DNFd @ about 35%

This might be the first book I ever DNFd but...yeah...I just couldn't push through it. I don’t normally have an issue with 3rd person and can adjust to it pretty quickly, but I just couldn’t with this book. The story wasn’t grabbing my attention, and I found myself skimming through most of the pages at some points.

Would I try picking it up again? Maybe? Would I recommend it? Not sure.

Thank you for the ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own :)

Every year, Shelter Springs hosts its annual Christmas Market with local shop owner Amanda at the helm of organization. Outside of managing the festive market and running her soap store, Amanda dedicates her remaining time to her grandmother, Birdie.

When Birdie begins a romance with another resident at her retirement community, Amanda unexpectedly finds herself encountering Rafe—the local paramedic and assistant fire chief who happens to be the grandson of Birdie's new companion.

As their paths continue to intersect, Amanda and Rafe face a choice: persist in their disagreements over their grandparents' relationship or acknowledge the growing attraction between them.

Unfortunately, this novel didn't rank among my favorites in this year's Christmas romance selection. The pacing felt sluggish, and I struggled to form a meaningful connection with either of the main characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press for providing an advanced copy of "The Christmas Market" by RaeAnne Thayne. All opinions expressed are my own.

~~~ I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~~~

This book is Christmas time bound together with a cover. The December Market is such a cute story of Rafe and Amanda- and their grandparents. This is a story of love, trust, and living life to its fullest. It's sure to leave you warm all over this holiday season- be sure to add it to your TBR holiday list, you won't regret it! Perfect for a cozy night in on a cold winter night.

The December Market : Book Review

I like reading RaeAnne Thayne’s books and I really enjoyed reading this one.
The story is about Rafe and Amanda who have both been through losses and grief in their respective lives and find themselves together during the December Holiday market.

So much holiday cheer , the Holiday market sounds so fun , such a nice Holiday read.

The December Market is a charming and heartwarming holiday romance set in the festive town of Shelter Springs. Amanda Taylor, a woman haunted by past Christmases, is forced to face the holiday season head-on as she runs her soap shop at the local holiday market. When her grandmother’s new romance stirs up trouble, Amanda is reluctantly drawn into a rivalry with Rafe Arredondo, the grandson of her grandmother’s suitor. Despite their shared skepticism about the match, the chemistry between Amanda and Rafe is undeniable, and as their paths continue to cross, they begin to wonder if love might be the best gift of all. The story beautifully captures the spirit of Christmas, second chances, and the magic of unexpected connections.

An adorably sweet Christmas romance. I think what I love most about this one, and really the series, is the small town setting. The way everyone has each other's backs. It's charming and frankly I wish everywhere was as welcoming and accepting as these fictional book places.

The December Market by RaeAnne Thayne is a heartwarming holiday romance that captures the magic of the season and the power of second chances. Set in the charming town of Hope's Crossing, the story follows two characters, who, despite their past differences, find themselves reconnecting during the Christmas season. With themes of healing, love, and community, Thayne weaves a cozy and emotional tale that’s perfect for fans of festive romances. With lovable characters, a warm setting, and a feel-good storyline, this book is ideal for cozy holiday reading.

Amanda Taylor would rather be whipping up handmade holiday soaps than getting tangled in Christmas romance drama—but the universe has other plans. Running her cozy shop in Shelter Springs, she's perfectly happy keeping busy and dodging all things mistletoe, but when her grandma Birdie starts getting a little too close to a charming new resident at the local retirement community, Amanda can't help but be suspicious. Turns out, she’s not the only one. Rafe Arredondo—single dad, assistant fire chief, and grandson of Birdie’s new love interest—also has questions, and before they know it, these two are teaming up to monitor the grandparents' blossoming romance. Except, uh, somewhere along the way, their own sparks start to fly.

