4.5 stars!

Josie and Max have an unconventional romance in Always, In December. After a memorable meet-cute and a whirlwind romance when they find themselves alone at Christmas, things get a bit more complicated. And while I’ve seen a few reviewers say this book shouldn’t be labeled a romance, it definitely is a romance. It’s just not only a romance.

This novel is about many forms of love: familial, friendship, AND romantic. I fell in love with Josie from the start. She’s had a harder life, losing her parents on Christmas Eve as a child and being raised by her grandparents. Every year, she mails a letter to her parents, hence the title: Always, In December. This Christmas is especially bad having just ended a two-year relationship with a fellow co-worker, and her best friend and roommate being out of town over the holiday.

Despite having little reason to be happy, Josie is positive and cheerful. She’s kind and helpful. And I couldn’t help but adore her. She meets Max just when she needs someone, unaware he needs someone, as well, making this book also about unexpected blessings.

Having seen other early reviews for this book, I was forewarned that it wasn’t a typical holiday romance. I’m glad I went into it knowing that because it helped to refocus my expectations. However, after only reading a few pages, I wondered if it was possible everyone else had read a different book. I was laughing and smiling and swooning. This debut is so well-written, the characters are charming, and I was getting strong Emily Henry vibes.

But reading with a more discerning eye, I noticed the hints, the foreshadowing. One of our leading characters is keeping a secret, and there were moments when I just wanted them to communicate. But it ramped up the tension and kept me furiously turning pages. I read the last 40% of the book in one sitting, unable to put it down.

Books do not typically make me cry; it takes a lot to have me grabbing the tissues. But I did shed a few tears with this one. I had theories about what the secret would be, and one of my theories was correct, so I think I was not as surprised by the reveal. However, the way it was revealed definitely took me by surprise.

I think Always, In December would also be a good book club selection. There’s plenty to discuss and mull over. While it wasn’t a typical holiday romance, I’m happy I picked this emotional book up. Heartwarming, romantic, and bittersweet, it’s a love story about being the right person in the right place at the right time.

QOTD: Is a HAE a requirement for you when reading a romance?
My A: No, but if there isn’t a HEA or HFN, then the book better blow my dang mind.
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Unfortunately, this book did not. I was expecting a Christmas time romance that would give me all the warm fuzzies. I just finished reading Eight Days Of Christmas and LOVED it craving more winter romances. Sadly this book just makes me want to go back to my typical romances and leave the holiday reads behind. First of all, this will NOT give you any warm fuzzies. This was sad and frankly just sucked the life out of me a bit. I’m a huge mood reader so a book not matching the title/cover/blurb is extra frustrating. I loved the meet-cute and the beginning of the book had me totally engrossed. By the end though, I just wanted to throw the book across the room. All in all, a bit disappointing.
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BLURB:
Josie Morgan never looks forward to December. It's always a reminder of the life she lost, twenty years ago. Now, she always switches off the radio when Christmas music comes on. She always wants to tear down the tinsel her flatmate insists on pinning up. And she always posts a letter she knows will never be read.

Max Carter never expected to find himself stranded in London just days before Christmas. He never expected it would be so hard to say goodbye to a woman he hardly knows. Then again, he never expected to fall in love.

But, this December, when Josie's letter leads her to Max, a chance encounter will change their lives in the most remarkable way. And their story is only just beginning.

This book very much had a Hallmark movie feel to it (the meeting of the main characters was 🙄) but it had a much better ending. Definitely not my normal type of book, especially this early in the year, but I still enjoyed it. I liked the ending Josie got -- although maybe not the ending she wanted. So I think the ending made it worth it for me but if you're a romance reader, this would be right up your alley.

