded the whole book, and those quieter moments between the sisters were honestly what kept me reading. Their relationship felt messy in a believable way.

The road trip premise, though, took a while for me to fully buy into. A man agreeing to go on a cross-country trip with two near strangers because of a returned love letter already requires some suspension of disbelief, but once the romance between Violet and Dex started building, it created some weird vibes for me emotionally. Knowing they were technically driving toward the “love of his life” made it hard to fully settle into rooting for them together.

I also think the pacing struggled a bit. Some emotional moments hit really well, while other scenes felt abrupt or oddly inserted into the flow of the story. There were a few transitions that pulled me out of the reading experience.

That said, the final third came together much more strongly for me. Once more pieces of Dex’s story started falling into place, the emotional core landed better and the relationships made more sense.
Overall, this is one of those books I appreciated more than I loved. The grief and sister dynamic were the standout elements for me, even if the romance and overall premise didn’t fully click.

[Annie K · Rating 5 out of 5]

After accidentally reading a love letter meant for someone else, Violet finds herself and her younger sister, Phoebe, on a cross-country road trip with its writer. It’s been nine months since their dad died, and things have been grim—but Phoebe’s spark is enough to nudge Violet into saying yes to things she never would’ve considered.

From the first page, I was hooked. Violet’s voice, the plot, and the flow of the writing had me swept up immediately. This is such a beautiful story about grief, responsibility, and trying to rebuild yourself when you’re the one holding everything together. Violet’s desperation to be a good guardian felt so raw and real. What really worked for me was how honestly the book shows that nine months after losing someone, life hasn’t magically reset. Everyone around you keeps moving while you’re still stuck, and you can really feel that in Violet. On top of all that emotional weight, the banter between the sisters cracked me up. Teens really do love to roast everyone within a five-mile radius, and Phoebe was hilarious.


But the romance… my god, the romance. Dex is peak swoon. The things he says? I highlighted half his dialogue. And the slow burn absolutely killed me—in the best way. The tension and chemistry were so palpable I kept telling myself “one more chapter” until I realized I had finished the book.

I was initially hesitant about the premise, but it’s executed so well. It’s definitely on the heavier side for a romance—grief is a big part of the story—but the emotional depth is what made it stand out for me. I’m such a sucker for emotionally deep books when they’re written well, and this hit that sweet spot. Sometimes you need a book that cracks you open a little, and this did exactly that.

I’m honestly thinking Stephanie might be a new favorite author.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dial Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Catbytheseareads ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who doesn't love a road trip across the US ? I know I would love one right about now.
This story was entertaining, sad, confusing and fun all wrapped up in one.
After Violet's father dies tragically she becomes legal guardian of her 14 year old sister.
While dealing with grief and a stubborn teen a return to sender letter is opened by Violet that starts a new beginning for 3 people's lives like never before. I loved every second of this story, it's about loss, holding emotions in by masking them be it with anger or faking it to make it through.
I highly recommend it to romance readers looking for great emotional impact and a pleasant hea.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowowowowow. Also, ow?? Did not expect to cry this much over a book that has that cute of a cover. I just found out that this is this authors debut book? I am so impressed.

What a beautiful story about grief, healing, and finding love. I requested this book as an ARC because I was in the romance mood, and I had no idea I would love it this much. Yes there’s romance, but it’s so much more. I can’t imagine how much harder this book would hit if I had a sister.

Truly have no notes for this book. I loved the writing style, I loved the story, I loved the romance, I loved the healing, 100 stars.

[Kalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely incredible - heartfelt and genuine and romantic. If you like romances that truly puts the character work in and deals with grief in such a nuanced and careful way, pick this up I BEG 😭💛

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

everything about this was wonderful

[Callie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ Humorous, heart-wrenching and wholesome. I loved the inclusion of the sibling relationships in this book. Vi and Dex alone would have been a story worth reading, but the relationships between Phoebe and Vi, and Phoebe and Dex was what made this even more special. I was very appreciative of the subtle, but impactful queer character representation, as well as the realistic portrayal of the rollercoaster that is grief. I would have loved more insight into Dex’s arc, but I also think that could be a whole other book! Thanks to NetGalley and Stephanie Parente for the ARC. This review is my own.

