Every year in December, the Milwaukee Christmas market is the prime destination for Astra Noel Snow. Especially when there’s a handsome baker there saving the best and most delicious kringle for her. But, unbeknownst to Astra, the handsome baker Jack Clausen has more secrets that he simply wants to share with her. Especially when even though they

Book: Once Upon a December by Amy E. Reichert
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: June 29, 2022
(Thank you NetGalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review)
**While this book has already been out I did receive it early so thank you again NetGalley!**
Tags: Adult, romance, Christmas, magical realism
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository | Thrift Books | Abe Books
Read: October 24, 2022 to October 29, 2022

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.

Spoiler Free Review

Every year in December, the Milwaukee Christmas market is the prime destination for Astra Noel Snow. Especially when there’s a handsome baker there saving the best and most delicious kringle for her. But, unbeknownst to Astra, the handsome baker Jack Clausen has more secrets that he simply wants to share with her. Especially when even though they don’t know each others’ names, there is something about their connection that seems to be lingering in the air.

I gave Once Upon a December four stars, really enjoying the Christmas atmosphere and the magical realism that this book had. I liked the idea of the Julemarked being magical and the fact that it simply appears in December and is a magical place. The concept is new to me and I thought that was a really nice touch because it added to the enjoyment and the Christmas world that Astra and Jack are introduced to. Although the name, Julemarked, is a little weird, I thought it was still cute for the book.

I found Jack and Astra’s relationship really cute and fun. The concept of not knowing and forgetting after the Julemarked leaves after Christmas made it interesting. But, while I thought their relationship was cute, I feel like there were things missing in terms of their relationship. I felt that it went by so fast and because of the Julemarked having to change locations, I feel that made the terms of Jack and Astra’s growing relationship more complicated.

I originally felt that Once Upon a December to be a 3.5 star, but, I did enjoy this and decided to bump it to a four. I think that this is an enjoyable, light, and fluffy Christmas read to pick up when December hits and perfect when you want something quick and simple to pick up. I had fun reading this and fun seeing Jack and Astra discover each other as people and how years of Julemarked has slowly brought them together.

Thank you again to NetGalley and Berkley Romance for inviting me to read Once Upon a December and for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I hope you guys have a great day, please like and comment down below if you enjoyed this book as well or if you plan on reading it!

Loves,

Honey Roselea Reads