Return to Sender: A Novel

by Stephanie Parente

Genres: Adult

352 pages, Paperback

Expected publication July 14, 2026

Reviews

[jenny reads a lot]

The 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

[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.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Payton · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Tanisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.**

[Sheridan Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Courtney S · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Violet nunca imaginó que un simple sobre atorado entre las cartas del día sacudiría todo lo que daba por perdido. Convertida en la única responsable de su hermana tras la muerte de su padre, su vida transcurre entre jornadas agotadoras y el silencio incómodo que Phoebe ha levantado a su alrededor. Pero una carta devuelta a su departamento cambia el ritmo de ambas. El mensaje, escrito por un desconocido llamado Benji, encierra la confesión de un amor roto y un arrepentimiento que se siente vivo. Lo que empieza como una curiosidad termina convirtiéndose en una misión para descubrir quién es ese hombre y qué fue lo que perdió. En el intento, Violet se encuentra también con una versión de sí misma que creía enterrada, una que todavía busca sentido, compañía y un camino propio. La búsqueda del destinatario se transforma en un viaje inesperado hacia la sanación, el cariño y la posibilidad de un nuevo comienzo.

__

Lastima que D no tenga povs.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Cassidy Glover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going into this I knew there would be parts I would love or connect with. Road trip? Yep. Slow burn? Yepppp. Grief and loss of a parent? Obviously. However there was one large part that I really didn’t think I would love…a child side character. I typically don’t enjoy when a younger character has a big part in a book. They don’t always feel necessary to the main characters’ love story.

HOWEVER…boy was I wrong. The FMC Violet has taken custody of her little sister Phoebe since the passing of their Dad. The grief has impacted them both deeply but shows differently between the two. It was quite emotional exploring this dynamic of Violet having to keep being the responsible adult who is thrown into a parenting role all while battling her own grief. It also helps that Phoebe is a hilarious young teenager whose quick wit and snappy vocabulary had me giggling throughout. She truly added such a great balance and seeing her spark slowly come back was everything.

I’m certain I will reread this in the future. I knew pretty early on it was headed to five star territory for me. This little trio of lovable characters will stick with me. Bonus points for equally lovable side characters too!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. What a fantastic debut for Stephanie Parente! I’m excited to see more from her!

[Nikkireads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Return to Sender by Stephanie Parente follows Violet as she struggles to navigate life after her father’s death, while also trying to hold things together for her rebellious teenage sister, Phoebe. When Violet stumbles upon a lost love letter, she decides to take Phoebe on a cross country road trip to return it to its intended recipient. Along the way, Violet finds herself drawn to Dex the letter’s grumpy yet charming author who is still emotionally tied to his past. As the journey unfolds, Violet is forced to confront her grief, her growing feelings, and what a second chance at love and life might look like.

I thoroughly enjoyed the cross-country road trip and loved seeing everyone find their happiness by the end of the story. I’m giving this a solid three stars I didn’t connect with the characters as deeply as I hoped, but overall it was still a super cute, feel good read. Thank You Random House and NetGalley for this Arc!📚💛

[Julie Mertus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nine months after their father's death, Violet and her younger sister Phoebe embark on an unexpected cross-country road trip with the writer of a misdelivered love letter.

I devoured this book from start to finish. It’s like the author read my profile and wrote a book FOR me. It contained every key element that makes a 5-start book in my eyes – an emotional, raw storyline with real characters, growth/development of said characters throughout the book, tension/slow burn between the MMC and FMC – and some relevant spice thrown in for good measure.

The chemistry and banter between all characters were just chef’s kiss.

*Note – trigger warnings: Death of parent/sibling, drug/alcohol use, bullying, depression, abandonment

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

[Skyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a breath of fresh air. Such a beautiful story of loss and grief and the new norm that is created because of it. I was crying, laughing, gasping, blushing, and then crying again while laughing.

The relationship between Violet and Phoebe was really special. The big age gap between them contributed a lot to their already established relationship and now with Violet's new role as Phoebe's guardian, there is an added strain to her parental role that wasn't previously there. It was so heartbreaking, real, and meaningful seeing how both girls struggled with their grief individually and how they longed to be able to meet each other in the middle without knowing how.

The additional of Dex to the story was just the cherry on top to an already great read. Though Dex was the center to the romance plotline that was a 10/10 (see "blushing" above), he also had his own individual story to be told. As all the great mysteries do, he drops more and more detail about himself as the story goes on. And thus brings me to my gasping moments (that I will not spoil!).

