I’ve read a handful of Jaqueline Snowe books and I don’t think I’ve read the marriage in crisis trope from her yet. Due to the nature of this storyline, we’re met with a decent dose of tension and angst early on in the book. This was an easy read, could definitely be done in one day. The Hallmark movie vibes are high. The Cherrywood town festivals and the Christmas time setting really amped up the holiday feeling. I just wanted to cozy up on the couch with some cocoa and a blanket while reading.

It was really refreshing to see the level of communication and honesty they worked through as a couple, and with themselves also. I was rooting so hard for Laney and Connor throughout the whole book. A feel good, small town, Christmas time read for sure!

A small-town, Christmas setting, marriage-in-crisis romance? On paper, this had all the makings of a cozy, emotional read, and in many ways, it delivered on the cozy and sweet. With low angst and Hallmarkesque charm, it offered a warm, festive backdrop for a story about second chances. And was pretty sweet and low drama over all.

Laney and Connor Reynolds have been married for a decade, but their relationship is on the verge of collapse. Tired of feeling like a low priority behind her husband’s demanding career, and unhappy with city life, Laney packs up and returns to her hometown of Cherrywood, Illinois, without much warning. Stunned and heartbroken, Connor drops everything to follow her, determined to fight for their marriage before it’s too late.

The premise is compelling: a couple trying to rediscover each other and rebuild their connection during the most magical time of the year. Connor’s efforts to win Laney back are heartfelt and sincere and what I loved most about this story. He’s sweet, patient, and truly committed to personal growth, which made him an easy character to root for. And while he certainly had is faults in the relationship that he was unaware of, once he IS, he really ups his game.

I wish we'd had a bit more of a backdrop here before things were crumbling. Because the book opens after Laney has already left, we never really see the cracks in their marriage. We’re only told about them, so it feels more told than shown or experience. Laney’s frustrations are valid, but at times because I didn't experience them with her, I felt frustrated that she didn't just ASK for what she needed, because Connor clearly delivered when she did. And since Connor immediately steps up and begins trying to fix things, it’s difficult to reconcile the version of him she describes with the version we actually meet.

This is a story that really is thematically about communication...or the lack of it. Throughout the book, it becomes clear that Laney often kept her feelings to herself, choosing not to express her needs to avoid disrupting Connor’s work life. That silence contributed just as much to their disconnection as his long hours. Even after discussing how crucial honest communication is, it still felt like Laney hadn’t fully owned her role in their breakdown. So I wished they'd both taken some accountability.

Still, there's something really satisfying about watching both characters grow, not just as partners, but as individuals. And seeing a marraige heal without too much drama. The evolution of their communication, once they finally open up, did feel authentic. And the small town holiday atmosphere added a layer of warmth that gave the story extra charm and ease.

Overall, a gentle, feel good romance about rediscovering love in the midst of disappointment. It may not dive as deeply into the emotional history of the marriage as I craved, but its more of the light hearted holiday vibe and is a comforting, hopeful read.

Date Night in December is such a heartwarming and romantic holiday read! I loved Laney’s return to her small-town roots and the cozy, festive setting of Cherrywood Creek. The second-chance romance between Laney and Connor was full of emotion and holiday magic. Connor was so sweet—his determination to put his marriage first, to truly listen, and to show Laney she was his top priority made him an absolute swoon-worthy hero. Their chemistry, mixed with tender moments and heartfelt growth, made this story shine. It’s the perfect mix of cozy holiday vibes, love, and second chances. A true festive delight!

Date Night in December ❄️❣️by Jaqueline Snowe
Out: 10/4/25
QOTD: what’s your ideal date night in December?
My answer: ice skating ⛸️ 💙

This was a warm read that I found enjoyable now even with it only being September! There were plenty of heartwarming and hallmark style moments and I loved the snug, small town setting. It was easy to root for Connor and Laney and their fight to save their marriage, and I overall thought it was a sweet read and enjoyed it being centered around a unique situation I hadn’t read often.