Some favorite moments:
“Even assholes are moved by the dead dad bit”

“Things get fucked, but there’s always something good. Even if it’s just another minute.”

“He’s the kind of guy who drowns and learns to swim really well.”

[Gianna Guido · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Random house for the early copy of this book!

This was a great story about grief and overcoming it but also a fun romance full of adventure and finding love in the unexpected.

The characters were witty and funny and the road trip adventures were fun to read. The spice was definitely spicing!

It was a little bit of a slow burn but the angst made it worth while. I wish we had gotten a pov from Dex, it would’ve been so swooney!

I really enjoyed it and recommend it.

[Gabby Hurley · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75/5

Thank you NetGalley, Random House, and the author Stephanie Parente for gifting me with this ARC to review!

Liked:

-almost everyone in this book is a part of the 🏳️‍🌈 community! Violet and Dex are bi, Phoebe is gay, there’s trans characters and Dex runs a non profit for lgbtqia+ youth who’ve either been displaced or struggling mentally 🥹

-road trip! Road trip! Road trip! Gave me a scenic cross country roadtrip any day and I’ll be a happy woman. I love the cheesiness of making random pit stops at weird little places along the route or taking detours and finding those hidden gems.

-Violet and Dex are super cute together. I adore these two and I wish nothing but the best for them. Dex is a great guy who has shut everyone out to live in his sadness and Violet is struggling to overcome her grief while now taking care of a 14 year old.

Disliked:

-miscommunication trope (bane of my existence). I didn’t hate it as much as I usually do because it was a bit more understandable for me in the context of Dex and Violet’s situation.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

~thank you to NetGalley, the author & the publisher for giving me an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review~


I think I felt every single emotion while reading this. I LOVE DEX. I think I fell in love with him 😭 this was the cutest story. I loved all the characters. Arden was such a good friend, I loved her. Violet and Phoebe had such a good sibling relationship, it was so real and relatable. Reading this, I felt like I was sucked into the story. I felt like I was living in it with them. In the beginning, I was mad at Violet because I felt like she made the dumbest decisions but honestly, I’m so glad she made them because it was so worth it. 💓💓💓



“At least tomorrow”

[Anna DiCiurcio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man where to start. I lost my mom last year and the grief has been really hard, but I have had my sister by my side the entire time. I would not have made it through without her. This book was everything to me. It was sad it was happy and it was healing. It was so refreshing to read because of course the romance is a main aspect of the story, but I got to see two sisters grow and lean on each other and figure out their new normal. I will remember this book forever and will definitely be rereading it.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House, and Stephanie Parente for allowing me to read this early!

[Des · Rating 4 out of 5]

Currently grieving so this felt incredibly personal and now I want to tear my own skin off (complimentary) 😁👍🏾

[Kayla Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read the ARC for Return to Sender. I LOVED this story. It was so good from the very beginning. It takes you through the path of grief and what it looks like on different people, but also has adventure, romance and a twist in the story. I also got a few laughs reading the story as well! Job well done Stephanie Parente!!!

[Mary Ellen Crowley · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️’s: I don’t even know where to begin with Return to Sender by Stephanie Parente. This book completely stole my heart! I went in expecting a cute romance, and what I got was something so much deeper, more emotional, and genuinely unforgettable. I almost read it in one sitting because I simply could not put it down. It’s only February, but I’m already calling it: this could easily be my favorite book of the year.

At its core, Return to Sender follows a mysterious love letter that sends our three main characters, Violet, Phoebe and Dex, on an unexpected journey. What begins as a quest to deliver the letter slowly unfolds into a story about grief, healing, connection, and finding love in the most unlikely places. It’s equal parts road trip adventure and emotional reckoning and it works beautifully.

I laughed out loud so many times while reading this, which made the heavier themes hit even harder. The way Stephanie Parente balances humor with grief is honestly incredible. This book made me giggle, kick my feet, and then completely wrecked me emotionally in the best way.

