Romance | One Day in December | Josie Silver

I took part in the blog tour recently with an extract from Josie Silver’s debut, One Day in December and having now read the story, WOW!  I absolutely adored this romance read.  Believe the hype. 🙂

One Day in December really did sweep me off my feet!

It was easy to identify with all the characters and become emotionally involved.  I always enjoy both leads narrating and for me, this really did add depth in this story.  I felt uncomfortable when the characters did and of course all the emotions that come from a star-crossed love story.  I wasn’t really sure who I wanted to champion as I wanted Laurie, Sarah and Jack to be where they should be romantically, but where was that?  Sarah and Jack’s relationship wasn’t perfect but it was pretty close.  I never quite felt that Oscar was right for Laurie but was Jack?  I had much admiration for Laurie and Jack’s determination to leave that day in December behind them.

I loved the timeline!  Over the years, Josie Silver takes us to important dates in Laurie’s life (refreshingly we don’t work our way through every day/month etc) which includes a date in December (Laurie’s New Year resolutions are a fabulous touch each year).  The days we experience always hold an emotional punch and move the story along.  And did I feel those emotions!

The focus isn’t only on love/romance but of course friendships too.  The cycles friendships go through is portrayed really well.  The intensity when we’re younger when we find that connection, settling in not so much with familiarity but feeling comfortable, then through changes in life and a moving away and finally a maturity.  Almost going full circle.  Laurie and Sarah’s friendship is a true beauty.

Mental health/PTSD is written realistically and is an integral part of the story.  It’s a key event that prompts change and although led me away from where I wanted the story to go, is also integral to the ending.  And wow!  what an ending.  I was literally sobbing.

You may have seen at the end of September the article in the Guardian ‘Love obviously : why we’re rekindling our passion for romcoms.’  If you’ve fallen a little out of love with romcoms, One Day in December is guaranteed to bring back the spark.  Highly recommended.

Connect with Josie Silver

Twitter @josiesilver_

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Read all posts in the romance genre on Jera’s Jamboree.

Penguin/Michael Joseph on Jera’s Jamboree.

Shaz Goodwin

Family comes first! I'm married with two son's in their 20's and have a little more time now to follow my passions. I love my role as an Inclusion Lead in KS2 and I'm passionate about early help. I'm a member of Bournemouth's Early Help Operational Board working alongside others to instigate change and growth. I'm also passionate about my love of reading, being out in nature and creating with crochet. I've been blogging for eight years at Jera's Jamboree.