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars

In this book:
❄️small town
❄️second chance
❄️groveling
❄️December/Christmas season romance

I had high hopes for Date Night in December, holiday romances are usually a cozy, feel-good favourite of mine. Unfortunately, this one didn’t quite deliver. While there were glimpses of holiday charm and a few sweet moments, the execution left me disappointed.

The dual point of view had potential but needed much more refinement. Instead of offering deeper insight into the characters, it often pulled me out of the story. Most notably, Connor’s dialogue felt forced and overly scripted, so much so that it broke the immersion. The conversations lacked the natural rhythm of real interaction, which made it hard to connect with the characters emotionally.

I wanted this to work. I wanted to feel the festive warmth, the chemistry, the sparkle that makes holiday romances shine. But instead, the story felt bland, and the magic never quite materialized. It’s a miss for me. My thanks to Forever for the digital arc.

Date Night in December is a holiday romance about second chances that centers around Laney, who has decided to leave her workaholic CEO husband, Connor, after a decade of marriage. Laney returns to her hometown to spend the month of December with her parents for the holidays. Connor, determined to win back his wife, follows her to her hometown. To her surprise, Laney discovers that Connor has rented the house next door. They agree to date for a month to evaluate if they can revive their relationship.

Overall, I found the book enjoyable. Connor made significant efforts to prove to Laney that he could become a better husband. I liked reading about their reconnection and the progress they made in communicating effectively with one another.


A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for providing an e-ARC.

This book had a cute premise- wanting to date your husband for a month to rekindle your relationship. It just didn't land as well for me. The trope that came up about 1/2 way through was not as well done as I wanted. I think this could be great for someone else!

Emotional read that makes you realize everything couples take for granted. One partner thinks everything they do is to help their family and the other partner feels completely alone and ignored. Second chances sometimes bring us closer or prove things are too broken. I loved seeing Laney and Connor reconnect. If you're looking for a romance that can break your heart and put it back together, then this is for you. Be ready to feel all the emotions you didn’t know existed and see what you deserve out of love.

Laney has returned to her parents’ home having decided to divorce her husband of ten years. She feels
that he is so focused on work that she doesn’t matter, but the problem is she never spoke up. Connor
rents the house next door and asks her to give him a month to win her back, Their past relationship is
revealed as they deal with what caused the deterioration in the relationship and what they want for
their relationship and careers moving forward. Supportive family and friends and a charming setting.
#DateNightinDecember #GrandCentralPublishing #Forever #NetGalley

This book has all the makings of a heartfelt Christmas book, set in a cozy small town and sprinkled with some spice! If you are looking for a feel-good book, then this is the one for you! Laney decides to end her marriage and her ex-husband is not ready to be an ex just yet. They work on themselves, together and separately and Connor vows to win back his wife! It was a quick and easy feel-good read.

Publishes: Oct. 14

(I received a complimentary ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. Thank you Netgalley, Forever Grand Central Publishing and Jaqueline Snowe.

Date Night in December is a sweet, cozy holiday romance that feels perfect for curling up with on a winter evening. The chemistry between the leads was lighthearted and fun, and I enjoyed the seasonal backdrop that made the story extra charming. It had all the ingredients of a comforting holiday read—romance, family, and festive vibes. At times, the pacing felt a little uneven, but the warmth of the story kept me turning pages. I appreciated the easy banter and the little moments of humor sprinkled throughout. Overall, it was a cute, enjoyable read that left me in the holiday spirit.

Okay, this book is the most adorable Christmas love story! I could not stop smiling while I was reading this. It’s darling!

This was such a cute winter rom com I really enjoyed the story, the banter was super cute I love cute winter romances.

This was such a sweet (and a little spicy!) second-chance romance that tugged at my heartstrings. I loved seeing Laney and Connor navigate their shared history, old wounds, and lingering feelings with honesty and vulnerability.

At times, the heartbreak felt a little overdone or dramatic—but I still appreciated how raw and real their pain was. It gave depth to their healing process and made their eventual reunion feel earned.

Overall, there was a beautiful balance of emotional growth and flirty fun, wrapped in a cozy, wintery setting that made it perfect for a seasonal read.

