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A December to Remember
Three bickering half-sisters must come together to compete in a series of wacky challenges to access their inheritance in winsome holiday story from the author of The Twelve Dates of Christmas.
Wildly different half-sisters Maggie, Simone, and Star have hardly seen each other since their sprightly summers at Rowan Thorp, their eccentric father Augustus’s home. Known for the fruitful ways in which his bustling knick-knack shop kept the tired town afloat, Augustus was loved by all and known by none, not even his daughters.
Now, years later, the three estranged women are unexpectedly reunited at the reading of Augustus’s will. Maggie, Simone, and Star are shocked to find out that Augustus has engineered a series of hoops through which the three women must jump to unlock their inheritance—the last thing any of them want to do. But Maggie and Star desperately need the money. And who would Simone be to resist?
Through hilarious goose chases, community mishaps, and one heart-warming Winter Solstice celebration, love, hope, and reconciliation is in the air, if only the three sisters can let themselves grasp it.
Wildly different half-sisters Maggie, Simone, and Star have hardly seen each other since their sprightly summers at Rowan Thorp, their eccentric father Augustus’s home. Known for the fruitful ways in which his bustling knick-knack shop kept the tired town afloat, Augustus was loved by all and known by none, not even his daughters.
Now, years later, the three estranged women are unexpectedly reunited at the reading of Augustus’s will. Maggie, Simone, and Star are shocked to find out that Augustus has engineered a series of hoops through which the three women must jump to unlock their inheritance—the last thing any of them want to do. But Maggie and Star desperately need the money. And who would Simone be to resist?
Through hilarious goose chases, community mishaps, and one heart-warming Winter Solstice celebration, love, hope, and reconciliation is in the air, if only the three sisters can let themselves grasp it.
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First published November 9, 2023
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About the author
Jenny Bayliss
7 books1,691 followersJenny Bayliss lives in a small seaside town in the UK with her husband, their children having left home for big adventures. After having been a professional cake-baker for many years, she went back to college at age thirty-nine to study part-time for a degree in Creative and Professional Writing. Bayliss likes long walks, baking days, stationery, and shamelessly wearing party dresses to the supermarket. The Twelve Dates of Christmas is her debut novel.
See also: Jenni Jennings
See also: Jenni Jennings
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,079 reviews
December 15, 2023
I think I just read my favorite Christmas book yet
September 26, 2023
Very sweet story about three estranged sisters finding their way back to each other after being given a task to complete by their recently deceased father.
Augustus Balthazar North fathered three girls by three different mothers: Simone, Star (Heavenly Stargazer), and Maggie. He owned North's Novelties and Curios in the small village of Rowan Thorp, and he traveled the world finding treasures he would send back to his shop. Unfortunately that meant he only spent limited time with the girls as they grew up, and their lives have made them somewhat distant and a couple of them aren't speaking to each other. Augustus has recently died, and he has left his daughters a scavenger hunt of sorts and a declaration that they need to restart the town's Winter Solstice festival.
I ended this book with a big smile on my face. I loved that the main characters (the sisters) were in their late 30s-40s. It gave a different perspective on the romance and issues that came up for them. Each one has something to work through and overcome, so they are relatable to readers. Overall it's fairly predictable, but sometimes a person just wants a nice cozy read. The addition of the shop and the quirky, meddlesome (in a great way) residents of the village made for an enjoyable read.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Augustus Balthazar North fathered three girls by three different mothers: Simone, Star (Heavenly Stargazer), and Maggie. He owned North's Novelties and Curios in the small village of Rowan Thorp, and he traveled the world finding treasures he would send back to his shop. Unfortunately that meant he only spent limited time with the girls as they grew up, and their lives have made them somewhat distant and a couple of them aren't speaking to each other. Augustus has recently died, and he has left his daughters a scavenger hunt of sorts and a declaration that they need to restart the town's Winter Solstice festival.
