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Return to Sender: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 14 Jul 26A 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.
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.
352 pages, Paperback
Expected publication July 14, 2026
11 people are currently reading
465 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
they-told-me-to-read-it
December 5, 2025The way I need this book! Love letters? Road trips? Falling for the guy you’re trying to help reconnect with his old love?! And themes of grief! Gimmmmmmmmme
December 10, 2025
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.
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.
November 28, 2025
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.
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.
February 3, 2026
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.
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.
December 31, 2025
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!!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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!
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!
January 10, 2026
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!
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!
February 2, 2026
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!
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!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review to come but pre-order or put in your library hold now!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Slump-Buster of 2026! A Heart-Wrenching, Soul-Healing Debut Novel
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub Date: July 2026
Tropes: Slow Burn, Road Trip, Strangers to Lovers, Found Family.
CW: Death and Grief.
Spice: 🌶🌶 (some descriptive scenes)
Stephanie Parente’s debut is exactly what my 2025 reading slump needed going into 2026! I was hooked from the opening chapter, and the unpredictable ending was the absolute cherry on top. This book truly put me through the emotional ringer—I was laughing, smiling, and crying all within a few hundred pages.
The story kicks off with a mysterious love letter that sends two strangers on a weeks-long road trip. What starts as a quest to find a recipient turns into a profound journey of healing. Parente handles the heavy themes of grief with such grace, showing how common ground can be found in the most unexpected places. The slow-burn romance was the perfect "chef’s kiss" to tie it all together.
I’m already crossing my fingers for a sequel or a spin-off featuring Phoebe—she was such a standout character!
Thank you to Dial Press/Random House and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub Date: July 2026
Tropes: Slow Burn, Road Trip, Strangers to Lovers, Found Family.
CW: Death and Grief.
Spice: 🌶🌶 (some descriptive scenes)
Stephanie Parente’s debut is exactly what my 2025 reading slump needed going into 2026! I was hooked from the opening chapter, and the unpredictable ending was the absolute cherry on top. This book truly put me through the emotional ringer—I was laughing, smiling, and crying all within a few hundred pages.
The story kicks off with a mysterious love letter that sends two strangers on a weeks-long road trip. What starts as a quest to find a recipient turns into a profound journey of healing. Parente handles the heavy themes of grief with such grace, showing how common ground can be found in the most unexpected places. The slow-burn romance was the perfect "chef’s kiss" to tie it all together.
I’m already crossing my fingers for a sequel or a spin-off featuring Phoebe—she was such a standout character!
Thank you to Dial Press/Random House and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 26, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
There were many things I really enjoyed about this book. Proven by my many, many highlights all throughout.
Stephanie explored multiple variations of grief, while ultimately acknowledging that while there is no specific timeline, the only way out is through, and that the pain caused by loss is something we can live with, but don’t have to live in. This deeply resonated with me.
Grief done well is usually enough to make a book a 4 or 5 star read for me, but something about this fell short for me, personally. I would have really liked at least a few more chapters from Dex’s POV. I wanted to see more of what was going through his mind, and to know more about his story and the characters on that side. I think this would have helped with the pacing of the romance as well as given additional context for the overall plot.
All in all, a very good debut novel that I’m happy to have gotten the opportunity to read. Thank you NetGalley and Random House for the eARC.
There were many things I really enjoyed about this book. Proven by my many, many highlights all throughout.
Stephanie explored multiple variations of grief, while ultimately acknowledging that while there is no specific timeline, the only way out is through, and that the pain caused by loss is something we can live with, but don’t have to live in. This deeply resonated with me.
Grief done well is usually enough to make a book a 4 or 5 star read for me, but something about this fell short for me, personally. I would have really liked at least a few more chapters from Dex’s POV. I wanted to see more of what was going through his mind, and to know more about his story and the characters on that side. I think this would have helped with the pacing of the romance as well as given additional context for the overall plot.
All in all, a very good debut novel that I’m happy to have gotten the opportunity to read. Thank you NetGalley and Random House for the eARC.
December 11, 2025
Right off the bat: 5 stars. I was 15% of the way into this book and I had already given it 5 stars. I loved every single thing about it. I can’t remember the last book that made me laugh out loud as much as this one. I cried at least 10 times. I want to reread it already. I want to print this from my kindle and bind it into book form so I don’t have to wait until July to have a physical copy. I loved every character. Violet and Dex are everything. Phoebe is everything. A masterpiece.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the ARC!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the ARC!
February 3, 2026
4.5! Following the loss of their father, Violet becomes the guardian of her younger sister, Phoebe. Together, they begin to navigate what life is like without their father. However, a letter shows up at their door that leads them on an adventure they could never imagine. Now they’re in a car with a stranger, on their way to help him confess his love to the love of his life.
I was drawn into this story because it is a debut novel! I love giving new authors a chance. The synopsis of this story also captured my attention. I love a story that involves a journey or trip because that means these characters are going on a journey that could change them. In this book, Violet and Phoebe are struggling with their sister dynamic due to their new circumstances. For both of them, this trip seems like something their dad would have enjoyed, which motivates them to do it. It allowed them to open up with one another and step out of the environment they had been stuck in for a year. The trip placed them in more vulnerable positions and enabled them to discuss what they had been feeling.
Alongside Violet and Phoebe on this journey is Dex. Phoebe found his love letter and was somehow convinced by her to go on this trip. However, sparks fly between him and Violet throughout the trip. Dex seems to understand Violet in a way she wished he did not. He sees the feelings and thoughts she is hiding from everywhere else. This causes some tension in both a good and a bad way. But it allows them to become comfortable and discuss hard things with one another. We slowly see them grow a relationship that feels safe and sweet.
Overall, this was an incredible read, and I highly recommend it to all! Thank you to NetGalley and Dial Press Trade for this eARC!
