Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
If you’re in the mood for a heartwarming and emotional love story that will make you laugh, cry, and perhaps even sigh with satisfaction, One Day in December by Josie Silver is a perfect pick. This debut novel, which quickly became a holiday favorite, is a charming, well-crafted tale of love, missed opportunities, and the beauty of serendipity.
The Plot: A Love Story That Begins at First Sight
The story begins on a cold December day in London, when Laurie, a young woman who is feeling the weight of the festive season and the solitude of her life, spots a man through the window of a bus. Their eyes meet, and in that split second, they both feel an undeniable connection. Laurie is convinced she’s found “the one,” but just as quickly as the moment happens, the bus drives away, and the man is gone. She spends months searching for him, hoping for a chance encounter that will reunite them, but to no avail.
Fast forward a year, and Laurie’s life takes an unexpected turn when she meets her best friend Sarah’s new boyfriend—who just so happens to be the very same man she saw that fateful day through the bus window. His name is Jack, and he’s as charming as he is devastatingly unaware of the deep connection Laurie feels toward him. As Laurie struggles with her emotions, loyalty to her best friend, and the desire for the kind of love she believes she lost, the novel weaves through their complicated, sometimes painful, and often heartwarming journey.
One Day in December explores the theme of “what if” and the ways our choices can shape our destinies. Laurie and Jack’s story spans over a decade, during which they encounter heartbreak, life changes, and the kind of soul-searching that forces them to ask whether they can ever truly have the love they imagined.
The Characters: Relatable, But Flawed
Laurie is an easy character to root for, but she is far from perfect. Her longing for Jack feels both sweet and, at times, frustrating. There are moments when her decisions—especially in relation to her best friend Sarah—are questionable, and you may find yourself wanting to shake her out of her indecisiveness. But these flaws are what make her so real. She isn’t a perfect heroine, but her vulnerability and emotions are raw, making her relatable to anyone who has ever experienced longing, loss, or the confusion of love.
Jack, too, is not without his flaws. While he’s undeniably appealing, his character is more layered than it first appears. His actions, especially as they relate to Sarah and Laurie, create tension, but they also add complexity to the story. The push and pull between the two women’s friendship and their relationship with Jack is what drives much of the drama in the book.
Sarah, Laurie’s best friend, serves as an interesting foil to Laurie. While Sarah is more independent and seemingly confident, the depth of their friendship—complicated by the love triangle—adds emotional weight to the novel. Watching Laurie grapple with her loyalty to Sarah and her unspoken feelings for Jack creates an emotional rollercoaster for readers.
The Writing: Heartfelt and Captivating
Josie Silver’s writing style is warm, engaging, and rich in emotion. She does an excellent job of capturing the complexities of love, friendship, and time. The narrative is told from multiple points of view—primarily Laurie’s and Jack’s—which allows the reader to connect with both characters in a deeper way, understanding their internal struggles and desires.
The pacing of the novel is one of its strengths. The book spans several years, but Silver’s ability to balance time jumps with the emotional intensity of the present moment ensures that the reader remains fully invested. Whether it’s Laurie’s internal dialogue or the way Silver describes the emotional tension between the characters, you’ll feel like you’re right there with them, navigating the ups and downs of their relationship.
There’s also a magical quality to the writing that perfectly suits the holiday setting. Christmas is woven throughout the narrative, not just as a backdrop for the romance, but as an integral part of the story’s heart and soul. The book isn’t just a Christmas romance—it’s a year-round story of fate, missed opportunities, and second chances.
Themes: Love, Fate, and Friendship
At its core, One Day in December is about love and fate. The idea that sometimes the universe has a plan for us, even when it feels like we’re stumbling in the dark, is a central theme. Laurie and Jack’s story is marked by missed chances and the desire for something more, but it’s also about the choices we make and the paths we take.
The novel also explores the complexity of friendship. Laurie’s relationship with Sarah, while deeply important to her, is tested by the arrival of Jack in their lives. The tension between romantic love and friendship is palpable, and the book doesn’t shy away from the complications that come with these intertwined relationships.
The Christmas Spirit
Though One Day in December is a romance at heart, the story’s holiday setting gives it a special kind of magic. Christmas plays a significant role in the story’s pivotal moments, and Silver perfectly captures the warmth and nostalgia that come with the season. From the snowy streets of London to the intimate moments between the characters, the holiday backdrop creates a sense of coziness and festive cheer that will make you feel like you’re wrapped up in a blanket with a mug of hot cocoa.
The Verdict: A Heartfelt Romance with Depth
One Day in December is a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever experienced unrequited love, complicated friendships, or the yearning for a second chance. Josie Silver delivers a heartfelt and emotional narrative, filled with characters that feel real, flaws and all. While it is undeniably a romance, the novel goes beyond the traditional love story by examining the complexities of friendship, loyalty, and personal growth.
If you’re a fan of romantic fiction that tugs at your heartstrings and leaves you feeling a mixture of joy and sadness, this book is definitely worth reading. It’s a beautifully crafted story about fate, love, and the magic of the holiday season—perfect for cozying up with during the winter months, or for anyone looking for a poignant love story to hold onto long after the final page is turned.
Have you read One Day in December? What did you think of Laurie and Jack’s story? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!