About the Book

Once Upon a December by Amy E. Reichert

Genre: Christmas Romance

Release Date: October 4, 2022

Book Review

This book will make readers wish they could find and visit the Julemarked just to taste the kringles, even if they won’t remember it once they’re gone.

Jack lives in a magical place called the Julemarked that pops up in Christmas markets around the world. It’s always Christmas in the Julemarked, and in exchange, the residents live long lives with everything they need. However, Jack finds himself drawn to an outsider who he sees every time the market comes to Milwaukee. Every year, he slips a carved figure – a nisse – in her bag, but the next year she doesn’t remember him. He’s determined to find a way to make a connection deep enough where she can remember him.

Astra’s a librarian recovering from a bad divorce and celebrating having her friends back in her life. When she sees the cute baker at the Julemarked, she’s drawn to him, especially when he slips her a nisse.

Sparks fly when Jack and Astra finally get to have a cup of hot chocolate, but despite their Christmas connection, their worlds are far apart. They must decide if the chance at true love is enough for one of them to give up all they hold dear.

This book is drenched in Christmas magic, with everything you want from a meet-cute Christmas romance: punny Christmas names – case in point, Jack’s bakery: Kringle all the Way, awkward dinners with potential future in-laws and starry walks through the snow. After Astra finally remembers Jack, it takes longer than I would have liked for her to meet him again, but the author distracts us with a subplot about Astra stealing her beloved dog back from her ex. When Astra and Jack do reconnect, the romance sizzles, and the reader feels Astra’s longing to put everything else aside for Jack.

This is a sweet treat, with just enough romantic angst to provide a foil to the nostalgic dreaminess of the Julemarked. Perfect for Christmas lovers everywhere.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.