I ended this book with a big smile on my face. I loved that the main characters (the sisters) were in their late 30s-40s. It gave a different perspective on the romance and issues that came up for them. Each one has something to work through and overcome, so they are relatable to readers. Overall it's fairly predictable, but sometimes a person just wants a nice cozy read. The addition of the shop and the quirky, meddlesome (in a great way) residents of the village made for an enjoyable read.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
July 14, 2023
Five years ago. Augustus Balthazar
North (what a great name) is the owner of North’s Novelties and Curios in Rowan Thorp village in Kent, a shop that has been handed down from one generation to the other since 1740. The shop is a wonder, a feast for the eyes, stocked to the rafters with all kinds of treasures. Despite the shops obvious allure Augustus has wanderlust, and he closes the shop and sets off in his trusty, rusty camper van for fresh fields and mountains. In the present day, half sisters Maggie, Simone and Star’s estranged father Augustus has died at the ripe old age of 96, his funeral is well attended and a testament to his popularity. He leaves an unusual will. The half sisters are left a series of challenges through which they must work together in order to inherit. He has hidden 32 monopoly houses which once found, their next task is to recreate the lapsed Winter Solstice celebrations. Augustus’ motives are clearly to play the long game for the greater good.
It takes me a little while to get into this one which is overly detailed at the start, but eventually I connect and plunge into the enjoyment! Each sister is very different, their back stories are good, each has their issues and problems which makes them feel authentic. Star is definitely the star for me, she is likeable from the very start, whilst Simone is somewhat spiky but she eventually thaws. There are plenty of other good characters that feature, especially the village inhabitants and one especially likeable one from Sotheby’s!
I love the idyllic setting of Rowan Thorp, which would definitely be somewhere you would want to live - two lovely pubs you say? I’m there. As for the North shop that is one you would want to visit and have a good poke around to discover a hidden treasure. The sense of community is heartwarming, I love how they pull together. Disney? Of course it is, but none the worse for that. The stand out section of the book for me is the winter solstice celebrations, it makes me want to seek one out and wassail! I love traditions so I’m right there with that one.
The novel has romance (obviously), it’s very funny in places, it’s heartwarming, but it does have some serious issues too. It’s definitely a ‘Hallmark’ book but it does make you feel good and that’s important too. Yes, it’s predictable, you know certain things are going to happen but as you want them to happen I enjoy the journey.
Overall, this is a good Christmas read which Jenny Bayliss seems to have nailed.
Naturally, it snows. It doesn’t, or, but rarely!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Pan Macmillan for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
North (what a great name) is the owner of North’s Novelties and Curios in Rowan Thorp village in Kent, a shop that has been handed down from one generation to the other since 1740. The shop is a wonder, a feast for the eyes, stocked to the rafters with all kinds of treasures. Despite the shops obvious allure Augustus has wanderlust, and he closes the shop and sets off in his trusty, rusty camper van for fresh fields and mountains. In the present day, half sisters Maggie, Simone and Star’s estranged father Augustus has died at the ripe old age of 96, his funeral is well attended and a testament to his popularity. He leaves an unusual will. The half sisters are left a series of challenges through which they must work together in order to inherit. He has hidden 32 monopoly houses which once found, their next task is to recreate the lapsed Winter Solstice celebrations. Augustus’ motives are clearly to play the long game for the greater good.
It takes me a little while to get into this one which is overly detailed at the start, but eventually I connect and plunge into the enjoyment! Each sister is very different, their back stories are good, each has their issues and problems which makes them feel authentic. Star is definitely the star for me, she is likeable from the very start, whilst Simone is somewhat spiky but she eventually thaws. There are plenty of other good characters that feature, especially the village inhabitants and one especially likeable one from Sotheby’s!
I love the idyllic setting of Rowan Thorp, which would definitely be somewhere you would want to live - two lovely pubs you say? I’m there. As for the North shop that is one you would want to visit and have a good poke around to discover a hidden treasure. The sense of community is heartwarming, I love how they pull together. Disney? Of course it is, but none the worse for that. The stand out section of the book for me is the winter solstice celebrations, it makes me want to seek one out and wassail! I love traditions so I’m right there with that one.
The novel has romance (obviously), it’s very funny in places, it’s heartwarming, but it does have some serious issues too. It’s definitely a ‘Hallmark’ book but it does make you feel good and that’s important too. Yes, it’s predictable, you know certain things are going to happen but as you want them to happen I enjoy the journey.
Overall, this is a good Christmas read which Jenny Bayliss seems to have nailed.
