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On the First Day of Christmas
This Christmas, everything will change...
When Liv Latimer says goodbye to her fellow nurses and finishes work for the holidays, she's looking forward to a Christmas to remember with her boyfriend Eddie.
But as she leaves the hospital, tragedy strikes and Liv is faced with a choice. Will she ignore her instincts and go home as planned? Or will she stay, and potentially change the course of her life as she knows it?
Whatever choice she makes, Liv is about to discover that fate finds a way...
From the bestselling Irish author of The Ladies' Midnight Swimming Club comes an emotional and uplifting festive story about love, family and how a split-second decision can change your life.
When Liv Latimer says goodbye to her fellow nurses and finishes work for the holidays, she's looking forward to a Christmas to remember with her boyfriend Eddie.
But as she leaves the hospital, tragedy strikes and Liv is faced with a choice. Will she ignore her instincts and go home as planned? Or will she stay, and potentially change the course of her life as she knows it?
Whatever choice she makes, Liv is about to discover that fate finds a way...
From the bestselling Irish author of The Ladies' Midnight Swimming Club comes an emotional and uplifting festive story about love, family and how a split-second decision can change your life.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2022
489 people are currently reading
486 people want to read
About the author
Faith Hogan
12 books692 followersFaith Hogan is a bestselling author of nine novels. Her books have featured as Book Club Favorites, Net Galley Hot Reads and Summer Must Reads. She writes grown up women's fiction which is unashamedly uplifting, feel good and inspiring.
She gained an Honours Degree in English Literature and Psychology from Dublin City University and a Postgraduate Degree from University College, Galway.
Her latest novel is The Guest House By The Sea - set in the west of Ireland - it has been described as a book to fall in love with.
She also writes crime fiction as Geraldine Hogan. Her Corbally series is out now.
You can find out more about Faith on her website www.faithhogan.com
www.Facebook/FaithHogan.com
@gerhogan
She gained an Honours Degree in English Literature and Psychology from Dublin City University and a Postgraduate Degree from University College, Galway.
Her latest novel is The Guest House By The Sea - set in the west of Ireland - it has been described as a book to fall in love with.
She also writes crime fiction as Geraldine Hogan. Her Corbally series is out now.
You can find out more about Faith on her website www.faithhogan.com
www.Facebook/FaithHogan.com
@gerhogan
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 228 reviews
September 27, 2022
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This is my fourth book by Faith Hogan and every one of them was a four-star read for me. This book was such a joy, think of it as a yuletide Sliding Doors in Ireland and I so loved that premise. There are two parallel storylines and Faith Hogan managed to keep them running side by side very smoothly. They were easy to decipher from each other because they were written in different fonts and the author used dinkus between each change.
I so enjoyed reading both versions of Liv and getting to know her. Seeing what happens during the two different roads she takes made for such an interesting read. I was really happy to see her come into her own in both versions, even if she takes different ways to get to the same conclusion. There are many surprises in this one but what I took from reading it is the fact that life is what you make it no matter the road you're on.
Don't be fooled by the title and lovely cover, this is not a light-hearted Christmas read but it is an intelligently written, thought-provoking book, with well-thought-out characters and a beautiful if a bit fantastical ending.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Faith Hogan, and Head of Zeus | Aria for the giving of the ARC.
#OntheFirstDayofChristmas #NetGalley
This is my fourth book by Faith Hogan and every one of them was a four-star read for me. This book was such a joy, think of it as a yuletide Sliding Doors in Ireland and I so loved that premise. There are two parallel storylines and Faith Hogan managed to keep them running side by side very smoothly. They were easy to decipher from each other because they were written in different fonts and the author used dinkus between each change.
I so enjoyed reading both versions of Liv and getting to know her. Seeing what happens during the two different roads she takes made for such an interesting read. I was really happy to see her come into her own in both versions, even if she takes different ways to get to the same conclusion. There are many surprises in this one but what I took from reading it is the fact that life is what you make it no matter the road you're on.
Don't be fooled by the title and lovely cover, this is not a light-hearted Christmas read but it is an intelligently written, thought-provoking book, with well-thought-out characters and a beautiful if a bit fantastical ending.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Faith Hogan, and Head of Zeus | Aria for the giving of the ARC.
#OntheFirstDayofChristmas #NetGalley
November 7, 2022
3.5★s
On the First Day Of Christmas is the eighth novel by Irish author, Faith Hogan.
At the end of her late nursing shift on Christmas Eve at St Columbanus’s Hospital in Dublin, all Liv Latimer can think about is getting home to the family farm in Ballycove where, she’s convinced, her boyfriend Eddie will be proposing. But as she rushes for her bus, a vaguely familiar-looking man saves her life, twice! In the process, he is injured. The least she can do is to take him in to A&E and make sure he gets the best care.
Pete, her late twin Rachel’s best friend, is coming to collect her for the drive to Ballycove. Should she go and enjoy Christmas with her family and await Eddie’s proposal? Or should she stick around, help out in the short-staffed A&E, and check on the progress of her saviour, apparently Finn O’Connell?