I was drawn into this story because it is a debut novel! I love giving new authors a chance. The synopsis of this story also captured my attention. I love a story that involves a journey or trip because that means these characters are going on a journey that could change them. In this book, Violet and Phoebe are struggling with their sister dynamic due to their new circumstances. For both of them, this trip seems like something their dad would have enjoyed, which motivates them to do it. It allowed them to open up with one another and step out of the environment they had been stuck in for a year. The trip placed them in more vulnerable positions and enabled them to discuss what they had been feeling.
Alongside Violet and Phoebe on this journey is Dex. Phoebe found his love letter and was somehow convinced by her to go on this trip. However, sparks fly between him and Violet throughout the trip. Dex seems to understand Violet in a way she wished he did not. He sees the feelings and thoughts she is hiding from everywhere else. This causes some tension in both a good and a bad way. But it allows them to become comfortable and discuss hard things with one another. We slowly see them grow a relationship that feels safe and sweet.
Overall, this was an incredible read, and I highly recommend it to all! Thank you to NetGalley and Dial Press Trade for this eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ohh this was a good one!
I’m so glad to have requested and been accepted for an early read for this because it was so good👏🏻
Return to Sender walks this very delicate balance between processing long term grief, life changes that occur from a major loss, finding a way to move on even though you’re completely lost in life, and realizing that a smile will still find you even through very hard times.
I loved how the author broaches the emotional and logistical life challenges of raising a younger sister (a teenager!), when you yourself are at an age of just figuring things out in life. It made my heart ache at times for both Violet and Phoebe, who are each processing their grief, and figuring out daily life following the unexpected loss of their father. Violet is barely hanging on with trying to keep work secured, an apartment to live in, and the ability to care for her teenage sister. Phoebe is barely hanging on with trying to survive being a teenager, loneliness, getting in trouble at school, and discovering who she is in life.
And it’s at this point, a mysterious Return to Sender letter shows up at their apartment, but not addressed to them. Phoebe (being the teenager) opens, reads, and decides that action needs to be taken with a love letter that never got delivered. What follows is a heartwarming journey across the country discovering new people, places, and ultimately ways to open up to each other as sisters, and finding a way to continue living through grief.
And OF COURSE, there is a handsome, slightly grumpy love interest who MAY play a large part in the sister’s journey both literally and emotionally. We are introduced to Dex early on, and he’s such a lovable character, but who like all of us, had his faults and challenges we know nothing about until later in their journey. Yes, there is romance ~ such a perfectly layered bit of romance in a heartfelt full story.
I loved the characters. I was quickly endeared to Violet and Phoebe, their struggles, and their journey through loss, grief and healing. The whole book deals so well with the loss of a loved one and how hard communication can be when you’re grieving. It also reminds us that ultimately the people we have in our lives, or those that come into our lives during those hard times, can play an integral part in living with loss.
You’ll have all the feels for this one. It’s funny at so many moments, and the banter between Dex and Phoebe is cute as ever. It looks at sisterhood and having those memories of a parent that only you as sisters share. The trip across the country keeps you entertained and intrigued and you’ll love seeing the changes in Violet and Phoebe’s relationship along the way. Lastly, the grumpy / sunshine slow burn between Dex and Violet will keep you reading until the end.
Such a good read, and I highly recommend it!
I’m so glad to have requested and been accepted for an early read for this because it was so good👏🏻
Return to Sender walks this very delicate balance between processing long term grief, life changes that occur from a major loss, finding a way to move on even though you’re completely lost in life, and realizing that a smile will still find you even through very hard times.
I loved how the author broaches the emotional and logistical life challenges of raising a younger sister (a teenager!), when you yourself are at an age of just figuring things out in life. It made my heart ache at times for both Violet and Phoebe, who are each processing their grief, and figuring out daily life following the unexpected loss of their father. Violet is barely hanging on with trying to keep work secured, an apartment to live in, and the ability to care for her teenage sister. Phoebe is barely hanging on with trying to survive being a teenager, loneliness, getting in trouble at school, and discovering who she is in life.
And it’s at this point, a mysterious Return to Sender letter shows up at their apartment, but not addressed to them. Phoebe (being the teenager) opens, reads, and decides that action needs to be taken with a love letter that never got delivered. What follows is a heartwarming journey across the country discovering new people, places, and ultimately ways to open up to each other as sisters, and finding a way to continue living through grief.
And OF COURSE, there is a handsome, slightly grumpy love interest who MAY play a large part in the sister’s journey both literally and emotionally. We are introduced to Dex early on, and he’s such a lovable character, but who like all of us, had his faults and challenges we know nothing about until later in their journey. Yes, there is romance ~ such a perfectly layered bit of romance in a heartfelt full story.
I loved the characters. I was quickly endeared to Violet and Phoebe, their struggles, and their journey through loss, grief and healing. The whole book deals so well with the loss of a loved one and how hard communication can be when you’re grieving. It also reminds us that ultimately the people we have in our lives, or those that come into our lives during those hard times, can play an integral part in living with loss.
You’ll have all the feels for this one. It’s funny at so many moments, and the banter between Dex and Phoebe is cute as ever. It looks at sisterhood and having those memories of a parent that only you as sisters share. The trip across the country keeps you entertained and intrigued and you’ll love seeing the changes in Violet and Phoebe’s relationship along the way. Lastly, the grumpy / sunshine slow burn between Dex and Violet will keep you reading until the end.
Such a good read, and I highly recommend it!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I had a lot of feelings about this one.
In this heartwarming tale about grief, recovery, and family, Violet, a mid-20s elementary school teacher, is wracked with grief after the unexpected loss of her father to a tragic accident. She also has assumed custody of Phoebe, her 14 year old sister (fully in her angsty teen phase) and struggles with figuring out the older-sister now parental figure role. Along comes a mysterious letter from Benji, a deeply heartfelt note to an ex-partner that never made it to its final destination, and was returned to the apartment that they had recently moved to. This letter sparks something in Phoebe, bringing light back to her eyes after months of darkness in grief. Violet will do anything to keep that light there, even if it involves setting out on a wild road trip with a complete stranger to make sure the letter reaches its intended audience.