Naturally, it snows. It doesn’t, or, but rarely!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Pan Macmillan for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
October 3, 2023
This wintry, women’s fiction novel was an enjoyable tale. I adored the premise of 3 half sisters coming together for the reading of their father’s will only to discover that they have to complete a certain number of obstacles to receive their inheritance. The sisters’ history of spending one month together each summer while staying with their father was the foundation for their complicated relationship as adults, and I appreciated the journey these three go on to grow closer and work through past issues. The setting is lovely and captivating, and I only wish this book had a smaller page count, and it really would have tightened the writing and produced a more compelling read. As is, I did find myself wandering in concentration at times and easily putting this down without an urge to pick it back up for days at a time. Overall, a satisfying read, though.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
December 13, 2023
I may be the only one, but this book was hard for me to get through. I found it very boring. Why is it 400 pages? I think I would have enjoyed it more if it were 200. I don’t even want to give this book 3 stars, but it is the season of giving. 🎁
November 30, 2023
This book was fine. Not as Christmas-y as I would have liked and read more like I was watching a Hallmark movie with cliche lines and descriptions. The sisters reunited so quickly I didn’t have much motivation to keep reading, with their side stories not as intriguing to me. There were some memorable moments and touching themes, but not enough for my personal taste in a holiday novel.
December 9, 2024
A December to Remember of all the books I wish I didn’t and can’t get my time back on & this one:
The voice on the audible when it was changed for Star DROVE ME BLOODY NUTS. Like the normal voice was ok, keep with that. So maybe my review on this book is more so on that than the storyline itself. This wasn’t my favorite.
The voice on the audible when it was changed for Star DROVE ME BLOODY NUTS. Like the normal voice was ok, keep with that. So maybe my review on this book is more so on that than the storyline itself. This wasn’t my favorite.
December 16, 2024
2.5 ⭐️
I didn’t love it. Call me crazy, but death, absentee fathers, relationship drama, miscarriage, and teen abortion just don’t scream “cozy Christmas read” to me. It was also just kind of boring. 🤷🏼♀️
It’s too bad, really, because I think the potential was there for this to be a fun and uplifting story. There were some good moments and some good lines, but it just wasn’t enough to counteract the rest.
I didn’t love it. Call me crazy, but death, absentee fathers, relationship drama, miscarriage, and teen abortion just don’t scream “cozy Christmas read” to me. It was also just kind of boring. 🤷🏼♀️
It’s too bad, really, because I think the potential was there for this to be a fun and uplifting story. There were some good moments and some good lines, but it just wasn’t enough to counteract the rest.
November 21, 2023
2.5 stars (rounded up)..
By this point, it is becoming clear that Jenny Bayliss is not the writer for me. While I love it when romances include a heavy dose of melancholy and weighty topics, I did not find "A December to Remember" overly endearing because of its premise. I found myself mad at Maggie, Simone, and Star's father Augustus from the very first chapter. He was a philanderer and a cheat. He lived in the same town as one of his daughters and didn't give her the time of day because "it would be unfair to the other two sisters." WHAT?! And everyone in the quirky seaside town of Rowan Thrope simply LOVED this man? Gross. Why do we continue to let men get away with this kind of behavior, even in fiction!? Well, no matter, he's dead now. He left the half-sisters a series of tasks to accomplish before they get their inheritance which, fine, scavenger hunts are always fun to read about, but something about this book and this story rubbed me the wrong way from the get-go. The story *has* romance in it, sure, but it's more of a drama about maintaining/losing/rekindling relationships, having/not having children, learning tax and housing law, and discovering who your family is after they are no longer around. The crux of the story is about these three wildly different sisters reconnecting via these tasks and challenges, and finding their found family along the way. As they follow their late father's instructions, they become closer and closer as time goes on. I found it to be predictable and overly saccharine. There is a smattering of Christmas cheer and magic in this book, but I definitely would not suggest it as a holiday-time read due to the aforementioned heaviness (involving infertility, divorce, infidelity, substance abuse, death, etc). My mind wandered frequently while reading this book as I wished (several times) that I was reading anything else. I think it's because this book is far too long. A dragging pace on top of a too-long page count is a recipe for boredom. You could ostensibly skip several chapters in the middle and know exactly the same amount of information as if you'd read them. I don't recommend this one unless you want to fall asleep.
