This was a truly wonderful Christmas story. My favorite time of the year and just love reading a 'curl up' book. The December Gift did not disappoint. A story of a work romance that goes sour and Jane has now given up on men. That is until her boss sends her on a trip to Norway to cover a story about the choosing and cutting of the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree. Secrets are unfurled as we go through magical Norway. Skiing down the slopes. Where and how does Jane find romance again? This is a must read poignant story. Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this novel and exchange for an honest review.

Well this was just a large Christmas hug in a book.
I've always liked my christmas reading to be like the book version of a Richard Curtis movie, and this certainly had the feel good factor. You do have the basic characters you find in these kind of stories; the spurned and disenchanted protagonist, the bad boy love interest, and the overlooked 'nice boy'. However, don't be fooled by this, underneath the basic and predictable love story, is another story being told. This one may seem predictable at first, but takes a few unexpected turns that add an extra layer to the story beyond the Christmas feels.

This is one of those ones I'll want to read again each winter. A cosy novel set in Norway with just enough flashbacks revealing why the Nordic country gifts a Christmas Tree to London each year. Of course there is a 1940s love story involved too. I cried and you will too. In present day Norway though, jaded journalist Jane is on a well deserved five-star press trip (which sounds Conde Nast glossy mag incredible) after working on a scoop of the year. It's while she is away she gets a chance to reassess what's important to her in life. This comes about via that 1940s Nordic love story, a dude of a love rat and some very wise influencers - I know!) - the author is very clever with their storylines. I LOVED this - a perfect read to get anyone through winter.

A Gift in December by Jenny Gladwell has certainly felt the most festive of my Christmas reads so far this year. That's partly down to the fact that the vast majority of the book was set in the winter wonderland of Norway which was covered in snow and exuded all things Christmas. It was such a relief to see that a book that was meant to be Winter/Christmas themed actually lived up to my expectations and I don't find myself saying 'it had the briefest allusion to Christmas'. Too often recently I have been left disappointed that books that claim to be feature the most magical time of year fail to do so except in small snippets towards the end but this gorgeous read from Jenny Gladwell lived up to all my expectations in terms of Christmas featuring and this is definitely a story that should not be forgotten about this year but instead should be firmly placed on everyone's Christmas reading lists for 2019.

The opening was not what I would have expected but it posed many questions and made me ponder how could a historical introduction to what was presumably a romance story ever connect up but with this author you are in safe hands and she knew exactly what direction she wished to take the story in. The merging of the past with the present was seamless but yet this book didn't stray into the historical fiction genre instead it retained all the magic of a Christmas romance with lots of little surprises thrown in along the way. As Jane, our main character, attempts to get over recent heartbreak and instead of continuously drifting she needs to decide for herself just where her life should take her. In the small area of Nybergsund in Norway in 1940, a soldier is accompanying the King as he attempts to leave the country. The King is resisting the Nazi regime and hopes to form a government from afar. Thomas, the solider, along with the group is led through the forest by a local Marit and the one night they share together in a hut will be forever etched in his memory and will have long lasting affects for many years to come.

Fast forward to the present day and journalist Jane who works in London for the Courier newspaper is coming down off the high of breaking the biggest news story of the year. It has done wonders for her career but she can't say the same for her personal life as boyfriend Simon has dumped her because she gave him no time whilst she was working. I knew instantly she was better off without him, I mean who dumps someone because they have not been getting the attention they wanted and feel they are neglected and all because Jane was working flat out and missed a few dates here and there.

Simon was a sleaze bag and matters were made even worse as he works on the same paper as her. Of course, Jane is heartbroken. She is a calm and ordered person who wants everything perfect in her life and she believes her career is going from strength to strength and she thought her love life was the same. Instead she is back to square one and just aimlessly wondering what does she do now? She had opened up to Simon and she had started to understand how sharing her life with someone could be a positive thing and now all that has been stripped from her. What can she do? A distraction is needed but what? So when a work assignment to Norway reporting on the cutting down of the Christmas tree for Trafalgar square presents itself, will this be the answer to her problems? Jane doesn't jump at the chance, more her editor pushes her forward to get away for a week. Little does Jane realise this trip will transform her in many ways and the story that unfolds was just so lovely for the reader to engage with.