I went into this book with high expectations, but unfortunately it didn’t work for me. While the premise was interesting, the pacing felt slow and the characters never fully pulled me in. The writing style was serviceable, but I often found myself disconnected from the story, and some plot points felt predictable or underdeveloped.

That said, I can see how other readers might enjoy it—especially those who like quieter, character-driven stories. For me, though, it just wasn’t engaging enough to stick with.

3⭐️
A cute, marriage-in-crisis romance set in a small town at Christmas? This had the bones to be a really great story. It was fun and had some fun Hallmark movie vibes with low angst

I think what didn't quite work for me was that the book starts after Laney has left Connor. So we don't see what their marriage was actually like- we're only told about it. We hear Laney's complaints about Connor's working too much an dhow lonely she was, but we as the reader never experience it. Also Connor from the start is trying to change and be better in an effort to win Laney back, so it's hard to think of him as this terrible husband.

And it seems like she never actually spoke to Connor about it? She just let it go every time and expected him to read her mind I guess. It seemed like Laney was also putting Connor's job first? Like she continually kept things to herself in an effort not to bother him or upset him before important meetings, so that's on her, not him. Even by the end after they've talked about how important communication is.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishing team for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A cozy, festive second-chance romance! The characters are easy to root for and packs plenty of holiday spirit.

A festive and cozy winter romcom, this book is very much like a spicy Hallmark movie! Some of the disagreements were eye-roll worthy and the FMC seems to have trouble communicating her needs so she wasn't super likeable for me. It was a sweet story overall.

I was able to snag a copy of this eARC from the “Read Now” section, and I am eternally grateful I did. The stunning cover drew me in immediately (who can resist a cozy winter romance?), but what truly kept me hooked was Laney Reynolds. She’s a heroine I deeply resonated with—someone who would rather people-please than speak her truth, even when it comes at her own expense. Watching her journey as she learned to reclaim her voice and her happiness was captivating and relatable.

The dynamic between Laney and Connor, her husband who is trying to win her back, added so much emotional depth to this story. Their love felt lived-in, with a history that made every interaction between them tug at my heart. I appreciated how the book explored themes of marriage, communication, and rediscovering love after heartbreak—this isn’t just a holiday romance; it’s a story about second chances, forgiveness, and fighting for the relationship that truly matters.

Jacqueline Snowe’s writing is heartfelt and engaging, with just the right blend of warmth, humor, and holiday charm. I adored the small-town Cherrywood Creek setting—it felt like its own character. Cherrywood Creek was cozy, brimming with charm, and the most wholesome Christmas vibes.

Quick Summary: A second chance at marriage romance

My Review: Date Night in December by Jaqueline Snowe is 2025 contemporary romance. It is scheduled for release on 10/14/25.

About the Book: "'Tis the season for second chances in this charming and delightful festive rom com..."

In My Own Words: Laney and Connor Reynolds had a happy marriage...until they didn't. Everything finally comes to a head when an anniversary is forgotten. Is it too late to make things right?

Questions to Consider:

- How do you heal from a broken heart?
- Is there ever any hope of healing an imperfect marriage?
- Can an honest love be the balm for the hurts and wrongs that exists between two people who love each other?

My Final Say: This was a sweet story. Ultimately, it was a story about love and about honoring the sacred connection that exists between a man and his wife. It was nice to see how Laney and Connor reconnected with themselves as individuals and with each other as partners.

I adored the date nights in December concept. It really worked for the love story between the leads. Also, the small town vs city storyline added depth. The close-knit community vibe gets all the gold stars.

What I want to know - Will Matt and Petra get their own romance?

While this story does have a Hallmark-esque quality, I confess that it also has a punch of spice that is pretty potent.

Other: Readers who enjoy stories about working through marital issues, stories about a second chance at love, stories about falling in love all over again & rekindling the flame of true love, and stories about choosing happiness should like this novel. It is realistic fiction with heart.

Rating: 3.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Status/Level: ⭐⭐⭐.5
Note: This would do well as an audiobook.
Cover: +

Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Forever (Grand Central Publishing) | Forever), and to NetGalley. Thank you for providing access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. It was a pleasure to review this work. I look forward to reading more from this writer.