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Postmarked December: An Uplifting Christmas Romance Novel

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From the USA Today bestselling author of the book-to-TV stories Coming Home for Christmas and Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses— with over one million copies sold—comes a moving holiday listen perfect for fans of Sheila Roberts, Debbie Macomber, and Jill Shalvis.

A year after losing her husband, Toby, Heather Hart's favorite season feels like a ghost town—until a mysterious red-and-white envelope arrives. Inside is a message asking her to visit a nearby location . . . and it appears to be from Toby himself.

The note contains details only he could know.

At the destination, another envelope awaits—with a new clue, and a new place to go.

The messages continue throughout the holiday season, sending Heather on a journey down memory lane as she searches for answers.

Determined to uncover the truth behind the anonymous cards, Heather embarks on a magical excursion filled with love, loss, and hope. Along the way, she meets the charismatic Nicholas Monroe, who seems to appear at just the right moments—like a Christmas miracle.

But is he part of the mystery . . . or hiding secrets of his own?

Audible Audio

Published October 6, 2026

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About the author

Jenny Hale

60 books96 followers
Jenny is an established illustrator and author of children’s picture books, with 20 titles and a million copies in print. Before publishing, she spent 18 years as an advertising illustrator and copywriter. She lives with her husband and writes from a long marble table overlooking Sydney’s bushland.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
Profile Image for Darla.
5,228 reviews1,388 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
September 25, 2026
What if you were getting notes in red-striped envelopes -- signed by your beloved late husband?

Would you follow the instructions?

Here's what I like about this new feel-good read from Jenny Hale:

📔That cover! Such a festive display with the red-striped envelopes and greenery. Kudos to the marketing team for beckoning us in for this holiday read.

💌 The notes that Heather got from Toby were heartwarming and encouraging. He wanted her to remember things they had loved doing together and get out and about rather than wallowing in her grief.

🎄The mystery behind the notes was intriguing. How could Toby have written them when he had passed months ago? Then there is the question of how does a widow cope with the clamoring from the music industry and fans for more from a beloved artist/songwriter?

🥂 Kudos to Jenny Hale for the clean content. We could enjoy the seasonal vibes without any unnecessary steam clouding our view. And there are recipes!

I'm holding back one star as the true reason for celebrating Christmas was not even mentioned. As heartwarming as this story was, there was a key ingredient missing for me. Thank you to Booksgosocial and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Available on September 29, 2026.
Profile Image for Alya.
709 reviews251 followers
October 12, 2026
✨️ ARC REVIEW ✨️
Postmarked December by Jenny Hale
Publication date: Now Available and on KU


Thoughts
This was such a beautifully emotional read, I loved everything about this read, it had me in my feels from start to end to the point that I almost lost it thinking the author was actually about to fuck up the ending only to end up crying. This was my first reading experience with the author but won't be my last! The writing style and the way the author wrote hope, grief, guilt and everything in between was so beautifully done you cannot help but feel as though you're living the journey with the FMC. This is a perfect addition to your Christmas TBR! It's heartfelt, emotional and just all round beautiful! In fact if you read anything this Christmas season I beg add this to your Christmas reads stack! Also which pact do we sign to get an adaptation??? It's a NEED! If you loved This Book Made Me Think of You or the film PS I love you I highly recommend this read!

Plot Summary
A year after losing her husband, Toby, Heather struggles to find joy in the Christmas season until mysterious envelopes begin arriving with messages only he could have known. Each clue leads her to a new location, taking her on an emotional journey through cherished memories as she searches for answers. Along the way, she meets Nicholas, a charming man who may bring a little hope and magic back into her life.


Many thanks to NetGalley and publishers for the ALC

My Bookstagram
Profile Image for CatsBnB.
483 reviews116 followers
October 12, 2026
Thank you NetGalley, Jenny Hale, and Dreamscape Audio for granting me access to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. Grace Grant did a phenomenal job bringing these characters to life and capturing the full range of emotions woven throughout the story.

Postmarked December is a beautifully written Christmas romance that found its way into my heart and stayed there. Y'all, keep your tissues handy, because I absolutely sobbed!!😭🤧 This story brought tears of sorrow and moments of such tenderness and hope that my heart could hardly contain them. For as much as it aches, it also reminds us that even in the shadow of loss, there is still light to be found.