I really liked the relationship development between Phoebe and Violet throughout this book. I thought the depiction of complex grief, in an adult and a teenager, was really well done, and I was deeply invested in their healing and growth throughout the story. They were both strong characters with lots of little quirks that made them feel real and loveable.
Conversely, I really struggled with the male main character for the first half of this. He starts out being a gruff, silent, mysterious type - which was fine at first, but I became frustrated with the fact that we learn almost no concrete facts about him despite Violet pouring her heart out to him about her entire life story. HOWEVER, I am glad I kept reading, because even though I was having trouble imagining how Parente would tie everything together in the end in a way that would explain all of this and make me love him, she did, in a really great way.
The ending of this book made me cry (in a good way), and made the whole story hit different. It makes me want to reread it so that I can have a completely different perspective. All in all, recommend to all who want a story about family, recovery from loss, and ultimately a beautiful romance between two complex characters. Good for fans of Abby Jimenez, Rebecca Yarros, and other romances that mix in more heavy subjects along the way.
Thank you NetGalley, Stephanie Parente and Random House for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review
In this heartwarming tale about grief, recovery, and family, Violet, a mid-20s elementary school teacher, is wracked with grief after the unexpected loss of her father to a tragic accident. She also has assumed custody of Phoebe, her 14 year old sister (fully in her angsty teen phase) and struggles with figuring out the older-sister now parental figure role. Along comes a mysterious letter from Benji, a deeply heartfelt note to an ex-partner that never made it to its final destination, and was returned to the apartment that they had recently moved to. This letter sparks something in Phoebe, bringing light back to her eyes after months of darkness in grief. Violet will do anything to keep that light there, even if it involves setting out on a wild road trip with a complete stranger to make sure the letter reaches its intended audience.
I really liked the relationship development between Phoebe and Violet throughout this book. I thought the depiction of complex grief, in an adult and a teenager, was really well done, and I was deeply invested in their healing and growth throughout the story. They were both strong characters with lots of little quirks that made them feel real and loveable.
Conversely, I really struggled with the male main character for the first half of this. He starts out being a gruff, silent, mysterious type - which was fine at first, but I became frustrated with the fact that we learn almost no concrete facts about him despite Violet pouring her heart out to him about her entire life story. HOWEVER, I am glad I kept reading, because even though I was having trouble imagining how Parente would tie everything together in the end in a way that would explain all of this and make me love him, she did, in a really great way.
The ending of this book made me cry (in a good way), and made the whole story hit different. It makes me want to reread it so that I can have a completely different perspective. All in all, recommend to all who want a story about family, recovery from loss, and ultimately a beautiful romance between two complex characters. Good for fans of Abby Jimenez, Rebecca Yarros, and other romances that mix in more heavy subjects along the way.
Thank you NetGalley, Stephanie Parente and Random House for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️ Rating: 4.5
🪩 Vibes: A road trip with a stranger as a catalyst to heal grief and strong LGBTQ+ rep
📖 Favorite Quotes:
He smiled in a way that told me he relished my curiosity and could stoke it until it crackled into a consuming blaze, leaving nothing but ash. But god, that smile.
I’d let him.
“You’re dangerous.”
“Because I haven’t let life beat me into hopelessness?”
“You make me want to be an optimist.”
“I like being around you–and I don’t like being around anyone anymore.”
📚 Would I Recommend?: Yes
💬 tldr review: A letter returned 18 months after it was sent changes the lives of 3 people in ways they couldn’t imagine through their individual clouds of grief. It’s heavy, healing, and teenage snark all rolled into one wonderful book.
Thoughts: Violet gained custody of her 14-year-old sister nine months ago after the unexpected death of their father. Then one day, a returned to sender letter shows up at their apartment and sends them on a journey neither of them could have imagined.
“At Least Tomorrow.”
This book was heavy with grief—raw, real, all-consuming grief. But it was also about healing and growth, and that balance made it really beautiful.
Violet was incredibly hard on herself and felt stuck because she never allowed herself to truly grieve. Dax had his own reasons for being so closed off and gruff. And Phoebe? She was the perfect counterbalance with her teenage snark. I loved her determination to return the letter to its rightful recipient. She had no idea what would unravel along the way, but honestly, the journey was exactly what all of them needed.
There were really two storylines happening here: Violet and Dax, and Violet and Phoebe. I enjoyed watching both relationships evolve (though if I’m being honest, I might have been a little more invested in Violet and Phoebe). Both storylines had unexpected turns—one of them genuinely caught me off guard, so I won’t say more!
Thank you NetGalley and Dial Press for a chance to read this fantastic ARC!
🪩 Vibes: A road trip with a stranger as a catalyst to heal grief and strong LGBTQ+ rep
📖 Favorite Quotes:
He smiled in a way that told me he relished my curiosity and could stoke it until it crackled into a consuming blaze, leaving nothing but ash. But god, that smile.
I’d let him.
“You’re dangerous.”
“Because I haven’t let life beat me into hopelessness?”
“You make me want to be an optimist.”
“I like being around you–and I don’t like being around anyone anymore.”
📚 Would I Recommend?: Yes
💬 tldr review: A letter returned 18 months after it was sent changes the lives of 3 people in ways they couldn’t imagine through their individual clouds of grief. It’s heavy, healing, and teenage snark all rolled into one wonderful book.
Thoughts: Violet gained custody of her 14-year-old sister nine months ago after the unexpected death of their father. Then one day, a returned to sender letter shows up at their apartment and sends them on a journey neither of them could have imagined.
“At Least Tomorrow.”
This book was heavy with grief—raw, real, all-consuming grief. But it was also about healing and growth, and that balance made it really beautiful.
Violet was incredibly hard on herself and felt stuck because she never allowed herself to truly grieve. Dax had his own reasons for being so closed off and gruff. And Phoebe? She was the perfect counterbalance with her teenage snark. I loved her determination to return the letter to its rightful recipient. She had no idea what would unravel along the way, but honestly, the journey was exactly what all of them needed.
