Every year in December, the Milwaukee Christmas market is the prime destination for Astra Noel Snow. Especially when there’s a handsome baker there saving the best and most delicious kringle for her. But, unbeknownst to Astra, the handsome baker Jack Clausen has more secrets that he simply wants to share with her. Especially when even though they don’t know each others’ names, there is something about their connection that seems to be lingering in the air.

I gave Once Upon a December four stars, really enjoying the Christmas atmosphere and the magical realism that this book had. I liked the idea of the Julemarked being magical and the fact that it simply appears in December and is a magical place. The concept is new to me and I thought that was a really nice touch because it added to the enjoyment and the Christmas world that Astra and Jack are introduced to. Although the name, Julemarked, is a little weird, I thought it was still cute for the book.

I found Jack and Astra’s relationship really cute and fun. The concept of not knowing and forgetting after the Julemarked leaves after Christmas made it interesting. But, while I thought their relationship was cute, I feel like there were things missing in terms of their relationship. I felt that it went by so fast and because of the Julemarked having to change locations, I feel that made the terms of Jack and Astra’s growing relationship more complicated.

I originally felt that Once Upon a December to be a 3.5 star, but, I did enjoy this and decided to bump it to a four. I think that this is an enjoyable, light, and fluffy Christmas read to pick up when December hits and perfect when you want something quick and simple to pick up. I had fun reading this and fun seeing Jack and Astra discover each other as people and how years of Julemarked has slowly brought them together.

Thank you again to NetGalley and Berkley Romance for inviting me to read Once Upon a December and for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a sweet and festive read. If you’ve read Just Like Magic by Sarah Hogle, this gave me similar vibes! You have to suspend belief a little bit, but I really enjoyed this story! Astra meets Jack time and time again at the holiday market before she’s able to remember him. I loved their sweet meetings. This one has romance, friendship, festive holiday moments, and a sweet pup! Thank you PRH audio for my gifted copy! I listened to the audiobook and really liked the narration! I loved that while she considered it, Astra didn’t give up her whole world for a man. I also really hated her ex, Trent!

Once Upon a December is a Christmas-themed romance novel with a magical twist. Astra and Jack met years ago at the Julemarked, a magical Christmas market Jack lives in, but Astra doesn’t remember. Over the years, she continues to run into Jack, but she’s married. As the book opens, she’s divorced, she meets Jack again, he tells her about the Julemarked, and they decide to date for December.

With the Kindred Spirits Supper Club, Reichert introduced a magical aspect (ghosts) into a book. With Once Upon a December, she introduces a magical Christmas market that exists only in December. For the inhabitants of the Julemarked, every month is December, and each December 1st they find themselves in a new place - sometimes in the same year as previously, sometimes in the next year. Anybody visiting the Christmas market forgets it exists after December in the real world is over (this is why Astra doesn’t remember Jack). So, Astra and Jack only have until December 24th to decide what to do - the Julemarked closes up and disappears between December 25th and December 31st, before it opens up in a new place in the world on December 1st again.

Throughout the book, there are flashbacks to Astra and Jack’s previous meetings over the course of the past 15 years, which Jack remembers all of, but Astra doesn’t. She eventually gets those memories back, but in the meantime, it feels super weird that Jack has all these memories of Astra, but Astra doesn’t remember any of the experiences. It feels uneven, that Jack has all the history, and Astra doesn’t, especially because Jack is trying to convince Astra to come and live in the Julemarked with him.

One of the reasons I have enjoyed Amy Reichert’s books in the past is the sense of place that permeates through the books- the clear love of Wisconsin and Wisconsin food has really come through in previous books I’ve read. And while that was present in Once Upon a December, I felt it significantly less than previous books. Because a lot of the book took place in the magical Christmas market, we didn’t get a Wisconsin feel, per se (though kringle like Jack and his family make in the bakery is a southeastern Wisconsin staple). Overall, I was disappointed with the lack of any specific Milwaukee kind of vibe, especially when the setting was called out in the book description.
SPOILER
Lastly, Astra gets pregnant during the time she spends with Jack in December. However, she doesn’t find out until after they split, Jack going with the Julemarked, and Astra staying in Milwaukee, and Astra has no way to contact Jack until the next December. In my personal opinion, a surprise pregnancy in a book that’s set in present day Wisconsin, which post-Roe is operating under a near total abortion ban from 1849, doesn’t seem necessary. Originally, it felt like a way to force Astra and Jack together after they’d gone their separate ways. As the reader later finds out that Jack had changed his mind anyway about remaining in the Julemarked (not knowing Astra was pregnant), I don’t really feel the pregnancy was necessary in this case.
SPOILER ENDS
Overall, I enjoyed Once Upon a December when I was reading it. Though it may not seem this way from the review, there were parts I liked - Astra’s close female friendships, for example, or Jack’s relationship with his brothers. Astra’s ridiculous campaign to get her dog full-time from her ex-husband was an interesting addition to the story as well. However, as I have discussed in this review, there are some problematic aspects that I have a hard time overlooking and that would make me hesitant to recommend this book to many people. I think if you’re looking for something Christmasy and magical in a unique way, and you don’t think too hard about the plot, Once Upon a December can be an enjoyable read.