A year after losing her beloved husband, Toby, Heather is still finding her way through the heartache of a life forever changed by his absence. Just when the weight of her loss seems impossible to escape, mysterious letters begin arriving, seemingly from Toby himself, each one drawing her back into treasured memories and leaving her with questions she never expected to face. As the letters lead her down an unexpected path, she meets Nick, and what begins as a journey through the past slowly opens the door to possibilities she may never have imagined.

I loved watching Heather navigate the fragile, often painful road toward healing, and I especially cherished the friendship she shares with Marion, who stands beside her when she needs it most. The letters bring their own kind of Christmas magic, while the themes of love, loss, forgiveness, and hope give the novel a depth that reaches far beyond the holiday season.

What touched me most was how this story reminds us that, even in a season filled with so much joy and meaning, grief can sometimes linger in the very moments we wish could be happy. Sometimes, the memories that make this season beautiful are also the ones that make it hurt. And yet, even in the quiet spaces left behind by loss, life can still surprise us with healing and the possibility of a heart learning to love again.

This was my first Jenny Hale book, and I can already tell it won't be my last! I absolutely loved and adored this one, and it has earned a place on my list of favorite Christmas reads. If I could recommend just one Christmas book to read this year, Postmarked December would be it!! ALL the magical Christmas stars!!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Profile Image for KELLY.
243 reviews5 followers
October 7, 2026
Postmarked December is a Holiday Romance book. Heather is grieving her husband when mysterious letters from him begin arriving, each one sending her on a new adventure. I was excited for her journey and mystery that I couldn’t wait to see where the next letter would lead! This was the perfect mix of Christmas magic, emotions, grief, friendship, and unexpected romance.  I laughed at times, my heart ached at times, and I felt that cozy Christmas movie feeling at times. The narration was fantastic! She brought all the emotion to life and made this audiobook so easy to get lost in.
Sweet, emotional, mysterious, and absolutely magical. I didn’t want it to end!

Read & listen on release date 10/06/2026.

Thank you Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for the Audiobook.
Profile Image for Amber.
343 reviews33 followers
October 14, 2026
A year after Heather Hart’s husband, Toby passes away from cancer, she faces her first holiday season feeling completely lost.

Then, Heather starts to receive Christmas envelopes in the mail containing messages with personal details only Toby could have known.

The first note directs her to a nearby location where another envelope and clue await, sending her on a journey through meaningful places from their past.

Along the way, Heather keeps running into Nicholas Monroe. While she feels a strong connection to him, she starts to wonder if he is hiding secrets of his own.

I really enjoyed this uplifting holiday romance. Fans of This Book Made Me Think of you by Libby Page will enjoy the nostalgic journey that this author takes Heather on.

❤️grief and longing
❤️strong support system
❤️moving on
❤️finding strength in yourself
❤️Christmas themed
❤️honoring the past, while facing the future

The narration of this book was performed by Grace Grant. She did a good job bringing Heather’s character to life.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.

Profile Image for Ferne (Enthusiastic Reader).
1,547 reviews55 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
September 1, 2026
Heather Hart and Marion Wilkins, colleagues and close friends at Ellis Elementary School, find themselves at home on December 17, the first day of Christmas break. Marion, who has supported Heather throughout the past year, checks in once again, knowing this will be Heather's first Christmas since losing her husband, Toby. To many, Toby was a Nashville songwriter and musician; to Heather, he was her forever love.

This beautifully written story offers more than a contemporary holiday romance. Christmas magic intertwines with grief and memories, and through the tears and love, a sense of wonder shines brightly. Heather receives envelopes with instructions that encourage her to leave the house and embark on new adventures. Each envelope seems to anticipate her thoughts and reactions, creating an air of mystery and hope.

The author's writing shines with magical scenes, meaningful conversations, and authentically drawn characters. The dialogue feels true, and the story ultimately lifts the spirits. The narrative weaves emotional depth and authentic moments, especially in depicting the first year after losing a loved one—the uncertainty of finding joy amid grief, and the questions that arise. The characters' struggles resonate, and their journey toward self-discovery is both heartbreaking and hopeful.

Set during the Christmas holiday season, this novel highlights that, regardless of which holiday is celebrated—Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa—the expectation of constant joy can be misleading. The story gently reminds readers of the importance of friends who support each other in meaningful ways, balancing the comfort of quiet companionship with encouragement to step outside for a change of scenery. During the holidays, offering support to someone in need can make an immeasurable difference, even if they never ask for it.

A Book Club Reading Guide and recipes for Toby's Sugar Cookies—As Sweet As Heather, Toby's Famous Marshmallow Fudge, and the Golden Elderflower Spritz are included at the end of the novel.

Thank you Jenny Hale, Books Go Social, Harpeth Road Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an eARC of this novel.
Profile Image for Leanne.
1,722 reviews122 followers
August 14, 2026
Postmarked December is one of those Christmas stories that feels like a soft ache wrapped in twinkling lights — gentle, hopeful, and threaded with the kind of magic that doesn’t need spells to feel real. A year after losing her husband Toby, Heather Hart is moving through the season like a ghost. The holidays are supposed to sparkle, but for her they’ve gone quiet, hollow, almost suspended. I liked how the book lets that grief sit without rushing it; Heather’s world feels small, careful, and understandably fragile.

And then the envelope arrives.

A red‑and‑white card, addressed with details only Toby could have known. It’s such a beautifully simple hook — intimate, impossible, and instantly emotional. When Heather follows the instructions and finds another envelope waiting for her, the story shifts into something quietly magical. Each new note sends her to a different place, nudging her down Memory Lane, guiding her through moments she shared with Toby, and moments she never realised mattered. It’s tender without being sentimental, and the mystery behind the cards gives the book a lovely sense of movement.

Her journey feels like a Christmas scavenger hunt designed by someone who knew her heart better than anyone. And along the way, she meets Nicholas Monroe — charismatic, warm, and appearing at just the right moments, like a Christmas miracle with perfect timing. I enjoyed how the book handles him: not as a replacement for Toby, not as a forced romantic lead, but as someone who gently unsettles Heather’s grief. He’s kind, present, and clearly carrying secrets of his own, which adds a soft tension to their interactions.

The magic here isn’t loud. It’s in the quiet discoveries, the unexpected kindnesses, the way grief and hope can coexist when you least expect it. Heather’s determination to uncover the origin of the cards becomes a journey of healing — not letting go of Toby, but letting herself imagine a future that isn’t defined solely by loss.

What lingered for me is the emotional layering: love that endures, grief that reshapes you, and the possibility of new beginnings even when you’re convinced your heart is too bruised to try again. The holiday setting adds warmth without overwhelming the story; it’s cosy, but grounded in real emotion.

A heartwarming Christmas mystery filled with love, memory, and the gentle promise of healing. Tender, magical, and quietly hopeful — the kind of holiday romance that feels like opening a long‑lost letter and finding exactly what you needed inside.

My thanks to Jenny Hale and the publisher for the ARC
Profile Image for Literary Redhead.
3,004 reviews733 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
August 30, 2026
Such a poignant Hallmark Christmas story! Read it in one happy gulp like a red and green striped peppermint, enveloped by the warmth and holiday cheer. Recommended!
170 reviews
October 12, 2026
An absolutely beautiful Christmas time listen that I could not pause.

I cried from beginning to end- actual ugly cry sobbing by the end. I also stayed up way too late because I could not stop listening.

Emily starts receiving letter from someone in December after her famous husband's passing. These letters contain clues and hints of their past telling her to go to another location for next letter. Could this be from someone who had insight to their very private lives? Could it be a stalker or someone looking to harass her?

On the way to one of the letter locations, Emily sits beside Nick on the plane. They strike up a friendship with a side of attraction that grows over the next few days. The problem is that he is a lot more than he seems.

Grace Grant does a fantastic job at narrating this contemporary, no spice romance told in third person POV. I normally listen to audiobooks between 1.5-1.75x speed. I was able to easily listen to this audiobook at 1.5x speed due to the well programmed pacing.

Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for the pleasure of listening to this story.
Profile Image for Athena &#x1f497;.
1,092 reviews27 followers
October 8, 2026
This was a quick and cozy Christmas romance. Great for anyone wanting something short and easy with a little bit of mystery and the heartwarming journey of a grieving widow following surprise letters sent from her dead husband.

Heather is grieving the loss of her husband, Toby. One day she receives a letter and inside is intimate information only her late husband could possibly know. Each letter leads Heather to her next destination, every stop bringing her closer to Toby. While on a plane to her next destination she meets a man named Nick and for the first time since Toby’s death she finds herself drawn to another man. Now Heather is torn between opening herself to another man and holding on to the one she was supposed to spend the rest of her life with.

I listened to Postmarked December on audio and the narrator did a pretty good job. I don’t really know any other way to explain this book other than it is a short, cozy experience with a sweet story. If you’re looking for something with very low stakes and a little bit of mystery this is a great option.
3,748 reviews42 followers
October 14, 2026
Librarian Heather Hart lost her husband Toby almost a year ago. A talented songwriter in Nashville. Now that one of her favorite holidays, Christmas , is upon her, it feels empty without him .
That is, until red and white envelopes start arriving . These envelopes include locations to visit and some information that only Toby would know.
In the meantime, the man she met on an airplane, Nicholas Monroe, mysteriously shows up and helps her to navigate the information and locations in the envelopes.
Things seem to be going well until he ghosts her, or so she thought, and the secret he’s kept, comes to light.
This is a story about hope, new beginnings, and the miracle of Christmas.
The narrator, Grace Graham, brings the story to life.
I was entrusted a copy of this audiobook by Netgalley and Dreamscape Media.
The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Profile Image for Caroline’s Page~Turners.
633 reviews21 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 5, 2026
Heather Hart knew this Christmas would be different from all the others. This Christmas is the first one after Heather lost her husband, Toby this past year. She receives an envelope in the mail, and thinks it’s from Toby as he knows some very significant details. The letter directs her to a nearby location. When she arrives she receives another envelope. As she locates the envelopes each one sends her to a new place. As she arrives at each destination she continues to heal her broken heart from the loss of her husband.

Along the way, she meets Nicholas Monroe, he helps her on the journey she has begun. He helps her unravel the mystery of the letters while confronting a few hidden secrets of his own.

“Postmarked December” by Jenny Hale is a magical Christmas story of healing, loss and new love. This story warmed my heart as I flipped through the pages. I couldn’t put it down. The mystery was perfectly placed and as each letter arrived, I was drawn deeper into the amazing story.

I was completely captivated by this story, and as it propelled me into the holiday season I am more than ready for the snow to start flying. This story warmed my heart, put me in the holiday spirit and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a cozy, uplifting read.

Grab your copy today!! https://amazn.so/PostmarkedDecember
Profile Image for Sarah.
193 reviews2 followers
October 7, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for a free advance copy audiobook (written by Jenny Hale and narrated by Grace Grant) in exchange for an honest review ❤️

This was a delightful little holiday book. It starts out during a time of grief, but it becomes an uplifting story of life after loss. There is also the strength of a having a great best friend by your side!

This felt very much like a Hallmark movie. It was predictable, but in the best way because I would have been upset if it had gone any other way. This would be the ultimate book to read or listen to while cozied up with a hot beverage and a blanket by the Christmas tree.

I give this one 4 stars 🌲🌲🌲🌲
Profile Image for Amanda.
64 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
September 28, 2026
This clean novel is a great mix of mystery, healing, love and holiday magic. It’s also has an amazing setting of all things Christmas in Tennessee.

Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the eARC.
Profile Image for Meghan Ganzer.
91 reviews20 followers
October 6, 2026
A Christmas version of This Book Made Me Think of You. Had a lot of slow parts and talking in circles (esp in the second half) and ending was rushed. Overall a cute holiday book!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
24 reviews1 follower
September 4, 2026
Review from advanced audio copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This was a book about life after loss. We follow Heather as she heads into the first Christmas after her husband Toby had passed away from cancer. While the thought of dealing with the death of a spouse is a heavy one, this book focuses on that transition from the full on debilitating grief to the part where you are starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel and wondering what could be next for you. Maybe miracles really can happen during Christmas.
Profile Image for Zenya  Weatherall.
77 reviews
October 11, 2026
Some people are lucky enough to find true love once in their lifetime, but to find it twice? That is something truly special.
Postmarked December by Jenny Hale is such a beautifully sentimental and emotional story that it completely wrecked me in the best possible way. This is the kind of book that reminds you just how powerful love can be, even when the person you love is no longer physically here.
Without spoiling anything, one of the most beautiful things about this story is the way Toby's love for Heather continues long after his passing. He loved her so deeply that he couldn't bear the thought of her spending the rest of her life drowning in grief and loneliness. He wanted her to find happiness again, to feel loved again, and to know that life could still hold beautiful things for her. And honestly, what could be more romantic than someone looking out for your heart and happiness even from beyond the grave?
I found myself ugly crying over the sheer heartbreak Heather must have been experiencing, but I was equally moved by how incredibly special her relationship with Toby was. There is something so devastatingly beautiful about a love that doesn't end when life does. Toby's devotion to Heather touched my heart in a way that is difficult to put into words, and I was left feeling both heartbroken and completely overwhelmed by the tenderness of it all.
This book is a reminder that love can take many forms, that grief and hope can exist side by side, and that opening your heart to love again doesn't diminish the love you have already experienced. Sometimes, it is a testament to just how deeply you were loved in the first place.
Jenny Hale has given us an incredible, romantic, and deeply moving story that had me reaching for tissues more than once. I went into this book expecting a touching love story, but I came away with a heart full of emotions and an even greater appreciation for the kind of love that wants nothing more than to see you happy, even when it can no longer be there beside you.
PLEASE, PLEASE READ THIS BOOK! If you love emotional romance, stories that tug at your heartstrings, and books that remind you why love is one of the most beautiful things in this world, Postmarked December deserves a spot on your TBR. Just make sure you have tissues nearby because you are going to NEED them!
An absolutely incredible book that will stay with me long after turning the final page.
#arc #netgalley #postmarkeddecember
Profile Image for Melissa.
247 reviews4 followers
October 6, 2026
Jenny Hale is the holiday season, period. I flew through Postmarked December in a single day, and honestly? Zero regrets. If you know me at all, you know I am totally unhinged about Christmas—my holiday movie binge starts strictly in October, and I spend the next two months fully locked into every festive book, movie, and seasonal activity I can get my hands on!

Now, let me ask you a real question: what would you do if you started receiving mystery letters in red-striped envelopes signed by your late husband? Freak out? Go into hiding? Bury your head in the snow? Or actually follow the instructions?

Enter Heather and her ride-or-die colleague, Marion. Enter Christmas break - Marion checks in on Heather, knowing this is her first holiday season since losing her husband, Toby. To the rest of the world, Toby was a talented Nashville songwriter; to Heather, he was her forever love.

I was completely obsessed with the mystery of it all. Every single time a new red letter dropped, I got those same heart-fluttering, main-character thrills right along with her. I couldn't wait to sprint to the next destination to see what was waiting for us!

This isn't just your run-of-the-mill, candy-cane romance, either. It weaves holiday magic with real, raw emotion. Let’s be real—the holiday season pushes this huge expectation of non-stop joy, regardless of what you celebrate, but that’s not always reality. The story gives such a beautiful nod to the friends who show up for you without being asked, gently pulling you from soul-crushing grief toward that first glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel.

Also, a massive round of applause for Grace Grant’s audiobook narration! She brought every single emotion to life so brilliantly that I felt like I was riding shotgun with Heather around every corner.

By the time I finished, I felt like I was wrapped in a plush blanket by a crackling fire with a mug of hot cocoa in hand. Postmarked December is gentle, hopeful, and pure quiet magic—Jenny Hale knows exactly how to honor heavy grief while leaving the door wide open for holiday miracles!

Thank you to Jenny Hale, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the ALC.
Profile Image for Ashlee Flynn.
20 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
September 28, 2026
Thank you so much to the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!

This book felt like a Hallmark! Ugh, I loved it!
But I will say… at the beginning I was thinking, sheesh! This is supposed to be uplifting, but it was making me so sad. I was so put into the FMC’s place and how she was feeling that I genuinely felt like I had lost my partner too. I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to get through the book because I was feeling everything right along with her.