From here, two narratives proceed in tandem, distinguished by different fonts, describing these alternate paths. In each stream, Eddie is a selfish freeloader, enabled by his doting mother, with Liv continually making excuses for his poor behaviour. In each stream, Liv is particularly disappointed when she discovers the true extent of his perfidy, and her family and Pete offer their unstinting support.
In the Ballycove stream, Liv acts like a blinkered doormat for Eddie, irritatingly spineless at each turn, and way too charitable about everyone’s motives. And when she learns the truth, she shoots the messenger. In the Dublin stream, Liv is a much stronger character. When the streams merge, there’s a hint of paranormal before a resolution that isn’t altogether satisfying as it feels a little incomplete, a little rushed. Sadly, while this is good, it is not Hogan’s best.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Head of Zeus/Aria.
On the First Day Of Christmas is the eighth novel by Irish author, Faith Hogan.
At the end of her late nursing shift on Christmas Eve at St Columbanus’s Hospital in Dublin, all Liv Latimer can think about is getting home to the family farm in Ballycove where, she’s convinced, her boyfriend Eddie will be proposing. But as she rushes for her bus, a vaguely familiar-looking man saves her life, twice! In the process, he is injured. The least she can do is to take him in to A&E and make sure he gets the best care.
Pete, her late twin Rachel’s best friend, is coming to collect her for the drive to Ballycove. Should she go and enjoy Christmas with her family and await Eddie’s proposal? Or should she stick around, help out in the short-staffed A&E, and check on the progress of her saviour, apparently Finn O’Connell?
From here, two narratives proceed in tandem, distinguished by different fonts, describing these alternate paths. In each stream, Eddie is a selfish freeloader, enabled by his doting mother, with Liv continually making excuses for his poor behaviour. In each stream, Liv is particularly disappointed when she discovers the true extent of his perfidy, and her family and Pete offer their unstinting support.
In the Ballycove stream, Liv acts like a blinkered doormat for Eddie, irritatingly spineless at each turn, and way too charitable about everyone’s motives. And when she learns the truth, she shoots the messenger. In the Dublin stream, Liv is a much stronger character. When the streams merge, there’s a hint of paranormal before a resolution that isn’t altogether satisfying as it feels a little incomplete, a little rushed. Sadly, while this is good, it is not Hogan’s best.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Head of Zeus/Aria.
October 19, 2022
Favorite Quote:
Go ahead, eat that frog.
My Review:
I struggled with this one and needed to ruminate for a few days before I could write a coherent review as I was rather disgruntled upon reaching the conclusion of the mystery. The book was unusually plotted with puzzling parallel timelines and similar events with the same characters. I was a bit baffled and bewildered with each shift, yet I was also quickly invested in the story and fell right into this wily author’s trap.
Multiple theories were developed, discarded, and circled yet again during my perusal - including parallel universes, dissociative personality, coma dreaming, reincarnation, paranormal spirits, etc. The characters were as thoughtfully constructed as the storylines with the beleaguered main protagonist being perversely stubborn and desperately clinging to her fantasy with an exasperating case of denial as a bonus. I wanted to give her a few hard whacks with my Kindle to dislodge her gray matter from her colon long before she got there on her own. But despite my irritation, I must give this crafty author her due, Faith Hogan is a perceptive and gifted scribe who kept me engaged and immersed in her story, even when it vexed or displeased me.
Go ahead, eat that frog.
My Review:
I struggled with this one and needed to ruminate for a few days before I could write a coherent review as I was rather disgruntled upon reaching the conclusion of the mystery. The book was unusually plotted with puzzling parallel timelines and similar events with the same characters. I was a bit baffled and bewildered with each shift, yet I was also quickly invested in the story and fell right into this wily author’s trap.
Multiple theories were developed, discarded, and circled yet again during my perusal - including parallel universes, dissociative personality, coma dreaming, reincarnation, paranormal spirits, etc. The characters were as thoughtfully constructed as the storylines with the beleaguered main protagonist being perversely stubborn and desperately clinging to her fantasy with an exasperating case of denial as a bonus. I wanted to give her a few hard whacks with my Kindle to dislodge her gray matter from her colon long before she got there on her own. But despite my irritation, I must give this crafty author her due, Faith Hogan is a perceptive and gifted scribe who kept me engaged and immersed in her story, even when it vexed or displeased me.
November 14, 2022
What a lot of drivel - spoilers
I just wanted a nice warmly written HEA romance to read to fill up a few leisure hours. Instead I found myself reading parallel storylines that made increasingly less sense, felt artificially forced to line up with an unexplained end result. A love and connection for one man instantly transferred to another, with a character killed off to force the ending to work
I just wanted a nice warmly written HEA romance to read to fill up a few leisure hours. Instead I found myself reading parallel storylines that made increasingly less sense, felt artificially forced to line up with an unexplained end result. A love and connection for one man instantly transferred to another, with a character killed off to force the ending to work
December 4, 2023
A plot disaster. Waste of time.
October 25, 2022
Sliding doors part 2.
