Have you ever had a Kringle? Trader Joe’s always has one out this time of year and it is quite yummy.

My heart is a pile of mush after reading Once Upon A December. It is the story of Jack, a baker of Kringles at a Julemarked that magically jumps to Decembers at different Christmas markets around the world and Astra, the woman he meets in the Milwaukee Julemarked and has an instant connection. A touch of magic realism that is done so subtlety that it doesn’t feel like fantasy but rather a charming, quirky and endearing holiday romance. And it isn’t just a sweet romance between Jack and Astra but also Astra and her group of girlfriends who have become like family. So much love, support, friendship and loyalty. This is a total huggable book full of warm fuzzies.

This book is like a warm hug. It’s so cozy and wonderful and filled with just the perfect amount of Christmas spirit/magic! I loved both of these characters journeys and the idea of a disappearing market place! This was the perfect Christmas read and just puts you right in the Christmas spirit!

This book is pure magic! The story sets around Astra and her friends who all attend a Christmas market each year for girls’ weekend. Every weekend Astra meets Jack, the hunky man behind the counter at the Kringle bakery. Each year they have some kind of connection, and then Astra forgets about him. Not because she wants to, but because Jack is part of a magical Christmas world! This book is heart warming, charming, full of Christmas spirit and overall wonderful. This is a must read for Christmas!

I read the sweetest and most adorable Christmas story recently. Once Upon a December by Amy E. Reichert is like a fairy tale and has whisperings of The Night Circus at times.

I love that this story told from both Astra and Jack's perspectives and it was fun seeing how their worlds came together. I recently read Out of the Blue by Jason June and this novel has a similar feel with two people from different worlds (one coming from the author's very creative imagination) trying to make a relationship happen. One of them is going to have to sacrifice the life they know, but who will it be?

I really loved Astra's circle of friends and how they all support each other, no matter what happens in their lives. And we can't forget the ever-so-adorable dog Bernie! Of course, this wouldn't be a Christmas story without the cozy feel. I could practically smell and taste Jack's kringles! (They sound so delicious.)

The only thing that didn't work for me was explaining the time aspect for the Julemarked. There's an element of time travel involved, but it felt confusing to me. However, this didn't take away from what a charming and wonderful novel this was!

Pick this one up ASAP and prepare to escape to another world! It will definitely warm your heart this winter.

Movie casting suggestions:
Jack: Joel Kinnaman
Astra: Kether Donohue
Cassie: Cristin Milioti
Steph: Haley Webb
Ronnie: Bar Paly
Anika: Malin Akerman
Mads: Martin Wallström
Trent: Jake Lacy (he easily came to mind after watching The White Lotus)

One thing I love about Christmas books is the Christmas Magic. And what better way to deliver Christmas magic then having a magical Christmas Market.

I really think this one is best to dive into blindly and to let the Christmas magic envelope you in its story.

If you’re a hallmark Christmas magic movie lover you’ll enjoy this one. It has the perfect amount of love, friendship, and all the Christmas goodness. A super sweet read.

This one is an out of the box holiday romance bringing you Astra, a divorcee who comes with 3 close female close-knit friends, to the Christmas market each year for their annual girls trip. Each year she meets Jack, falls in love, and then forgets. Jack lives in a magical place that only appears, maybe, once a year during the Christmas month only. With its swoony holiday romance, magical realism, time travel, and all the holiday spirit, you can’t help but fall in love with this book. I don’t know who I need to talk to, but this needs to make it on the screen by next holiday season, just saying. Warning, reading this may lead to hot chocolate, holiday pastry eating, and snuggling with warm blankets by the fire until you finish (maybe a mulled wine too).

A quaint Christmas love story sprinkled with some magical realism. There was so much to like in this one. I loved the fierce friendship between Astra, Ronnie, Cassie and Steph. It’s so great to read strong women characters supporting each other (even if it brought a slight tear to my eye at one point). I loved that they stood the test of time and were there for each other through thick and thin. I absolutely adored Bernie and the shenanigans Astra got him into. What a good bad dog. LOL

And of course I liked the sweet romance in the novel and the way the book kept Jack and Astra separated. I must admit that was a new one for me. They seemed perfect for each other, drawn together with their love for all things Christmas.

I am not always a fan of magical realism, but this one had the right mix of Christmas magic and reality. Because we all know from a young age that all things Christmas really are magic. And when I googled that kringle pastries are real, they looked so delicious.

This is a good mix of Christmas, friendships and love to get you in the holiday spirit.

I love a good holiday romance. You add in a librarians and I'm pretty much guaranteed to read it. Arguably this book felt sometimes a bit too long, but somehow felt rushed at the end (quite the amalgam of experiences). All-in-all a solid addition to my seasonal reads, but not one I will reread in future years.

For Libraries: You can't go wrong here if you have a long list of holiday romance readers & I would be shocked if you don't.