There were really two storylines happening here: Violet and Dax, and Violet and Phoebe. I enjoyed watching both relationships evolve (though if I’m being honest, I might have been a little more invested in Violet and Phoebe). Both storylines had unexpected turns—one of them genuinely caught me off guard, so I won’t say more!
Thank you NetGalley and Dial Press for a chance to read this fantastic ARC!
January 9, 2026
4 ★
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I really liked this one! From the moment I’d read the excerpt, I couldn’t wait to put my hands on it. The beginning hooked me, especially with the relationship between Violet and Phoebe, the two sisters & main characters in the story. I think my relationship with my own sister was reflected back at me in these pages, and it felt familiar in the best of ways. As the story progressed and we met Dex, I started to appreciate it even more. He was the perfect balance between Violet’s sunshine and Phoebe’s grunge, and he was genuinely an amazing character (a green flag, if I say so myself). Overall, the found family of the story made it more than worth it.
I will admit - I never see plot twists coming. In keeping with that, I never expected there to be so many dynamic moments in this story. I think the discussions around grief were so profound and well-executed, and I think the plot did a great job of building around it. It was engaging while it explored a darker topic, and I think getting multiple perspectives on how grief can manifest was such an important feature of the story. I also loved the way it was addressed in the relationships between the main characters and towards the end.
If I had a critique, I would say that I wished we got to see Violet and Dex open up a little more. When we first meet both of them, their characters are well-defined. When they meet each other…while their initial interactions had all the tension, I wish it carried over throughout the story. I do realize that other elements come into play as the story progresses, but I wish that we got to see the tension fleshed out some more and give way to their relationship and growth. Also - I think we should all do background checks! (just jokes!)
All in all, I loved the warmth and depth I received from this story. Highly recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I really liked this one! From the moment I’d read the excerpt, I couldn’t wait to put my hands on it. The beginning hooked me, especially with the relationship between Violet and Phoebe, the two sisters & main characters in the story. I think my relationship with my own sister was reflected back at me in these pages, and it felt familiar in the best of ways. As the story progressed and we met Dex, I started to appreciate it even more. He was the perfect balance between Violet’s sunshine and Phoebe’s grunge, and he was genuinely an amazing character (a green flag, if I say so myself). Overall, the found family of the story made it more than worth it.
I will admit - I never see plot twists coming. In keeping with that, I never expected there to be so many dynamic moments in this story. I think the discussions around grief were so profound and well-executed, and I think the plot did a great job of building around it. It was engaging while it explored a darker topic, and I think getting multiple perspectives on how grief can manifest was such an important feature of the story. I also loved the way it was addressed in the relationships between the main characters and towards the end.
If I had a critique, I would say that I wished we got to see Violet and Dex open up a little more. When we first meet both of them, their characters are well-defined. When they meet each other…while their initial interactions had all the tension, I wish it carried over throughout the story. I do realize that other elements come into play as the story progresses, but I wish that we got to see the tension fleshed out some more and give way to their relationship and growth. Also - I think we should all do background checks! (just jokes!)
All in all, I loved the warmth and depth I received from this story. Highly recommend!
December 9, 2025
I have been irrevocably changed by this book. You know when you’re crying so hard you sort of forget how to breathe and you have to tip your head back to open your airway? I had to do that. I also laughed out loud, kicked my legs and blushed, and briefly wondered if this was the final straw for me, emotionally.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
What a beautiful, messy, ugly portrayal of grief. What a whirlwind of discomfort and joy and fear and chaos. From Dex’s stone facade to Phoebe’s bitterness to the shiny happy gloss of Violet’s optimism, the sometimes wildly different ways we fight our way through loss are all portrayed so vividly and achingly.
Right from their first meeting (in spite of his simmering anger), there is something chipping away from inside of Dex, looking for light. Violet is upbeat and always on and determined to keep moving forward because she is perpetually on the brink of collapse. And Pheone is utterly lost, trying to reconcile the new shape her life has taken with the one she was so content in before. The way the three of them collapse into each other like dominoes was truly beautiful to behold.
And their friends! Gavin and Bree always standing in the sidelines for whenever Dex falters. Noah and Arden quite literally steps away should Violet or Phoebe need anything from a hug to a meal. Their friends see their grief and they feel it with them and, most importantly, they stay with them through it. No matter how withdrawn they become, they’re always there when they’re needed.
Dex and Violet’s chemistry is unmatched, though their individual bonds with Phoebe are an equally heartwarming journey. I could see myself in all three of them and also so, so desperately wanted to cradle them to my chest and let them rest.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
What a beautiful, messy, ugly portrayal of grief. What a whirlwind of discomfort and joy and fear and chaos. From Dex’s stone facade to Phoebe’s bitterness to the shiny happy gloss of Violet’s optimism, the sometimes wildly different ways we fight our way through loss are all portrayed so vividly and achingly.
Right from their first meeting (in spite of his simmering anger), there is something chipping away from inside of Dex, looking for light. Violet is upbeat and always on and determined to keep moving forward because she is perpetually on the brink of collapse. And Pheone is utterly lost, trying to reconcile the new shape her life has taken with the one she was so content in before. The way the three of them collapse into each other like dominoes was truly beautiful to behold.
And their friends! Gavin and Bree always standing in the sidelines for whenever Dex falters. Noah and Arden quite literally steps away should Violet or Phoebe need anything from a hug to a meal. Their friends see their grief and they feel it with them and, most importantly, they stay with them through it. No matter how withdrawn they become, they’re always there when they’re needed.
Dex and Violet’s chemistry is unmatched, though their individual bonds with Phoebe are an equally heartwarming journey. I could see myself in all three of them and also so, so desperately wanted to cradle them to my chest and let them rest.
January 18, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.
I am such a lover of romance books, and this was, without question, a romance book. That said, Return to Sender also reminded me why I struggle with secondhand romance, and unfortunately, this story justified those feelings.