Jenny Gladwell certainly nailed her descriptions of Norway. It was like one big advertisement for the country but in no way was it rammed down your throat. It opened my eyes to a country with plenty of history and connections to Britain, i.e. the tradition of presenting the tree each year but the author also showcased what else Norway has to offer. Jane arrives with an open mind and takes her time relaxing into the trip. The trip is led by PR extraordinare Natasha and along for the ride are bloggers, critics, Instagram stars and patronising Philip, a TV presenter, who thinks he can also write.

Ben, a photographer on Jane's paper is also there and I loved his character. He was so understated but always there lingering in the shadows ready to step in when needed. So kind, caring and considerate, a man who could see the bigger picture. He understood certain things needed to happen, life experiences needed to occur and lessons needed to be learnt before the darkness would turn into light and the wool would be pulled from certain eyes. There is also another older guest on the tour and as his name is revealed and over the course of the story as Jane gets to know him and begins a secret quest of her own the overall themes and plot of the book became even clearer and I loved how little connections and secrets were beginning to fall into place.

Right from the moment the group touched down in you are instantly transported from wherever you are reading right to where the group are. Everything just oozes winter and Christmas and showcases Norway to perfection. From the stunning landscapes and forests where the tree cutting ceremony took place, to the unique hotels the group stayed in everything just seemed so magical and other worldly and Jane and the group were certainly being given the experience of a lifetime. But what really started to annoy me was the fact that Philip became very much a leech attaching himself to Jane and drawing her away from the group.

It was like he was casting a spell on her and she forget all about his reputation of being a womaniser. He was full of self confidence but along with it came such an obnoxious side that I couldn't fathom how Jane couldn't see that he wasn't the best of people to be hanging around with. It was almost as if sensible, well rounded Jane was left behind in London and she was going to let loose. But at the first sign of attention she was gone and taken in. It was as if she craved love and security and if anyone gave it to her she would jump at the chance without strongly considering the bigger picture and without looking deep down to what her heart was actually telling her.

As Jane gets to know Philip more you wish she really didn't and Natasha even gets frustrated with her for missing so many of the events that have been organised because Philip is dragging her away. But balanced nicely with the storyline of Jane and the personal side of the trip for her was that of the story of the old man who is with them. I won't say any more because it would give too much away. But suffice to say it was so touching, heart-warming and endearing and without this character I don't think Jane would have undergone the transformation that slowly begins to happen for her. It helped teach her some life lessons and perhaps steer her in a more welcoming direction. Life is too short to be safe and when the right and true love presents itself maybe we should go for it and grab it with both hands and not let go.

All in all, this is a wonderful book, a charming read with a fantastic setting and a good storyline to back it up. You'll be rooting for Jane but also glad that she works to solve a decades long problem and in doing so she does some good for herself. Nearing the end I questioned would the beginning ever connect up with the overall story line, it was like it had been forgotten about but I was pleasantly surprised with the twist that was in store for the reader. A Gift in December was a really good début from Jenny Gladwell and I will certainly look out for more books from her in the future.

This was a beautiful romance with a surprising historical twist and I felt it added something more than your typical holiday romances. It was well written with the hopes of romance and new beginnings as well as glances to the past and what might have been. This book will transport you from the rainy streets of London to the snowy forests and ski lodges of Norway and an added bonus is that there are some interesting characters to meet along the way!

This is more that just a cozy, winter read.

Jane Brook is a journalist who has just broken the story of the year. Recently dumped by a colleague, Jane thinks that she will be spending Christmas alone.
But Jane's boss has other ideas. Jane is sent to Norway to cover the story of the Queen of the Forest. This is the tree that is given to the people of London every year as a thank you for their help during WW2.

Luxurious hotels and festivities, accompanied by a group of bloggers , a photographer working for the same newspaper, other journalists and a reality TV sleb with a reputation and a very high opinion of himself. Also on the trip is Thomas who is guest of honour at the ceremony where the tree is chosen and cut.

But during this trip, Jane discovers another story. That of a soldier and a enigmatic young woman who spend just one night together as they help King Haakon escape the Nazi threat. Through talks with Thomas, Jane learns that he was the soldier who aided the King to escape and Thomas asks Jane to help him to find the young woman. This brave woman who wrote many letters to Thomas but which he never replied to.
Jane agrees to help Thomas and another heartwarming story is discovered.

The author takes one on such a wonderful journey. I learned so much about the history and traditions of Norway. I knew the general story behind the Christmas tree that is sent to London every year but not in any real detail.

I cannot give this book 5 stars though, much as I enjoyed it. Although I liked the characters, Jane really did annoy me at times.

Well what a lovely book this was, romance but with the added mystery surrounding the letters. The main character of Jane is trying to recover from a relationship breakdown and so goes on a jolly to Norway with her work where she meets Thomas and starts to investigate the mystery surrounding them.
There is a slight dual time line to this book, but is more flashbacks than anything major. I really enjoyed the interactions Jane had with the social media bloggers as well as the other characters on the trip and the plot outside any romance was interesting, especially the Norway set parts.
I did find myself wondering at times where the secondary story with the letters was going but the author turned it around and this now makes me want a second book depicting the outcome.
I loved this festive read and would read another book by the same author.

Jane is an award winning journalist who has recently had her heartbroken. So when she is sent on a trip to Norway by her editor to witness the choosing of the Queen of the Forest; Norway's gift to London as a thank you for the help given in World War II, she is far from impressed. An all expenses trip to Norway, a diverse bunch of media people and a C level celebrity, exclusive hotels and a jam packed agenda of cultural experiences, all make for the background to a mystery dating back to WWII which Jane feels is worth pursing.

I loved the mix of characters and found them to be well written and believable. The story flows well and the twist at the end was interesting. Jane makes some stupid mistakes but I couldn't help but like her.

I really enjoyed this lovely story and I totally enjoyed reading it.

I really enjoyed this book which is a mixture of romantic chick lit and a World War 2 mystery that Jane, our heroine uncovers. Sent out to.Norway to cover the story of the Christmas tree sent each year to Trafalgar Square Jane,a journalist, is suffering heartbreak having split from her boyfriend. Romance beckons and egged on by her pregnant best friend Jane soon succumbs to the charms of the smarmy Philip. Jane also meets Thomas, a World War 2 veteran who has an intriguing story to tell of a wartime romance which sees Jane determined to help uncover what happened to Marit, the woman he seemingly loved and lost. Well worth a read and is sure to leave you with that christmassy feeling.

The two week press trip in Norway to cover the cutting down of the Queen fir for Trafalgar Square is packed full of luxury, glamour and activities. There are opportunities for the group to get to know each other better (although the actions Jane chooses do isolate her at times). I had no idea what was coming our way because I was caught up in enjoying what was happening and not thinking any deeper! Jenny Gladwell had me fooled. 🙂 I loved how the group all pulled together in support when it was needed.

As much as I enjoyed the romance, the historical mystery kept me intrigued. This part of the story adds another layer of romance as well as highlighting the importance of what happened in 1940.

You know the holiday blues? This is how I felt after I had finished reading! The perfect setting and pace, great characters, conflict and romance. If you’re looking for a winter read for escapism and to give you that feel-good buzz, A Gift in December ticks the boxes.

This is a book of two parts, a romance and also an historical novel.
It centres around a visit to Norway to attend the cutting down of the Christmas tree that is given to the UK every year as a thank you for the help that was given to Norway during WW2.
I decided to read the book in the run up to Christmas and wasn't disappointed. It was an easy read for the festive season.

Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story follows Jane who has given up on love after yet another break-up and with Christmas fast approaching her Boss has given her the opportunity to go on a luxury press trip to Norway for the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree cutting. Jane is reluctant but throws herself into the trip where she meets Thomas a war veteran with a story to tell. Jane's manages to almost fall yet again for the wrong guy in slimeball Philip again she manages to stop herself but not quite in time that Philip steals part of the story she was working on however it pays off as she finally sees what's been under her nose the whole time Ben and uncovered the most amazing and unexpected story of all time!

