One Day in December: Reese's Book Club: A Novel

OK. OK. I admit...I actually liked this book. I liked it a lot. Before I start, here's a warning...SPOILERS GALORE AHEAD! A classic tale of love at first sight that took years, actual years, to resolve. We've seen this story, we've read about it, whether in real life, or in books, or in movies. I was very wary about getting this book or reading it, I didn't want the frustration of wanting two characters to end up together for the WHOLE. FREAKING. BOOK. But...this wasn't like that. I mean, sure, there was frustration. But it's not that bad. For many reasons. 1. The 'love at first sight' part was kind of silly, and although Laurie spends a good while searching for this random stranger at the bus stop, he remains just that - a stranger. So when she does actually get introduced to him eventually, as her best friend's boyfriend no less, it's frustrating, but not THAT frustrating, because hey! You don't actually know this guy, OK? And to Laurie and Jack's benefit, they both realize that as well, and deal with it. 2. You actually can't help but love Sarah (the best friend). And you want what's best for her. And you really like her relationship with Jack, and so you can't be that frustrated, because they work. 3. Jack and Laurie's evolving friendship is endearing, and although you can tell there are underlying romantic connotations there, it's still a really sweet friendship. That being said, ten years is a really long time for someone to be in love with someone else. Ten years is a really long time and people change. I really enjoyed the whole first section of the book, when Sarah and Laurie were flatmates, and all the ups and downs and evolution of friendships and relationships. The second section, when Laurie leaves England was also very interesting, and I really liked seeing Laurie separated from Sarah and Jack. Finding herself, relying on herself, and really discovering her own identity separate from these 2 individuals who have shaped her life and character for so long. The third section, when she's back, was rocky, but needed I guess. Seeing the changes in Sarah and Jack, the shift in their relationship, seeing Laurie happy in her own relationship, it was all very realistic. Then came Jack's accident, and that part was...dramatic? I don't know, I wasn't a huge fan. Did Jack need more reason to be a jerk? He was already acting like one prior to his accident. It also seemed to go on for a while, and I kind of just wanted to get on with the story. Then there was Laurie's wedding...and the big revelation the night before when Sarah discovers, well, pretty much everything. Another super dramatic event that wasn't necessary. Personally, I didn't see any reason for Sarah to ever find out about Jack being the bus boy. Also, there was absolutely no reason for her to ever find out about the kiss that happened a hundred years ago. And also, she had no right to get THAT upset about all of it because she wasn't with Jack anymore, and at that point, hadn't been with him for a while! So to miss your best friend's wedding, the best friend who just gave you her dead sister's bracelet, is a HORRIBLE thing to do and is inexcusable. The ending, with the whole radio thing, and the letter, and all that cute stuff. I mean, God, FINALLY. I really, truly enjoyed this story. Not because it was the best story, and not because it was out of this world fantastic and different, but I think the main reason I really enjoyed this story is because I genuinely liked all the characters in this book. Every single one of them. So good on you Josie!

I picked this book up because in case you haven’t noticed, everybody and their mother read it this month. It was catchy and sweet and surprisingly relatable. I sandwiched it between a couple of heavier books. It was a great lightweight read for winter. We start with Laurie, who lives with her best friend Sarah in London and is working part time at a hotel while she works toward a career in magazines. She’s on the way home, sitting on the upper level of one of London’s red busses, when she spots a guy waiting below. They make eye contact and it’s electric, but he can’t get on before it pulls away. She and Sarah search for him everywhere they go, but to no avail. Then Sarah starts dating a guy, and by the time Laurie finally meets him, Sarah is head over heels and has half-jokingly declared that she fully expects to marry him someday. Yep, it’s the guy from the bus. Jack. Now Laurie has to try to not be in love with him, because she wants to be a good friend. But she is in love with him. And he’s in love with Sarah, to be sure, but he also kind of loves Laurie without quite knowing it. We get ten years of their story, flipping between Laurie and Jack’s perspectives. During those ten years, all three characters go through major life events, love, loss, the whole nine yards. Now Jack is a little bit of a jerk, especially in the beginning, and I’m not sure that Josie Silver goes quite far enough to convince us that he’s not a jerk anymore. But the feeling that he’s heading in the right direction is there, at least. And I’m not one for love triangles, ever, but she somehow did a great job of getting me to root for all three characters and really feel invested in the outcome. I wasn’t sure how I was going to possibly be satisfied with the ending, but I was. (Well, almost. I could have done with another chapter or two to revel in the happiness.) This was a fun, light, feel-good read. Perfect if you’re in a reading slump or looking for something that feels watching a rom-com movie: Not the world’s greatest piece of art, but a fun escape from reality that leaves you feeling good.

If I could read it again for the first time I would. If you believe in love at first sight, this book is for you. I love that is focuses not on just one relationship the entire book, but on multiple relationships in life and how they can be challenging. The ending had me smiling. All in all, very good book.

I absolutely loved One Day in December! It’s such a heartwarming, feel-good story that had me hooked from the start. The mix of romance, friendship, and all the twists life throws at you made it so relatable. The characters feel so real, especially Laurie—you just can’t help but root for her. And the whole "love at first sight but life gets in the way" thing? Totally had me in my feelings. If you’re into books that make you laugh, cry, and believe in fate, this one’s a must-read. Perfect for cozy nights in!

The first chapter immediately grabbed me - love at first sight was truly described within the first few pages. The next couple of chapters were a bit slower as to establish relationships and timelines, but once I was about 40% through I was HOOKED! The main characters are so loveable and relatable - there is truly no antagonist in this story. Each character was worth rooting for and there were a few instances and chapters that were so hard to get through after growing so attached to each of them. I found this story unique in the author's ability to make time pass without feeling like too much of a gap. Each chapter seemed to flow into one another, even if a large amount of time passed. She did an amazing job at telling the story with the most important pieces, but without anything being rushed. I would definitely recommend this read, not only for the winter as the setting frequently changes!

Better than expected. I bought this for a relaxing Christmas read, and was pleasantly surprised. It was a great book for the holidays, but the story and characters were more complex than the standard “Hallmark movie” novels I generally fill my Christmas break with.

Great characters and a sweet story of friendship. Love the writing and the unpredictability

This was a wonderful book! It built so beautifully, and I warmed to the characters and they were likable and lovely. The way Josie Silver captured the ups and downs of friendship and the beautiful foundations the two main characters built for their relationship felt very real to life.