There is a strong emotional foundation here. Stephanie Parente writes with care, especially when it comes to grief, healing, and emotional vulnerability. There are moments where the connection between the characters feels genuine and tender, and those scenes are what kept me reading. The beginning does a good job pulling you in, setting up emotional stakes that feel promising and heartfelt.
However, as the story goes on, much of the romance feels distant. Instead of fully experiencing the relationship as it unfolds, it often feels like we are being told about emotions rather than living inside them. For me, that creates a disconnect. I want to feel immersed in the romance itself, not observing it from the outside. Because of that, some moments that were meant to feel powerful did not quite land the way I hoped they would.
The characters themselves are well developed, and their individual growth is compelling. I appreciated the depth of their backstories and the way heavy topics were handled thoughtfully. Still, the balance between personal healing and romantic development felt uneven at times, which slowed the momentum of the relationship.
Overall, Return to Sender is a solid romance with meaningful themes and emotional intention, even if it did not fully deliver the romantic impact I was looking for. I enjoyed parts of it, respected what it was trying to do, and finished the book feeling mostly satisfied.
Rating: 3.8 out of 5⭐
I am such a lover of romance books, and this was, without question, a romance book. That said, Return to Sender also reminded me why I struggle with secondhand romance, and unfortunately, this story justified those feelings.
There is a strong emotional foundation here. Stephanie Parente writes with care, especially when it comes to grief, healing, and emotional vulnerability. There are moments where the connection between the characters feels genuine and tender, and those scenes are what kept me reading. The beginning does a good job pulling you in, setting up emotional stakes that feel promising and heartfelt.
However, as the story goes on, much of the romance feels distant. Instead of fully experiencing the relationship as it unfolds, it often feels like we are being told about emotions rather than living inside them. For me, that creates a disconnect. I want to feel immersed in the romance itself, not observing it from the outside. Because of that, some moments that were meant to feel powerful did not quite land the way I hoped they would.
The characters themselves are well developed, and their individual growth is compelling. I appreciated the depth of their backstories and the way heavy topics were handled thoughtfully. Still, the balance between personal healing and romantic development felt uneven at times, which slowed the momentum of the relationship.
Overall, Return to Sender is a solid romance with meaningful themes and emotional intention, even if it did not fully deliver the romantic impact I was looking for. I enjoyed parts of it, respected what it was trying to do, and finished the book feeling mostly satisfied.
Rating: 3.8 out of 5⭐
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I am a longtime romance lover, and I always enjoy finding stories that bring something a little different to the genre. I will admit that I can sometimes be hesitant when it comes to debut novels, simply because you never quite know what you are going to get. That said, the description of this book intrigued me enough that I decided to take a chance on it, and I am really glad that I did.
This story is told in first person from a single point of view, and at first I found myself wishing we also had the other perspective. As the book went on, though, it became very clear why we only hear from the FMC. Adding the MMC’s thoughts would have taken away from some of the impact, and likely spoiled a major moment in the story. Once I realized that, I appreciated the choice even more. This book truly put me through all the emotions. There were moments that made me laugh, moments that made me pause, and moments that hit harder than I expected.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. While I have not read many romances centered on characters in the LGBTQ+ community, I do consider myself an ally, and I appreciated how thoughtfully this story was written. For a debut novel, this was incredibly strong and emotionally engaging. I am very interested to see what the author does next and will absolutely be keeping an eye out for future releases.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
This story is told in first person from a single point of view, and at first I found myself wishing we also had the other perspective. As the book went on, though, it became very clear why we only hear from the FMC. Adding the MMC’s thoughts would have taken away from some of the impact, and likely spoiled a major moment in the story. Once I realized that, I appreciated the choice even more. This book truly put me through all the emotions. There were moments that made me laugh, moments that made me pause, and moments that hit harder than I expected.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. While I have not read many romances centered on characters in the LGBTQ+ community, I do consider myself an ally, and I appreciated how thoughtfully this story was written. For a debut novel, this was incredibly strong and emotionally engaging. I am very interested to see what the author does next and will absolutely be keeping an eye out for future releases.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Stephanie Parente’s writing pulled me in immediately. The way she explores grief and its layers, its messiness, and how differently it shows up for everyone is beautifully and honestly done. As someone who has recently lost their father, this story deeply resonated with me and brought unexpected comfort. It gently reminds you that there’s no timeline for grief, no switch that turns it off you simply learn how to carry it over time.
I loved the complexity of the relationships in this book. Violet’s comparison of her life to her best friend Arden’s is such a realistic and thoughtfully written subplot, and one you don’t often see explored so openly. Phoebe is a standout side character, bringing warmth, humor, and so much life to the story.
The tension between Violet and Dex is thick and compelling, The way their feeling for each other evolve was breathtaking. I absolutely love their relationship. But what truly stole my heart was the bond between the sisters, watching them reshape their relationship while navigating loss felt raw and authentic. The way they heal together, and in turn help Dex heal without even realizing it, is incredibly powerful.
This book gave me all the feels in the best way. I couldn’t put it down, and it’s easily one of my favorite reads of the year. When a book makes you feel this deeply, you know it’s something special.
Special thanks to Netgalley for the gifted ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I loved the complexity of the relationships in this book. Violet’s comparison of her life to her best friend Arden’s is such a realistic and thoughtfully written subplot, and one you don’t often see explored so openly. Phoebe is a standout side character, bringing warmth, humor, and so much life to the story.
The tension between Violet and Dex is thick and compelling, The way their feeling for each other evolve was breathtaking. I absolutely love their relationship. But what truly stole my heart was the bond between the sisters, watching them reshape their relationship while navigating loss felt raw and authentic. The way they heal together, and in turn help Dex heal without even realizing it, is incredibly powerful.
This book gave me all the feels in the best way. I couldn’t put it down, and it’s easily one of my favorite reads of the year. When a book makes you feel this deeply, you know it’s something special.
Special thanks to Netgalley for the gifted ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Random House and Netgalley for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review!