Astra Noel Snow and Jack Clausen have been meeting each other at the Milwaukee Christmas market for over a decade, and while Jack remembers every single encounter, Astra remembers none of them. Jack is part of a magical universe called the Julemarked where all involved magically leap from one December to the next every 4 weeks, appearing at Christmas markets all over the world. He has always loved his life, until a night with Astra shows him what life outside is like. They have one month of incredible dates, and at the end must decide if their relationship is worth changing their lives for.

This was such a fun read with a little touch of holiday magic. I loved the magical world of Christmas markets and so badly wanted to eat a Kringle and sip some hot chocolate after reading this. This story is all about the joy and magic of the holidays and Astra and Jack’s love story was just so sweet.

Thanks to Berkley Publishing for the advance copy. Thank you to @berittalksbooks and @dg_reads for the buddy read!

Listen, when I saw this book had a librarian in it I ran because I myself am a librarian. I loved this. It was a little weird but it still kind of worked, if that makes sense. I am always a sucker for a holiday romance and this gave me the best hallmark vibes. I loved Astra's friends and the way her and Jack complimented each other personality wise.

Thank you #netgalley for an early read of #OnceUponADecember

Review will be posted on 12/2/22

Jack Clausen works at his family's bakery in Julemarked, a Christmas Market. Except this isn't a regular Christmas Market. This market is magical and it's Christmas year-round there. Where he lives is a magical world that can only be accessed through the Christmas Markets throughout the world like portals and before you know it, it disappears on Christmas Eve. Astra Snow (yes, that's her name), always visits the Milwaukee Christmas Market with her friends. While there, Astra runs into Jack. Jack has been watching Astra for years and looks forward to their meetings, but the problem is Astra doesn't remember them. Except this year something different happens. This time Astra finally recognizes Jack from a dream she had. Cue a budding romance except how can Jack convince Astra to leave her world behind and stay with him in his magical home? Before the Christmas Market disappears, he has to convince her that their relationship is worth the risk. Once Upon a December is a cute holiday tale with a magical twist and a wonderful setting of the Christmas Market.

Astra is a likeable character in Once Upon a December. I enjoyed her, especially because she is a librarian. Her toxic relationship with her ex-husband drove me nuts though, so I was rooting for her to find happiness with Jack. Except we all know that her deciding to live in this magical world would mean giving up her job at the library, her family, and her friends. Jack, on the other hand, is a downright good guy except how he could expect this from her, I am not sure. It's a big ask, especially since Astra doesn't fully remember all their interactions. So, despite his shortcomings, I enjoyed their romance and liked the flashbacks to the memories of when they previously met at past Christmas Markets. It was all very charming.

I have to say that Reichert hits it out of the ballpark with the Christmas Market, Julemarked. It was an absolutely charming setting and such a fun location to get readers into the holiday spirit. The concept of a "magical" land via the market was a bit much, but once I suspended my disbelief, I appreciated this Hallmark Christmas movie like tale.

My only issue with Astra was her co-dependency with her friends and the plot twist at the end of Once Upon a December that I am not sure was necessary. Astra is a good friend, but she is basing her life choices on supporting her friends and while that is great, she is missing out on opportunities to make herself happy. It's like she doesn't want to be a main character in her life, but instead a supporting role. I really wanted her to be there for her friends, but not to the point where it derails her plans and her happiness. Other than that and the plot twist, I thought Once Upon a December was a cute read for the holidays. If you like your holiday tales with a touch of magic, this one is for you.

Have you read Once Upon a December? Is it on your TBR list? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Short synopsis: Jack works in the Yukemarked, a Christmas market that defies time and space. Astra trying to recover from her recent divorce is looking forward to visiting the Milwaukee market with her girlfriends. When she meets the handsome baker Jack, they both must decide if their relationship can withstand the season.

My thoughts: This was a cute magical story. I loved how Jack did special things to show Astra that he cared about her, like making the little gnomes and either giving them to her or hiding them for her to find later.

I honestly didn’t understand really what was happening until about halfway through when Jack explained the magical alley to Astra. I don’t know if it’s a me issue, or if that was the intent.

I really loved the relationship that Astra had with her friends and their children, and the relationship Jack had with his brothers was swoon worthy.

Read if you love:
* Magical elements
* Christmas shops
* Hot chocolate
* Pastries
* Solid friendships and family
* Bookshops

Thank you @berkley for the complimentary copy of this book. This is out now, so add it to your holiday reading schedule.

This was a magical and sweet story about finding your place.

I loved the descriptions of Julemarked. The way the market moves, how time works, the affect on memory, and more. This book also made me deeply hungry and desiring a cup of coffee with some Kringle.

Astra is a frustrating character because of the length of time her ex-husband spends taking advantage of her. I know many readers will be frustrated by her lack of backbone, but I honestly kind of got it. Once she finally stood up for herself, that section got a bit too ridiculous for me. I was more here for the holiday market sections and the food.

