One day in December. I had no expectations whatsoever for this book as I was let down by my last read. But quite unexpectedly I had a great time reading this one. I picked it up nonchalantly just to read the first couple of pages and see how it was. But I ended up reading 200 pages of it without a break. Thus it proves again that the best feeling is to have a surprise when you least expect it. One day in December is such a serendipitous discovery for me.

Book premise

On a snowy Christmas day, Laurie James sees a man through a bus window and she instantly knows that he’s the one. Up until then, she didn’t believe in love at first sight but that day changes everything.

Both their eyes meet and before she could do anything the bus drives away leaving her dejected. After one year, at a Christmas party, Laurie was shell shocked to find that he’s the same man her best friend Sarah is deeply in love with. The boy from the bus is now in her life but as her best friend’s boyfriend not as hers.

That’s where the story begins.

The author of this love story is Josie Silver. She also wrote another book named The Two Lives of Lydia Bird, which is on my TBR list.

Critique

I’ll start off by saying I really liked the story. The beginning was so amazing, I literally couldn’t put the book down. I had to keep going and going.

The story is not unheard of before. There are many movies and stories with a similar concept. Yet this kinda story is always easy to read.

Merits:

• The beginning. It was exciting and beautiful.
• Narration is quite easy to read. Flows smoothly.
• The pace of the story is fast. I prefer such stories as they are engaging and keep you alert.
• Packed with so much story. It’s a lot like the usual romcoms we grew up watching, so it felt quite familiar and comforting. Though it felt familiar, it never bored. I think that’s the magic of romcoms, we can predict what happens next yet it doesn’t make us stop.

Demerits:

• There are a few things the story would be even better without. I wouldn’t necessarily say a plothole but a few parts the reader would be just fine without.
• Some consider it to have a lot of drama. (But I’m an Indian so it was nothing. Moreover, what’s life without a little drama? ;-))
• The end seems a little forced like it was decided even before the story began. There could have been a different end to the story based on how things unfolded. But it felt like the writer chose to go with her preconceived climax.

My rating for ‘One day in December’ is 3.5 out of 5.

Recommendation:

Overall, it’s a good book. Definitely worth reading. I recommend this to all the hopeless romantics. They would surely enjoy this beautiful story.

But if you happen to hate cliched happily ever afters, Christmas miracles, and love at first sights, then this probably is not a right fit for your taste.

That’s all about it.

I’ll see you soon again.

Until then, pick a good book and enjoy yourself being lost in a neverland.

Lots of Love,

Nikki.

Thanks for reading