Why a cute little romance. I was worried about reading a Christmas book in August but it wasn’t overly festive. I really enjoyed the character arc of the main character learning to love Christmas as it’s not so thing I love. We all have those dark moments and this was so perfectly done in this book

Rory hates Christmas and Belle loves it! These two met each other at uni as friends and have now met up again. Rory is dealing with his mother’s breast cancer diagnosis and Belle has just lost her job. These two are friends but will they fall in love this Christmas? There were two things I enjoyed about this book. I loved the Shakespeare project ! I thought it was unusual to have in a Christmas book but it really worked for me and I looked forward to each and every little quote. I also enjoyed the way this book was presented in a day by day format. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Katy Sobey and Joe Jameson who did a great job and I enjoyed their performance! Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins for a chance to read this book.

I think it’s impossible to say just how much I adored this book. It’s just the most perfect wintery book for Christmas & romance fans.
As the title suggests we follow old acquaintances Belle and Rory throughout December as they reconnect and learn about each other’s lives as they are now. Belle loves December and all things Christmas, Rory hates December.
In just one short month they have so much to deal with and work through but do they both flourish? What becomes of their new found friendship? Does the romance ever take off?
It’s full of sparks, hope, fun and not to mention festive sparkle making it one of the must read books this winter.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK Audio and Kitty Wilson for an audio. ARC in return for an honest review.

What an adorable book. I was slightly sceptical about this when it was approved and thought ‘how good would a Christmas rom-com be in August’. Oh how wrong I was. This book is absolutely delightful, it’s funny, quick-witted and festive. I love the Christmas feel and the atmosphere between the two main characters. It well and truly got me in festive mood! I adored it and can’t recommend it enough.

What can I say about this book... It's very average. It's not bad, but it's not memorable either. The only unique part I felt was the Shakespeare theme that runs through the story, and that was such a fun part to listen to. One, because it was authentic and different, and two because the character really shines when she talks about it.

I feel like it was fun and light, but unfortunately, I just didn't feel moved... It was okay, but would I relisten to it? Probably not.

I enjoyed the narration for the most part, but I personally thought the narrator for Belle did a better job bringing Belle to life.

Was this an okay, Christmas audiobook? Absolutely. Would I necessarily recommend it to someone? Eh.

But, thanks to the publisher for granting me the opportunity to listen to this.

‘Two people, one month to fall in love’ - cover tag line.

My thanks to HarperCollins U.K. Audio One More Chapter for a review copy via NetGalley of the unabridged audiobook of ‘Every Day in December’ by Kitty Wilson in exchange for an honest review. It was narrated by Katy Sobey and Joe Jameson.

While I don’t read a great number of romances or romantic comedies, every now and then I crave a little escapism. I found this novel a total delight and read in a single day.

The story is told from two points of view and each of its 31 chapters is allocated to a day in December.

On the 1st December Belle Wilde has been laid off and thus finds herself ‘financially challenged’. While she comes from a privileged background, her parents are not supportive. Yet Belle believes that in December, magic can happen and is determined to improve her situation.

Rory Walters is no fan of December. Five years ago his life was changed forever and he moved to Australia to get away from his memories. This year he has come home to see his family though he expects that he will just have to endure the festive season.

Rory and Belle had known each other in university. He is now in Reputation Management and has been hired by Nick Wilde, Belle’s dad. While considered a national treasure, Nick’s reputation is currently in tatters. As Belle observes: “he is a man that should never use the words ‘me’ and ‘too’ together, never ever, ever.”

Now that Belle and Rory are getting reacquainted, she takes on the mission to not only sort out her own life but to change Rory’s mind about December by appointing herself his personal Christmas elf.

There is also a Shakespearean theme running through the novel. Belle loves the works of Shakespeare and for years has been developing a programme to introduce Shakespeare to school children. Each chapter opens with a relevant Shakespearean quote.

This was a lovely story that was whimsical and yet had elements of drama, including coming to terms with loss. I feel it was a good move to have Belle and Rory be friends, who have been out of touch, rather than meeting for the first time.