I struggled with this book. The plot plodded with a weak main character, Liv, who, for a reason I can’t fathom, was in love with Eddie regardless of which side of the door she was on. Felt the author didn’t know how to finish the book and to me the final chapters were contrived.
I struggled with this book. The plot plodded with a weak main character, Liv, who, for a reason I can’t fathom, was in love with Eddie regardless of which side of the door she was on. Felt the author didn’t know how to finish the book and to me the final chapters were contrived.
September 17, 2022
A chance occurrence on Christmas eve leaves our heroine Liv in a precarious situation, where her life could take one of two paths...
Here's where the story gets interesting.
Unfortunately, here was where the reading got confusing for me.
I loved the premise of the story. However, the two parallel stories, running side by side, were somewhat confusing as they weren't labelled or separated by chapters.
We hear of the two different paths Liv's life could take, after a chance with death on Christmas Eve, both with the same conclusion, however, I found myself having to backtrack to see which Liv I was reading about.
I still enjoyed the story; nevertheless, I could have done with a little more clear signposting.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Here's where the story gets interesting.
Unfortunately, here was where the reading got confusing for me.
I loved the premise of the story. However, the two parallel stories, running side by side, were somewhat confusing as they weren't labelled or separated by chapters.
We hear of the two different paths Liv's life could take, after a chance with death on Christmas Eve, both with the same conclusion, however, I found myself having to backtrack to see which Liv I was reading about.
I still enjoyed the story; nevertheless, I could have done with a little more clear signposting.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
October 25, 2022
3.5 Stars
I’ve a newer fan of this author and was excited to receive her new Christmas Book.
Two stories in one, road traveled or road less taken? Took maybe 2-3 chapters in to get in the flow, but after that it took off. It helped that the stories are in different fonts. I enjoyed the Liv, ER nurse that is saved by an accident. The Liv doormat, not so much. Wanted to smack her upside her head! I couldn’t read fast enough to see what happened…then, WHAT!?!? I had hoped for a better ending but it left me scratching my head. This will not deter me from reading this author again.
Thanks to Ms. Hogan, Head of Zeus/Aria and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone.
I’ve a newer fan of this author and was excited to receive her new Christmas Book.
Two stories in one, road traveled or road less taken? Took maybe 2-3 chapters in to get in the flow, but after that it took off. It helped that the stories are in different fonts. I enjoyed the Liv, ER nurse that is saved by an accident. The Liv doormat, not so much. Wanted to smack her upside her head! I couldn’t read fast enough to see what happened…then, WHAT!?!? I had hoped for a better ending but it left me scratching my head. This will not deter me from reading this author again.
Thanks to Ms. Hogan, Head of Zeus/Aria and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone.
November 11, 2022
Disappointed as previous books were great. This one was nonsense.
December 21, 2022
Everyone kept saying “this is something a bit different” – its structure certainly is (and incredibly cleverly done), and the author hasn’t produced a Christmas book before – but this book had absolutely everything I’ve grown to love about the author’s writing. A well told and tremendously engaging story, wonderfully drawn characters, a fine emotional touch, laughter and tears, the palpable warmth that always distinguishes her writing – all that, plus a visit to her beloved Ballycove, and a touch of real magic that brought a tear to my eye and filled my heart with joy.
I desperately don’t want to spoil this book for anyone, but I’m sure others will have spotted the “Sliding Doors” references, and the fact that Liv – a nurse in a busy hospital A&E department – has a difficult choice to make when involved in an incident on her way home, before her planned departure to stay with her parents at Ballycove for Christmas. And she’s hoping that they’ll be celebrating more than just Christmas – she’s found a very special ring in boyfriend Eddie’s workshop (when she’s previously doubted whether their relationship was ever going anywhere), one capturing her special memories of the twin sister she lost to cancer, and she believes he’s planning to ask her to marry him. But then comes that moment when she has to make a choice – to return to the hospital with the man seriously injured while saving her life, or to walk away and continue with her plans.
The book follows both options, the stories then told in parallel – and if that sounds a touch difficult, and you’re perhaps even thinking “not for me”, I’ve never seen it done any better. In the proof copy I read, the parallel stories were distinguished by different typefaces – I don’t know if that was carried forward into the final copy (I hope it was, it worked well), but the stories deviate enough that I doubt anyone would struggle with the shifts from story to story. What’s particularly clever is that, as well as capturing Liv’s different journeys, they feature many of the same characters – her sister’s (and now her) best friend Pete, boyfriend Eddie (and what a waste of space he turns out to be), and in one storyline some of the incidental players (like Eddie’s appalling mother, and Pete’s former girlfriend) move from the background to take more significant roles. There’s a really original use of perspective too – the key outcomes in both stories are often the same, the angle of approach rather different.
At an emotional level, the whole book is extremely engaging – Liv had my heart from the very beginning, even when I found some of her romantic choices distinctly questionable. One of the storylines has more of a focus on home and family, beautifully done as always (I loved her parents as much as I did her), the other on a possible alternative romance and outcome but with considerable obstacles and complications. The supportive friendship – the wonderful Pete – is common to both, as is the lingering grief over the loss of her sister and the impact it’s had on everyone’s lives.