Overall, I had just the best time reading this story. I cannot wait to see what else Stephanie Parente releases in the future.

[Emilie]

Return to Sender was an excellent debut. This was a heavy book, and I thought Parente wrote the characters' grief well. What made this book a five-star read was Phoebe and Violet's relationship. Their sister dynamic was messy and real. I loved the scenes where the sisters were being funny together. Phoebe was such a hoot! I liked the character development throughout the book, especially Phoebe’s. Watching her growth was really rewarding. Violet was an admirable FMC. I was rooting hard for her relationships with Phoebe and Dax. I liked Violet and Dax's relationship. Their chemistry was great, and I liked how their relationship developed. Dax's character was just as strong as Violet's. I enjoyed watching his layers slowly peel back. I was surprised by the big twist of this book. The side characters were notable, especially Arden. She really shone in this book. The writing style was smooth, the pacing was great, and the setting was descriptive. I also really enjoyed the Dex chapter at the end. I'm excited to see what Stephanie Parente comes up with next. Thank you to NetGalley and Dial Press for the ARC. 

[Bethany Wouters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House, for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!

A pattern I've noticed throughout my life is how I'm always most drawn to media depicting grief; when I read the synopsis for Return to Sender, I knew it was gonna be a hit for me, and I was right. Were there some parts I didn't absolutely love? Sure. But more than that, I did fall in love with Violet and Dex and Phoebe most especially. I have not had to experience the loss of a parent, but I've walked with friends who have, and this story reiterated how important it is to hold your loved ones close, and to tell them what they mean to you often.

[Stroop · Rating 3 out of 5]

Violet and Phoebe are grieving the loss of their father. When Phoebe opens a piece of mail intended for someone else, she becomes determined to track down the author. She convinces her sister and Dex to go on a cross-country road trip to reunite the letter with its intended recipient.

This is a sweet story about loss, love, and finding joy in the little moments. Violet and Dex are cute together though the Violet’s crush on him seemed to go from zero to one hundred abruptly. Overall, this is a fine addition to the roadtrip romance trope.

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.

[Chandler Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ I was so happily surprised by how much this book sucked me in! I haven’t read a story like it and I truly loved the characters and storyline so much! I felt like the grief portrayed was so well done and relatable. I LOVED Dex. *puts him in my pocket* and I loved the back and forth between Vi and honestly all of the characters. I was giggling at times and tearing up at others. I felt the yearning and tension and was here for it all✨ Can’t believe this is a debut novel! Congratulations!! Looking forward to more. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC, the ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Erica Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a fantastic debut novel!

Grief is a heavy topic in this book, so be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster.

In the beginning, I was confused on why the main three characters decide to go on a road trip just to deliver a letter. Especially when they barely even knew each other. The author does a beautiful job at connecting all the dots and it all eventually makes sense.

I absolutely loved seeing Phoebe and Violet’s relationship evolve as they worked through their grief. Phoebe was hysterical and I loved the banter between the sisters.

This was a beautiful story about love, loss and friendship.

Thank you NetGalley for the e-Arc.

[Megan Talmo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It is truly the perfect depiction of trying to navigate life after unexpected loss. Grief is not linear and the things people will do while grieving....is part of the healing process. This story is about love, loss, finding the beauty in the little things again, and many funny moments!

[jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Thank you to NetGalley and Dial Press for the ARC!**

What can I say, other than WHOA. What a fantastic read! I laughed, I cried, and I felt truly inspired. The portrayal of grief was exceptionally well done. Phoebe meant so much to me, and the sisterly banter was at its finest. Dex has also become one of my favorite book boyfriends!

[Annie Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

eARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review!

I loveddddd this book, it was the perfect contemporary romance filled with humor while learning to cope with grief in all its stages. It reminded me of a Cara Bastone novel and she is one of my favorite authors at the moment. 10/10 would recommend, I can’t wait to see what else this author still do!

[Shouty · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHEN DEX SEES HER IN THE RED DRESS AND JUST ABOUT LOSES HIS GD MIND

[lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️ (ARC) violet and phoebe’s journey throughout this book was just the sweetest to read. they genuinely both deserve so much happiness and i am so happy they had each other. the storyline was so sweet and seeing them slowly open up to each other after their father’s death was such an emotional moment. i was not the biggest fan of the plot twist at the end.

[Lex fullybookedbabe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Road trip romance done right!!! Single parent/guardian relationship with a sassy 14 year old and 2 main characters who are trudging thru their own grief, add this to your TBR immediately.