Review: Always in December

Always in December
By Emily Stone

Published By: Headline
Publication Date: October 14, 2021
Date Read: November 27, 2021
Genre: Adult – Contemporary
Source: Bought
Format: Paperback
Pages: 416

From Goodreads:
Heartbreaking. Life-affirming. Truly unforgettable. Always, in December is the timeless, stay-up-all-night love story we all need right now.

If you loved One Day in December, Me Before You and the hit movie Last Christmas, this is the perfect book for you.

Every December, Josie posts a letter to the parents she lost one Christmas night, many years ago. She always writes the same three words: Missing you, always.

When Josie accidentally collides with a stranger at the postbox, she is unaware that Max has his own reasons for trying to avoid the season…or that their chance encounter is set to alter both their lives – and their hearts – in the most unexpected and beautiful of ways…

Set in London, New York and the gorgeous English countryside, Always, in December is the love story everyone will be talking about this year.

Always in December is a book I just happened upon by chance. I came across it late October/early November on Instagram when someone I followed got an ARC. I immediately looked it up and thought it sounded like a perfect Christmassy read. I bought it immediately and I am so glad I did. This book was so very different to what I was expecting but I loved every single moment of it.

Always in December follows the story of Josie. Christmas is always difficult for Josie as she lost her parents right at Christmas time and it’s a constant reminder of what she is missing. But when she runs into (literally) a beautiful stranger at the postbox on Christmas Eve, her life changes.

This book grabbed me right from the very first page. I almost cannot believe that this is Emily Stone’s debut novel. She has perfected her craft so well. Everything about this book is phenomenal. From the writing style that grabs you right from the start, to the incredible character development… everything is amazing. This book is such a gem, and I am so very glad I decided to pick this one up. Emily Stone has immediately gone on my auto-buy author list. I really cannot wait to see what she writes next and I can guarantee I will be pre-ordering it.

I loved Always in December so completely but I have to say it did completely catch me off guard. If you’re looking at this and thinking that this sounds like the most amazing holiday romance… I did too. But let me warn you, this book is not a romance. Not in the slightest. While there is some romance in it, and it’s meet-cute and so adorable… if you’re looking for something that will fill you with warmth… this book is not going to do that. This book is raw and gritty and real. And I freaking love that about it. It’s heart-wrenching and heartbreaking but in a way that you will still be so so glad you read it. Always in December will stay with me for such a long time because of it’s beautiful and raw look into grief.

This book was everything I never knew I needed in a book. I absolutely adore it, even though it made my ugly cry. It was just utterly sad, and heartbreaking but also hopeful and shows you that there is a way to cope with grief. I can’t praise this book enough. I highly recommend everyone read it… but maybe when you’re in the mood for a god cry!

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