And then there’s the book’s ending, when the two versions of reality collide – and I have to say that I thought its emotional impact and the way it was handled was entirely perfect. There are a lot of tears in this book, but plenty of opportunities to laugh and smile too. I’m sorry to be a tad more cryptic than usual about the twists and turns of both stories, but I really want everyone to immerse themselves as I did and discover them for themselves – but it’s one of those that you read with the heart, and mine was certainly overflowing with love when I reached the final page.
I really did love this one – highly original, a Christmassy read with a real difference, a story beautifully told, entirely compelling, and one I certainly won’t forget in a hurry. And, I think, not necessarily a story you need to read at Christmas – although I’m really delighted I chose to add it to my festive list. Very highly recommended.
I desperately don’t want to spoil this book for anyone, but I’m sure others will have spotted the “Sliding Doors” references, and the fact that Liv – a nurse in a busy hospital A&E department – has a difficult choice to make when involved in an incident on her way home, before her planned departure to stay with her parents at Ballycove for Christmas. And she’s hoping that they’ll be celebrating more than just Christmas – she’s found a very special ring in boyfriend Eddie’s workshop (when she’s previously doubted whether their relationship was ever going anywhere), one capturing her special memories of the twin sister she lost to cancer, and she believes he’s planning to ask her to marry him. But then comes that moment when she has to make a choice – to return to the hospital with the man seriously injured while saving her life, or to walk away and continue with her plans.
The book follows both options, the stories then told in parallel – and if that sounds a touch difficult, and you’re perhaps even thinking “not for me”, I’ve never seen it done any better. In the proof copy I read, the parallel stories were distinguished by different typefaces – I don’t know if that was carried forward into the final copy (I hope it was, it worked well), but the stories deviate enough that I doubt anyone would struggle with the shifts from story to story. What’s particularly clever is that, as well as capturing Liv’s different journeys, they feature many of the same characters – her sister’s (and now her) best friend Pete, boyfriend Eddie (and what a waste of space he turns out to be), and in one storyline some of the incidental players (like Eddie’s appalling mother, and Pete’s former girlfriend) move from the background to take more significant roles. There’s a really original use of perspective too – the key outcomes in both stories are often the same, the angle of approach rather different.
At an emotional level, the whole book is extremely engaging – Liv had my heart from the very beginning, even when I found some of her romantic choices distinctly questionable. One of the storylines has more of a focus on home and family, beautifully done as always (I loved her parents as much as I did her), the other on a possible alternative romance and outcome but with considerable obstacles and complications. The supportive friendship – the wonderful Pete – is common to both, as is the lingering grief over the loss of her sister and the impact it’s had on everyone’s lives.
And then there’s the book’s ending, when the two versions of reality collide – and I have to say that I thought its emotional impact and the way it was handled was entirely perfect. There are a lot of tears in this book, but plenty of opportunities to laugh and smile too. I’m sorry to be a tad more cryptic than usual about the twists and turns of both stories, but I really want everyone to immerse themselves as I did and discover them for themselves – but it’s one of those that you read with the heart, and mine was certainly overflowing with love when I reached the final page.
I really did love this one – highly original, a Christmassy read with a real difference, a story beautifully told, entirely compelling, and one I certainly won’t forget in a hurry. And, I think, not necessarily a story you need to read at Christmas – although I’m really delighted I chose to add it to my festive list. Very highly recommended.
September 29, 2022
When nurse Liv Latimer finishes work in Dublin on Christmas Eve, she expects to be travelling to visit her family for the holidays and is hoping her longterm boyfriend, Eddie, will finally propose.
Instead, she has a brief, instant connection with a stranger, Finn, who then proceeds to save Liv's life. As she rushes with her saviour to hospital, we see the story diverge: in one scenario, she leaves him in the capable hands of her colleagues and continues with her Christmas plans; whilst in the other, she stays and oversees how Finn is doing.
The 'Sliding Doors' / parallel lives theme is a clever idea, showing how one split decision can change your life. I must admit I was very excited to read this book. However, unfortunately, the book didn't quite live up to my expectations.
There were points where it was difficult to know which life we were in. They were distinguished by the font, but it wasn't always clear as you got into the story. Several of the events overlapped in different ways, such as events with her despicable boyfriend (he and his mother were horrendous, why Liv was with him is a mystery!) But at times you just felt like you were reading the same thing twice, just with slight variations.
I liked the development of the romance between Liv and Finn, and would have liked that to be focused on much more than scenes with Eddie or Anya. Likewise, there was too much focus on Rachel, a character we really didn't know, and I was so disappointed with the direction the author took for poor Pete - it was all rather depressing, if I'm honest, and his character deserved better.
Faith Hogan can certainly write, and this book is thought-provoking, but don't go into this thinking it's a lovely little Christmas book; it really isn't that.
I'm sure many people will love this book, unfortunately it just didn't really work for me. Three stars for decent writing and a clever concept.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers, Head of Zeus, for the ARC copy of this book.
Instead, she has a brief, instant connection with a stranger, Finn, who then proceeds to save Liv's life. As she rushes with her saviour to hospital, we see the story diverge: in one scenario, she leaves him in the capable hands of her colleagues and continues with her Christmas plans; whilst in the other, she stays and oversees how Finn is doing.
The 'Sliding Doors' / parallel lives theme is a clever idea, showing how one split decision can change your life. I must admit I was very excited to read this book. However, unfortunately, the book didn't quite live up to my expectations.
There were points where it was difficult to know which life we were in. They were distinguished by the font, but it wasn't always clear as you got into the story. Several of the events overlapped in different ways, such as events with her despicable boyfriend (he and his mother were horrendous, why Liv was with him is a mystery!) But at times you just felt like you were reading the same thing twice, just with slight variations.
I liked the development of the romance between Liv and Finn, and would have liked that to be focused on much more than scenes with Eddie or Anya. Likewise, there was too much focus on Rachel, a character we really didn't know, and I was so disappointed with the direction the author took for poor Pete - it was all rather depressing, if I'm honest, and his character deserved better.
Faith Hogan can certainly write, and this book is thought-provoking, but don't go into this thinking it's a lovely little Christmas book; it really isn't that.
I'm sure many people will love this book, unfortunately it just didn't really work for me. Three stars for decent writing and a clever concept.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers, Head of Zeus, for the ARC copy of this book.
September 29, 2022
This novel was a ‘Sliding Doors’ style story and I had high hopes for it and was looking forward to reading whilst on holiday.
However, unfortunately I found it perplexing.
It didn’t appear to flow and my interest wasn’t really held.
I found the switch between the two parallel lives of the main character confusing at times and I wasn’t sure what one I was reading sometimes.
Thanks #NetGalley for my e-arc copy of #OnTheFirstDayOfChristmas in exchange for my honest review but unfortunately I am only able to award two stars.
It was first time reading a Faith Hogan novel, and unfortunately I feel that it will also be my last.
There were just too many times I put the book down and didn’t want to pick it back up.
December 19, 2023
4/5☃️
Despite other reviews, I did actually enjoy this book and finished it within the day. I love stories that split off into parallel universes depending on one choice!
It’s not really a Christmas book but rather a book that takes place around Christmas so keep that in mind if you’re looking to pick up a quick Xmas book!
Honestly how liv couldn’t see that Eddie was the absolute worst is beyond me. Six years ‘together’ and he hasn’t told you he loves you, doesn’t pay rent, can’t tidy up and you’re still convinced he’s gonna propose??? Delusional is all I can say !! Also I totally saw the Eddie & Anya plot twist from a mile away.
Ending was unexpected but cute, just not sure how I feel about the whole ghost part lol
Despite other reviews, I did actually enjoy this book and finished it within the day. I love stories that split off into parallel universes depending on one choice!
It’s not really a Christmas book but rather a book that takes place around Christmas so keep that in mind if you’re looking to pick up a quick Xmas book!
Honestly how liv couldn’t see that Eddie was the absolute worst is beyond me. Six years ‘together’ and he hasn’t told you he loves you, doesn’t pay rent, can’t tidy up and you’re still convinced he’s gonna propose??? Delusional is all I can say !! Also I totally saw the Eddie & Anya plot twist from a mile away.
Ending was unexpected but cute, just not sure how I feel about the whole ghost part lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2022
Inventive concept and a lovely story.
Liv is going home from work after a long shift at her Dublin hospital. She is pushed out of the way of an oncoming motorcycle by Finn who is severely injured. After getting him back to the hospital for treatment, things get a little bizarre. Liv's story divides into 2 stories - one where she continues with her plans and returns home for the Christmas holidays in Ballycove, and another where she stays in Dublin to work and keep tabs on Finn's progress. The stories run parallel to each other and in the beginning, it was a bit confusing. It probably would have been better if there was some way to subtly indicate that the story's direction had switched (like a different font or italics...I can think of several ways to do it without interrupting the flow.). The other characters - her twin sister Rachel (who died of cancer a few years before); her best friend, Pete, and even current live-in boyfriend Eddie - are well written and add to the enjoyment of the tale. For me, the ending was sweet, but I think it did not go far enough to suit me. I think I expected more...more explanation of the diverging tales, but the author basically leaves it up to the reader. This time it comes off as a little lazy. When you've invested the time to read, you should get more than a little woo-woo and the expected HEA. I enjoyed this one, but found myself slightly let down by the ending.
Thanks to Netgalley and Head of Zeus for this ARC.
Favorite quote:
She wanted to pull down a shutter on this moment and keep them here and safe forever, but...There's no stopping the progress of some things. Rachel's cancer diagnosis: its uncontainable march to the inevitable terrible end, was as unstoppable to her as the Northern Lights playing out over their heads.
