One December Day

by Rachel Marks

One December day, Laura meets Luke...

Luke's in a band. He's going places. But what good is success if you have no one to share it with?

Laura's a summer girl. But, on this winter's evening, has she found her soulmate in funny, sexy Luke?

Under the Christmas lights, something magical begins. But will they still feel the same on this day next December? And the one after that?

Finding love at Christmas is wonderful. But is staying in love - year after year, through the joy and heartbreak - the real miracle?

Luke and Laura are about to find out, one December day at a time...

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Fiction, Holiday, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Audiobook

432 pages, Paperback

First published October 12, 2023

Reviews

[Shelley's Book Nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

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I enjoyed this story so much, mostly because it isn't a typical Christmas romance. The couple is real, they have flaws and insecurities, and they make mistakes and second-guess themselves all while trying to have careers and raise their son. Rachel Marks writes so realistically and this plot is unique in the fact that each chapter takes place on a single day (December 16th) over a fifteen-year period. We get each of the couple's perspectives in alternating chapters and I loved getting to know these two, even if they weren't very likeable sometimes.

There are some very emotional plotlines in this one and they really tug at the heartstrings. But this is truly a love story at its heart. The story shows us the ups and downs of a relationship, break-ups, co-parenting and trying to remain friends through it all. (It really can happen as I am good friends with my ex.) At times I felt frustrated with Luke and Laura (General Hospital vibes...I never even watched the show but know who these people are.) because of their immaturity and lack of communication but the author gives us enough background that it explains why the characters behave the way they do.

I have this author's other book Hello, Stranger on my TBR and am so looking forward to it as I loved this one very much, and it gets All. The. Stars.

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

More Christmas adjacent than actually Christmas themed, One December Day follows one couple through multiple December 16ths as we witness the ups and downs of their relationship.

I think overall I just found this a bit too twee, and a bit too limited in what it could do within the confines of a single day. The reader misses out on a lot of the nuances of Laura and Luke's relationship because we only see it on one day a year. Especially in the beginning, when we are suppose to instantly root for this couple even though we only see one date before their relationship rapidly moves on. I just didn't feel invested in them as a couple, and often questioned why they even liked each other half the time, let alone love. I found Laura particularly irritating as she would often, in my eyes, self sabotage her relationship and become very self serving. Although I appreciate that the author purposely made her characters deeply flawed and realistic, I just didn't buy it a lot of the time. The secondary characters are also rather underdeveloped, especially Sarah who I felt was used as a dramatic plot device rather than a true supporting character. I also hated the ending. The saccharine overtones made me want to throw this across the room.

Quick read though, and the writing is good. Just overall this was clearly not for me. I want Christmas cheer, not woe is me.

[Kira · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a cosy Christmas book, this is NOT THE ONE. I cried like 3 times. Only a couple of chapters in and I knew this book was going to hurt. I was definitely expecting there to be a death somewhere, so very relieved that there wasn’t because it’s not exactly the vibe I wanted when picking this up to read as a Christmas themed book. I did enjoy the read and I think the author has done a great job of really bringing the characters to life and making them feel human - the split perspective works very well. Luke frustrated me to no end, but well, that’s men for you! Fictional or not

[Marti Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this story. Was completely hooked and invested in the characters

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I detest the characters but I loved the story and the author did a good job as delivers a story that kept me hooked even if I disliked Laura and Luke for most of the time.
Festive and heartwarming
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Tilly Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is GORGEOUS! It was my first five star read of the month, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who loves a romance that isn’t picture perfect - the love story in this book feels so real and honest, with all the gory ups and downs and no guarantees of a happily ever after.

It’s also really not overly Christmassy, so if you’re thinking of dipping your toe into the water of seasonal reads, this would be a great place to start - although it has made me desperate for a trip to Lapland!!

Great characters and a compelling and moving story - what more could you want? Loved it!