This book is pure small-town holiday magic—cozy markets, snowy streets, a little matchmaking gone wrong, and a romance that sneaks up on two people who weren't looking for love. Amanda and Rafe’s banter is fun and natural, and their chemistry builds in a way that feels genuine (and yes, swoon-worthy). The town of Shelter Springs is basically a Hallmark movie set waiting to happen, and while the story follows a familiar holiday romance blueprint, it’s charming, heartfelt, and full of festive fun. The subplot with their grandparents? Absolutely adorable.

I’m giving “The December Market” 4 out of 5 stars! It’s cozy, romantic, and full of small-town holiday charm, perfect for anyone who loves family-centered stories, a little matchmaking chaos, and a romance that starts off with a misunderstanding but ends up feeling totally meant to be. If you’re looking for a feel-good Christmas book that’ll have you craving warm cider, twinkling lights, and maybe even a little homemade holiday soap-making, this one’s worth picking up!

It was ok. Difficult to get into. I’ve read a much better book by this author. Wouldn’t recommend to read again. Might try another book by the author though

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

RaeAnne Thayne writes great holiday escapes that make for the perfect light read. This is a second chance romance, kissing only.

Recommended!

I can always count on RaeAnne Thayne for heart-tugging, feel-good stories that immerse me in the warmth and joy of the holiday season. Stories that include healing, romance, humor, family, and hard-won happy endings, all of which are front and center in Thayne’s newest holiday novel, The December Market.

Rafe and Amanda have both had emotional baggage and loss in their lives. For Amanda in particular - for more reasons than one - it’s been difficult to move on from tragic events in her past and open her heart to the possibility of love. I enjoyed these two so much. Rafe won me over just as completely as he did Amanda. Though not without some ups and downs. There’s a lot to overcome here. It’s going to take a special man, an irrepressible six-year-old boy, adorable grandparents, and possibly Santa to fulfill a little boy’s wish and secure a happy ending for a most deserving couple.

The December Market put me firmly in the Christmas spirit even though it’s only October. Pretty sure I’m going to be reading this one again.

4.5 stars
ARC received from publisher via NetGalley. Fair and unbiased review.

The December Market by RaeAnne Thayne is a heartwarming holiday romance that beautifully captures the magic of Christmas and the power of second chances. Set in the charming town of Shelter Springs, this novel is perfect for readers seeking a cozy escape filled with love, family, and holiday cheer.

At the heart of the story is Amanda Taylor, the owner of a local soap shop who’s less than enthusiastic about Christmas. Haunted by painful memories of past holiday seasons, Amanda has distanced herself from the festive spirit. But as the organizer of the Shelter Springs Holiday Giving Market, she can’t avoid the season altogether. Instead, she focuses on making it a joyful experience for her customers, burying her personal feelings along the way. However, things take an unexpected turn when her grandmother, Birdie, begins dating a new resident at the Shelter Inn retirement community—a match that Amanda finds suspicious, and one that also raises the concerns of Rafe Arredondo, the dashing and equally dubious grandson of Birdie’s suitor.

Rafe is a man with a lot on his plate—he’s a single father, a paramedic, and an assistant fire chief. With so many responsibilities weighing on him, he doesn’t have room in his life for new complications, especially when it comes to Amanda. Though he shares her skepticism about his grandfather’s relationship with Birdie, he’s also drawn to Amanda in ways he can’t ignore. Despite her reluctance to embrace the season, Amanda’s warmth, kindness, and the way she interacts with Rafe’s young son make it hard for him to keep his distance. As they continue to cross paths during the holiday market, sparks fly, and the connection between them deepens.

Thayne weaves an emotionally rich narrative filled with tender moments and a slow-burn romance that feels authentic and earned. The chemistry between Amanda and Rafe builds naturally, as both characters work through their own baggage and past hurts. What could have been a typical "enemies to lovers" storyline becomes something much more layered, as both Amanda and Rafe are forced to confront their fears about love, family, and the holiday season.