Prior to reading Once Upon a December, I accidentally read a review that mentioned being confused about the timeline of events and how things worked in the book. I found that utterly confusing, until I didn't. Vague enough? Once Upon a December by Amy E. Reichert is pure holiday bliss for me and I am beyond grateful that Berkley Romance and PRH Audio granted me free access to listen and read the book.

Astra Noel Snow loves Christmas and what a relief that is. With a name like that could you imagine her being a Christmas Scrooge? Recovering from a messy divorce, Astra is eager to make her annual trip to the Milwaukee Christmas market with her girlfriends. This annual tradition is her favorite, especially a trip to the bakery. Little does Astra know that the handsome man who saved her the best Kringle as been awaiting her return and made this unique Kringle just for her. Jack Clausen has only ever known the lifestyle within the alley of the Julemarked, but after meeting Astra, he starts to question his existence and what he might be missing.

This book is a great holiday read. Astra has the Christmas enthusiasm of Rachel Rubenstein-Goldblatt in The Matzah Ball, Jack has the charm of Noah Walker in When in Rome, and the community celebration delight of Book Lovers by Emily Henry.

I highly recommend the audiobook! I listened to it in a single day, because I wanted to know how things turned out!I haven't read other novels by Amy E. Reichert, but I have placed a hold at my local library for The Kindred Spirits Supper Club.

Astra Noel Snow is a thirty-something woman who loves Christmas. Recently divorced, she's struggling with sharing custody of her beloved dog, Bernie with her ex-husband Trent who pushes buttons and boundaries with her every chance he gets. But with her trio of best friends, she's determined to make a new start and enjoy the season at their annual trip to the Christmas market in Milwaukee.

Jack Clausen works at the bakery in the market, making unbelievably delicious kringles every year. The Julemarked market is no ordinary Christmas market though. It's encased in a magical world where it's always December and the season of Christmas. Jack feels a special connection to Astra-one that he has fostered for years in his world, governed by a different standard of time.

This Christmas, Jack finally decides to try to get to know Astra. And with the magic of Christmas, anything can happen.

This is definitely a cute, holiday romance-basically a Hallmark movie in text. I wasn't a huge fan of the magical elements of Jack and Jack's world as I would have preferred a realistic holiday romance and for me, Christmas is magical in and of itself. However, Reichert definitely captured my interest especially with the latter half of the story, making this a perfect, fun holiday read.

I love Reichert’s way of writing. It flows in a way I’m not quite sure how to explain, but it just draws the reader in to the story in an almost magical way. It’s even more magical in this Christmas story full of holiday charm and romance.

Astra and Jack are wonderful. I loved their story and the depth that each character had. The story put me in the holiday mood!

Once Upon a December is a charming holiday tale full of Christmas magic. Much of the story takes place in a magical Christmas market in downtown Milwaukee. Newly divorced, Astra Noel Snow, is a fan of Christmas and she looks forward to the annual upcoming trip to the Christmas market with her 3 best friends. And, it wouldn't hurt to see the handsome baker who makes mouthwatering Kringle pastries in flavors meant just for her. Jack Clausen has spent his entire life inside of the Julemarked, baking Kringle pastries alongside his brothers and enjoying each winter day in various Christmas markets around the world. He's never minded the short 25 days in each location, until now. He just can't shake the memory of her, the girl in the Milwaukee market who comes every year to get a Kringle. Her smile is infectious, and if he could just get her name, or the courage to ask her out. Though she doesn't remember him, thanks to the magic of the Julemarked, he certainly remembers her visits - each and every one for a span of 15 years. Will this year be the year that he has the chance to talk to her and change his future for the better?

This magical Christmas romance full of quirky characters who all love Christmas will make you smile. It's full of love, magic, best friends, a huge dog and a love of holiday traditions.

Astra Noel Snow has always loved Christmas -- with a name like that it's no surprise. A bitter divorce from a man who tried to keep her isolated from her best friends, makes her look forward to her new life and spending time with her friends as they all return to the Milwaukee Christmas market. She's decided to celebrate and enjoy her time with her college friends who have always been there for her. Jack Clausen lives in the Julemarked with its snowy lights and charming shops. It stays the same and magically disappears at the end of each December only to start December in another city in the world. He works at a bakery with his family and enjoys his magical life. People who live in this magical area can go into the real world when they want but Jack enjoys his life and gets nauseous when he goes into the real world. That is until he meet Astra. He is drawn to her immediately when they meet in the bakery and wants to get to know her better but he realizes that may be impossible. Once the Julemarked disappears from a city, people aren't able to remember anything about it. When they go the next time its in their city, it's always a new experience. After several dates, Astra and Jack fall in love and have to make the ultimate decision. Will Jack stay in the real world where he is unhappy or will Astra give up her life and forget her friends and family? Will they be able to compromise and find their happily ever after life together??

I don't really enjoy books that use magical realism in their plots but it really worked well for this Christmas story. I liked the two main characters but I really liked the relationship between Astra and her girlfriends. They had been friends for years and always looked out for each other. This book will make you smile and look forward to the magic of Christmas that is available to all of us.

Amy Reichert’s ONCE UPON A DECECEMBER is a Christmas novel full of romance, family, friendship, magic, and, of course, Christmas. Reichert has taken her unique and special way of story creation and given us a Christmas novel that pulls it all together in an enchanting way.
Jack has been content living his life in the Julemarked, an alley/side street where it’s always the Christmas. He loves working in his family’s bakery, creating delicious Kringles. Life is always the same, no matter where the enchanted market arrives, and he isn’t very curious about the outside world…except in Milwaukee. Milwaukee is where he sees her, getting to know her every visit, even if she doesn’t remember him later. Maybe this year he will find out her name. Astra Noel Snow (what a perfect name) loves Christmas and looks forward to her annual Girls’ weekend visiting Milwaukee’s Christmas market. Her friends and family are important to her, especially since she almost lost them during her marriage. When she meets Jack, she doesn’t understand why she’s been dreaming of him. Could he be the one she’s been searching for? What will happen when it’s time for the Julemarked to move again? Will Astra forget Jack?
I love Astra and I enjoyed watching her find her strength and grow into herself. I adored her friends and how important they were to each other, and how they were there for each other, no matter what. There are hard decisions to make and obstacles to overcome on the way to their future. Reichert’s ONCE UPON A DECEMBER is a wonderful piece of Christmas magic you won’t want to put down. Don’t miss this one.
Thanks to the publisher and Goodreads for the chance to read an early copy. All opinions are my own and freely given.
#OnceUponaDecember #AmyReichert #TallPoppyWriter #BloomReads #TallPoppyBlogger #GoodreadsGiveaway #Berkley #TallPoppyReviewer #ChristmasRead

I was a bit hesitant to read Amy E Reichert’s newest book, Once Upon A December. After reading her book last year, I was not into her romance style. It’s a bit too slow for my taste for romance books. But I was willing to try again with her newest book since it’s a holiday theme romance book.

After finishing this book, I would say it’s a cute romance read. I would say in caution that this book has a magical element to its story. It's a bit difficult to read through it since it involves mystery to it. It did distract me from the romance aspect. But I’m glad that I pulled through.

If you are into holiday magical themed romance, then you will enjoy reading this book.

Rating 3.5/5
Plot 3.5/5
Spice .5/5
Writing 3.5/5
Character Development 3.5/5

[I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book]

“Once Upon a December” by Amy E. Reichert tells the story of Astra Noel Snow and Jack Clausen. Astra has just gone through a difficult divorce. During this time, Astra spends more time with her friends and they visit a Christmas Market in Milwaukee. Jack has worked at the Christmas market his entire life in his family’s bakery along Julemarked’s mysterious alley. The alley contains a village of people who always celebrate Christmas and their market travels throughout the world during the holiday season. Jack’s market happens to take place at the Christmas Market in Milwaukee and when Astra visits, Jack is immediately smitten by her. As the two get to know each other, Astra and Jack must decide whether their relationship can weather all seasons or if this winter wonderland feeling will pass.

This was a beautiful book! If you are interested in magic realism, contemporary romances, and a book that’s perfect for the winter season, this book is for you! I don’t read many magic realism stories, but this plot was really interesting!

Once Upon a December by Amy E. Reichert follows Astra Noel Snow, a young woman who is heartbroken after a nasty divorce and looking to make a fresh start. As you can imagine from her name, Astra is all about holiday spirit and what she’s most looking forward to is her annual trip to the Milwaukee Christmas Market with her best friends. She’s there to eat, drink and be merry with her squad and to flirt with Jack, the super cute baker who insists on saving her his best homemade kringle. What Astra doesn’t know at the time is that she has met Jack before, and on more than one occasion…

Jack Clausen works at the Julemarked, a one-of-a-kind Christmas market. It’s one of a kind because it’s always Christmas there, even once Christmas has come and gone everywhere else. The market exists in its own time and space, magically jumping from one December to the next every four weeks. Once the market leaves a city, the city’s residents immediately forget that it existed and it’s a joyous surprise for them whenever it returns. Jack has always loved living this magical existence, that is, until he develops feelings for Astra and becomes frustrated that he can only see her each time the Julemarked returns to Milwaukee and even then, she just doesn’t remember who he is. When the magical market arrives this holiday season, Jack decides it’s time to figure out if there’s any way he and Astra can truly have any kind of future together. If she knew the truth about the Julemarked, would she consider leaving her life and joining him there? Or could he bring himself to leave behind the only life he has ever known to be with her?

Sometime magical realism doesn’t work for me, but Reichert always gets it exactly right. I fell in love with the whole concept of the Julemarked and just loved the way Reichert brought it to life. I could practically taste the delicious kringle and the hot cocoa. The atmosphere reminded me of a Hallmark movie, as did all of the adorable dates between Astra and Jack, and as a huge Hallmark fan, that makes for a winning read for me. I also adored all of the fun and quirky characters, from Astra and her best friends all the way through to Jack and all of the residents of the Julemarked, who were rooting just as hard as I was for Jack to find a way to be with Astra.

Once Upon a December is truly a magical and heartwarming holiday read. I knew it would be after falling in love with Reichert’s last novel, The Kindred Spirits Supper Club, but she definitely exceeded my expectations with this new book. If you’re looking for a read that captures the magic of the holidays and that is sure to leave you with a smile on your face, look no further than Once Upon a December.

Astra Noel Snow and Jack Clausen meet Once Upon a December at a magical Christmas market in Amy E. Reichert’s latest novel. This holiday tale is replete with magic and whimsy and reminiscent of the musical Brigadoon.

The story is told in dual narration by the two main characters over a number of years as they periodically interact when Julemarked is in Astra’s home town of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Over those years, we readers get to enjoy Astra’s amazing friendships and suffer her horrid ex-husband, Trent. Astra as a librarian reminded me of my time working in a library with marvelous children’s librarians. Astra as a divorcee left something to be desired; she is a complete doormat. Jack, who knows no other experiences but his daily baking of the famed kringle pastry and breads, is content in his magical, yet limited world. That is until he meets Astra; who he dreams of and moons over.

Once Upon a December is a sweet holiday romance—perfect for a Hallmark Christmas movie. It is easy to read. There is limited conflict and angst, a well-paced plot, and engaging characters. Grab a cup of cocoa and a flakey pastry and dig into this book.

3.5 stars

Once Upon a December by Amy E. Richert is a creative and magical holiday romance. I enjoyed getting lost in this story. Astra is 37 and trying to figure out her new normal after her divorce. However, her ex-husband keeps showing up and asking for favors. Wow, I hated him! Jack and Astra met in a Milwaukee Christmas market one December, but only Jack remembers. Each year, Jack hopes to see Astra again in the Christmas market. I enjoyed this holiday romance and recommended it be added to your holiday reading list.

Thank you, Berkley Publishing Group, for my complimentary copy.

Once Upon a December by Amy E. Reichert gives a new magical concept to the Christmas holiday. This story is about Jack who lives inside a magical Christmas market. Every time the market ends up in Milwaukee, Jack sees Astra who he always crushes over. I love this premise for the story but I wanted more of a love connection. It was great seeing the love from a man instead of the woman always wanting the man. Overall, a good holiday read.

Once Upon a December is a magical Christmas story that will fill your heart with holiday cheer.

Just when I think I couldn’t fall more in love with Christmas stories, a book like this comes along and proves me wrong. I have to applaud Amy for coming up with such a fun, charming, and unique Christmas romance story. What makes this book so unique, you ask? Well, it has a time travelling Christmas market in it, yes you read that right, a Christmas market that time travels. How cool is that!! Jack lives in the Julemarked, a time travelling Christmas market that only exists in our world for December. The Julemarked doesn’t pop up at the same Christmas market every year. For example, it may be at the Milwaukee market one year, but it could be at the Paris market the next, and once the market disappears, people forget being there. Amy did a great job with the whole time travelling aspect of her book; she just gave her readers the right amount of detail. When Astra asks many questions about the mechanics of time travelling, Jack just tells her she needs to trust/believe in the magic. Steering her readers to the concept of just trusting and believing in Christmas magic works and fits with this story. By not overloading her readers with too much detail about time travelling, she allowed us to focus on the story and its heartwarming relationships. I also really liked it because I sometimes think as adults, we forget just to trust that the universe/world knows what it’s doing and enjoy those magical moments (without overthinking them).

Astra has four great loves in this story. The first is with Jack, of course, and I will get to him later on. The other three loves are with her best friends Ronnie, Steph, and Cassie. One of the most charming things about rom-coms is the fabulous female friendship often portrayed in them. I really couldn’t get enough of these ladies and the bond that they shared. Their friendship was not perfect; there were ups and downs and periods when they grew apart. But at the end of the day, they knew that they had each other’s backs. Astra’s friendship with her besties plays a big part in her life and her decisions. I really enjoyed how Amy used their friendship to help decide what direction the story would go.

Astra and Jack really have a unique love story. They have had many first meet-cute moments, and I loved them all. These two meet every time the Julemarked is in Milwaukee, and I could just feel the chemistry leap off the pages when they would meet. The only problem is Astra forgets Jack exists when the market disappears. We get to watch their relationship unfold in two different timelines, the present-day one when they finally start to date and the past timeline that jumps to all their past encounters. I really couldn’t get enough of these two. Jack is such a sweetheart, and I just adored him. What I liked most about their love story was not knowing what would happen in the end. I figured they would get their happy ending, but I didn’t know if Astra would stay in the Julemarked or would Jack leave. I was curious about what direction Amy would take in their relationship. Really the whole time-travelling just added such an interesting twist to their romance.

Once Upon a December is the perfect book to read on a snowy Sunday in December.

Thank you, Berkley Publishing, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The book was not for me. By no means does that mean it’s an horrible book. It means it is not a book for me or one that I would recommend.

I like a holiday romance, but this one used the time/location travel troupe and I’m over that.

Astra Noel Snow (first clue this was not for me) just got through a divorce from her husband Trent, but is still hopeful that she will find love and a family. She meets Jack at a holiday market in Milwaukee. Jack runs the Kringle bakery. (If you want many, many descriptions of the Kringle, you won’t be disappointed.). Problem is, Astra can’t find Jack again because the market is some sort of magical thing that is only around from December 1 to Christmas morning. The market travels through time and space to other locations each year. I could not push through, but after 52 percent knew it was not for me.

The concept of this fantastical romance: Brigadoon, but a magickal Christmas village instead of an idyllic Scottish one (and the female lead is the one who stumbles into the land set apart from time) is sweet and well-developed. Astra Noel Snow thinks there is something vaguely familiar about the hottie that sells her the most delicious cherry almond kringle pastry and can’t quite place him… but Jack Clausen knows she has stopped by almost every time the Julemarked (Yule Market) appears in Milwaukee. When he finally gets up the nerve to ask her name, their chemistry is off the charts, but Jack isn’t able to communicate his time restrictions, and Astra is disappointed to return from Christmas in Florida with her parents to find a brick wall where the Julemarked used to be, and her friend’s memories of it are fuzzy at best.

She spends the year fighting with her ex-husband about shared custody of Bernie (their dog) and dreaming of Jack. The next December first, Astra’s waiting to confront Jack when the Julemarked reappears, demanding an confirmation of her suspicions. They now have three and a half weeks to court while Astra has to decide if she wants to trade her library job, two parents, three best friends, and four seasons for a future and a family with Jack; it seems out of the question that he would leave the Julemarked when it’s so perfect and his work is so fulfilling.

It turns out the Julemarked has no currency, no WiFi, and a slow, peaceful pace. Hidden from sight like 12 Grimmauld Place and resembling a holiday Diagon Alley, the market appears from Dec 1-through midnight on Christmas Eve, popping up annually in a new spot each time, selling handmade items–toys, sweaters, pottery, baked goods–that the locals purchase as holiday gifts. The residents get a break through New Years… and then the Julemarked pops up somewhere else (a year later in real time but only a week later, for them) and it’s Christmas, again.