[lily-ella mcenhill · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️’s.

it took me a while to finish this book because i had a busy couple of months but i’m glad to finally finish it.

this wasn’t the december cozy read that i was looking for but i still enjoyed it. i liked the writing style because the POV’s made it so much easier and quicker to read. there were aspects of grief toward the end and i did tear up at the scene when sarah asks laura to check her body after her treatment.

i do have to say, the only character i liked was dylan. i found luke and laura so frustrating and i’m so surprised at how the book ended, i mean what? how could she take him back?

i can’t even begin to describe how much i disliked luke. he wasn’t there throughout the pregnancy and his sons life and still expected laura to love him. he partied every day with his band, left for tour without laura, didn’t even know how to dress his child properly and thought that buying him big presents would make up for it. also was annoyed me the most was bringing a million different women to meet your son and ex every birthday party. after ending up with abby, he then continues to book a wedding venue, a date and everything when he didn’t even love her, wasting her and laura’s time, all to go home one day and end it all after a kiss with laura? (WHICH SHE LITERALLY MESSAGED HIM AND SAID IT WASN’T OKAY?????? AHHHH).

i liked laura more but i have to say but taking luke back was just the icing on the cake for me. i understand you love him but after 5 years you didn’t even try to be with someone else? i genuinely think sam felt love for her and she didn’t even try in my opinion. and then decides to just get back with luke? they’re grown adults and didn’t even communicate with each other, if they did, they could’ve just worked through their relationship. she kissed luke and then messaged him and said she didn’t want anything because of their son which is messing both of them around instead of having a healthy conversation.

can you tell how much this book frustrated me?

[Chloe Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow this was an emotional one! I had a feeling that it would be but I didn’t realise just how much it would hit me in the feels 🥲

The book focuses on the timeline of Laura and Luke’s relationship over the course of 15 years, from those first heady days in their early twenties to 15 years down the line as separated parents of a teenager. Each chapter visits them on the 16th December of each year - a date that ends up being significant for them as not only is it the date of their very first date, it’s also the day their son Dylan is born, just a year into their relationship. It’s a tumultuous ride - an absolute rollercoaster of emotions, and I found myself wanting to scream in frustration at both of them at times. They needed their heads banging together!!!

The emotions were raw and the author portrayed them so amazingly that I felt everything the characters felt. Sarah’s story was particularly heart wrenching yet heartwarming at the same time. The whole story really did tug on my heart strings, and I cried with Laura and Luke at times. For an author to evoke such emotion requires real talent.

I liked how Luke’s career rise and fall was explored, as I think the ‘fall’ part for musicians isn’t often written about in books. I liked how Laura found her passion - she was made for that job!! Luke’s relationship with his Dad was also a lovely addition.

This is a very emotional, touching book with lots of depth to it, and some lovely festive moments thrown in too. Would definitely recommend it 😊

[theweebookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked how the story was told. Firstly, it is in the 2 person POV, Laura and Luke, the two main characters. Secondly it takes place on 16 December each year, as that is the day they met and becomes significant over the years.

I did like Laura and Luke, however, did get extremely frustrated with them and wanted to shake some sense into them at times.

There was a good range of supporting characters but I really liked Sarah and her no-nonsense attitude.

This is a lovely read that is quite emotional at times and demonstrates that one of the keys to a successful relationship is communication. It is one I would definitely recommend.

Thank you Netgally and Michel Joseph, Penguin Random House for the opportunity to read this ARC copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Wendy(Wendyreadsbooks) Robey · Rating 4 out of 5]

An emotional love story that takes part on the 16th December each year in Luke and Laura’s lives. Told from both their viewpoints, this story both frustrates - as you feel like giving both Laura and Luke a good shake - and envelopes you in the love shown between them and their friends - as we follow the two of them through every good and bad decision made.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading more from this author.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am amazed at Rachel Marks’ ability to write about all layers of a relationship. I felt this book so hard.

[jra (ahirzspace) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Danielle Shotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyable to read. Interesting concept following the characters through 15 years and all that life throws at them. Easy to read and good character development.

[Camryn Cunningham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like idek what to say. It’s dysfunctional.

[Rose Bouchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect book to start the festive season. Highly recommend❤️🎄

[Abi Venu-Mahal · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[A Librarians Daughter · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Strong contender for 5!
What a lovely, lighthearted, easy December read. Touches on Christmas but isn’t too full on, which was actually nice. Love the layout of each chapter being a different year. I feel like I really got the know the characters in this story and I’m sad to see them go! I’ll definitely be looking at reading more by this author :)

[Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read a few of Rachel Marks' books now, and this one is well written but overall didn't wow me.

The book follows Laura and Luke on one December day over a 15 year period. Similar in fashion to One Day, which I think was slightly better executed.

I found most of the characters to be unlikeable, and honestly one day a year wasn't really enough to understand the circumstances. I found the novel covered a lot of heavy topics, but as it was a yearly glance, it didn't feel like it was given the gravitas it required.

[João Pedro Carvalho · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprei este livro em Praga, numa livraria chamada Shakespeare. No meio daquela imensidão de títulos, capas, cores, prateleiras, encontrei este meio escondido, filho único, com uma capa muito natalícia, a chamar por mim, a pedir para o levar. Como tinha um preço especial, acabei por trazê-lo.

Então, One December Day conta a história de amor de Laura e Luke ao longo de 15 anos. Todos os capítulos se passam em anos diferentes, exatamente no mesmo dia e reflete o que se foi passando nesse ano.

Para quem está à espera de um livro fofo sobre a época natalícia que se desengane. Também achei que era, mas acabei por perceber que é muito mais sobre amor, perda, mudança e sobre percebermos quem somos à medida que o tempo passa. De facto, tem alguns elementos natalícios, os protagonistas gostam e falam do Natal, mas é bem mais que isso.

A escrita é muito fácil, o que o torna uma ótima opção para quem está a começar a ler em inglês.
Gostei muito desta história, que apesar de ter momentos sérios, consegue-se ler de forma rápida, leve e divertida, perfeita para andar connosco entre leituras mais densas e pesadas.

Confesso que, em alguns momentos, os protagonistas me irritaram solenemente, e notei alguma falta de ritmo, com acontecimentos vindos do nada, pouco explorados, mas que davam emoção, seguidos de alguns momentos mais “mortos”. Tudo isto levou a um final um pouco apressado na minha opinião, pouco trabalhado, e que podia ter sido muito melhorado. O fim é o que se espera de uma história do género, mas, ainda assim, emocionou-me bastante.

Esta história fez-me pensar em quem somos à medida que os anos passam: como as nossas atitudes e opiniões mudam, como amamos à medida que nos tornamos mais velhos, como é a nossa relação com a passagem do tempo, como nos podemos sentir perdidos e sem rumo e, ao mesmo tempo, decididos, ou cheios de medo de avançar ou de mudar de rumo.

Foi muito interessante observar esta evolução da personalidade das personagens à medida que a história foi avançando. A autora conseguiu dar-lhes dimensão, camadas, fazer com que não fossem literais ou aborrecidas. Era notória a sua evolução à medida que envelheciam.

Aconselho bastante esta leitura. Só não lhe dou 5 estrelas pelos problemas de ritmo que referi anteriormente. Não estava à espera de gostar tanto!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I really enjoyed this book, it really frustrated me as well! Luke and Laura got together when they were quite young and had only been seeing each other a few months when Laura got pregnant.

The day their son Dylan is born is the anniversary of their first date and Luke proposes and Laura says yes. But they never end up getting married. Luke is the frontman of a band that is going places and while he and Laura aren't getting married, they're staying together but it becomes too difficult for Laura with him leaving all the time and in her mind, always putting the band first. She wanted to be Luke's priority and while she was, Luke wasn't very good at telling her this or balancing his relationship with his band schedule.

Eventually Laura walks away but it's clear that they're both still in love, they're just really, really, really bad at actually talking to each other about this - which is why I was so frustrated. The story is told in dual POV on the anniversary of their first date and Dylan's birthday - December 16th every year from 2004 to 2018.

Even as they both get older and you would think, more mature, they're incapable of actually talking to one another about how they feel. Instead they say what they think the other one needs to hear or in Laura's case, she tells Luke it can't happen between them and he needs to move forward with his current girlfriend, but then gets upset that he didn't fight for her! I mean you're mid-thirties! Grow up! I do feel that Luke grew quite a bit as a person throughout the story, he knew where he was failing and he tried to rectify it while Laura may have moved forward in her career, she remained closed off and emotionally stagnant. So frustrating but also, it was real.

Thanks to NetGalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

[Alexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story about the lives of two people told via one December day a year over the course of fifteen years.

For me what this really is, is the story of a very poorly matched couple, Luke and Laura, who get pregnant in their early twenties after a few weeks of dating. He has doubts about going through with the pregnancy, she doesn’t, they don’t discuss it and this inability to communicate sets the tone for the entire book. He is immature and selfish but his overall positive and fun personality left me feeling like he was the good guy for much of the story. He’d get excited about something while she would complain and act bitter and as much as I wanted to feel empathy for her I just couldn’t warm to her. In fact none of the characters were likeable to me with the exception of Sarah, the best friend, and Luke’s mum. Sam for a while too.

I like the idea of the format but it really didn’t work for me - one day a year is so limiting, we miss out on all of life’s nuance and it felt like reading a plot via bullet points. Characters jumping in then disappearing with no explanation as to what happened. People get into an argument one year and conveniently don’t talk until the following year on the same date so that we don’t miss anything. Eh it just felt too forced for me.

On the positive side I thought it was very well written. You could tell the author cared deeply about the heavy hitting subjects she tackled such as one character’s cancer journey and childbirth. I found it emotive in parts despite the lack of connection I felt to the characters so again, I was impressed by the writing.

Not for me but I can see why others might enjoy.

[Kirsty (BookBlogger) · Rating 4 out of 5]

One December Day by Rachel Marks

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Penguin and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

One December day, Laura meets Luke...

Luke's in a band. He's going places. But what good is success if you have no one to share it with?

Laura's a summer girl. But, on this winter's evening, has she found her soulmate in funny, sexy Luke?

Under the Christmas lights, something magical begins. But will they still feel the same on this day next December? And the one after that?

Finding love at Christmas is wonderful. But is staying in love - year after year, through the joy and heartbreak - the real miracle?

Luke and Laura are about to find out, one December day at a time...

My Opinion

This book takes place on the 16th December, set over different years - Rachel Marks lovingly tells the story of Luke and Laura whilst swapping perspectives. At times I found myself getting frustrated with these characters, I just wanted them to pay more attention to each other's feelings. This is emotional in places but it was such a lovely read. Whilst set in December, this wasn't overly festive so whilst best read during the festive season it could be read at any time of year.

Rating 4/5

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first festive book of the year and it was a real delight to read. A beautiful love story told over many years. Emotional, funny and heartwarming.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading One December Day, the format is perfect, POV from both Luke and Laura and it then moves to the following year, on the same day, 16th December. Each year including more to their life and relationship.

Luke and Laura got together when they were quite young and wow do they go through a lot over the years. Luke struggling to balance his priorities and tensions just rise. I did become frustrated at both of them and felt sometimes they were as bad as each other but I continued to keep my hope there that they would get through all the distractions, upset and just life.

The book definitely gives a message of how important it is to just be honest with one another and communicate in a relationship.

Really enjoyed reading this and I’m sad it’s over! My third book by Rachel Marks and I’ve really enjoyed all of them. Definitely an author I recommend 🙌🏻

4.5 stars ⭐️

[Tea Leaves and Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full disclaimer, I went into this headfirst expecting a full blown Christmas romance, sparkles and warmth. It’s more about the time of year (December) than what’s actually happening in terms of festivities and holidays though. Once I got my head around that…wow. It’s a heavy book in many respects, and too a while to properly get going, but once it did I was hooked right up until the end.

The characters irritated me so much. So. Much. I was constantly frustrated with them. Almost doing the equivalent of shouting at the TV when they repeatedly seemed to do ridiculous things. But you know what? They were human. That’s what made this book so good in the end. This is an emotional read, and if you’re looking for festive cheer it’s not the one, but it’s absolutely worth adding to your TBR list and bumping it up when you’re ready for an emotive, flawed-characters with heart-warming elements.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very easy read and I do enjoy book formats like this. It was quite predictable in places, it was hard to root for their relationship at times, some of the characters could have been better developed and a bit of a conclusion could have been given to others - examples being Sam, Cody, Rich and Abby. I felt Laura’s parents got a bit of a rough ride and I’d have liked to have been their relationship develop a bit more… and as a result, Laura develop a tougher stance with Luke. Luke annoyed me all the way through the book to be honest - not mature, far too quick to spend money, very naive - of course his band were going to release a bad album and get dropped but he had no concept of that, far too flash when Laura just wanted simple things… I didn’t fully buy that he’d changed by the end, and actually I’d have rather they worked on themselves instead of the ending they gave…
I also wanted to know what happened to Sam and Noah…

[Caroline O'Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw so many wonderful reviews of this book that I knew I had to add it to my December TBR and I’m so glad that I did.

This book follows Laura and Luke throughout their relationship on one day in December, the 16th. I really loved this concept as we didn’t get to see what went on throughout each year but each year on this particular day we got to see how that year had been for them. We saw the growth each had, saw the progress in their lives, and those around them and it was a really great way to read a book.

I really enjoyed the storyline a lot, there were lots of ups and downs, so much hope and lots of love.

I adored the friendship Laura shared with Sarah, nothing beats that lifelong friendship and it was a pleasure to read about.

Luke and Laura did not have an easy love or relationship, but they definitely loved one another a lot.

So much happens but I don’t want to spoil anything, definitely go add this one to your Christmas reads, I could not put it down.

[Margarita Boutsiarakou · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book!
It follows the love story of Laura and Luke and the struggles and the problems that are facing through the years.
I felt like it was very real and understandable that they had communication issues and how most of the time they wanted different things. This is something a lot of couples experience and it’s very hard the get past those things and keep going because deep down all you want is to be with the person you love.
The writing was really great. The idea that every chapter was a new year was good but sometimes I felt like I needed more and that the chapters where really sort. But maybe that’s a good thing. I mean it is 400 pages long. Maybe it is good that I didn’t get tired and I wanted more.
I definitely recommend it!❤️
I didn’t give it a fifth star because probably I wouldn’t read it a second time like I would have done with some other books.

[Megan Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this cosy, Christmassy read. We follow Laura and Luke on the 16 December over a number of years and we learn about them, their relationship and what happens to them over the years. I really liked the concept, following them on the one day is simple and powerful and reminiscent of the gorgeous 'One Day'. Add in the Christmas element as well and you are in for one romantic, beautiful read. I just adored this. The storytelling was effective, the setting magical and the characters are all gorgeous and I felt for all of them and the various emotions Marks' puts them through. I highly recommend curling up with this book. Thank you to NetGalley and Michael Joseph for an advance copy.

[Suzanne Illingworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all of Rachel’s other novels and loved them but this one is my very favourite.It follows the story of Laura and Luke over the years on a December day.
I fell in love with their story and their characters.As each year came and passed I became further invested in their lives and what is at heart a love story which includes mistakes,revelations and lost opportunities.
Sarah a mutual best friend was also a wonderful character who loved them both and I had fondness and admiration for how she dealt with her own difficulties with great strength of character and courage whilst always putting others first.
Luke and Laura will stay with me for a long time and whenever I see a snow globe I will remember them.
Highly recommended.