Always in December by Emily Stone is an emotional story that explores grief and love. While on the surface, this book seems like it is going to have some happy moments, it is definitely one that contains a lot of sadness. I was hoping that the romance would be a little more heartwarming and uplifting, but this one has a very heavy theme that is at times very hard to read. For those hoping for a Christmas romance, this one might not be the holiday book you were hoping for.
Title: Always in DecemberAuthor: Emily Stone
Publisher: Dell
Genres: Adult Fiction, Contemporary
Publication Date: October 12, 2021
Rating:
Every December, Josie posts a letter from her home in London to the parents she lost on Christmas night many years ago. Each year, she writes the same three words: Missing you, always. But this year, her annual trip to the postbox is knocked off course by a bicycle collision with a handsome stranger--a stranger who will change the course of Josie's life.
Josie always thought she was the only one who avoided the Christmas season, but this year, Max has his own reasons for doing the same--and coincidence leads them to spending the holiday together. Aglow with new love, Josie thinks this might be the start of something special.
Only for Max to disappear without saying goodbye.
Over the course of the next year, Max and Josie will find that fate continues to bring them together in places they'd never expect. New York City. Edinburgh. The quiet English countryside. And it turns out, Max had every reason to leave and every reason to stay. But what does fate hold for Josie and Max as Christmas approaches again?
A devastating, romantic, life-affirming love story, Always, in December will stay with readers long after they've finished the last page.
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: Always in December by Emily Stone
Josie is a character that is both relatable and enjoyable to read about. She has a lovely relationship with her grandparents and I found those parts of the story very endearing. It does seem, however, that Josie has been handed the short end of the stick too many times during her life. As hard as she tries, her career and her love life don’t always go in the direction she is hoping for.
❀ Romantic Elements
There is a romantic element to the book that is similar to One Day in December. The two lovers always seem to find each other again, which is romantic, but at times a bit far-fetched. I think if the book was a bit more upbeat, I would have been willing to overlook this aspect, but it just did not feel very realistic to me.
❀ A Lot of Emotion and Sadness
Always in December by Emily Stone is a novel that I might have enjoyed more if it wasn’t marketed as a holiday novel. I went into it expecting the love affair to bring happiness to Josie’s life, yet felt a bit disappointed in the way the story unfolded. That being said, it is a well-written novel and it will be enjoyed by others who don’t mind a holiday romance novel with a lot of emotion and sadness.
About Emily Stone
Emily Stone lives and works in the UK and wrote her first novel, Always, in December, in an old Victorian manor house with an impressive literary heritage.
About Lori
Avid reader. Contributor to The Candid Cover. Educator.
I had seen other reviews for this, so I knew it was not really a romance. I think I received the book better because of that. It was a beautiful and touching story which I think suffered from being mis-marketed. I cried buckets as well
I should have read some reviews before diving in, I guess! It really was super sad!
Sounds like a wonderful story. And very moving.
It is a touching story!
This sounds like a wonderful book.
Every once in awhile I come across a holiday romance that’s sort of mislabeled; this seems like one. I don’t think I will mind, though, now that I know!
Right?! I think if you are ready for the heartbreak then the book is easier to accept. Just not what I look for in a holiday read. 😉
Sorry you got ambushed by the sadness of this one. I had heard from a couple people that it was sad, so I skipped it. I’m glad it touched you, though!
I wish I had done a bit more research before diving in! It is a very touching story!
Always In December sounds like an emotional book, and I love that! I’m not one that needs HEA. I prefer ones that make me feel.
This one sounds perfect for you!
Sounds really good I’d love to read this!
Sounds like a great book! Thanks for sharing your great review and have a happy and successful New Year!
Sounds like a book I will enjoy reading. I put it on my TBR list.
sounds intriguing. i want to know why and how they keep meeting