A quaint Christmas love story sprinkled with some magical realism. There was so much to like in this one. I loved the fierce friendship between Astra, Ronnie, Cassie and Steph. It’s so great to read strong women characters supporting each other (even if it brought a slight tear to my eye at one point). I loved that they stood the test of time and were there for each other through thick and thin. I absolutely adored Bernie and the shenanigans Astra got him into. What a good bad dog. LOL

And of course I liked the sweet romance in the novel and the way the book kept Jack and Astra separated. I must admit that was a new one for me. They seemed perfect for each other, drawn together with their love for all things Christmas.

I am not always a fan of magical realism, but this one had the right mix of Christmas magic and reality. Because we all know from a young age that all things Christmas really are magic. And when I googled that kringle pastries are real, they looked so delicious.

This is a good mix of Christmas, friendships and love to get you in the holiday spirit.

I love a good holiday romance. You add in a librarians and I'm pretty much guaranteed to read it. Arguably this book felt sometimes a bit too long, but somehow felt rushed at the end (quite the amalgam of experiences). All-in-all a solid addition to my seasonal reads, but not one I will reread in future years.

For Libraries: You can't go wrong here if you have a long list of holiday romance readers & I would be shocked if you don't.

Astra Noel Snow and Jack Clausen have been meeting each other at the Milwaukee Christmas market for over a decade, and while Jack remembers every single encounter, Astra remembers none of them. Jack is part of a magical universe called the Julemarked where all involved magically leap from one December to the next every 4 weeks, appearing at Christmas markets all over the world. He has always loved his life, until a night with Astra shows him what life outside is like. They have one month of incredible dates, and at the end must decide if their relationship is worth changing their lives for.

This was such a fun read with a little touch of holiday magic. I loved the magical world of Christmas markets and so badly wanted to eat a Kringle and sip some hot chocolate after reading this. This story is all about the joy and magic of the holidays and Astra and Jack’s love story was just so sweet.

Thanks to Berkley Publishing for the advance copy. Thank you to @berittalksbooks and @dg_reads for the buddy read!

Listen, when I saw this book had a librarian in it I ran because I myself am a librarian. I loved this. It was a little weird but it still kind of worked, if that makes sense. I am always a sucker for a holiday romance and this gave me the best hallmark vibes. I loved Astra's friends and the way her and Jack complimented each other personality wise.

Thank you #netgalley for an early read of #OnceUponADecember

Review will be posted on 12/2/22

Jack Clausen works at his family's bakery in Julemarked, a Christmas Market. Except this isn't a regular Christmas Market. This market is magical and it's Christmas year-round there. Where he lives is a magical world that can only be accessed through the Christmas Markets throughout the world like portals and before you know it, it disappears on Christmas Eve. Astra Snow (yes, that's her name), always visits the Milwaukee Christmas Market with her friends. While there, Astra runs into Jack. Jack has been watching Astra for years and looks forward to their meetings, but the problem is Astra doesn't remember them. Except this year something different happens. This time Astra finally recognizes Jack from a dream she had. Cue a budding romance except how can Jack convince Astra to leave her world behind and stay with him in his magical home? Before the Christmas Market disappears, he has to convince her that their relationship is worth the risk. Once Upon a December is a cute holiday tale with a magical twist and a wonderful setting of the Christmas Market.

Astra is a likeable character in Once Upon a December. I enjoyed her, especially because she is a librarian. Her toxic relationship with her ex-husband drove me nuts though, so I was rooting for her to find happiness with Jack. Except we all know that her deciding to live in this magical world would mean giving up her job at the library, her family, and her friends. Jack, on the other hand, is a downright good guy except how he could expect this from her, I am not sure. It's a big ask, especially since Astra doesn't fully remember all their interactions. So, despite his shortcomings, I enjoyed their romance and liked the flashbacks to the memories of when they previously met at past Christmas Markets. It was all very charming.

I have to say that Reichert hits it out of the ballpark with the Christmas Market, Julemarked. It was an absolutely charming setting and such a fun location to get readers into the holiday spirit. The concept of a "magical" land via the market was a bit much, but once I suspended my disbelief, I appreciated this Hallmark Christmas movie like tale.