Liv is going home from work after a long shift at her Dublin hospital. She is pushed out of the way of an oncoming motorcycle by Finn who is severely injured. After getting him back to the hospital for treatment, things get a little bizarre. Liv's story divides into 2 stories - one where she continues with her plans and returns home for the Christmas holidays in Ballycove, and another where she stays in Dublin to work and keep tabs on Finn's progress. The stories run parallel to each other and in the beginning, it was a bit confusing. It probably would have been better if there was some way to subtly indicate that the story's direction had switched (like a different font or italics...I can think of several ways to do it without interrupting the flow.). The other characters - her twin sister Rachel (who died of cancer a few years before); her best friend, Pete, and even current live-in boyfriend Eddie - are well written and add to the enjoyment of the tale. For me, the ending was sweet, but I think it did not go far enough to suit me. I think I expected more...more explanation of the diverging tales, but the author basically leaves it up to the reader. This time it comes off as a little lazy. When you've invested the time to read, you should get more than a little woo-woo and the expected HEA. I enjoyed this one, but found myself slightly let down by the ending.
Thanks to Netgalley and Head of Zeus for this ARC.
Favorite quote:
She wanted to pull down a shutter on this moment and keep them here and safe forever, but...There's no stopping the progress of some things. Rachel's cancer diagnosis: its uncontainable march to the inevitable terrible end, was as unstoppable to her as the Northern Lights playing out over their heads.
April 10, 2024
Ondanks dat het een kerstboek is, stelt het teleur.
December 31, 2022
This is a Sliding-Doors-esque look at what could happen if one split decision was made differently in our lives.
Liv is a bit of a workaholic, throwing herself into her career as a nurse since losing her twin sister Rachel to cancer at a very young age. She's looking forward to spending Christmas at home with her family in Ballycove, where she's sure her boyfriend Eddie is going to propose. She has seen the ring, after all. She's also making excuses for Eddie before we ever meet him, which isn't a great sign...
Anyway, a man saves her from being hit by a car, and ends up being knocked unconscious. In one timeline, Liv gives up her family Christmas to stay with this poor stranger out of guilt (but also slight relief at not having to do another Christmas without Rachel).
In the other timeline, Liv heads home to Ballycove to have a big family do and possibly get that ring on her finger.
This is where my review notebook really earned its money, because without notes I would not have been able to keep track of this story at all. The whole point, imho, of a story like this, is to show how different life could be based on one decision. But both timelines had similar, if not the same, events at the same time, making it incredibly hard to follow.
Barbara was written brilliantly, because she was truly one of the most horrible characters I've read in a long time and she absolutely did my head in, which was the point.
By 80%, I was entirely confused, didn't have a clue what was happening in either timeline, and then by the time *THE THING* happened, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I'd nearly tell you to read it just for the last 50 pages, because I'll tell you one thing, I definitely didn't see it coming!
A truly bananas book, not the worst one I've ever read but not one I'd recommend as a fun festive read.
Thanks to the publisher for the ARC via Netgalley.
Liv is a bit of a workaholic, throwing herself into her career as a nurse since losing her twin sister Rachel to cancer at a very young age. She's looking forward to spending Christmas at home with her family in Ballycove, where she's sure her boyfriend Eddie is going to propose. She has seen the ring, after all. She's also making excuses for Eddie before we ever meet him, which isn't a great sign...
Anyway, a man saves her from being hit by a car, and ends up being knocked unconscious. In one timeline, Liv gives up her family Christmas to stay with this poor stranger out of guilt (but also slight relief at not having to do another Christmas without Rachel).
In the other timeline, Liv heads home to Ballycove to have a big family do and possibly get that ring on her finger.
This is where my review notebook really earned its money, because without notes I would not have been able to keep track of this story at all. The whole point, imho, of a story like this, is to show how different life could be based on one decision. But both timelines had similar, if not the same, events at the same time, making it incredibly hard to follow.
Barbara was written brilliantly, because she was truly one of the most horrible characters I've read in a long time and she absolutely did my head in, which was the point.
By 80%, I was entirely confused, didn't have a clue what was happening in either timeline, and then by the time *THE THING* happened, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I'd nearly tell you to read it just for the last 50 pages, because I'll tell you one thing, I definitely didn't see it coming!
A truly bananas book, not the worst one I've ever read but not one I'd recommend as a fun festive read.
Thanks to the publisher for the ARC via Netgalley.
January 5, 2024
I enjoyed the book but after reading the end 3 times now I am still confused. I understand the end in one of the scenarios but not in the other.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2025
On the First Day of Christmas by Faith Hogan is the second book I have read of hers, but it certainly won't be the last. While celebrating Christmas is certainly an important aspect of this story, it is not your typical and expected Christmas holiday feel good story. The story is set in Ireland.
One of the aspects of this story that I am not sure I enjoyed was that the story began in the present with a nurse getting off shift on Christmas Eve and walking to the bus stop. When she gets back to her flat, a close friend will pick her up and they will travel to the small coastal Irish village where they were raised. However, the nurse is faced with a traumatic experience and emergency, and from that point the story becomes odd to say the least.
One thread of the story has this nurse helping to deal with the emergency and then going to her parents' home. She is expecting her boyfriend with full benefits to ask her a very important question, and she is expecting to say yes. That question is never asked, and she deals with the reality of this relationship and her next step throughout the rest of the story.