But it had me. 🥹✉️

I loved the mystery of it all and the way each letter kept pulling me into the next part of the story. I felt like I was the main character.
Every time she received another letter, I felt that same excitement and those little heart flutters she must have been feeling. I couldn’t wait to run with her to the next destination and see what was waiting for us there.

And then when she met the stranger on the plane👀 i was infact kicking my feet, becacuse they. Just. Kept. Running. Into. Each. Other. 😊🤭
I was so happy for her! She deserved that little bit of excitement and the much needed break from everything she had been going through. I was rooting for her so hard.

And all those phone calls and people trying to pry, again, I was thinking of all the spam calls I get but I was screaming in my head JUST LEAVE HER ALONE! 😂
But gosh… that ending. 🥹❤️ What a beautiful ending.

This book left me feeling like I was wrapped up in a warm blanket, sitting by a crackling fire with a mug of hot cocoa in my hands, just watching it all unfold.

Give me some mini marshmallows, please! ☕️🤎

And PLEASE give me more from this author! 🎄💌
Profile Image for Jennifer Ritter.
1,254 reviews37 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
September 26, 2026
Postmarked Christmas, by Jenny Hale, is the story of young widow Heather Hart navigating the first Christmas after her husband, country singer-songwriter Toby Hart, passes from cancer. As her Christmas break as a school librarian begins, brokenhearted Heather is deep in her memories until her best friend Marion disrupts her. After a girls night and a breakfast outing, Heather checks her overlooked mailbox finding a special holiday greeting. In opening the fancy card, Heather finds a special message containing things only Toby would have known, leading her on a holiday scavenger hunt.

As Heather follows the clues, one takes her on a couple days trip from Nashville to Greenville, SC. On the flight she meets Nicholas Monroe, a data analyst and aspiring author also from Nashville, and feels something for the first time since Toby’s passing. There is an almost immediate feeling of camaraderie between Heather and Nick, making it difficult when he doesn’t contact her after they return to Nashville. As the red and white envelopes keep appearing, Heather is led to the the cabin Toby inherited and renovated for the Christmas holiday and Marion, with her husband Anthony, join her there. But it is when she returns to Nashville that the story takes some swift turns.

Jenny Hale has once again outdone herself with her newest holiday novel. It is a story of love, loss, heartbreak, and renewal. The characters are richly drawn and the setting perfectly described. I very much enjoyed this story and do recommend this book!
Profile Image for Sneha R.
175 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
August 1, 2026
Thank you to Jenny and BooksGoSocial publisher for providing me with an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

It is a warm, heartfelt story that perfectly captures the magic of the holiday season. Jenny Hale has a wonderful way of creating characters that feel real and relatable, making it easy to become invested in their journey.

The story is filled with emotions, family connections, personal growth, and a touch of romance. I especially enjoyed how the author showed the importance of hope, forgiveness, and finding happiness even during difficult times. The holiday setting added a cozy and charming atmosphere that made me want to keep turning the pages.

The writing is simple, smooth, and easy to follow. The characters were well-developed, and I found myself caring about what happened to them. The emotional moments felt genuine, and the message of love, second chances, and family stayed with me after I finished the book.

While some parts were a little predictable, that did not take away from the overall enjoyment of the story. It is the kind of book that leaves you feeling comforted and uplifted.

I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy heartwarming holiday stories, clean romance, and books that celebrate family, love, and new beginnings.

Overall, this was a wonderful and cozy read that is perfect for the holiday season, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an emotional and feel good story. 🎄📚✨
Profile Image for Beth Von Voigt.
200 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
August 25, 2026
Heather is entering her first Christmas season after her husband, Toby, passed away from cancer. He was an amazing musician and they led a very private life. As she’s huddled in their apartment wondering how she is going to move on with her life, she gets a mysterious envelope that sends her on a quest to a place she visited with Toby. When she gets there, another envelope is waiting. Each one she finds leads her to another location and memories of some her and Toby’s best moments. Along the way, she meets Nick, and believes he may just be what she needs to start over. But as her quest continues, she’s torn between living in the past and moving forward.

