Let me preface by saying I chose to read Always, in December right as I'm going through the emotional turmoil of a breakup/not breakup. (God, I hate 21st century relationships). So I was already setting myself up for failure by reading about a happy couple and how they live happily ever after. Well, I set myself up for even more failure by the BUCKETS of tears I shed over this book. It COMPLETELY broke me. And I LOVED IT.

Much like real life these days, Josie runs into the adorable stranger, Oliver, and the two spend a heartwarming holiday together. Their bond grows, memories are shared, and Josie finds herself finally opening up to the idea of loving again. Only... for Oliver to leave abruptly one day sans notice. (I feel you, girl). As she tries to pick up the pieces and move on, life keeps bringing these two back together in the unlikeliest of ways.

I personally refuse to believe this is Emily Stone's debut novel. As soon as I finished the book, (and spent many hours crying then staring at an empty wall), I went to Google her other works so I could tear through those. But alas, this is her first! She completely blew me out of the water with that. Her writing style is something that stuck with me days after finishing Always, in December; it holds a timeless, realistic feel that many romance books do not. I was totally immersed in the story, and for the hours where I couldn't put it down, I found myself so touched by Josie's character that I forgot my own heartbreak.

My thing with most romance books is that they aren't realistic. Which, duh Kaitlyn of course they aren't. But I've found that my favorite romances are the ones that tie in to reality and remind the reader that love isn't always a picture perfect fairytale. I especially loved that Stone touched on childhood memories, grief, past trauma, and how that shapes who people become as they grow. This was just such a touching story that left me more heartbroken than I currently am, but in the best way possible.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers, and the author for giving me the opportunity to review this book. This was such a fun holiday read! I read it in one sitting and I personally think it would make a cute movie.

Get your tissues ready.

I started out on edge with this book. I wasn’t a fan of the language or the abrupt alcohol usage for numbing feelings. BUT. Emily Stone has a fantastic way of weaving a story. I was caught up in the “what if’s” of the narrative. Chapter after chapter I was left wondering “what is going to happen?” The ending took me by surprise with the force of a gut punch. It’s 1:45am, and I’m left in tears because of this novel.

Synopsis: Josie meets Max in a rather humorous way after breaking up with her boyfriend. They spend a blissful few days together over Christmas where Josie lets him in on all her loaded past. Max disappears. Chance encounters bring the two together under not swell circumstances throughout the year until Christmas re-emerges again. In a story of personal growth, unwavering love, and facing fears, the reader is immersed in the story of Josie and Max, left cheering them on until the very end.

If you can’t tolerate language, then I would steer clear of this one. However, if you can overlook it, this book will take you by surprise!

Content Warnings: language, closed-door romance, grief of lost loved ones, alcohol usage

Loved this book! Unexpected and hits you right in the feeler. I did not see the end coming and felt all of the feels. Great book and would definitely recommend!

“Dear mum and Dad ,missing you always .
Merry Christmas and lots of love ,Josie “
Every year Josie sends a letter to her parents who passed away on Christmas . Christmas time is a struggle for Josie something to trudge through and this year isnt looking any better either. That is until she literally runs her bike over a very handsome stranger on her way to mail her annual Christmas letter . Max and Josie have a whirlwind few days together but then he’s gone only leaving a note saying goodbye . But the world is a lot smaller then Max and Josie could ever anticipate.
Always in December was a very deep and emotional read . It explored topics that aren’t your run of the mill Christmas romance novel . The ending was a huge twist that I honestly didn’t see coming .
I adored Josie and all the characters I thought this book was very well written. I would recommend this book for readers who enjoyed The Two Lives of Lydia Bird and One Day in December .
#alwaysindecember #netgalley

Always in December is a touching and heartbreaking story about love, timing, and missed opportunities. The characters are wonderful as they move through a year of finding, then losing each other.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Reminiscent of a Jaimie Admans book, the plot is nuanced with several twists and turns as we follow Max and Josie across the United Kingdom and New York City. It's a bit like Serendipity, except that the end will leave you bawling your eyes out! Minus one star for the sad ending.

✨Always, In December✨

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🗓 eBook Release Date: Aug 5, 2021
🗓 Paper Book Release Date: Oct 12, 2021

Our main character, Josie meets Max in meet-cute way where Josie literally knocks him over with her bike. Being days from Christmas and him stranded waiting for his flight to NY to see his family they decide to spend Christmas together, a number of days filled with laughter, passion, and heartwarming moments. When Josie wakes up on Boxing Day alone with a note holding no explanation. This story takes place across 2 years of time split into 5 months across those years. Max and Josie’s lives are intertwined meeting throughout this time. We know Max has a big secret, his main reasoning for leaving. What is it? Why did he leave her?

This book ripped my heart out, sewed it back to gather, ripped it apart again and pulled back all of the pieces. I laughed, I cried I wished there was more. Buckle up your seatbelts and get reading to big cry. I would recommend this to anybody honestly just be prepared. This was quite honestly one of the best novels I have read this year.

🤘 Thank you to Netgalley and Headline Review or an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

🏷 #AlwaysInDecember #NetGalley #NetgalleyReview #bookreview #bookrecommendation #romance #love #lovestory #winterromance #timeskips

I received an advance copy of, Always, in December: The timeless, heartbreaking, stay up all night love story by, Emily Stone. I thought this book was ok, I thought it was going to be really good based on the title and it was not.