The font changes and another thread of the same girl and relationships emerges. In this thread she doesn't immediately return home, and we see a different side of her personality and strengths as she struggles with what the rest of her life, or the foreseeable future anyway could look like.
On New Year's Eve, the two threads are joined together in a paranormal, disjointed, confusing way. The ending is sudden, satisfying and yet not at the same time.
I'm almost twice the age of the main character, and a spinster. I think by at least 12% into the story, I wanted the nurse to kick her boyfriend out on the street and never look back. As the story progressed, I was hard pressed to keep the threads straight. I wish Ms. Hogan had found another way to bring the story to a satisfactory close. I wish the reader had been privy to the nurse working her way through her delayed grieving process before having the happily ever after ending.
One of the aspects of this story that I am not sure I enjoyed was that the story began in the present with a nurse getting off shift on Christmas Eve and walking to the bus stop. When she gets back to her flat, a close friend will pick her up and they will travel to the small coastal Irish village where they were raised. However, the nurse is faced with a traumatic experience and emergency, and from that point the story becomes odd to say the least.
One thread of the story has this nurse helping to deal with the emergency and then going to her parents' home. She is expecting her boyfriend with full benefits to ask her a very important question, and she is expecting to say yes. That question is never asked, and she deals with the reality of this relationship and her next step throughout the rest of the story.
The font changes and another thread of the same girl and relationships emerges. In this thread she doesn't immediately return home, and we see a different side of her personality and strengths as she struggles with what the rest of her life, or the foreseeable future anyway could look like.
On New Year's Eve, the two threads are joined together in a paranormal, disjointed, confusing way. The ending is sudden, satisfying and yet not at the same time.
I'm almost twice the age of the main character, and a spinster. I think by at least 12% into the story, I wanted the nurse to kick her boyfriend out on the street and never look back. As the story progressed, I was hard pressed to keep the threads straight. I wish Ms. Hogan had found another way to bring the story to a satisfactory close. I wish the reader had been privy to the nurse working her way through her delayed grieving process before having the happily ever after ending.
January 11, 2023
Don’t be fooled by the title and lovely book cover, this isn’t your typical Christmas romance book. This was definitely unexpected but absolutely loved the direction it took. Goodreads describes it as “an emotional and uplifting festive story about love, family and how a split-second decision can change your life.”
Liv is a Nurse in the A&E Dept in Dublin. She’s excited to finish up on Christmas Eve and travel to Ballycove to spend the Christmas period with her family and long term boyfriend Eddie. It’s from here, the story splits into two parallel storylines… One where Liv travels home to her family as planned, the other where she’s saved from a road accident and decides to stay in Dublin. The parallel storylines run very smoothly side by side, as the author clearly differentiates by using different fonts per storyline. Which eliminates any confusion to which Liv you’re reading about!
Absolutely loved Liv and her optimism, especially as she has faced the loss of her twin. I was so happy to see Liv’s journey in both timelines. There was times I was cursing at her to open her eyes, but she eventually gets there.
Not exactly a spoiler, but I absolutely hate Eddie…. Don’t think the author hides this much even at the beginning! I absolutely love Pete her best friend, feel like we all need a Pete in our lives. There are some great characters in this book. Love her family dynamic and her sassy sister Maya.
The main message I took from this FATE!!! That everything happens for a reason, and I love this message. Beautiful story.
Liv is a Nurse in the A&E Dept in Dublin. She’s excited to finish up on Christmas Eve and travel to Ballycove to spend the Christmas period with her family and long term boyfriend Eddie. It’s from here, the story splits into two parallel storylines… One where Liv travels home to her family as planned, the other where she’s saved from a road accident and decides to stay in Dublin. The parallel storylines run very smoothly side by side, as the author clearly differentiates by using different fonts per storyline. Which eliminates any confusion to which Liv you’re reading about!
Absolutely loved Liv and her optimism, especially as she has faced the loss of her twin. I was so happy to see Liv’s journey in both timelines. There was times I was cursing at her to open her eyes, but she eventually gets there.
Not exactly a spoiler, but I absolutely hate Eddie…. Don’t think the author hides this much even at the beginning! I absolutely love Pete her best friend, feel like we all need a Pete in our lives. There are some great characters in this book. Love her family dynamic and her sassy sister Maya.
The main message I took from this FATE!!! That everything happens for a reason, and I love this message. Beautiful story.
December 8, 2024
Knjiga ima posebno zasnovo, saj Liv spremljamo v dveh vzporednih resničnostih. Ko, po končani izmeni, na križišču, zagleda moškega, ki jo, iz neznanega razloga, pretrese, je priča še prometni nesreči, v kateri jo skupi prav ta moški, saj jo želi rešiti, da motorist ne bi zadel nje. Nato se resničnost razdeli. V eni variaciji Liv ostane v Dublinu in med svojo službo medicinske sestre obiskuje tega moškega, v drugi pa se odpravi na praznovanje božiča k družini.