5/5 stars!
Return to Sender is a romantic debut that follows three unlikely characters as they travel across the country on a road trip to Oregon. Our main character Violet and her little sister Phoebe find a returned letter to their apartment from the previous tenant. When they open it, they find a love letter that never made it to its recipient. After spending months in the throes of grief, the letter lights a spark in her sister’s eyes again, and Violet resolves to find the owner and return the letter to its owner. When they find the man who wrote this letter, who’s facing a cloud of grief of his own, they all go on a road trip to bring this letter back to his lost love again.
Return to Sender has just as many adorable found family moments as much as it has its tenderhearted moments. You’ll definitely laugh and cry in equal measure. I found the chemistry between all three characters as a found family trio to be one of this story’s best elements, as well as its themes of grief. It really explores the different responses we have to grief, from shutting off from the rest of the world to trying to push through everyday life with a half-hearted smile. This novel handles the complexity of grief and how it could affect different people really well, as well as how they can help each other because of their opposite outlooks.
I couldn’t recommend this enough! I had so much fun reading their story and their misadventures from Coney Island to the Poconos. Return to Sender is emotionally powerful and entertaining!
5/5 stars!
Return to Sender is a romantic debut that follows three unlikely characters as they travel across the country on a road trip to Oregon. Our main character Violet and her little sister Phoebe find a returned letter to their apartment from the previous tenant. When they open it, they find a love letter that never made it to its recipient. After spending months in the throes of grief, the letter lights a spark in her sister’s eyes again, and Violet resolves to find the owner and return the letter to its owner. When they find the man who wrote this letter, who’s facing a cloud of grief of his own, they all go on a road trip to bring this letter back to his lost love again.
Return to Sender has just as many adorable found family moments as much as it has its tenderhearted moments. You’ll definitely laugh and cry in equal measure. I found the chemistry between all three characters as a found family trio to be one of this story’s best elements, as well as its themes of grief. It really explores the different responses we have to grief, from shutting off from the rest of the world to trying to push through everyday life with a half-hearted smile. This novel handles the complexity of grief and how it could affect different people really well, as well as how they can help each other because of their opposite outlooks.
I couldn’t recommend this enough! I had so much fun reading their story and their misadventures from Coney Island to the Poconos. Return to Sender is emotionally powerful and entertaining!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Return To Sender is a beautiful debut from Stephanie Parente highlighting both love and loss ... and, the journey in surviving them both.
Violet is muddling through the months following her father's untimely death, trying to hold herself together enough to be the strongest guardian possible to her teenaged sister, Phoebe. With their father gone, Phoebe is angry at the world and exhausting Violet by constantly pushing the limits. When a personal letter not intended for the sisters is returned to their apartment, Phoebe becomes enthralled in the sender's love story. Together, she and Violet track down Dex, the man who used to inhabit their apartment and convince him to deliver the letter to his ex in person.
There was so much to love about this book - strong, admirable characters, relatable feelings of grief ... and, who doesn't love a road trip?! The author writes of the trauma related to personal loss in a very palpable way that leaves the reader fully invested in the well-being of these characters. I personally feel that Phoebe stole the show with her rawness, humor and that certain 'je ne sais quoi' that only feisty, easily annoyed teenagers possess - easily one of my favorite characters in any book I have ever read.
Don't hesitate to pick this one up when it releases in July 2026 - your heart will thank you!!
Return To Sender is a beautiful debut from Stephanie Parente highlighting both love and loss ... and, the journey in surviving them both.
Violet is muddling through the months following her father's untimely death, trying to hold herself together enough to be the strongest guardian possible to her teenaged sister, Phoebe. With their father gone, Phoebe is angry at the world and exhausting Violet by constantly pushing the limits. When a personal letter not intended for the sisters is returned to their apartment, Phoebe becomes enthralled in the sender's love story. Together, she and Violet track down Dex, the man who used to inhabit their apartment and convince him to deliver the letter to his ex in person.
There was so much to love about this book - strong, admirable characters, relatable feelings of grief ... and, who doesn't love a road trip?! The author writes of the trauma related to personal loss in a very palpable way that leaves the reader fully invested in the well-being of these characters. I personally feel that Phoebe stole the show with her rawness, humor and that certain 'je ne sais quoi' that only feisty, easily annoyed teenagers possess - easily one of my favorite characters in any book I have ever read.
Don't hesitate to pick this one up when it releases in July 2026 - your heart will thank you!!
January 10, 2026
Did I just read one of the best debut novels ever? Honestly… yes. Undoubtedly five stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. Stephanie Parente absolutely delivers with Return to Sender, packing in all the delicious elements you want from a romance—heart, humor, longing, and chemistry.
I loved the quiet sense of mystery surrounding the letter from Benji to Cat. As we discover more about the letter, there’s a constant pull, a feeling that something meaningful is unfolding just beneath the surface, which kept me completely invested.
While grief weaves its way through the story, these unforgettable characters lean on one another through both the best and worst moments. It feels genuine, tender, and earned.
This book is also low-key funny in the best way. As we journey alongside the characters, their personalities shine as they work through sadness and heartache, creating moments that feel both heartfelt and hopeful.
One of my favorite niche tropes makes an appearance and had me grinning: Violet gets a drink spilled on her, goes out to the car to change (in his shirt, of course), and as she starts changing, he suddenly doesn’t want anyone else to see her.
“What are you doing?” he demanded.
“What’s the big deal? You saw me in a bathing suit yesterday.”
“The entirety of Chicago didn’t” (swoon!)
I already wish I could read this again for the first time. Stephanie Parente, I cannot wait—at least tomorrow—to read more novels like this one. 💌
I loved the quiet sense of mystery surrounding the letter from Benji to Cat. As we discover more about the letter, there’s a constant pull, a feeling that something meaningful is unfolding just beneath the surface, which kept me completely invested.
While grief weaves its way through the story, these unforgettable characters lean on one another through both the best and worst moments. It feels genuine, tender, and earned.