Thank you to NetGalley, Jenny Bayliss, and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam G.P. Putnam's Sons for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
By this point, it is becoming clear that Jenny Bayliss is not the writer for me. While I love it when romances include a heavy dose of melancholy and weighty topics, I did not find "A December to Remember" overly endearing because of its premise. I found myself mad at Maggie, Simone, and Star's father Augustus from the very first chapter. He was a philanderer and a cheat. He lived in the same town as one of his daughters and didn't give her the time of day because "it would be unfair to the other two sisters." WHAT?! And everyone in the quirky seaside town of Rowan Thrope simply LOVED this man? Gross. Why do we continue to let men get away with this kind of behavior, even in fiction!? Well, no matter, he's dead now. He left the half-sisters a series of tasks to accomplish before they get their inheritance which, fine, scavenger hunts are always fun to read about, but something about this book and this story rubbed me the wrong way from the get-go. The story *has* romance in it, sure, but it's more of a drama about maintaining/losing/rekindling relationships, having/not having children, learning tax and housing law, and discovering who your family is after they are no longer around. The crux of the story is about these three wildly different sisters reconnecting via these tasks and challenges, and finding their found family along the way. As they follow their late father's instructions, they become closer and closer as time goes on. I found it to be predictable and overly saccharine. There is a smattering of Christmas cheer and magic in this book, but I definitely would not suggest it as a holiday-time read due to the aforementioned heaviness (involving infertility, divorce, infidelity, substance abuse, death, etc). My mind wandered frequently while reading this book as I wished (several times) that I was reading anything else. I think it's because this book is far too long. A dragging pace on top of a too-long page count is a recipe for boredom. You could ostensibly skip several chapters in the middle and know exactly the same amount of information as if you'd read them. I don't recommend this one unless you want to fall asleep.
Thank you to NetGalley, Jenny Bayliss, and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam G.P. Putnam's Sons for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
dnf
November 21, 2023I think I may be done with Jenny Bayliss books. Too many things in this one that go against my convictions. Just don’t care to read about them! 🤷🏾♀️
January 1, 2025
I really enjoyed this read! This was a great story with the focus being on the three sisters repairing their relationship by means of fulfilling their late father's last wishes. What I loved is not only how we see the sisters repair old wounds with each other and let each other in, but we also see them struggle with their romantic relationships and work on putting their walls down and accepting love. I loved how the author tackled all these different relationships that the sisters had while making them relatable and how she balanced this cozy story with them having an active sex life (closed door). It made the story seem more realistic, with real-world problems and messy relationships and less like a Hallmark/Disney fairytale.
There are third-act breakups and problems that arise, but it is a feel-good story overall, which makes for a nice end-of-year read as all problems get fixed, and there's a nice epilogue that is a couple of years later at the end that ties up all loose ends in this HEA. I will definitely be checking out more of this author's books!🎄🧡
There are third-act breakups and problems that arise, but it is a feel-good story overall, which makes for a nice end-of-year read as all problems get fixed, and there's a nice epilogue that is a couple of years later at the end that ties up all loose ends in this HEA. I will definitely be checking out more of this author's books!🎄🧡
December 10, 2023
2.5 stars. The urge to DNF was so high. This was over the top and absurd. I couldn’t take it seriously, especially when “Heavenly-Stargazer Rosehip North” was introduced as a main character.
However, a star was earned for having a surprisingly non-stigmatizing conversation around abortion. All of y’all using a few paragraphs of conversation about abortion as THE reason you hated it (when there are MANY other valid reasons to dislike it) need to go touch some grass!
However, a star was earned for having a surprisingly non-stigmatizing conversation around abortion. All of y’all using a few paragraphs of conversation about abortion as THE reason you hated it (when there are MANY other valid reasons to dislike it) need to go touch some grass!
December 31, 2025
I haven't read a book by the author I haven't enjoyed.
Charming and with all the feels in this Christmas story.
Three half-sisters honor their father's last wishes and in doing so discover so much about their father and about themselves they hadn't known. Harmonious relationships, found family, strong women and forgiveness, this author does it right.
Emotional depth, self-discovery and Christmas vibes in this small-town charmer were just what I needed.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Charming and with all the feels in this Christmas story.
Three half-sisters honor their father's last wishes and in doing so discover so much about their father and about themselves they hadn't known. Harmonious relationships, found family, strong women and forgiveness, this author does it right.
Emotional depth, self-discovery and Christmas vibes in this small-town charmer were just what I needed.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
January 15, 2024
This was such a cozy and heartwarming holiday read. It felt like snuggling up under a blanket or coming inside from the cold outdoors and warming yourself up with a hot beverage. It’s exactly the kind of book that I love to read this time of year!
I really liked that this book focused on sisterhood as the three estranged North sisters try to find their way back to each other. The village of Rowan Thorp had all of the small town vibes (think Stars Hollow, but in the UK instead) and I enjoyed the local village characters. This story is very much about community as well and it warmed my heart to see the way this community came together when they needed to.
I had two small quibbles towards the end of the book, but in general I enjoyed this a lot. I’ve read all of Jenny Bayliss’s books now and I’d definitely put this one towards the top of the list!
///
So cozy and heartwarming. I really enjoyed it!
Full review to come.
I really liked that this book focused on sisterhood as the three estranged North sisters try to find their way back to each other. The village of Rowan Thorp had all of the small town vibes (think Stars Hollow, but in the UK instead) and I enjoyed the local village characters. This story is very much about community as well and it warmed my heart to see the way this community came together when they needed to.
I had two small quibbles towards the end of the book, but in general I enjoyed this a lot. I’ve read all of Jenny Bayliss’s books now and I’d definitely put this one towards the top of the list!
///
So cozy and heartwarming. I really enjoyed it!
Full review to come.
August 7, 2023
I absolutely loved this story! I've read other books by Jenny Bayliss that I enjoyed and was delighted to find that this book was just as cozy and lovely.
In this story, we follow three sisters navigating their strained sibling relationship as they come back together following the death of their father. In order to inherit his estate, the sisters must work together to reinstate the small town's Winter Solstice Festival. I found all of the characters relatable, likable, and complex and loved that each sister (all of them are in their 30s/40s) was one their own romantic and personal growth journey.
This book has small town, cozy vibes that make you feel like you are right alongside the North sisters as they navigate working together toward a common goal and work to rebuild their relationship. In this book, you'll also find themes of found family and real life challenges such as eviction, strained relationships, and financial struggles. I do encourage potential readers to check trigger warnings, as there are some sensitive topics in this story as well that some readers may want to avoid.
Overall, I loved this book. It was the perfect cozy, winter read sprinkled with romance, friendship, and warm festivities.
Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In this story, we follow three sisters navigating their strained sibling relationship as they come back together following the death of their father. In order to inherit his estate, the sisters must work together to reinstate the small town's Winter Solstice Festival. I found all of the characters relatable, likable, and complex and loved that each sister (all of them are in their 30s/40s) was one their own romantic and personal growth journey.
This book has small town, cozy vibes that make you feel like you are right alongside the North sisters as they navigate working together toward a common goal and work to rebuild their relationship. In this book, you'll also find themes of found family and real life challenges such as eviction, strained relationships, and financial struggles. I do encourage potential readers to check trigger warnings, as there are some sensitive topics in this story as well that some readers may want to avoid.
Overall, I loved this book. It was the perfect cozy, winter read sprinkled with romance, friendship, and warm festivities.
Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 6, 2024
The potential was there, but it was not for me.
December 17, 2023
3.5 stars
I received this book from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
When Maggie, Simone and Star's father passes away, the estranged sisters have to come together in the town they spent every summer childhood in to say goodbye to the father they loved, but felt like they hardly knew. When Augustus's will is read, the sisters find out they have to work together to create the perfect Winter Festival for the town before they can rightfully inherit. The time together as the Christmas period settles in gives the sisters a chance to reconnect.
Another lovely Christmas novel from Jenny Bayliss. I really liked this cosy tale complete with an eccentric town that could rival Star's Hollow, sisterly friendship and strong bonds and some romance scattered throughout.
I always think Jenny Bayliss's strength is the wonderful settings she always creates in her books and Rowan Thorp reminded me a bit of Blexford from The Twelves Dates of Christmas (I would love to know if there are any Easter eggs in Bayliss' novels to suggest her books are all set in the same world). A picture perfect Cotswold type of town where everyone knows everyone and they all stand up for each other - what could be better. I did find there were a couple of too many similarities from The Twelve Dtes including the 'Cussy Crocheters' which was a little bit too similar to the Knitting Sex Kittens in a previous novel.
I loved the sister friendship in this book as well as some really honest and refreshing chats around motherhood, infertility and abortion which I appreciated. I did find Maggie and Joe's relationship slightly tedious as Maggie's concerns bordered on very repetitive due to the age gap, her obsession with the fact she was menopausing and her constant put downs about herself particularly her thighs. It might have been better if we were introduced to the relationship at the start when the chemistry was sizzling before anything happened other than right in the middle of it.
Overall, I enjoyed this one and Jenny Bayliss is a Christmas reading staple for me!
I received this book from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
When Maggie, Simone and Star's father passes away, the estranged sisters have to come together in the town they spent every summer childhood in to say goodbye to the father they loved, but felt like they hardly knew. When Augustus's will is read, the sisters find out they have to work together to create the perfect Winter Festival for the town before they can rightfully inherit. The time together as the Christmas period settles in gives the sisters a chance to reconnect.
Another lovely Christmas novel from Jenny Bayliss. I really liked this cosy tale complete with an eccentric town that could rival Star's Hollow, sisterly friendship and strong bonds and some romance scattered throughout.
I always think Jenny Bayliss's strength is the wonderful settings she always creates in her books and Rowan Thorp reminded me a bit of Blexford from The Twelves Dates of Christmas (I would love to know if there are any Easter eggs in Bayliss' novels to suggest her books are all set in the same world). A picture perfect Cotswold type of town where everyone knows everyone and they all stand up for each other - what could be better. I did find there were a couple of too many similarities from The Twelve Dtes including the 'Cussy Crocheters' which was a little bit too similar to the Knitting Sex Kittens in a previous novel.
I loved the sister friendship in this book as well as some really honest and refreshing chats around motherhood, infertility and abortion which I appreciated. I did find Maggie and Joe's relationship slightly tedious as Maggie's concerns bordered on very repetitive due to the age gap, her obsession with the fact she was menopausing and her constant put downs about herself particularly her thighs. It might have been better if we were introduced to the relationship at the start when the chemistry was sizzling before anything happened other than right in the middle of it.
Overall, I enjoyed this one and Jenny Bayliss is a Christmas reading staple for me!
October 15, 2023
Filled with charming locals, antique treasures, and a winter solstice celebration, this was a perfectly cozy story that bridges the gap nicely between a wintery read and a full-blown holiday read. I adored it.
Aside from their matching green eyes, the North sisters are anything but similar. Given only four weeks per year to visit their mysterious father and his beloved antique shop in Rowan Thorp, the three half-sisters had a unique upbringing, to say the least. Years later, with some peculiar requests left in their father’s will, the estranged sisters are forced together once again.
A quirky stipulation bringing family closer together is one of my favourite storylines! And it is so easy to connect with the North sisters—Maggie, Simone, and Star. Their personal conflicts combined with their growth as sisters was so touching and enjoyable. There’s three delightful romances, too! A super heartwarming story for the upcoming months!
(heat level: closed door)
Aside from their matching green eyes, the North sisters are anything but similar. Given only four weeks per year to visit their mysterious father and his beloved antique shop in Rowan Thorp, the three half-sisters had a unique upbringing, to say the least. Years later, with some peculiar requests left in their father’s will, the estranged sisters are forced together once again.
A quirky stipulation bringing family closer together is one of my favourite storylines! And it is so easy to connect with the North sisters—Maggie, Simone, and Star. Their personal conflicts combined with their growth as sisters was so touching and enjoyable. There’s three delightful romances, too! A super heartwarming story for the upcoming months!
(heat level: closed door)
December 4, 2024
Jenny Bayliss is my favorite Christmas author. This book had the perfect amount of holiday vibes and the heart i needed it to have. A story of sisters always resonates with me and this hit every mark. No notes, pure joy
December 24, 2024
overall a cute & wholesome story about 3 half sisters navigating their way back to each other thru their father’s death. i loved the character development of each character & how they handled their personal lives amidst grieving. only reason it’s a 3⭐️ is bc i miss my fantasy world 🥹
August 8, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for a copy of A December to Remember in exchange for an honest review, all opinions are my own.
I really liked the concept and first half of this book. The second half was where it lost me, I found the second half to be very repetitive, and unnecessary. Honestly this entire novel could have been 100-150 pages shorter.
Overall, it was cute and had a lot of nice sisterly moments.
I really liked the concept and first half of this book. The second half was where it lost me, I found the second half to be very repetitive, and unnecessary. Honestly this entire novel could have been 100-150 pages shorter.
Overall, it was cute and had a lot of nice sisterly moments.
Read
December 20, 2025❛𝚂𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚘𝚗𝚕𝚢 𝚠𝚊𝚢 𝚝𝚘 𝚖𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚘𝚗, 𝚒𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚐𝚘 𝚋𝚊𝚌𝚔 𝚝𝚘 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚒𝚝 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚋𝚎𝚐𝚊𝚗.❜
Let’s get one thing straight: December is like a cheesecake for me. It’s rich, delightful, and I want to savor every single bite. Between the wintery chill, the foggy atmosphere, and the fact that it’s my birth month, it is impossible not to love this time of year.
Naturally, I needed a book to match the mood.
Plot:
Augustus Balthazar North was the owner of North Novelties & Curios in the small village of Rowan Thorp, Kent. Recently, he passed away, leaving behind three daughters from three different women.
These estranged siblings are called the ‘North sisters’ (or sometimes the ‘Summer sisters,’ since they only spent summers together with their father). But honestly, they weren't close at all. In fact, a couple of them stopped talking to each other years ago for some secret reason!
When their father died, he left a peculiar will to his daughters, and that’s where the story really starts.
Maggie, Simone, and Star are all in their 30s and 40s. They haven't been the best of sisters, but there is still a spark there. To inherit the property, they have to complete the tasks mentioned in the will: find 32 monopoly houses, locate a strongbox, and finally, organize Rowan Thorp's forgotten Winter Solstice Festival.
The big question is—will these three very different types of sisters be able to do it?
Maggie and Star are in desperate need of money, so they have no choice but to follow their father's will. But Augustus made it clear: they have to work together. With personal life drama and guys like Joe, Duncan, and Patrick in the mix, a very chilly mission awaits them.
Review:
❝A December to Remember❞ is a novel by Jenny Bayliss.
Reading a book about December in December is the ultimate vibe. I bought this book a year ago and waited specifically for this month to read it. It’s a 400-page novel, and honestly, the beginning felt a bit boring. However, as the story developed, I started to connect with it and really enjoy the ride.
The plot revolves around a deceased father's eccentric will bringing three estranged sisters together. I loved the character development, the realizations, and the growing bond between them. Of the three, Star was my favorite—she was truly the ❛star❜ of the book. Her lifestyle, personality, and hidden struggles were very touching. Simone was a bit of a ❛gangster❜ type but still good at heart, while Maggie was the mother figure of the group, shouldering all the pressure.
Beyond the sisters, the village dynamics were charming. I laughed out loud at the mention of the ❛menopause brigade❜—dramatic, yet very enjoyable!
However, some details felt unnecessary and just made the book longer than it needed to be. I also found the Simone-Evette plot to be the stupidest (for me) part of the story.
The ending was predictable but satisfactory. Overall, it was a good read.
N.B. Talk about perfect timing—posting a review about the Winter Solstice on the actual day of the Solstice!
❛𝘼 𝙨𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙨𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙠 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙙𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙘 𝙤𝙣 𝙖 𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥.❜
Let’s get one thing straight: December is like a cheesecake for me. It’s rich, delightful, and I want to savor every single bite. Between the wintery chill, the foggy atmosphere, and the fact that it’s my birth month, it is impossible not to love this time of year.
Naturally, I needed a book to match the mood.
Plot:
Augustus Balthazar North was the owner of North Novelties & Curios in the small village of Rowan Thorp, Kent. Recently, he passed away, leaving behind three daughters from three different women.
These estranged siblings are called the ‘North sisters’ (or sometimes the ‘Summer sisters,’ since they only spent summers together with their father). But honestly, they weren't close at all. In fact, a couple of them stopped talking to each other years ago for some secret reason!
When their father died, he left a peculiar will to his daughters, and that’s where the story really starts.
Maggie, Simone, and Star are all in their 30s and 40s. They haven't been the best of sisters, but there is still a spark there. To inherit the property, they have to complete the tasks mentioned in the will: find 32 monopoly houses, locate a strongbox, and finally, organize Rowan Thorp's forgotten Winter Solstice Festival.
The big question is—will these three very different types of sisters be able to do it?
Maggie and Star are in desperate need of money, so they have no choice but to follow their father's will. But Augustus made it clear: they have to work together. With personal life drama and guys like Joe, Duncan, and Patrick in the mix, a very chilly mission awaits them.
Review:
❝A December to Remember❞ is a novel by Jenny Bayliss.
Reading a book about December in December is the ultimate vibe. I bought this book a year ago and waited specifically for this month to read it. It’s a 400-page novel, and honestly, the beginning felt a bit boring. However, as the story developed, I started to connect with it and really enjoy the ride.
The plot revolves around a deceased father's eccentric will bringing three estranged sisters together. I loved the character development, the realizations, and the growing bond between them. Of the three, Star was my favorite—she was truly the ❛star❜ of the book. Her lifestyle, personality, and hidden struggles were very touching. Simone was a bit of a ❛gangster❜ type but still good at heart, while Maggie was the mother figure of the group, shouldering all the pressure.