Josie and Max have a meet-cute moment when Josie hits him on her bike while on her way to deliver a letter. The letter, which has no address on the envelope, is one she writes each year around Christmas to her parents who died when she was young.
From there, Max and Josie spend a few days together until Max leaves suddenly. The rest of the book tells the story of their relationship, which takes place through chance encounters in New York and the UK.
I found the first half to be much more enjoyable and engaging than the second. The change in perspective and tone was a bit jarring.
Though this book is categorized as a romance, anyone who picks this up should not expect a breezy, lovey-dovey read. There are some sweet moments, but this is mostly a book about love and grief and how the two intermingle and impact those left behind.
My dad died in December 10 years ago this year, so the quotes about grief hit home for me. In that way, I appreciated the way the author wrote about life after loss. But because of the message and tone of the book, I’d be hesitant to recommend it as a holiday read unless you’re just really wanting a good cry. 😭
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced review copy.

*ARC kindly provided by Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine, Dell via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book was definitely a surprise for me seeing as I went into it expecting to find the usual romance story and I came out of reading it and it offered so much more than that. This story might not be centered around the romantic aspect of the book, but it was such a beautiful, emotionally heart-breaking story nonetheless. Apart from that I can’t really say anything else because the story works out for the reader as the chapters progress on the book.

That being said, this is still a story about love. It’s a story about love for your family, your friends and that special person that you may find when you least expect it. However, I have to warn you that this story may not have the traditional ending that everyone is used to. Sometimes we need stories that also have those kinds of endings, endings that are different but might entail as much meaning as the traditional happily ever after.

Josie and Max, the main characters, meet unexpectedly a few days before Christmas when she accidentally runs him over with her bike when he is getting out of his taxi. And I have to say that I loved how this random event turned out into such a meaningful connection between them. I liked how at first both of them didn’t really care for the other apart from the fact of being polite, and how that at the same time ended up with them getting to know each other and spending a few days together. I loved that all these events impacted them so much that life kept putting them in each other’s paths when they least expected it.

To sum it up, this was such an easy story to read because of the author’s writing style and the way you couldn’t put it down until you got to the very end. This book may not be for everyone, but I think this story deserves to be known.

Trigger warnings: grief, cancer.

Josie, literally, runs into Max one December evening when she is feeling at her lowest. Max has his own issues he is dealing with. Over the next few days they become closer until Max abruptly leaves one morning without a clear explanation. Over the course of the next couple of years, they run into each other several times. Though upset with how he left things, Josie cannot let go of her attraction to Max and vice versa.

This book did not end at all how I expected, and it totally threw me off. I found Max to be almost creepy in the beginning, the way he just kind of inserted himself into Josie's life. I didn't really feel the chemistry between them and I wish we'd had a little more of Max's perspective. I liked Josie and felt like we really got to know her character well, I wish we had gotten the same for Max. Overall it was a nice, quick read.
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Wow. This book was literally heartbreaking and amazing and just so much more than I thought it would be.

Get your tissues ready for this book because I cried multiple times.

I also did not expect it to be dual narration, but we did hear a little from Max's POV which I love because I really like hearing from the male's perspective.

I don't want to spoil anything, but this book was so wonderful and just what I was in the mood for. Sometimes you just want a book that will make you sob for no reason.

5/5

Emily Stone has written a wonderful debut novel that is filled with romance and loss. It speaks to how life changing the loss pf a parent can be to young children when they suddenly lose a parent. This book is full of hope and love with an unexpected twist. It reminds us that sometimes the unexpected can be life altering and is worth the risk.

I liked part I of this book when Josie and Max meet when she literally runs into him and they spend a few days around Christmas in a whirldwind romance. This helps her forget her cheating ex-boyfriend around a holiday Josie tries to avoid. It's full of spontaneous adventures and cozy moments. Then Max leaves on Boxing Day leaving just a brief note.

The rest of the book really drags. Part II took me forever to read because I just didn't care about Max's family and friends in NY. Max and Josie's paths continue to cross throughout the year. But since neither ever tries to stay in touch or have a conversation, I wasn't invested in either of their lives or in hoping they would get back together.

*I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and I am required to disclose that in my review in compliance with federal law.

Thanks to @netgalley for this copy of Always in December.

