I received this novel as an advanced reader copy from NetGalley and exchange for an honest review. I expected this to be an upbeat Christmas romance but in fact it was tragic and sad. However it was worth reading and all of the characters were lovable.

Listen, Christmas romance books are my kryptonite. Christmas books that tie in the beauty of fate, the more complicated emotions that can come with the season, and the idea that love conquers all? Plus, I love snail mail and think it is vastly under-appreciated. Combine all those, and Always, in December was the catnip book I've been waiting for. Heartwarming, heartwrenching, and a story of true love, I can't recommend this one enough. Perfect for cozy days with a cup of hot cocoa.

The premise of the book was different from my usual "go-to" type reads. It sounded interesting. This woman, Josie, writes a yearly Christmas letter to the parents she lost in a Christmas Eve accident many years ago. When going to post her yearly letter; she's upset and is riding her bike too fast when she realizes a taxi has stopped up ahead, and the passenger alighted, and she runs right into him. This is how Josie meets Max. They don't like each other much, right after the accident; but, Josie feels compelled to make sure Max is okay. This begins a somewhat unusual relationship for these two strangers.

I like how the two characters drew each other out of their shells. There was some kind of connection. What's the idea: that it's sometimes easier to bare your soul to a stranger than it is to those who are close to you? I think that Josie and Max find this situation a little cathartic.

In my humble opinion, I found the writing very good, it flows well, and the interactions are real/believable. The settings of London, New York, and Scotland are nice backdrops for the story.
This story deals with family expectations, death of parents, grief, heartbreak, loss, healing, trust, and relationships of all kinds.

This book was a surprise. I thought it would be a light hearted romance, but it was a real tearjerker. I loved it and the characters. I felt so badly for each of them at different times, and so glad they found each other. This story has depth and emotion and because of that, it hits the reader in all the feels! I will be recommending this to others but with a warning that it will bring on an ugly cry!

I went into this book thinking it was going to be a cute holiday book… and although it was at times, it was also so much more than that. I was not expecting this book to get so deep but I actually enjoyed it so much. These characters are likeable and I was rooting for them the whole time. I loved the romance between Josie and Max. I definitely would recommend this if you’re okay with the content.

Christmas is not Josie’s favorite time of year. In fact, it is a holiday filled with reminders of the parents she no longer has. Every year, she writes a letter to her parents, but this year a stranger on a bicycle unravels what is normally a predictably sad day. After spending an unbelievably wonderful day together, Josie is hopeful that it might turn into something more until Max, who had also been avoiding Christmas, is gone. She must come to terms with being alone once more, but as the year progresses, Max and Josie continue to pop up in each other’s lives at the most unexpected moments and one has to wonder, what is fate thinking?

This is not the sweet romantic Christmas story you might assume it is based on the sweet cover, but is instead one that takes you on quite the emotional journey! Both heart wrenching and heartfelt, this is one that will make you laugh, reach for the tissues, and make you grateful for the loved ones around you.

If you are looking for a nice romantic, happy, year long Christmas type story then this may not be the one for you.
Every December, Josie puts a letter in the post to the parents she lost on Christmas night many years ago. She always writes the same three words to them: Missing you, always. This year, however, her postbox trip is thrown off course by a bicycle crash with a very handsome stranger who will change her life forever.
Josie thinks of herself as the only one who avoids the Christmas season but this year Max, the stranger, is also avoiding the season. This coincidence leads them to spend the holiday together. Now, Jose thinks this might be the start of something very special. Right up until Max disappears without even a goodbye.
Over the next year, Max and Josie find that they continue to bump into each other in the least likest of places. Edinburgh, New York, the quiet countryside. Max had every reason to stay and every reason to go. When Christmas rolls around again, what does fate hold for these two?
This is a good book and it’s written rather well but it’s not a super happy, romantic, Christmas story that brings joy and happiness. It’s one that will leave you feeling a lot of feelings.
I can’t really go into a whole ton past what I’ve already said but this is a good book. I’d say if it sounds good to you, you should grab it and give it a go.

unfortunately this book was not for me. i can understand why others would like it but i had to DNF. might try more of her books in the future though!

Get ready to grab your tissues, because this book is going to gut you. This is NOT and I repeat this is NOT a fluffy holiday story. What it is, is a very emotional journey, of love and friendship and while it’s not a traditional love story because it doesn’t end the way you want it too, it’s still a really good story that made me cry. Lol

This book was emotional . i was expecting a holiday romcom and this was not it. This is a Women's Fiction which I should have known before reading it to adjust my expectations.

Break my heart why don’t you!?

I wasn’t expecting so sob while reading this one, but here we are!

Full of heart, heartbreak, strength, friendships, love, family, and growth.

It’s sad yes, but it’s SO MUCH MORE!

2.5 Stars

For starters, this book is advertised as a romance when it isn’t that at all. But more than anything, this novel felt like it was trying to hard to be that hard hitting emotional romance but lacked enough characterization to allow you to care about either of the protagonists. There was also a disgusting scene of fatphobia that I can’t and won’t forget. Overall, this book was just so painfully average that I couldn’t be bothered to care.

I really enjoyed this book a lot. Unlike some books, it didn't honestly grab me from the first page but was a bit of a slow build for me; however, I love an emotional read and this book definitely gave me that so I am glad I didn't let the beginning determine whether I finished it or not. This is one of those books that makes one think of any painful Christmas times, especially if it's been an every year event such as a loved one dying at that time of year and it makes things bitter sweet.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for an e-ARC of this book for my opinion which I have given honestly.

I found this one a light hearted winter read. It was cute but it didn’t entirely suck me in because there were parts that slowed a bit too much for me. The romance was cute and ultimately would still recommend for someone looking for something light to read.

Always in December

I wanted to love this but I’ll be honest it just wasn’t for me. I had no issue with the writing or any of that—I thought it was well-written and overall a nicely composed story, I just was not expecting this story to match with the cover.

I chose this without knowing anything about it, I believe I expected a Hallmark Christmas type read based on cover art and requested it…and it was just such a bummer. I get it, not all stories are happy, and I definitely read my share of those, it just did not give me what I felt like I wanted for December.

I would definitely read this author again, I just prefer not this type of story where it’s just so sad. But if you want a good cry your eyes out tale, here you go.

I loved this book! A heartwrenching tale with characters that I was invested in, the story kept me turning the page. A missed connection romance that will pull at your emotions, this book doesn't need to just be read in December, it can be read at any time.

A surprisingly moving and heartfelt romance, that I enjoyed more than I expected. I wish that I had actually been able to read it in December, as it would have enhanced my experience, but this book can be enjoyed year round.

It was such a beautiful, deep story. But it was also so sad!! I’m just not always a huge fan of sad books.

Oh I loved this book so much! It is a book about hope and friendship and love and family. It had depth and meaning and wasn't your everyday romcom. It was the perfect December read. Loved it!

Josie writes a letter every Christmas to her deceased parents. One Christmas she literally runs into Max. I really thought this would be a happy ending but it made me cry real tears. The ending was heart breaking but such a beautiful story.