This story was both heartbreaking and heartwarming all at once. It definitely brought all the feels and the tears! But, it was so worth it! Even though the subject matter of losing a husband was so heavy, the way Heather shows her vulnerability and difficulty moving on is a testament to the author’s ability to get to the heart of the character. I loved how Heather decided to write her thoughts out to Toby. I also loved that Heather had a friend she could lean on to help her navigate this period. This story is the perfect Christmas read and offers so much hope and warmth for the season! I absolutely could not put this book down! *Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest review!
Profile Image for Artemiz.
993 reviews33 followers
September 10, 2026
The easiest way to introduce this book is probably this: a modern and much weaker Christmas version of Cecelia Ahern’s P.S. I Love You.

In this story too, messages come seemingly “from beyond the grave”, trying to help Heather out of her grief, reintroducing her to life, offering her a new love and showing her a new ways to live. But nowadays a dead person can’t simply send letters without the recipient suspecting a stalker/scammer/the media. And of course there has to be a friend who first screams “STALKER” at the top of her lungs, then wholeheartedly insists that the widow has found a new love, after that sees perverts everywhere, and finally practically zips up her dress before pushing “Cinderella” into her carriage.

The way the emotions go up and down, and how love turns into hatred and then back into love again, is so absurd and so artificial that it is practically impossible to consider this a good book. On the one hand, there is far too little information, and on the other hand, far too much is happening, while the romantic part of the book is like a saddle on the back of some cute little pink creature.

The letters-from-a-dead-husband-to-help-her-find-new-love plot trope simply doesn’t work anymore today, because trust in strangers has disappeared from the world, and when you combine this trope with the enemies-to-lovers trope, it only makes the whole thing even more uncomfortable.

The idea behind the story is good, but the execution is not.
743 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
October 5, 2026
This novel tells the bittersweet story of Toby Hart, a famous singer-songwriter, and his deep love for his wife Heather before Toby’s untimely passing due to cancer. Heather is understandably grief-stricken and months later at Christmastime is finding it hard to leave the cocoon of her home full of memories until she starts to receive notes that seem to be from Toby. The notes are delivered secretly and direct Heather to go to various locations that hold memories that only Toby would know about. It was fun to go on this journey with Heather as she tries to solve the mystery of the origin of the notes and to see the hope and life begin returning to her heart as she slowly finds her heart mending. I really enjoyed the supporting characters as well especially her best friend Marion who was such fun and just the kind of friend everyone wishes for as well as Nick, a handsome and charming man whom Heather began to fall for until she discovered that he was keeping some big secrets. There are lots of Christmas touches in this book that will make you look forward to the holidays and like any good romance worth its salt, there is a satisfying (though a bit too short) happily-ever-after to make the reader sigh. I truly enjoyed it! I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
861 reviews15 followers
October 6, 2026

Postmarked December is a warm, beautifully cozy holiday romance that completely captured my attention and turned into a one-day listen. The premise is creative and charming, and I thought the concept was handled particularly well, balancing romance, holiday magic, and genuine emotional moments without becoming overly complicated. I did need a little time to adjust to the main narrator’s voice, but once I settled in, I really enjoyed her performance and was impressed by the way she created distinct voices for characters.

The story itself was exactly the kind of comforting holiday read I was hoping for. The romance is clean, the atmosphere is festive and cozy, and there was enough emotional depth to make the story feel meaningful rather than simply sweet. By the end, I was genuinely teary-eyed, which surprised me a little, and I found myself reluctant to finish because I had become so invested in the characters and their story.

Overall, this was a lovely holiday audiobook that I thoroughly enjoyed. I was genuinely sorry when it ended, and I could easily imagine Postmarked December being adapted into a charming Christmas movie—it has that warm, heartfelt, cinematic quality that would translate beautifully to the screen.

Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for providing this ALC. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Julia.
3,266 reviews107 followers
October 12, 2026
Postmarked December by Jenny Hale is a simply beautiful book about love, loss and life.
As the novel opens a young widow is missing her husband and dreading the approaching first Christmas without him. All she desires is a little piece of him again – and then the letters start to arrive, one after another – it seems as if Toby is communicating from beyond the grave.
This is a novel about second chances. Her one big love is gone – but the memories remain, and she knows that Toby wanted her to be happy again.
Under the kindness and charms of Nick, young widow, Heather, learns how to live and to love again. However, as she learns the truth about the author of the letters, her life is shattered again.
We see that life is not always easy but we always have the choice as to how to respond to what happens.
This is a book about friendship too. Every one needs good friends who will drop everything in order to offer love and support as life hits.
All the characters were well drawn and believable. Love shines through the pages to encompass the reader. And we also get a taste of Christmas as it should be - ice and snow; twinkling lights; and a love that is to be celebrated.
I absolutely adored Postmarked December and am sad that it is ended.
I received a free copy via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Macy.
2,105 reviews
October 13, 2026
If you liked P.S. I love you, this is for you. Heather is grieving the loss of her husband Toby. All their plans for the future, gone when cancer took him way too soon. Christmas was always her favorite time of the year and yet with Toby gone, her world has gone from a full spectrum of color, love and light to a dull gray and filled with sadness and sorrow. She starts receiving letters with information and that only Toby knew. These envelopes include things to do and see that send her down memory lane that fill her with a litany of feelings from deep grief to smiles and joy. Along the way and while she is being told by her best friend that these letters are suspect and she’s potentially going to be killed by some psycho, she meets Nicholas Monroe. She’s somewhat intrigued by him and yet suspect as to what his end game is. Is he really a nice guy or does he have an agenda? Turns out, both, but not in the way she believes she is. She ultimately gets her happily ever after in the exact manner that Toby wanted for her. A little obvious and yet sweet.


I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Anna Fowler.
85 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
August 15, 2026
Fans of Debbie Macomber, RaeAnne Thayne and lovers of Hallmark Christmas movies do not want to miss this amazing read by beloved author Jenny Hale. Readers will be swept away into the world of Heather Hart as she is facing her first Christmas without her beloved husband and navigating the next chapter of her life. She will need to learn that moving forward does not erase the special bond and memories that she shared with him. A journal (a present from a beloved friend) and a series of unsigned postcards will lead Heather on what on the surface appears to be a scavenger hunt; but on a deeper level is learning to let go of the things of the past and move forward. She will be challenged, and forced to face internal and external struggles to move forward allow God to finish the rest of her story.

Please go and check out my full review at:
https://simbasbookreview.wordpress.co...

Simba' enthusiastically gives this book 4 paws. Happy Reading!!

A special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC to read and review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Nicola “Shortbookthyme”.
2,654 reviews135 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 14, 2026
My thoughts:
♥️Love-Loss-Hope-Forgiveness-Healing-New Beginnings♥️
This is the Christmas book you obsoletely need to pick up and read.

The story revolves around Heather after her husband, Toby, passes away from cancer. This will be the first Christmas without her husband.
When mysterious letters/notes start arriving in unusual places, Heather wonders what is going on. The messages contain details only Toby would know about…..but he’s dead.
Sounds intriguing doesn’t it?
It was fun going on Heather’s journey of discovery. Along the way she starts to realize Toby is trying to tell her something.
Along the way, she meets Nicholas….a stranger who seems to be too perfect. But, Heather also feels a connection to him. The only thing holding Heather back is that Nicholas seems to have secrets he won’t share.
I loved Heather’s best friend and co-worker, Marion. She gives Heather so much support and compassion throughout the story.
Will she be able to unravel this mystery?
Postmarked December is a heartwarming-uplifting-captivating-magical Christmas story.
Profile Image for Anne.
704 reviews29 followers
September 15, 2026
Heather Hart was married to Toby, a superstar Nashville songwriter and musician whose last song was published after he died of cancer! The song topped the charts. Heather felt lost without him, especially during the holidays. When she received mail with a note included, it sent her on a trail of going back to meaningful places to get the next note. What will she discover? Is it what it seems?

A heartfelt and entertaining read that brings out so many emotions, but leaves you feeling hopeful and happy in the end! I love how Jenny Hale writes books that have relatable characters that leave you feeling satisfied! This book checks all the boxes for a great Christmas read! So be sure to add this book to your TBR list!

Jenny Hale always comes up with the most clever new stories to keep her readers hooked year after year! From not only her Christmas novels, but also her summer novels. 2 stories I look forward to reading year after year.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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