One Day in December – Josie Silver

This has been on my TBR since last Christmas and I’m so glad I finally got to reading it.

It’s a beautiful romance which begins with a glance through a bus window one December’s day. Life is more complicated than love at first sight though, and the story spans the decade after this man came into protagonist Laurie’s life.

Laurie and her best friend Sarah are well-drawn and likeable and their dialogue is great and I also liked the love interests in the story.

One Day in December has one of the most epic kissing scenes. There’s a great build up, it’s passionate and it’s wrong on so many levels – it was great!

My only criticism was that instead of the tension ramping up towards the end, I felt like it fizzled out at around the 80% mark (until the last few pages – the actual ending is wonderful) to the point where I didn’t quite feel there would still be love there.

Overall, it’s a very well written, heartwarming romance with a festive air about it. I’d definitely recommend it!

Genre: Romance (contemporary)

Rating: 4.5⭐️

A Wedding in December – Sarah Morgan

I do love a Sarah Morgan book. You know what you’re going to get; fantastic scenery, sweet romance and a happy ever after and A Wedding in December didn’t disappoint.
I loved the characters but Maggie especially was such an unassuming heroine, she really stood out. I loved the story with her and Nick and whilst I’d have perhaps like a bit more conflict between them early on, I really loved their story.

I loved the multiple POV and how each character had their own story that impacted on the others.

Overall this is a cosy, festive romance which would be great for Hallmark fans or anyone who enjoys the genre.

Genre: Romance (Christmas)

Rating: 4/5 ⭐️

The Ingredients For Happiness – Lucy Knott

When I found out there was a sequel to How To Bake A New Beginning I was thrilled because I loved everything about the first book. The second book follows on the sisters’ stories as they continue their lives and strive to succeed in their chosen careers but can also be read as a stand alone. Reading this was like catching up with old friends especially as the story is told through the three viewpoints of Amanda, Sabrina and Louisa.

I loved the Italian setting but being a Manchester girl myself, I particularly adored the familiar references to my home city too – especially The Northern Quarter. The recipes at the start of each chapter seemed wonderful (I’m not much of a cook but I have a good imagination and when I read them, my mouth watered) and I loved how the author added little bits of humour or nostalgia to the ‘method’ section.
The heart of the story is family and there’s a real warmth that comes through whenever any of the characters talk about or interact with their family which gives the book a really nice feel.
It’s the perfect book for curling up with this summer.
Genre: Light-hearted women’s fiction

Rating: 5/5⭐️