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3.76 AVERAGE
3.76 AVERAGE
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I absolutely fell in love with this book! My introduction to Jenny Bayliss was through "Meet Me Under the Mistletoe," which set my expectations high for this one. And let me tell you, it not only met those expectations but exceeded them! The story revolves around three sisters who, after their eccentric father's passing, embark on an adventure he has planned for them through his will.
One aspect I adored about this book was how it was narrated from the perspective of each sister. It gave me insight into their unique mindsets and lives. Each sister faces her own personal challenges while also navigating the provisions of their father's will. What truly captured my heart was the bond these sisters rekindled, and I must say, it was refreshing to read a story that went beyond romance. While there were three romantic plots intertwined, the focus remained on the evolving relationship and the love shared among the sisters.
I experienced a rollercoaster of emotions while reading this book—I cried, laughed, and smiled along with the characters. The vivid descriptions made it easy for me to imagine myself right there with the sisters, living their journey. I wholeheartedly recommend "A December to Remember" without hesitation!
I want to express my immense gratitude to NetGalley, the publisher, and Jenny Bayliss for providing me with an ARC of "A December to Remember."
One aspect I adored about this book was how it was narrated from the perspective of each sister. It gave me insight into their unique mindsets and lives. Each sister faces her own personal challenges while also navigating the provisions of their father's will. What truly captured my heart was the bond these sisters rekindled, and I must say, it was refreshing to read a story that went beyond romance. While there were three romantic plots intertwined, the focus remained on the evolving relationship and the love shared among the sisters.
I experienced a rollercoaster of emotions while reading this book—I cried, laughed, and smiled along with the characters. The vivid descriptions made it easy for me to imagine myself right there with the sisters, living their journey. I wholeheartedly recommend "A December to Remember" without hesitation!
I want to express my immense gratitude to NetGalley, the publisher, and Jenny Bayliss for providing me with an ARC of "A December to Remember."
Heartwarming story about 3 sisters. Enjoyed the winter solstice theme and the characters and the women’s empowerment themes.
emotional
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
The coziest little winter solstice read about the love between sisters. Plus the setting was basically in English Stars Hollow, so who wouldn’t want to spend some time there with a cast of quirky characters?
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
At first, I was slow to get into the story. I had a hard time connecting with the characters—at least enough to care about their problems, but once things got moving with the plot I enjoyed it a lot more. Although fair warning, if you don't like the overly-sentimental mood of Hallmark movies, I don't think this book is for you.
I liked all three sisters, but Star the youngest, quickly became my favorite character (despite being the oldest sister myself). She grows up as a wandering spirit who yearns for a home and familial support—which she hasn't had since the last summer she spent with her sisters. Like her sisters, Star has struggled a lot, but she stays positive throughout it all. She takes care of both her mind and body, and is honest with herself and the people around her in a way that I admire.
However, the thing I loved the most about her character is the idea that she looks for “magic” everywhere she goes. Whether that be something that makes her smile, stands out in her memory, or reminds her of how beautiful life is—I think it's such an amazing way of looking at the world and since reading this I've found myself doing the same.
If there's one thing I'd love to praise Jenny Bayliss for, it would be the unique detail she weaves into not just her characters, but setting as well. I always love a good small town setting, and Bayliss did a wonderful job with the community of Rowan Thorp, but a nice touch I liked is the North antique shop. The sisters only spend about a fourth of the book there, but having worked in an antique shop before I really loved being immersed in their mission to catalog the shop.
On paper A December to Remember isn't different from a lot of holiday stories, but Bayliss adds just enough unique details that make it memorable. I loved the story and can see myself rereading it next Christmas as well. And despite being about love, family, and community, there were plenty of heavier themes that worked to bring the sisters together—making it a good balance.
I liked all three sisters, but Star the youngest, quickly became my favorite character (despite being the oldest sister myself). She grows up as a wandering spirit who yearns for a home and familial support—which she hasn't had since the last summer she spent with her sisters. Like her sisters, Star has struggled a lot, but she stays positive throughout it all. She takes care of both her mind and body, and is honest with herself and the people around her in a way that I admire.
However, the thing I loved the most about her character is the idea that she looks for “magic” everywhere she goes. Whether that be something that makes her smile, stands out in her memory, or reminds her of how beautiful life is—I think it's such an amazing way of looking at the world and since reading this I've found myself doing the same.
If there's one thing I'd love to praise Jenny Bayliss for, it would be the unique detail she weaves into not just her characters, but setting as well. I always love a good small town setting, and Bayliss did a wonderful job with the community of Rowan Thorp, but a nice touch I liked is the North antique shop. The sisters only spend about a fourth of the book there, but having worked in an antique shop before I really loved being immersed in their mission to catalog the shop.
On paper A December to Remember isn't different from a lot of holiday stories, but Bayliss adds just enough unique details that make it memorable. I loved the story and can see myself rereading it next Christmas as well. And despite being about love, family, and community, there were plenty of heavier themes that worked to bring the sisters together—making it a good balance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infertility, Death of parent, Alcohol
Moderate: Addiction, Miscarriage, Toxic relationship, Grief, Abortion
Minor: Misogyny
3.5 stars rounded up.
This one started off slowly; I didn't connect with it. I found the story to be a little intriguing in the end, but it didn't grab my attention. I found some of the writing to be so-so. The ending felt like I was reading a suggestion for a script for a movie rather than a well-written book. It felt unfinished at times. I did like the Christmas / Winter Solistice vibes. If a story about a family coming back together at the holidays intrigues you, this one would work. Not my favorite by Bayliss though.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC!
This one started off slowly; I didn't connect with it. I found the story to be a little intriguing in the end, but it didn't grab my attention. I found some of the writing to be so-so. The ending felt like I was reading a suggestion for a script for a movie rather than a well-written book. It felt unfinished at times. I did like the Christmas / Winter Solistice vibes. If a story about a family coming back together at the holidays intrigues you, this one would work. Not my favorite by Bayliss though.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC!
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated