***I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***
With a name like Astra Noel Snow, holiday spirit isn’t just a seasonal specialty—it’s a way of life. But after a stinging divorce, Astra’s yearly trip to the Milwaukee Christmas market takes on a whole new meaning. She’s ready to eat, drink, and be merry, especially with the handsome stranger who saves the best kringle for her at his family bakery.
For Jack Clausen, the Julemarked with its snowy lights and charming shops stays the same, while the world outside the joyful street changes, magically leaping from one December to the next every four weeks. He’s never minded living this charmed existence until Astra shows him the life he’s been missing outside of the festive red brick alley.
After a swoon-worthy series of dates, some Yuletide magic, and the unexpected glow of new love, Astra and Jack must decide whether this relationship can weather all seasons, or if what they’re feeling is as ephemeral as marshmallows in a mug of hot cocoa.
Once Upon a December by Amy E. Reichert is a magical, entertaining romance that will warm your heart for the holiday season.
Story Recap:
Astra Noel Snow has just gone through a difficult divorce, but the one upside to the divorce is spending more time with her group of friends. Every Christmas, she likes to go to the Christmas Market in Milwaukee with her friends, and now that it’s the beginning of December, she gets to go again, and this time with her friends.
Jack Clausen has worked the Christmas market his entire life in his family’s bakery. He and his family call it the Julemarked, and he’s known all the shopkeepers of the Julemarked his entire life. The secret to the Julemarked is that it goes on every month in a different part of the world. It’s always December for the magical Julemarked, and Jack has no intention of ever leaving, the market, his family, or his friends. But, when he sees a cute woman come into his bakery he’s instantly smitten, but he knows, the market will disappear after Christmas and he will go with it.
My Thoughts:
Once Upon a December has everything I want in a holiday book. A setting of snow, holiday spirit, romance, and a bit of magic. I loved the premise of this story, where Jack works in a Christmas market that moves around the world, and he keeps inside the market that is full of family and friends. Jack is happy with his work and never wants to leave and visit the world outside of the market.
Astra has just gone through a divorce and her self-esteem is low and she’s vulnerable. But, Astra is lucky because she has a caring friend group, who rally around her and help her through this tough time. I just loved her friends, they are fun characters who give the story a bit of humor and helps Astra grow after the divorce.
Jack is a skilled baker and the treats he makes in the bakery sound delicious and made me hungry. The people who work with Jack in the market are also wonderful side characters who support Jack and want the best for him.
Recommendation:
I highly recommend this warmhearted story to anyone who enjoys Christmas romance books. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
About Amy E. Reichert
Amy E. Reichert, author of THE COINCIDENCE OF COCONUT CAKE, LUCK, LOVE & LEMON PIE, THE SIMPLICITY OF CIDER, and THE OPTIMIST'S GUIDE TO LETTING GO, loves to write stories that end well with characters you’d invite to dinner. A wife, mom, amateur chef, Fix-It Mistress, a volunteer baby snuggler, and cider enthusiast, she earned her MA in English Literature and serves on her library’s board of directors. She's a member of Tall Poppy Writers.
This sounds like such a cute and magical Christmas book! Sigh, the addition of the baking makes me so happy! I am a baker’s daughter, so there’s is nothing more Christmas than baked goods for me!
A great review. I have come to appreciate a book that involves food and together with christmas?! Another book going onto my Goodreads list!
Have a good weekend!
Emily @ Budget Tales Book Blog
This sounds heartwarming and perfect for Christmas season. Amazing review!
This sounds absolutely wonderful and just the kind of book I’m in the mood for right now. I’ve been wanting to try this author for ages.
definitely adding this to my tbr in time for christmas!
Sounds like a wonderful story! I love it when a book features yummy food, although it does make me hungry, lol! :
Love this author. I need to add this one to my holiday reads 🙂
I think you’d enjoy this one, Kimberly
Fab review! This goes straight to my Christmas TBR; I love the sound of this story.
Thank you, Yvonne! It’s super cute, I hope you enjoy it.
Great review. I’m not there yet, but I’ll keep this in mind for when I’m in the holiday spirit.
I always read holiday books early in the year.
A great review! This definitely sounds like one to pick up & read! 🙂
Thank you, Nikki!
I’m loving all of your Christmas book reviews, they all seem great, great review 💕
Thank you, Jenny. I enjoy them very much, they are so comforting.
This sounds like yet another fun Christimasy story. I might have to break down and read a few this year, lol.
LOL, I enjoy them as they are just so comforting. We’re not big on Christmas in our house, so the books are all I get.
This sounds like a Christmas book with the spirit of Christmas written in capital letters. You can’t get much more Christmasy than a Christmas mart.
I agree! I love Christmas Markets
This sounds like such a cute and magical Christmas book! Sigh, the addition of the baking makes me so happy! I am a baker’s daughter, so there’s is nothing more Christmas than baked goods for me!
Lovely review, Wendy!
Oh, I didn’t know you are a baker’s daughter! What a yummy way to grow up
I don’t read a lot of holiday stories, but this ones sounds fun and sweet! Good review!
Thank you, Jolene!
This sounds like my perfect Christmas book. Excellent review, Wendy!
It’s just a lovely light read.
I enjoy the TV Hallmark romances around the holidays. This sounds like a good book too.
It is a good one. And it would make a great Hallmark Movie.
I love reading these kinds of romances when December rolls around; I’m putting this one at the top of my holiday reading list. 🙂
I hope you enjoy it, Lark!
I love great side characters! I’ll have to add this one to my tbr.
I hope you enjoy it!
Those character names!!!
Yes, they are a bit over the top!
This sounds really lovely and magical. I love that the characters’ names are reflective of the season too. Wonderful review🙂🙂
Thank you, Mallika!
This is a fun story! Working on my review today!
I’m glad you enjoyed it too!
This romance sounds so cute and I love the idea of meeting at a Christmas market.
It is so cute, and i want to go to that market!
Aw, this sounds like a perfect feel-good holiday romance. 🙂
It is! Thank you, Tanya!
There is something about books set around bakeries at Christmas that I enjoy. This one sounds lovely and will look out for it. Great review Wendy!
Thank you, Jodie. I think you’d enjoy this one.
Lovely review Wendy!🤗💜
Thank you, Susan!
A Christmas Market that moves around the world. I could totally work there. Nice review, Wendy!
Me too! I love a good Christmas Market.
This sounds great, I love feel good Christmas stories.
Yes, they are so comforting.