The romance and the YEARNING. I was unwell. He is absolutely going on my list of all-time favorite book boyfriends. The slow-burn tension, the emotional depth, the way his character unfolds…it was everything.

Every character felt fully realized and added something meaningful to the story, which made the journey even more immersive. I was completely invested in all of them and didn’t want to leave their world by the time I turned the last page.

For a debut novel, this is beyond impressive. Stephanie Parente has such a special voice, and I’ll be reading anything she writes next. This book is romantic, heartfelt, funny, and deeply moving all at once.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review💕✨

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the advanced reader’s copy of Return to Sender by Stephanie Parente. These are all my honest opinions!

Return to Sender follows 26-year-old Violet, who has custody of her 14-year-old sister, Phoebe, after their dad unexpectedly died in a car crash 9 months ago. Phoebe is having some struggles at school and has been really depressed since their dad died, and Violet is putting her own grief aside to take care of her sister. One day, a letter gets sent back to their apartment for the previous owner as return-to-sender mail. Phoebe opens the letter, and it’s a love confession. She decides she wants to return it to the sender so it can reach his love. Phoebe seems excited for the first time since their dad died, and Violet will do anything to keep that smile on her face. Together, they set out to find the letter’s author, hoping for a happily-ever-after. They meet Dex, a worker at an LGBTQ+ center, and Phoebe, being a young lesbian, takes a liking to the abrasive man and convinces him to go on a road trip with them to return the letter. Violet and Dex are drawn to each other in ways they don’t understand, and throughout the trip, they fall in love while on the way to his ex-girlfriend. Can their love survive this?

What I liked

- For an author’s debut novel, I was drawn in from the very beginning. The writing was easy to understand and read. I loved her use of metaphors and the way she described scenes, I felt like I was actually in the book, which I don’t always feel.

- I’ve lost my own father, and I found Violet very relatable. She was a great sister, and I loved that she put Phoebe first, even when she was falling for Dex. She wanted to push it aside so Phoebe could get that happily ever after she wanted Dex and his ex to have.

- I loved the banter between Violet and Dex, and I felt like I was experiencing my own crush, I was getting butterflies the whole time.

-I liked the topics of grief and how they were approached, and the way I was able to empathize with the characters.

- I loved Dex so much. I wish the book was longer because I wanted more of him.

- I loved her best friend, and if the author ever wanted to write a backstory about the best friend and her partner, or even a future story, I would love that. I also think she should write a story about Phoebe someday when she’s grown up, and maybe we could see Dex and Violet in love and have some babies!!!!

Feedback

- Although I did like Phoebe, I wish there were more scenes of just Dex and Violet because I felt like Phoebe was trying to adopt Dex into their family, and it didn’t really give Violet a chance to get to know him in her own way. For them to be a couple, they need that space to be themselves. I understand they were on a road trip, so they couldn’t get too much alone time, but I just felt like Phoebe was a lot in those circumstances, though she is 14, so maybe at 24 I just don’t remember how 14-year-olds act! Haha.

- I wish there was an epilogue because I would have liked to see what they did in the future. I was really sad when I turned the page and that was the end. I would have liked to see more of what happened once they were home, even if it was just a little bit.

- I wish Dex communicated a bit more with Violet, like he did with Phoebe. I think it was easier for him because Phoebe was just a kid, while Violet was someone he had an actual crush on. But I felt like he gave more of himself to Phoebe and was more closed off with Violet, which I wish wasn’t the case.

- I wish we got a Dex POV. I think it would have really helped the story, and I understand it would have been hard with the plot, but there could have been ways to write around it.

‼️‼️SPOILER BELOW ‼️‼️

⚠️ ‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️

- I understood why Dex didn’t tell her the truth about who wrote the letter, but I felt like Violet was a little hard on him when they really pressured him into this trip. There wasn’t really a good time for him to tell her, but I also understood Violet being frustrated. I just think they both should have communicated more from the beginning or at least after they kissed.

[Ashley O'Leary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it even possible to read your favorite book of the year 2 days into the new year?

Thank you Netgalley, Stephanie, and Dial Press for the opportunity to read and review Return to Sender.