I definitely expected something different in this book, especially at the ending. After reading it, I’m classifying it as fiction as it honestly only had some of the romance I was expecting from the cover and description.

I liked Josie and her journey, but this had a little too much back and forth without the MCs ever interacting.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

I absolutely loved this book. I’m a huge Sophie Kinsella fan and this book is in the same genre. It is a great escape from real life and a wonderful read. I loved the characters and the multiple POV. The setting is the UK and the US. It all starts with strangers, Max and Josie, meeting in the UK just before Christmas. They spend a wonderful few days together before Max returns to New York without warning. The book jumps a few months forward to the next party of the story.

I could not stop reading this book. It is an amazing debut novel and I highly recommend it!

So I struggled to finish this book, and I’m actually sorry that I did finish it. For me, romance is as much about the journey as the destination. And, if I don’t have a romantic ending, I at least want a romantic journey. In this book, I got neither. Do not classify a book as romance if you can’t deliver.

There were parts of this book that we interesting, but it was overall very disappointing. I think if it had been classified as straight fiction, it would have been more honest and more satisfying for the reader.


I received an advance reader copy of this book from Net Galley and the publisher and these are my honest opinions.

What a book! I’m rarely so taken in by a book or as moved by one as I am by this book. I’m shocked this beautiful story was the author’s debut novel because it’s really incredible. But be warned, as the author writes in her acknowledgment, I have to agree with her friend that this book will break your heart. I was concerned at the very beginning that this book was going to disappoint as the opening of it didn’t grab me but just give Josie a chance to win you over because she very quickly had me changing my mind. In fact any doubts I had were very quickly erased as this turned into a book I could not put down. This beautiful story slowly unfolds as we get to meet and become invested in Josie and Max. I strongly recommended you start reading this story and completely avoid other reviews that might give away the secrets that are so touchingly revealed in this story. It’s unlike anything you’ve read before and very much worth the journey. I’ve read other books that I thought I had a similar premise with the two love interests running into each over and over again so I was worried about this being too similar or not as good but I can assure it very much stands on it’s own. It’s a beautiful story that will stay with you. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Always, in December, by Emily Stone is not your typical romance novel. In fact, I have a hard time categorizing it as a romance.

Josie has never liked December. The holiday month reminds her of a deep loss she experienced as a child. Her view of December changes when she meets Max and spends several blissful days together. However, Max is also dealing with his own loss. Josie and Max begin a relationship that has more stops than starts because of secrets and different time zones.

Stone’s book is well-written but I found the main characters hard to root for. It was difficult to feel sympathy for the main characters because they come off as whiny. I felt the book went on too long but I kept reading hoping for a happy ending.

Thank you to Random House Publishers Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novel.

I have mixed feelings about this one.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for my advanced copy of Always, In December.

This book wasn't all bad. There were parts I loved and parts that I didn't care for.

What I Enjoyed-

*The Setting- Always, In December takes place between the US and the UK and is written by an English author.

*The Holiday Vibes- The first third of this book really got me excited for the Holidays.

*Josie's Backstory- I don't know what it is exactly but I love an orphan story. That in addition to the fact that Josie writes letters to her parents every Christmas really gave me a soft spot for our main character.

*The Twist- There is a twist towards the end of the book that absolutely shocked me. To be honest by that point in the book I felt detached from Max and Josie and the overall story. I wasn't sad but it did elicit a reaction out of me.

Where This Book Fell Short-

*Max and Josie's Relationship- This book doesn't read like a regular romance and I wasn't thrilled about it based off of the synopsis. I was disappointed.

*Character Flaws- I do not expect characters in books to be perfect. I actually really love realistic characters. The choices Josie and Max made really got on my nerves.

*Skimming- By the time I got to the last quarter of Always, In December I was ready for it to be over. I was skimming the text.

Overall- Not great but not horrible. I'm not recommending this book to my romance reading friends but I don't regret reading this book.

It’s that time again...festive reads are hitting shelves!

But don’t be fooled by this cozy cover. Beyond the tinsel and goodwill is a story that cuts the heart open.

