One Day in December

by Josie Silver

My festive book choice of the season was One Day in December, by Josie Silver. I found this book whilst doing some grocery shopping, and felt it was only right it ended up in my basket. What caught my attention instantly was the very 'The Holiday' and 'Love Actually' vibes the synopsis gave. I also love books that travel back and forth in time, and this story follows the characters over a span of ten decades.

So, what's the story about? To summarise, the book is a feel good, warm, gripping and entertaining read about Laurie sat on the top deck of a bus, finishing her work shift one evening, who then spots an attractive young man sat underneath the shelter of a bus stop. They make eye contact, sparks fly, but the bus moves before either of them have a chance to say hello.

Laurie searches for mystery man, but fails to find him, until her best friend, Sarah, one day introduces her to her new boyfriend Jack, who turns out to be mystery man from the bus stop. Laurie decides to suppress her feelings, Jack pretends he doesn't remember Laurie, and the two figure out how to navigate this rather awkward situation. Which means Laurie ends up meeting someone different, Jack and Sarah are together, and lives move forward.

But, can you ever truly forget a love so instant and powerful?

I loved this book. I adored the first person narrative that carried throughout. It gave a very personal and anecdotal feel to the book. Almost like you are reading their diaries. The author really grips you from the first page, and takes you on a ten year journey of Laurie and Jack's lives, but also focuses on the supporting characters who play pivotal roles in each of their journeys.

I like that each of the additional characters are so vital to the plot and storyline and there's so much more I want to say about them so spoiler alert for the ahead. I liked that Josie manages to convince readers that Laurie and Oscar may end up together, the two even marrying each other. I was sad to see the plot take a turn towards Oscar prioritising his work over trying to make his marriage work, especially because the devastation of Laurie not being able to be with Jack, but finding happiness with Oscar made you want to root for the couple. I also felt bad for Oscar at times because the connection between Laurie and Oscar was so powerful to ignore. The demise of Laurie and Oscar's relationship is seen when Oscar has to work part time in Brussels, which clearly strains their marriage. More so because this means Oscar working with his ex girlfriend, Cressida. Josie successfully accomplishes the mission of making readers dislike Cressida, who Oscar's mum seems to openly favour.

I also enjoyed seeing the character progression of Amanda (Jack's new girlfriend). Although I didn't warm up to her at the start, I felt her frustration towards the end through her wanting more from Jack, but coming to the harsh realisation that Jack will always have feelings for Laurie. Additionally, I can't forget the devastating plot line for Laurie's dad. I think it was so beautifully written and captured the raw emotions of the grief process.

I also liked how the story captured the reality of career progression and how often, you have to start with a small thing, to end with a larger thing.

It had plot twists I didn't see coming, it was raw and emotional at times, reflecting the sad experiences that can happen during the winter holidays, but also the happy.

My only negative critique really is if you're not reading the book continuously, it's easy to forget which decade the characters are currently in. If the time period was written at the top of the pages, for example, it would have grounded the readers more I think.

But, ultimately, I highly recommend this book, and know I will be recommending this one to customers for years to come. And although I only managed to read one festive book this season, I am glad it was this one.