Strong in Danish culture and rooted in place, the library job details felt a little like pandering and unrealistic. The female friendships are strong but the relationships don’t pass the Bechdel test. The sexual tension is rich but the sex is behind closed doors. The worldbuilding is very complete and highly sensory: you can almost smell the hot cocoa and caramelized potatoes, and hear the clock striking. The structure is well-executed, with past encounters filling in the fifteen years of backstory from Jack’s point of view. Berkley has produced some stellar romance novels, and I appreciate the branching out into a fantasy holiday romance, but the narrative sometimes reflects from poor editing, with words or phrases repeated multiple times, sometimes within a few pages of one another, such as descriptions of Ronnie, Steph and Cassie which also suffer from the dreaded telling instead of showing. There are 14 religious holidays celebrated in December, and only Christmas gets a mention. The cast is not diverse. I didn’t find the public drinking or binge drinking or Astra’s tactics to get her dog above board. The ending was not entirely predictable; I might have even teared up a little! but I felt a little emotionally manipulated with Astra’ (Reichert’s?) choices.

I wavered between 2/12 and 3 stars. This was charming, but another pass by an editor might have made for a stronger book. Still, I could see it cinematically while I read, and Once Upon A December would make a great Hallmark movie. It will find its audience.

Bonus half star for the Hans Christian Anderson allusions and biographical details.

I received a free advance reader’s review copy of #OnceUponADecember from #NetGalley.

Astra lives in Milwaukee Wisconsin. Jack lives in a magical world called Julemarked. Every time he visits Milwaukee, he falls more in love with Astra. Astra never remembers meeting him. Until she does.

I don’t know how to describe this book without rambling on for ages. It’s a bit complicated. Julemarked is a magical universe that exists out of time. It essentially only exists in December and it shows up in different Christmas markets all over the world on December 1st. Sometimes it’s in a chronological order of years, other times it’s not. But one thing is consistent; no one ever remembers Julemarked after it’s gone.

What I truly appreciated about this story was the explanation about Julemarked and some of the rules. I think sometimes when you have these types of stories you’re left just having to ignore giant holes, in hopes of just enjoying the story for what it is. Reichert does a great job filling in those holes. When I was explaining this book to some of my friends, they obviously had a bunch of questions. I found that I was actually able to answer most of them with what had been provided for me in the book!

At the beginning, the book alternates with Astra’s present day life and Jack’s memories of the other time’s they’ve met. I loved being able to see him fall in love with her without her remembering who he is. They were cute together and I think it helped to get over the fact that they only got to “know” each other over the course of 24 days. In reality (well… in magical reality?), it had been 15 years.

Being a Midwestern girl, I adored that this book took place in Milwaukee. It felt very true to what I know of Wisconsin in winter, even though I’ve never been to their Christmas market. The friendships between Astra and her girlfriends was very well written. I loved reading about women supporting women and how they had been friends for so long.

My biggest issue with this book was trying to figure out how it was going to end. In order for them to end up together, either Astra was going to have to leave the real world and all of her family and friends to live in Julemarked, or Jack was going to have to leave his family, friends, and magic behind to live in the real world. Neither of these felt like good solutions to me, so in a way, I knew I was going to be disappointed no matter what. I will admit, that it didn’t turn out as badly as I worried that it would.

I know it’s a little early, but if you’re looking for a cute Christmas romance to get you in the season, this one might be it. It’s got the magic and romance as well as some lighthearted moments and some really good friendships. I loved the core group of friends that Astra had. The ending was a bit tough for me to swallow, but not in a dislikable way. I would definitely read more by Reichert and enjoyed this book. Even if I would’ve preferred reading it in December.

This holiday romance follows Jack who lives inside a magical Christmas market, and Astra who he pines over each time the market lands in Milwaukee.

I love the concept of a magical Christmas market but don't like an instant-love connection which is sort of what is forged after years of stolen glances and two lines of conversation. Since Astra lives in the outside world, she never remembers her interactions with Jack, forcing a lot of their romance development into short pockets of time.

I didn't quite buy into the love connection, but I would happily buy into the Kringle that Jack and his family bake. Kringle dreams were the highlight of this one for me.

Thanks Berkley for my advance copy in exchange for an honest review.