Beyond the sisters, the village dynamics were charming. I laughed out loud at the mention of the ❛menopause brigade❜—dramatic, yet very enjoyable!
However, some details felt unnecessary and just made the book longer than it needed to be. I also found the Simone-Evette plot to be the stupidest (for me) part of the story.
The ending was predictable but satisfactory. Overall, it was a good read.
N.B. Talk about perfect timing—posting a review about the Winter Solstice on the actual day of the Solstice!
❛𝘼 𝙨𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙨𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙠 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙙𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙘 𝙤𝙣 𝙖 𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥.❜
September 30, 2023
In order to get their estranged father’s inheritance, half sisters Maggie, Simone and Star must work together through a series of challenges to bring back the town’s Winter Solstice festival. This felt like a classic British holiday read that leaned heavier on the women’s fiction side. I loved seeing the three sisters reconnect and work through real-life problems all while navigating their own romantic relationships.
Read if you like:
-Women’s fiction
-MCs in late 30s/40s
-Found family
-Strained relationships
-Small town
-Scavenger hunts
Read if you like:
-Women’s fiction
-MCs in late 30s/40s
-Found family
-Strained relationships
-Small town
-Scavenger hunts
December 3, 2023
A sister trio story + loss of a dad/holiday grief (although pretty lite compared to the story at large) + cozy English cottage and re-found family made this the perfect book to usher me into December reading. This one centers around Solstice instead of Christmas, too, if that’s important to you! My thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a chance to read an early copy.
December 25, 2023
Very cutie pie! Such a sweet story!
December 15, 2023
4.25
This book was the cozy, feel good, Holiday romance I have been craving. My last read was brilliant but, so very heavy. This lifted my spirits and made me feel cozy and happy while reading it. The North sisters are fabulous. None are perfect but, have wonderful hearts in their own unique ways. I think my favorite was Star. I loved her attitude and the way she looked at life. The town of Rowan Thorpe was everything. I could envision the town so perfectly in my mind, so perfectly in fact that I want to live there. If you're looking for a feel-good, holiday, cozy read I would highly recommend.
This book was the cozy, feel good, Holiday romance I have been craving. My last read was brilliant but, so very heavy. This lifted my spirits and made me feel cozy and happy while reading it. The North sisters are fabulous. None are perfect but, have wonderful hearts in their own unique ways. I think my favorite was Star. I loved her attitude and the way she looked at life. The town of Rowan Thorpe was everything. I could envision the town so perfectly in my mind, so perfectly in fact that I want to live there. If you're looking for a feel-good, holiday, cozy read I would highly recommend.
December 6, 2023
3.25. This was a cute holiday read.
September 27, 2023
This was a beautiful story of three estranged sisters whose father recently passed away. Their father had set up a scavenger hunt for them in hopes of bringing them all back together.
Their father also put into his will that they had to restore the town’s Winter Solstice festival. They had to work together in order to completely inherit the estate.
I love seeing these sisters get close again even with everything going on in their lives.
This is a perfect winter story to read by a cozy fireplace.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Their father also put into his will that they had to restore the town’s Winter Solstice festival. They had to work together in order to completely inherit the estate.
I love seeing these sisters get close again even with everything going on in their lives.
This is a perfect winter story to read by a cozy fireplace.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
December 10, 2024
4.25 ⭐️! this was a really sweet one!
i enjoy jenny bayliss for her story telling as much as her characters. while i didn’t love it AS much as meet me under the mistletoe, i still genuinely enjoyed this story and these sisters 😊
i enjoy jenny bayliss for her story telling as much as her characters. while i didn’t love it AS much as meet me under the mistletoe, i still genuinely enjoyed this story and these sisters 😊
December 26, 2023
I read this one for the little Christmas buddy read I do every year with my siblings, and it was a fitting pick since it's about three estranged half-sisters who come together due to their deceased father's will and final wishes. It started off a little bit slow for me, and I was worried that I wouldn't really get into it. But I did eventually come to care for these sisters over time, and I really enjoyed seeing how their stories played out and liked the sense of community (and eventual festivity) in their small town. It's a charming little book to read during December that gave me the same warm, fuzzy vibes watching a holiday romance/romcom film did, and I ended up enjoying it overall.
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