With respect to its audiobook, obviously Katy Sobey and Joe Jameson read the sections voiced by Belle and Rory respectively. Both actors have narrated an impressive number of audiobooks and they both brought a lot of energy to their readings.

I was completely taken with this novel, finding it well written, funny and moving. Plus, of course, romantic. It is definitely a feel-good read.

Every December my reading group selects a light-hearted novel with a Christmas theme, so this year I am going to suggest ‘Every Day in December’ to them as it’s a novel that I feel everyone would enjoy.

Definitely recommended.

What a fabulously funny romance story. I laughed so much whilst listening, I had to stop and rewind several times!
I loved the characters, I could visualise them both in my head and wanted to hug them as they both had their issues.
I thought the way the author brought in the family issues was excellent a that is what shapes most of us and in this story it worked beautifully.
The narrators were great too - both brought the story alive.
I started listening to this book at lunchtime yesterday and finished it this morning as I needed to see how it all went in the end, again laughing along.

Wonderful read to get you in the Christmas spirit, even if it is only August!

Rory and Bell, old college friends, bump into each other after years of disconnect. Rory is home to care for his sick mum after he has had a 5 year bout in Australia after tragically loosing his wife at Christmas. Belle is Christmas mad and takes it upon herself to help Rory enjoy Christmas again whilst denying to herself that she is falling in love with him.

A lovely, festive novel with great narrators!

Rory hates December, but in Australia at least he could ignore the memories Christmas brings back to him. Belle loves Christmas and has the month fully booked with activities to celebrate it with her friend and goddaughter, but when she finds herself unemployed it's hard to keep the spirit. Rory decides to help her bring her dream project to life and in return Belle decides to be his christmas elf to help him enjoy the month he will be in England, and their friendship will grow more than either of them would have expected.

This book was a nice warm hug wrapped in a blanket. It's not only the perfect holiday book and adorable, it's also extremely current. Belle reads and neurodivergent and I loved being inside her head and see how she dealt with social cues, besides she had a neglected childhood and has a lot of self esteem issues. Rory has survivor's guilt and prolonged grief. The author does a great job at dealing with all these issues and the character's growth, individually and together, is beautiful.

I completely recommend this book RIGHT NOW, but it would also make the perfect christmas gift.

**listened to audio book**

This was really disappointing. There was nothing new or original about this book. The plot felt very dated.
I enjoyed listening, but it's not a book that wow'ed me, or will stay with me.

I liked the narrators, and liked the fact that there was male and female narrator to help the POV chapters from the central characters. It's just a shame the book wasn't more interesting.

Narrator 5 stars
Both narrators were really good. Beautiful voice and did a great job with the characters.

Story 3 stars
This was isn't your typical cheesy rom-com and while I like that, the story didn't give me those feel good moments I was looking for. I really liked how deep the characters were but it was missing some kind of emotion for me personally.

Every Day in December - Kitty Wilson

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK and I am leaving this review voluntarily

Two people. One month to fall in love.

Belle Wilde loves December. Yes, she’s just lost her job and Christmas is not a good time to find yourself ‘financially challenged’. And yes, her parents are still going on about the fact that she really should have it all together by now. But Belle believes that in December, magic can happen.

This wonderful read follows Belle and Rory as they teach each other about love, friendship and help each other get in the holiday spirit. Both characters seem to grow throughout the book and are good influences on each other.

Whilst writing this Kitty has managed to remind the reader that not everybody enjoys the holiday season, whilst also showing the ups and downs associated with grief. This would make a fantastic holiday read this season, with the heart-warming slow burn romance.

Rating 4/5

Lucky to get this one on both audio and kindle now and love this story.

I had Xmas vibes on the hottest day of the year reading this one. I would recommend this book as well-written, escapism I highly recommend this book for a nice lighthearted read with a very deep meaning which will stay with you once you have finished reading the book.
Lovely story. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️