Always, in December follows two people who meet one December day and make a connection. Life tears them apart, but they manage to see each other throughout the years.

Thank you Penguin Random House and Netgalley for a copy of this novel.

This story was hopeful and heartbreaking. I enjoyed following the characters on their journey as they both search for comfort after loss and tragedy. The British holiday setting was simply perfect as well. There were some issues with pacing and the overall chemistry for the couple, but this book will strike a chord for any fans of You Before Me and One Day in December.

When Josie runs into Max a year of adventure and heartbreaks ensue. Josie, still finding her place in the world, must make choices that leads her far from her place of comfort. Max, with a devastating secret, inspires Josie to live and experience life because the future is not promised. Their rocky love affair takes the reader on an adventure on three continents and across one calendar year. The pacing of this book leaves the reader wanting more while also threading through a storyline that will shatter the reader.

What's the deal with Max? You won't know until the end of this novel which I, surprisingly, found both frustrating and disappointing. Josie has disliked Christmas since her parents were killed when she was a child but this year is especially hard - she's been cheated on by her boyfriend Oliver and is being forced into a lateral move at work-and then she literally runs into Max. They have a wonderful few days and then poof- he's gone and he more or less ghosts her until they meet again in Manhattan, where she's moved with Oliver after taking hum back. We see a bit of Max's life and then Poof- we're back in the UK at the wedding of Josie's friend and Max is a plus one. No more from me on the plot. This is meant to be emotional and romantic but I had issues with the secret and how everyone handled it as well as with everyone's behavior (except for Josie's grandparents). That said, I realize I'm the odd one out and that others will no doubt find emotional. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC.

To say Christmas is Josie’s favorite time of the year would be a huge stretch. As Josie does every year, she writes and sends a letter to her parents. This year she is later than usual and rides her bike at breakneck speed to the nearest post. She literally runs into Max. What develops is a fling; romantic, fun and then over. Over the years, they keep running into each other and denying chemistry and fighting time.

I really wouldn’t characterize this as a romance, and I think anyone expecting a traditional romance, might be hugely disappointed. This is a love story, a story about finding yourself and recognizing that special someone, taking chances, and holding family and friends close, taking chances and growing up. While I guessed early on what was going to happen, it didn’t diminish my enjoyment of reading this story. I could compare it to a few books, but in doing so I would give away too much. This is not your lighter Christmas read! Warning: tissues might just be needed! Look forward to reading this author again.

Thanks to Ms. Stone, Random House/Ballantine and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Is it better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all? That’s one question that came to mind as I read this lovely book.

December was always painful for Josie, as it was when she lost both her parents. Keeping with her holiday tradition, she was heading to mail her yearly letter to her parents when she crashed into Max. Max was in a dark space himself, but they decided to follow fate and celebrate the holiday together. This brief encounter made an impression on both Josie and Max, and over the course of the year, their paths continued to cross as they experienced many ups and downs in their lives.

The widget for this book sat in my inbox for quite some time. I wasn’t sure about it. I mean, the cover gave me some sad feels. Then I read a review by my friend, Tanya, and she convinced me that this book would absolutely reduce me to tears, but it would also warm my heart. I can confirm that both those things happened, and I will admit, the experience was worth all the tears.

In my opinion, Always, in December was a story of grief and loss wrapped up in a love story. Josie felt the loss of her parents all the time, but even more so during the holiday season. The problem was that her grief was keeping her from moving her life forward. She kept to safe choices, and in doing so, sacrificed many of her own wants and needs.

Max was dealing with his own issues, but one thing he realized during his journey was how important it was to seize the day. He encouraged Josie to reach for her dreams, not to accept less than her worth, and to take chances. Though her path was not straight, it was gratifying to see Josie take the steps necessary to move her life forward.

This was a painfully beautiful story, which reminded me to live in the moment. It also pushed me to answer my opening question, and yes, it is better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all. Even when our loved ones are gone, we can hold them in our hearts and remember all the ways they made our life better.