Is it just me or does this book give New Girl vibes? A quirky and optimistic school teacher and the grumpy man who would do whatever she asked... including a cross-country road trip. So Jess and Nick coded.

Violet has been dealt a tough hand. Her dad passed away, she is now the soul guardian for her teenage sister, Phoebe, and her long-term boyfriend left her.

And almost as divine intervention, a letter addressed to a girl named Catalina is delivered to her apartment. Phoebe opens the letter and in a spiral of events, Phoebe and Violet return the letter to the original sender, Dex. The three of them decide to embark on a cross-country road trip to deliver the letter to Catalina once and for all. Return to Sender follows the trio as they make their way from Boston, to Oregon and develop an "unlikely" relationship.

I have the same thoughts on this book as I did Promise Me Sunshine. I already know that Return to Sender is going to make it on a lot of "Top Books of 2026" lists.

This book is emotional, but healing all in one. The characters are dynamic and the character growth is so well done. Be sure to check the trigger warnings before reading!

[Macy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a breath of fresh air!! This book genuinely surprised me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for sending me this ARC.

Return to Sender follows sisters Violet and Phoebe after they receive a mysterious letter that sends them on an unexpected road trip with Dex, determined to get it into the right hands. What unfolds is a journey filled with grief, connection, and self-discovery.

The writing was beautiful, and I thought the author did a great job exploring grief while balancing it with romance. There were moments when I was literally laughing out loud, followed by moments that hit heavy emotionally. I truly didn’t know where this story was going or how it would end, which made it feel like I was experiencing everything right alongside the characters.

I was honestly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I did find myself wanting more Violet and Dex by the end (I was really hoping for an epilogue), so it felt like something was missing but that may just be because I loved their relationship so much and didn’t want it to end.

Overall, this was a beautiful debut novel. I’d recommend it to readers who love romance with emotional depth. Bonus points for the road trip element! This would make a perfect summer read!

[Case · Rating 4 out of 5]

After their father’s sudden death, two sisters move to Boston and attempt to rebuild a life that no longer feels recognizable. When they discover a letter stamped “return to sender,” they impulsively set off on a road trip with a stranger to deliver it.

Violet’s narration carries a heavy anxiety that she tries to mask with sharp, witty banter. While I enjoyed the humour, many of the passages I highlighted were her deeply introspective observations, revealing just how much she’s unraveling beneath the surface. She’s suffocating under the pressure she’s placing on herself, languishing in her grief while trying to appear steady for everyone else.

One of the more subtle strengths of the book the exploration of finding hope within darkness. Violet doesn’t really know herself anymore or see her strengths clearly, and part of her emotional arc involves learning that opening yourself up is both terrifying and necessary. The romantic tension mirrors that same push and pull where connection feels possible, but vulnerability never comes easily.

After sitting with the ending, I did wish for a bit more emotional depth in the final stretch. The themes of healing and moving forward are present and strong, but I wanted a little more time inside those breakthroughs to fully feel their impact. That said, the messiness feels intentional. These characters aren’t perfect or magically fixed, they’re grieving and growing and sometimes that is uncomfortable. As an astronomy fan, I also got a bit bothered that apparently it is not common knowledge that the Perseids are actually in August.

Overall, this is a thoughtful, hopeful romance with complicated sisters, dry wit, and an underlying belief that even in deep loss, hope can resurface in unexpected ways.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

[Sam Lue · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 Stars

Violet gains custody of her 14-year-old sister, Phoebe, after their father’s passing. One day the post office returns a letter sent from the previous resident of their apartment. They set off to hand over the love letter back to its writer in hopes of a happy ending. Dex is anything but happy. Especially not after agreeing to a road trip with the girls to deliver the letter to its intended recipient.

Return to Sender is a contemporary romance book charged with grief. This novel weaves a beautiful tale of budding love and inner healing. The pacing made it an easy read, but what hooked me was the characters. Phoebe, Violet, and Dex were endearing, yet they had their own flaws.

Violet and Dex’s banter was light hearted, which juxtaposed their heavy talks about loss. There are spicy scenes. I enjoyed the climax of this story and how the characters went about it in the aftermath. This book had a satisfying ending without an overdone happily ever after.

A warm thanks to Stephanie Parente, Dial Press Trade, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Yashira Medina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Return to Sender
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
(4.5/5)

I honestly never expected to love this book as much as I did.

The story follows sisters Violet and Phoebe as they navigate grief after recently losing their father. One day, they receive a letter that was written by a previous tenant of their apartment. After opening it, they realize it’s an important letter that needs to reach its rightful owner. That journey is what leads them to Dex.

This book takes you through so many emotions. It beautifully explores grief and healing, while still giving readers moments of humor and laughter. And Phoebe? I absolutely adored her. She brought so much life and laugh to the story.

I loved the romance, the characters, and the angst 🤌🏼. It also had just the right amount of spice to complement the emotional storyline.

Heartfelt, emotional, and still genuinely funny, this is such a great read if you want a story that makes you feel everything.

My only complaint? I would have loved to get Dex’s POV.

[Romy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow… Just wowwwww!
From the very first page, this story had me completely in its grip. And honestly? I was already tearing up while reading the author’s foreword. The way Stephanie speaks to us as readers felt so personal that it immediately touched me deeply.

This book is beautifully written: realistic, raw, and heartfelt. Especially if you have ever experienced grief after losing someone dear to you, the emotions, thoughts and experiences of the main characters will feel incredibly relatable. I think it’s truly remarkable how the author managed to portray different forms, stages, and expressions of grief through three completely different characters. It made the story not only emotional, but also deeply human and authentic.

I am genuinely so impressed by this book. It hit me right in the heart and it stayed with me long after finishing it. And the fact that this is only this author's debut? Absolutely insane. What an incredible talent!

Without a doubt, this was a five-star read for me and I highly recommend it. Please keep in mind to have some tissues at the ready, though.

I’m beyond grateful that I got the chance to read this book and that I was accepted for this ARC. Thank you Netgalley and Simon & Schuster UK!

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the eARC

Return to Sender is everything I love in a romance book, I loved the friendships, I loved the romance, and I loved the sister dynamic. This is not an easy book to read as it's heavily centered around grief and dealing with loss of a loved one but it was also heartwarming to see these characters own their feelings and try to find small ways to move forward each day. Road trip stories are usually a hit or miss for me but this one worked SO well. I loved that we got little glimpses of each place, but that we didn't linger too long.

Overall, I loved this book so much. There were times where I was laughing out loud, or giggling and kicking my feet but there were also times where I was bawling. I highly recommend this one and I can't wait to see what else this author writes in the future!

[Michelle Matejka · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided by Netgally for an honest review

Violet would do anything for Pheobe, including going on a cross country roadtrip with a practical stranger. After unexpectedly losing their dad, Violet is trying her best to be both a sister and a guardian for 14 year old Pheobe but managing to support both of them on an elementary teachers salary in Boston, being dumped by her almost fiancé for “everything just being too much”, her best friend’s engagement, and her own grief she is barely keeping her head above water.

When Violet and Pheobe receive a return to sender letter for an old tenant of their unit Pheobe decides to open the letter and track him down. Enter Dex. Within a whirlwind couple of days Pheobe convinces Dex and by extension Violet to travel cross country to hand deliver the letter to Dex’s ex (the intended recipient). As the trio ventures off on their adventure Pheobe opens up to Dex in a way she hasn’t been able to since her dad died and Violet starts to fall for the man behind the wheel.

I did not see the twist coming at all. This book was so good!! I will be obsessing over this for at least the next three to five business months. Five stars. No notes.

“At least tomorrow” 💕

[natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was just gorgeous!! Romantic, insightful, and full of heart. The author tackles grief with dexterity and romance with borderline wizardry — I was giggling and kicking my feet, but I also felt for these characters with my whole heart. All of the dynamics were wonderful, and it was great to see the teenage sister have wit and personality rather than just being a vehicle for the single parent/guardian trope. I found all the characters and their relationships to be well rounded and realistic. I think fans of Promise Me Sunshine and You, with a View (aka me) will absolutely devour this. 4.5⭐️

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.