The setting of Shelter Springs is charmingly described, with the Holiday Giving Market serving as a vibrant backdrop to the story. Thayne captures the spirit of small-town Christmas magic, creating a festive atmosphere that is just as central to the narrative as the romance itself. The market becomes a place of transformation, where both Amanda and Rafe are able to heal, take risks, and find new hope for the future.

One of the most touching aspects of The December Market is its exploration of family dynamics—both the complicated and the supportive. The relationship between Amanda and her grandmother, Birdie, is sweetly portrayed, and the bond that forms between Amanda and Rafe’s son adds a heartwarming layer to the romance. The story isn’t just about finding love; it’s also about rediscovering the importance of connection, forgiveness, and second chances.

RaeAnne Thayne’s writing is filled with warmth, emotional depth, and a lovely sense of nostalgia. The pacing is perfect, with just the right balance of tension and sweetness, making The December Market a delightful read for the holiday season. For fans of feel-good romances with a bit of holiday magic, this book is sure to be a cozy favorite.

In short, The December Market is a charming, festive read that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you with a renewed belief in love, family, and the joy of Christmas. Thayne has crafted a story that is as heartwarming as a cup of hot cocoa by the fire, and it’s a perfect addition to any holiday reading list.

This is a good book. The two main characters are Amanda and Rafe. They are neighbors. Rafe is a firefighter and has a son. Amanda is director of the December market. Rafe falls, breaks his arm while helping two elderly women. He is told he is on leave until his cast comes off. He volunteers to work the first aid booth. There is an attraction. They both fight it. They keep kissing and saying they need to stop. They fall in love.

I adored this book. It was extremely touching and cute. The characters were very human and believable with flaws.

I am newer to this author but I’ll be reading more by them soon.

This was a festive, cozy read with charming characters and magical vibes. While the pacing lagged at times and the ending was predictable but cute , it’s still a heartwarming treat for holiday romance fans.

Amanda Taylor isn't a fan of Christmas, but her soap shop brings in a lot of money over the holidays, so she can't afford to skip the holiday markets. But what she doesn't expect is for Christmas magic to worm it's way into her heart.

This was a sweet escape. Amanda doesn't enjoy Christmas. Too many bad things happened to her around this time. But as a proprietor in the small town of Shelter Springs, Idaho, she must try to smile and bring joy to others. She spends a lot of time with her Grandmother, Birdie. She becomes concerned when Birdie appears to have a boyfriend at her retirement community. To make matters worse, the gentleman just happens to be Rafe's grandfather. Rafe is a widower and a local paramedic with an adorable little boy. The small family has recently moved to Amanda's street. Amanda does her best to steer clear and these two endearing men.

Such a cute story. Amanda is convinced that Rafe is not for her. This story was fun to read and I really liked the characters. It is uplifting and such a nice way to relax. I also enjoyed the setting as I am from Idaho as well.

This was a DNF for me, for some reason I just couldn’t get into it and I tried multiple times. My apologies.

The December Market is a charming holiday romance set in the quaint town of Shelter Springs, Idaho. Amanda devotes herself each year to organizing the town’s Christmas market, leaving little room for personal relationships. Still carrying the weight of grief and guilt from her past, she’s built walls around her heart.

Things start to shift when Amanda crosses paths with her neighbor Rafe and his son, Isaac. As they continue to bump into each other and uncover connections between their grandparents, Amanda finds her defenses beginning to crumble.

This was a heartwarming and wholesome read. While it touched on some heavier themes, the story stayed fairly light and didn’t delve too deeply. The dialogue was a bit stiff at times, but the festive atmosphere and charming setting made it an enjoyable holiday escape

I really enjoyed my trip back to Shelter Springs! Having read Christmas at the Shelter Inn last holiday season, I was very excited for book two in the series. Loved Amanda and Rafe's love story unfold. Loved even more, I think, all the side characters in this lovely town. If you need a holiday read with family, community and a sweet love story...pick up The December Market.