A sweet, well written, romantic story. It’s a little predictable but enjoyable nonetheless. An easy winter holiday read - great to curl in front of the fire with!

The main character in this book is Jane, an investigative journalist who broke a huge story earlier in the year but at the cost of her relationship due to all the hours she had put into the story. Still trying to avoid her ex in the office, she is sent on an all expenses paid lavish trip to Norway to cover the Queen of the Forest ceremony, where the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is chosen, a gift from the people of Norway. She is less than happy to be spending this trip in the company of a sharp-tongued publicist, several young bloggers constantly taking photos for the perfect Instagram shot, a rather full of himself TV presenter and her always cheerful photographer colleague Ben. They are also accompanied by an old soldier, Thomas, who was involved in the Norwegian King's escape from Norway during the Second world War.

The first third or so of the book was really about getting to know the characters, and setting the scene and what a fabulous setting it was. Jenny Gladwell made Norway sound like a real wintry paradise with gorgeous food, cosy fires and snowy woods. I was rather jealous of the various activities the group got to take part in such as visiting the Christmas markets, travelling on a steam train, taking part in a chocolate making workshop and having skiing lessons.

The story really took off for me when old soldier Thomas asks Jane to find some love letters he wrote during the war to Marit, a woman he shared a passionate night with just before they aided King Haakon's escape. To my shame, I didn't know about what happened with the king during the war. I was aware that there was a connection between Britain and Norway and knew about the tree bring donated every year as mark of gratitude. In fact, the Christmas tree on the Mound here in Edinburgh is also gifted by the people of Norway. I would have liked to have learned a little more in the book about his escape which was only touched on briefly. However, this did make me go away and look up what happened and it's good when a book stimulates my curiosity.

Although there was definitely an element of romance in the book, indeed Jane has three men vying for her affections throughout the story, for me the the storyline about trying to uncover the secrets from the past was what I enjoyed most and in fact went in a different direction than I had expected. This made it a bit different from other festive stories. I also enjoyed that the various women who hadn't initially got along, finally bonding and sticking up for each other towards the end.

A Gift in December is an enjoyable read which will whisk you away to a beautiful snowy setting and offers a glimpse into the past, as well as being a heartwarming romance. It would be a perfect cosy read to enjoy on a chilly winter's day.

This was a lovely story of a group who go to Norway for the cutting of the Christmas Tree for Trafalgar Square. Some really entertaining characters and a fascinating storyline, with a serious thread running through. A really good conclusion with all ends tied off.

A nice easy read that makes you want to visit Norway at Christmas. What lifts this story above the usual romance level is the history from WW2 about the King and government escaping to England.

Who doesn’t love a romance with a bit of intrigue and excitement thrown in.... a laugh at the antics of Jane and her mish mash of a love life. Chose this book as wanted something heartwarming and Christmassy, I was not disappointed. Those that love Bridget Jones will love this, highly recommend

Since December 1947 Norway have gifted London with a tree as a show gratitude for their efforts during the war, this Christmas we learn there are more stories still to be told.

This is a wonderful book telling which tells several stories not only of Christmas, but of the second World War. The stories are well told and well written. While i enjoyed the stories I couldn't warm to Jane, I found her to be more reliant on people rather than the gogetter journalist she made herself out to be.

The ending was unexpected and heartwarming. The scenery was as much a art of the book as the characters and certainly made me feel Christmasey.

Grab this book for a Christmas read to get you feeling festive and a touch of romance.

This is the first Christmas book I have read this year and it did not disappoint! The story follows Jane who has just split with her awful ex and is feeling really down. The newspaper she works for sends her to Norway to capture the long standing ritual of choosing and cutting down the gift of a Christmas tree to bring back to London. Although Jane us hesitant at first she finds herself enjoying the beautiful landscapes and meets some wonderful characters along the way, including a fabulous old man named Thomas who has a delightful story to tell along with some hidden letters which Jane agrees to find. A lovely feel good story that's perfect for a cosy night in winter. Loved it

I loved the fact that this book was mainly set in Norway, the snow helping to get the seasonal feel. Enjoyed the fact that the plot was not straightforward at all, in fact there were a number of interesting sub plots. The characters were well described and all in all this was a well written book.