This book is also low-key funny in the best way. As we journey alongside the characters, their personalities shine as they work through sadness and heartache, creating moments that feel both heartfelt and hopeful.
One of my favorite niche tropes makes an appearance and had me grinning: Violet gets a drink spilled on her, goes out to the car to change (in his shirt, of course), and as she starts changing, he suddenly doesn’t want anyone else to see her.
“What are you doing?” he demanded.
“What’s the big deal? You saw me in a bathing suit yesterday.”
“The entirety of Chicago didn’t” (swoon!)
I already wish I could read this again for the first time. Stephanie Parente, I cannot wait—at least tomorrow—to read more novels like this one. 💌
January 11, 2026
Thank you so much to Stephanie Parente and Random House Publishing for gifting me a book that has truly stayed with me and will be one of my top recommendations this year. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I was not prepared for how deeply this story would affect me. This book is a raw, beautiful portrayal of grief that made me cry, laugh out loud, and sit in my feelings long after I turned the last page. 🥲
Violet, 26, and Phoebe, 16, are nine months into life after losing their dad, who was their best friend and their light. From Violet’s point of view, we watch both sisters struggle to survive their loss while carrying the weight of responsibility, anger, and sadness in very different ways. When a letter from a former tenant unexpectedly appears, it sets them on a journey that changes everything.
As a huge fan of Letters to Juliet, I expected something similar, but this story goes so much deeper. It captures how messy and uncomfortable grief really is, and how life keeps moving even when you feel stuck.
Violet would do absolutely anything to see Phoebe smile again, and Phoebe’s sharp humor and honesty bring moments of light when they are most needed. Then there is Dex, closed off and complicated, whose slow burn connection with Violet is full of tension, softness, and heart. The romance is swoon worthy, but the emotional depth is what truly makes this book shine.
This story cracked me open in the best way and reminded me how healing connection can be, even when you least expect it. 🥹🥰
I was not prepared for how deeply this story would affect me. This book is a raw, beautiful portrayal of grief that made me cry, laugh out loud, and sit in my feelings long after I turned the last page. 🥲
Violet, 26, and Phoebe, 16, are nine months into life after losing their dad, who was their best friend and their light. From Violet’s point of view, we watch both sisters struggle to survive their loss while carrying the weight of responsibility, anger, and sadness in very different ways. When a letter from a former tenant unexpectedly appears, it sets them on a journey that changes everything.
As a huge fan of Letters to Juliet, I expected something similar, but this story goes so much deeper. It captures how messy and uncomfortable grief really is, and how life keeps moving even when you feel stuck.
Violet would do absolutely anything to see Phoebe smile again, and Phoebe’s sharp humor and honesty bring moments of light when they are most needed. Then there is Dex, closed off and complicated, whose slow burn connection with Violet is full of tension, softness, and heart. The romance is swoon worthy, but the emotional depth is what truly makes this book shine.
This story cracked me open in the best way and reminded me how healing connection can be, even when you least expect it. 🥹🥰
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Griefs bring 2 sisters and a stranger together on a unforgivable roadtrip through the country that will bring closure and more.
I loved this book, it was refreshing and the grieving was well explained and talked about.
The whole letter plot was very well introduced in the first chapters altough I thought it became a bit intense fast. The idea was good but I think a bit more time or conversations between the characters would have felt less weird before proposing the roadtrip.
Felt like Arden was the only rational one with this whole idea. Also the fact that Dex
The lesbian- Bi sexuel arc was also well written with the Chicago plotline and Dex friends and company.
Overall the love story was also very cute but felt rushed.
Violets reaction when she learns about didnt make sense to me coming from someone who just had 9 months of grief and did a lot of things for her sister etc. I thought she would/could have been more understanding
Overall the book was good and I loved the ending
I would love to thank NetGalley and Random House for the opportunity for this ARC.
I loved this book, it was refreshing and the grieving was well explained and talked about.
The whole letter plot was very well introduced in the first chapters altough I thought it became a bit intense fast. The idea was good but I think a bit more time or conversations between the characters would have felt less weird before proposing the roadtrip.
Felt like Arden was the only rational one with this whole idea. Also the fact that Dex
The lesbian- Bi sexuel arc was also well written with the Chicago plotline and Dex friends and company.
Overall the love story was also very cute but felt rushed.
Violets reaction when she learns about didnt make sense to me coming from someone who just had 9 months of grief and did a lot of things for her sister etc. I thought she would/could have been more understanding
Overall the book was good and I loved the ending
I would love to thank NetGalley and Random House for the opportunity for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First of all, thank you to Dial Press, Random House Publishing Group, Stephanie Parente, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read "Return to Sender" as an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this novel! The overall experience was that this story was emotionally moving at times and hilarious at others. I was immediately swept up in Parente's writing and I did not want to put this down. If you enjoy the romance novels that have swoon worthy tension and electric chemistry with complex plots that grapple with human flaws and struggles with overcoming grief, then this should definitely be on your preorder list or added to your to be read. I will definitely be preordering a physical copy to reread the published version.
If you enjoy books that:
have vulnerable, clever, flawed, and loveable characters.
emotionally tear you apart and then piece you back together again
explores loss as well as coping and overcoming grief
swoon worthy tattooed grumpy MMC (the dialogue! OMG)
I think my favorite aspect of this novel was probably the relationship between Violet and Phoebe. The journey that they went on experiencing the worst of loss to navigating the shift in their relationship when Violet became her guardian. The dialogue between these two constantly had me laughing. Phoebe was absolutely hilarious. I adored her character!
I really enjoyed this novel! The overall experience was that this story was emotionally moving at times and hilarious at others. I was immediately swept up in Parente's writing and I did not want to put this down. If you enjoy the romance novels that have swoon worthy tension and electric chemistry with complex plots that grapple with human flaws and struggles with overcoming grief, then this should definitely be on your preorder list or added to your to be read. I will definitely be preordering a physical copy to reread the published version.