My only issue with Astra was her co-dependency with her friends and the plot twist at the end of Once Upon a December that I am not sure was necessary. Astra is a good friend, but she is basing her life choices on supporting her friends and while that is great, she is missing out on opportunities to make herself happy. It's like she doesn't want to be a main character in her life, but instead a supporting role. I really wanted her to be there for her friends, but not to the point where it derails her plans and her happiness. Other than that and the plot twist, I thought Once Upon a December was a cute read for the holidays. If you like your holiday tales with a touch of magic, this one is for you.

Have you read Once Upon a December? Is it on your TBR list? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Short synopsis: Jack works in the Yukemarked, a Christmas market that defies time and space. Astra trying to recover from her recent divorce is looking forward to visiting the Milwaukee market with her girlfriends. When she meets the handsome baker Jack, they both must decide if their relationship can withstand the season.

My thoughts: This was a cute magical story. I loved how Jack did special things to show Astra that he cared about her, like making the little gnomes and either giving them to her or hiding them for her to find later.

I honestly didn’t understand really what was happening until about halfway through when Jack explained the magical alley to Astra. I don’t know if it’s a me issue, or if that was the intent.

I really loved the relationship that Astra had with her friends and their children, and the relationship Jack had with his brothers was swoon worthy.

Read if you love:
* Magical elements
* Christmas shops
* Hot chocolate
* Pastries
* Solid friendships and family
* Bookshops

Thank you @berkley for the complimentary copy of this book. This is out now, so add it to your holiday reading schedule.

This was a magical and sweet story about finding your place.

I loved the descriptions of Julemarked. The way the market moves, how time works, the affect on memory, and more. This book also made me deeply hungry and desiring a cup of coffee with some Kringle.

Astra is a frustrating character because of the length of time her ex-husband spends taking advantage of her. I know many readers will be frustrated by her lack of backbone, but I honestly kind of got it. Once she finally stood up for herself, that section got a bit too ridiculous for me. I was more here for the holiday market sections and the food.

I loved Jack's family and his relationships with his brothers and the way he really pushed out of his comfort zone for Astra. It took a while, but it was nice to see such growth from him. I kind of hope for more information about the one brother who kind of has his feet in both worlds.

Overall, this was a quick and cute book that got me the holiday spirit.

A holiday romance with a little bit of magic. ✨

While I was pleasantly surprised by the element of magic via the Julemarked, I think it got a little complicated towards the end and it lost me a bit. The romance was sweet, but again, I just lost interest in them about 75% in. I wasn’t a huge fan of the *twist* in the latter half, but all in all, it was a sweet Christmas romance!

Would recommend for the holiday season if you’re looking for cozy Christmas vibes!

This was such a cute holiday romance! I loved that there was an alternate 'magic' Christmas world, it added so much to the story and created conflict without the classic (frustrating) romance novel miscommunication. I will definitely be recommending this to anyone looking for a Hallmark movie in book form!

Would I Recommend? Yes, if you are looking for a cozy holiday romance

Read/Listen If You Like:
🎄 Christmas Romances
🧀 Books Based in Wisconsin
🎅🏻 Christmas Markets
⏳Past and Present Timelines
✨ Magical Realism
✌🏻Dual POV
📖 Outlander

“I like how even time can’t keep two people meant to be together apart.”

My Thoughts:
Ever wonder what the lives of the people in the little towns in snow globes is like if they were real? I feel like this one gives me my answer… I loved the weaving of the themes of family and friendship that this one gives as both of those gave me all the cozy vibes while reading this holiday romance.

The magic realism was so well done with the magical traveling Christmas Market that pops up and exists only in the month of December over and over never knowing where it will pop up next… this aspect definitely gave all the Christmas magical whimsy vibes.

I also loved that the market something that the people who visit forget and are left only with the cozy feelings of visiting the market, unless there is a reason for them to remember…

This made the past and present timelines so much better in this one as Astra does not remember all the times she has met Jack who lives and works in the magical market, but oh does he remember her from each time they landed in Milwaukee and she visited with her friends.

