About One Day in December:
Laurie has always thought that love at first sight was something that only existed in movies. But one snowy December day, she locks eyes with a man through a misty bus window and instantly feels a magical connection. Unfortunately, her bus drives away before she can meet him.
Convinced they are destined to meet again, Laurie spends the next year looking for him at every bus stop and cafe in London but never finds him. That is, until a Christmas party, where her best friend Sarah introduces her new boyfriend—Jack, the man from the bus.
What unfolds is a decade-long journey of friendship, missed chances, heartbreaks, and re-evaluated destinies for Laurie, Sarah, and Jack.
One Day in December Review:
I absolutely loved this book. One Day in December is heartwarming and beautifully captures the essence of love and friendship. The story kicks off during the hectic Christmas holidays when Laurie has a perfect, albeit fleeting, moment with a stranger. They share a gaze that seems to freeze time until her bus pulls away.
As the story goes on, it becomes increasingly complex and messy, which makes it relatable. It’s not just a fairy tale about love at first sight. Instead, it stays true to real emotions, exploring both their beauty and complications.
Josie Silver has crafted a poignant tale filled with both tears and laughter. The love triangle among Laurie, Sarah, and Jack avoids unnecessary drama. While Laurie’s romantic pull towards Jack is central, so is her friendship with Sarah. Their bond is like that of sisters, and it’s clear that Silver treats their relationship as essential as Laurie and Jack’s romance.
Jack is an interesting character because he’s torn between Sarah and Laurie. He understands and respects the deep friendship between Laurie and Sarah, seeing them as a package deal. Yet, he struggles with his emotions and isn’t entirely honest with Sarah, keeping part of his heart hidden. Silver handles this love triangle delicately and realistically, making it easy to empathize with all of them.
Adaptation Recommendation:
One Day in December would make a great holiday movie! It has the same feel-good vibes as Love Actually, The Holiday, and When Harry Met Sally. I can easily imagine actors like Saoirse Ronan or Emma Watson as Laurie, Emma Stone as Sarah (if she masters a British accent), and Tom Hughes or Theo James as Jack. Douglas Booth could also be a good fit.
There’s a particularly fun cosplay scene in the book that would be amazing on screen, blending humor with a touch of romantic serendipity.
Final Thoughts on One Day in December:
One Day in December is a touching story of love, loss, and forgiveness. Laurie’s quest for happiness and self-discovery is something many readers will connect with. By the end of the book, you’ll likely shed a few tears as Laurie, Sarah, and Jack come to understand what love, friendship, and family truly mean to them. This book will undoubtedly warm your heart.
One Day in December will be available on October 16th, so pre-order your copy now! You won’t regret it.
Content Warning: Mild sexual innuendo. For those likely to swoon over unexpected romantic moments, be sure to read while comfortably seated!