I loved Jack's family and his relationships with his brothers and the way he really pushed out of his comfort zone for Astra. It took a while, but it was nice to see such growth from him. I kind of hope for more information about the one brother who kind of has his feet in both worlds.

Overall, this was a quick and cute book that got me the holiday spirit.

A holiday romance with a little bit of magic. ✨

While I was pleasantly surprised by the element of magic via the Julemarked, I think it got a little complicated towards the end and it lost me a bit. The romance was sweet, but again, I just lost interest in them about 75% in. I wasn’t a huge fan of the *twist* in the latter half, but all in all, it was a sweet Christmas romance!

Would recommend for the holiday season if you’re looking for cozy Christmas vibes!

This was such a cute holiday romance! I loved that there was an alternate 'magic' Christmas world, it added so much to the story and created conflict without the classic (frustrating) romance novel miscommunication. I will definitely be recommending this to anyone looking for a Hallmark movie in book form!

Would I Recommend? Yes, if you are looking for a cozy holiday romance

Read/Listen If You Like:
🎄 Christmas Romances
🧀 Books Based in Wisconsin
🎅🏻 Christmas Markets
⏳Past and Present Timelines
✨ Magical Realism
✌🏻Dual POV
📖 Outlander

“I like how even time can’t keep two people meant to be together apart.”

My Thoughts:
Ever wonder what the lives of the people in the little towns in snow globes is like if they were real? I feel like this one gives me my answer… I loved the weaving of the themes of family and friendship that this one gives as both of those gave me all the cozy vibes while reading this holiday romance.

The magic realism was so well done with the magical traveling Christmas Market that pops up and exists only in the month of December over and over never knowing where it will pop up next… this aspect definitely gave all the Christmas magical whimsy vibes.

I also loved that the market something that the people who visit forget and are left only with the cozy feelings of visiting the market, unless there is a reason for them to remember…

This made the past and present timelines so much better in this one as Astra does not remember all the times she has met Jack who lives and works in the magical market, but oh does he remember her from each time they landed in Milwaukee and she visited with her friends.

I loved how this one didn’t just go the normal romance route, but still kept in mind that family and friends are part of your true love equation…

Thank you Berkley Romance for my ARC copy of this one in exchange for my honest thoughts! If you are looking for a holiday read to add to your TBR, I highly recommend this one!

3 stars = Good, solid, fine.

I enjoyed this, but found myself enjoying and wanting more of the secondary characters - Astra's friend group, one of Jack's brothers. The main couple just didn't click for me. I didn't *dislike* them, but I didn't love them either. And I was constantly annoyed by the manipulative ex and how often Astra caved to his garbage while knowing full well it was garbage. The kringle parts were great, but of course I am a Wisconsin girl.

If you like your holiday romance with a touch of sci-fi/fantasy, you might give this a try.

Oh I adored this story! I listened to the audio and had the ebook the narrators did such a spectacular job differentiating characters and pulling you in. The story itself was written so cute and full of detail. I loved the idea of a magical Christmas alley that people forget about…unless they have a tie to the shops. Jack was a lovely character and I loathed Trent. Astra was an interesting character. I loved her friendships and loyalty. She was flawed but still lovable. Such a perfect read for the Christmas season with its Christmas magic!

"Once Upon A December": 4 ⭐

Thank you so much to @prhinternational #PRHINTERNATIONAL for the free e-arc copy! You guys are absolute rockstars!

Astra Snow loves Christmas. It's a special time for her, with her friends and with her parents. It's the time of the year she cherishes most, especially now that she got rid of her ex-husband, toxic Trent.
Let's not forget her lovely doggo, Bernie. <3

Jack loves Christmas. He lives in the Julemarked but he only ever celebrates Decembers. Why? Because he lives on a time limbo, where the Julermarked (the Christmas market) exists in different parts of the world only on December. But he's happy and content with the life he leads.

Once upon a December, Jack and Astra meet and they'll never be the same. 🤍

This was so beautifully done. I love a good Christmas story, a good romance during the most beautiful season! I think the title was perfectly chosen since Jack met Astra once upon a December during 13 years (I think, or was it 14?).

I think the story was very well done and very well thought and it discussed a lot of important themes such as friendship, loss, trauma, divorce and post-divorce, taking chances and making mistakes. In the big decision moment, Astra came back for her friends, because, like she said, 3 loves were better than 1 and some regrets are greater than others. It hurt me so much and then she found out she was pregnant and wow, it killed me. I had tears in my eyes and I knew Jack would come back to her somehow. And he did and it was just the perfect encounter.
The ending was predictable but absolutely enjoyable and I think everyone should give a chance to this book.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDABLE! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I’m a sucker for a holiday market, so when I read that this takes place at the main character’s annual trip to Julemarket, I was all in. It’s super sweet and similar to Just Like Magic by Sarah Hogle. It requires you to suspend your disbelief a bit but the writing is top notch.