I loved how this one didn’t just go the normal romance route, but still kept in mind that family and friends are part of your true love equation…

Thank you Berkley Romance for my ARC copy of this one in exchange for my honest thoughts! If you are looking for a holiday read to add to your TBR, I highly recommend this one!

3 stars = Good, solid, fine.

I enjoyed this, but found myself enjoying and wanting more of the secondary characters - Astra's friend group, one of Jack's brothers. The main couple just didn't click for me. I didn't *dislike* them, but I didn't love them either. And I was constantly annoyed by the manipulative ex and how often Astra caved to his garbage while knowing full well it was garbage. The kringle parts were great, but of course I am a Wisconsin girl.

If you like your holiday romance with a touch of sci-fi/fantasy, you might give this a try.

Oh I adored this story! I listened to the audio and had the ebook the narrators did such a spectacular job differentiating characters and pulling you in. The story itself was written so cute and full of detail. I loved the idea of a magical Christmas alley that people forget about…unless they have a tie to the shops. Jack was a lovely character and I loathed Trent. Astra was an interesting character. I loved her friendships and loyalty. She was flawed but still lovable. Such a perfect read for the Christmas season with its Christmas magic!

"Once Upon A December": 4 ⭐

Thank you so much to @prhinternational #PRHINTERNATIONAL for the free e-arc copy! You guys are absolute rockstars!

Astra Snow loves Christmas. It's a special time for her, with her friends and with her parents. It's the time of the year she cherishes most, especially now that she got rid of her ex-husband, toxic Trent.
Let's not forget her lovely doggo, Bernie. <3

Jack loves Christmas. He lives in the Julemarked but he only ever celebrates Decembers. Why? Because he lives on a time limbo, where the Julermarked (the Christmas market) exists in different parts of the world only on December. But he's happy and content with the life he leads.

Once upon a December, Jack and Astra meet and they'll never be the same. 🤍

This was so beautifully done. I love a good Christmas story, a good romance during the most beautiful season! I think the title was perfectly chosen since Jack met Astra once upon a December during 13 years (I think, or was it 14?).

I think the story was very well done and very well thought and it discussed a lot of important themes such as friendship, loss, trauma, divorce and post-divorce, taking chances and making mistakes. In the big decision moment, Astra came back for her friends, because, like she said, 3 loves were better than 1 and some regrets are greater than others. It hurt me so much and then she found out she was pregnant and wow, it killed me. I had tears in my eyes and I knew Jack would come back to her somehow. And he did and it was just the perfect encounter.
The ending was predictable but absolutely enjoyable and I think everyone should give a chance to this book.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDABLE! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I’m a sucker for a holiday market, so when I read that this takes place at the main character’s annual trip to Julemarket, I was all in. It’s super sweet and similar to Just Like Magic by Sarah Hogle. It requires you to suspend your disbelief a bit but the writing is top notch.

this was such a fun little read!! i'm so thankful to netgalley for letting me read this one early!! if you like sweet and cute characters, then pick this one up!!

ONCE UPON A DECEMBER is brimming with holiday charm, best friends and a swoony romance. If you love Christmas stories with a touch of magic, then this is the story for you! It stars Astra Noel Snow who adores Christmas. She went through a hellish divorce from a controlling man. Now, Astra can spend as much time as she wants with her best friends. She is looking forward to their annual holiday outing in the Milwaukee market. There is fun and good times ahead!

Jack Clausen, a handsome fellow who works in a popular pastry shop in Julemarked, looks forward to tourists to tempt with their tasty treats. His shop is magical, in that it disappears at the end of December, only to open in another city in the world. He enjoys working with his family and his enchanted life in Julemarked. He has no urge to wander beyond the festive red brick alley into the real world, which makes him ill. However, one beautiful day a lovely lady named Astra strolls in with her friends and his life leaps into la la love land. After numerous dates, Jack and Astra are besotted with each other. However, they have to decide who will make the ultimate compromise. Will they live life happily in Julemarked or the real world?

Quirky characters, a charming romance, and an unique Christmas market offer a yuletide charm in Ms. Reichert's new novel, ONCE UPON A DECEMBER. Jack and Astra are an adorable couple who discover each other over pastries and good friends. This is the perfect holiday story to warm your heart. This is a different spin on your traditional holiday romance. I fell in love with all the characters and the kitschy Christmas market. This is a feel good read filled with all things Christmasy!

Once Upon A December by Amy E. Reichert was the ideal book to kick off my Christmas reading. This book was like a warm cup of tea. It made me feel cozy and so happy while reading it. This is the kind of book I could happily see turning into a Netflix movie.

Reichert’s Once Upon A December is about Astra and Jack. Astra is a divorcee who lives in Milwaukee and works as a librarian. She has a dog and the most amazing best friends. Every year she gets together with the girls and they go to the Julemarked. There, she meets a man named Jack who works in the bakery making the most amazing Kringles. Unfortunately, after the Julemarked leaves, she doesn’t remember anything about it or Jack. So, over the years Jack has been super attracted to her. This year is different from the previous years, however. And so, Astra and Jack begin to date. Eventually, Astra must chose her current life or the Julemarked with Jack.

I really loved the concept of this book and the Julemarked. It is not a concept I’ve really read before. It feels a little bit fantasy as the Julemarked is a place out of time — where it is always Christmas and it rotates from place to place, magically. But I also loved the every day life aspect of this book. Astra’s friends are so wonderful and good to her. She is good to them too. And her dog Bernie stole every scene. This was such a lovely book.

ON A SCALE OF ONE TO BUDDY THE ELF, HOW MUCH CHRISTMAS SPIRIT DOES ONCE UPON A DECEMBER HAVE?
This book for sure charts high on the Christmas spirit scale. Once Upon A December has one setting where it is always Christmas. I think that sounds superb and like paradise. Also, there are those little gnome decorations. We also get to read about baking and gift giving. And true friendship. Plus, the romance aspect. At one point I felt like this book was giving the film Snowglobe. I mean that as a compliment. For sure though, this was a great book to put me in the holiday mindset.

This is a wonderful Christmas romance, full of Christmas magic. The synopsis is below, I’m not going to recap it. The plot is so imaginative, it’s easy to suspend belief and watch the romance unfold. The characters are lovely, and after I was finished all I wanted to do was find a Christmas market, ASAP!
I highly recommend this book, 4.5 stars.

With a name like Astra Noel Snow, holiday spirit isn't just a seasonal specialty--it's a way of life. But after a stinging divorce, Astra's yearly trip to the Milwaukee Christmas market takes on a whole new meaning. She's ready to eat, drink, and be merry, especially with the handsome stranger who saves the best kringle for her at his family bakery.

For Jack Clausen, the Julemarked with its snowy lights and charming shops stays the same, while the world outside the joyful street changes, magically leaping from one December to the next every four weeks. He's never minded living this charmed existence until Astra shows him the life he's been missing outside of the festive red brick alley.

After a swoon-worthy series of dates, some Yuletide magic, and the unexpected glow of new love, Astra and Jack must decide whether this relationship can weather all seasons

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed as in this review are completely my own.

An odd romance, but a very cute one. Astra, a librarian recovering from an awful divorce, loves to visit the Christmas market in the city every year. And every year Jack is there at the bakery waiting for Astra to visit, the problem is she never remembers him (because of Christmas magic). But this might be the year she finally does, and Jack will get the chance at the woman of his dreams.

I enjoyed this romance, it was very cute. I’m not huge on the holiday romance trope but wanted to give this book a chance. It’s one of the few times I’ve read a librarian in a romance book where the author didn’t get the entire profession completely wrong and that was to refreshing to read. And the romance between Jack and Astra was unique and fun, I just felt it dragged on a bit too long and could have been a little bit shorter. There were some last minute dramatics I didn’t care for and I think the book would have been perfect without them.

This was such a magical Christmas read! I immediately fell in love with Astra, Jack, the magical Christmas market, Astra's girlfriends, and Astra's dog. This is the perfect romance for Christmas reading this year!