If you enjoy books that:
have vulnerable, clever, flawed, and loveable characters.
emotionally tear you apart and then piece you back together again
explores loss as well as coping and overcoming grief
swoon worthy tattooed grumpy MMC (the dialogue! OMG)
I think my favorite aspect of this novel was probably the relationship between Violet and Phoebe. The journey that they went on experiencing the worst of loss to navigating the shift in their relationship when Violet became her guardian. The dialogue between these two constantly had me laughing. Phoebe was absolutely hilarious. I adored her character!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*Review of advance copy received for Netfalley*
There was so much to love about this book, and so much to sink my teeth into! While this book can be categorized as a romance novel, the relationship that is built through the pages between Dex and Violent takes a backseat to the relationship between Violet and her little sister Phoebe. It was refreshing to read a "romance" novel that really dove into character development, and showcased real raw emotion while struggling with insurmountable loss and grief and navigating life.
From the moment I picked this book up it was really hard to put down! I just needed to know what the next stop on the roadtrip was going to be. This book will really have you reflecting on grief and loss, while also making you laugh out loud to the raw and honest comments and jokes coming from Phoebe. With just enough twists and turns in the road to keep you guessing.
The only moment that gave me a bit of a "readers ick" was the second time Violet goes to Dex`s office in the red dress. After learning more about Violet throughout the rest of the book, it seemed a bit out of character for her or a bit disingenuous.
I do think this has the potential to be the next big read of Summer 2026! Releases to the public in July!
There was so much to love about this book, and so much to sink my teeth into! While this book can be categorized as a romance novel, the relationship that is built through the pages between Dex and Violent takes a backseat to the relationship between Violet and her little sister Phoebe. It was refreshing to read a "romance" novel that really dove into character development, and showcased real raw emotion while struggling with insurmountable loss and grief and navigating life.
From the moment I picked this book up it was really hard to put down! I just needed to know what the next stop on the roadtrip was going to be. This book will really have you reflecting on grief and loss, while also making you laugh out loud to the raw and honest comments and jokes coming from Phoebe. With just enough twists and turns in the road to keep you guessing.
The only moment that gave me a bit of a "readers ick" was the second time Violet goes to Dex`s office in the red dress. After learning more about Violet throughout the rest of the book, it seemed a bit out of character for her or a bit disingenuous.
I do think this has the potential to be the next big read of Summer 2026! Releases to the public in July!
February 2, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Return to Sender by Stephanie Parente
I love a road trip, I love a snarky teenager (as long as it’s not my own) and I love this book
Return to Sender is sweet and genuinely funny, but it also handles some really heavy topics with so much care and heart: grief, depression, bullying, family (both traditional and found), gender and sexual identity, love, and loss. It manages to explore a complex emotional landscape while still feeling light-hearted and hopeful
From found family and forced proximity to grief and mental health, this story shows how two people navigating loss can find comfort, connection, and eventually happiness in one another. It’s a beautifully written novel about love, grief, and learning how to move forward when nothing about it feels easy
Some delightful surprises going in: I didn’t know this book included queer representational -yassssss, absolutely loved that ♥️ I also didn’t realize part of the story takes place in Bend, OR, where I live, which made it extra fun
This is a thoughtful, heartfelt, and worthwhile read that balances humor and healing beautifully
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC- I’m so glad I got to experience this one early.
Return to Sender by Stephanie Parente
I love a road trip, I love a snarky teenager (as long as it’s not my own) and I love this book
Return to Sender is sweet and genuinely funny, but it also handles some really heavy topics with so much care and heart: grief, depression, bullying, family (both traditional and found), gender and sexual identity, love, and loss. It manages to explore a complex emotional landscape while still feeling light-hearted and hopeful
From found family and forced proximity to grief and mental health, this story shows how two people navigating loss can find comfort, connection, and eventually happiness in one another. It’s a beautifully written novel about love, grief, and learning how to move forward when nothing about it feels easy
Some delightful surprises going in: I didn’t know this book included queer representational -yassssss, absolutely loved that ♥️ I also didn’t realize part of the story takes place in Bend, OR, where I live, which made it extra fun
This is a thoughtful, heartfelt, and worthwhile read that balances humor and healing beautifully
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC- I’m so glad I got to experience this one early.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First off, thank you so much to NetGalley and Random House for allowing me an ARC of this novel! All opinions are my own.
Something I’ve often seen in adult romance lately is authors foregoing plot for spice- because that’s what readers want, right? Well... no. Most readers, myself included, do enjoy spice when it exists and adds to the plot. It shouldn’t BE the plot. I’m glad Stephanie Parente didn’t fall into this trap as a debut author. Does Return to Sender have some spice? Yes, but it adds depth to an already meaningful story. There’s sadness, there's character development, there's laughs and tears...
Everything that makes a novel stand out, Stephanie delivers. Violet is stubborn but cares deeply for her little sister, Dex is closed off but caring., and Phoebe is, well, your average fourteen-year-old girl. And it works beautifully together in this story.
I’ve never read a road-trip romance trope novel before, and honestly, I don’t know if I could ever read another, because I don’t think anyone could match what Stephanie has done here. I’m excited to see what she'll write in the future.
Something I’ve often seen in adult romance lately is authors foregoing plot for spice- because that’s what readers want, right? Well... no. Most readers, myself included, do enjoy spice when it exists and adds to the plot. It shouldn’t BE the plot. I’m glad Stephanie Parente didn’t fall into this trap as a debut author. Does Return to Sender have some spice? Yes, but it adds depth to an already meaningful story. There’s sadness, there's character development, there's laughs and tears...
Everything that makes a novel stand out, Stephanie delivers. Violet is stubborn but cares deeply for her little sister, Dex is closed off but caring., and Phoebe is, well, your average fourteen-year-old girl. And it works beautifully together in this story.
I’ve never read a road-trip romance trope novel before, and honestly, I don’t know if I could ever read another, because I don’t think anyone could match what Stephanie has done here. I’m excited to see what she'll write in the future.
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