Ampak.. ampak... bolj, ko se zgodba v obeh variantah razvija, bolj bizarno in ponavljajoče postaja. To, da so junaki tako ali tako le črni ali beli, me niti ne bi tako motilo, a vse skupaj se zdi precej razvlečeno. Skoraj celo knjigo sem potrebovala, da sem ugotovila, koliko časa je minilo od smrti njene dvojčice Rachel, zdi pa se, kot da Liv življenja nekje do 29.leta ni imela. Noben od glavnih akterjev, ne Liv, ne njena sestra Maya, prijatelj Pete... ni poročen.. Razmerja so vsa po vrsti slaba, odnos s prijateljem Petom neprepričljiv. V celoti me zgodba nikakor ni prepričala in tudi konec je neposrečen. Zelo slaba trojka za romantično zvrst....
Ampak.. ampak... bolj, ko se zgodba v obeh variantah razvija, bolj bizarno in ponavljajoče postaja. To, da so junaki tako ali tako le črni ali beli, me niti ne bi tako motilo, a vse skupaj se zdi precej razvlečeno. Skoraj celo knjigo sem potrebovala, da sem ugotovila, koliko časa je minilo od smrti njene dvojčice Rachel, zdi pa se, kot da Liv življenja nekje do 29.leta ni imela. Noben od glavnih akterjev, ne Liv, ne njena sestra Maya, prijatelj Pete... ni poročen.. Razmerja so vsa po vrsti slaba, odnos s prijateljem Petom neprepričljiv. V celoti me zgodba nikakor ni prepričala in tudi konec je neposrečen. Zelo slaba trojka za romantično zvrst....
December 14, 2024
2.5 stars
I was close to giving this two stars but decided on three as I enjoyed lots of parts of the story. I hated that Eddie even existed. There is no way Liv would have entertained the idea of him let alone be hoping for him to propose. I did not enjoy the ending either. One story in one timeline would have much more enjoyable with a nicer ending for the lovely Pete. I did enjoy the writing and the time Liv spent at home with her lovely family. That’s what I want for a cosy festive read.
On a side note, what was up with the completely out-of-the-blue and unnecessary-to-the-story comment about ‘Mick’ who we never heard of before or after this line. “…it was hard to figure out how he couldn’t still teach in the secondary school in the next town. You hardly needed to put your back into standing up in front of a dozen kids and going through the course curriculum for Irish” Teacher bashing for no reason at all.
I was close to giving this two stars but decided on three as I enjoyed lots of parts of the story. I hated that Eddie even existed. There is no way Liv would have entertained the idea of him let alone be hoping for him to propose. I did not enjoy the ending either. One story in one timeline would have much more enjoyable with a nicer ending for the lovely Pete. I did enjoy the writing and the time Liv spent at home with her lovely family. That’s what I want for a cosy festive read.
On a side note, what was up with the completely out-of-the-blue and unnecessary-to-the-story comment about ‘Mick’ who we never heard of before or after this line. “…it was hard to figure out how he couldn’t still teach in the secondary school in the next town. You hardly needed to put your back into standing up in front of a dozen kids and going through the course curriculum for Irish” Teacher bashing for no reason at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2022
This book warmed my heart ❤
At first wasn't sure what was going on confused me with the duo timelines.
But once you figure that out it's easy to read and get drawn into all the characters.
What I thought was going to happen didn't, but ended in such a heartfelt way that I don't think this book could have ended any better.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
At first wasn't sure what was going on confused me with the duo timelines.
But once you figure that out it's easy to read and get drawn into all the characters.
What I thought was going to happen didn't, but ended in such a heartfelt way that I don't think this book could have ended any better.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
October 18, 2022
I enjoyed this new twist on the sliding doors idea. What if you chose a different path? What if you never met someone?
There were a few times where I felt a little lost with the switch between "choices" but nothing that bothered me too much. I enjoyed Liv and the lives she lived. Wanting her to get the HEA I thought she truly deserved. Great bunch of supporting characters and a sweet ending.
I received an arc of this book.
There were a few times where I felt a little lost with the switch between "choices" but nothing that bothered me too much. I enjoyed Liv and the lives she lived. Wanting her to get the HEA I thought she truly deserved. Great bunch of supporting characters and a sweet ending.
I received an arc of this book.
December 30, 2025
The beginning was promising and then it just went downhill really fast just like how Liv rolled down the snow bank and entered a paranormal ending.
The last few chapters left me disoriented.
I was confused with what was happening with Pete and Liv, equally confused about Finn and Liv.
All I know for sure is Eddie is an entitled little prick who is very clearly his mother's son.
The last few chapters left me disoriented.
I was confused with what was happening with Pete and Liv, equally confused about Finn and Liv.
All I know for sure is Eddie is an entitled little prick who is very clearly his mother's son.
December 7, 2024
It was an enjoyable listen for parts but overall I was annoyed by how much the story focused on the good for nothing boyfriend. Also I personally hated the ending but i can’t say it wasn’t creative. Loved the book being set in Ireland!
December 21, 2022
A sliding doors story that failed to grip me.
November 27, 2023
I meant to say in earlier review this was my 1st Christmas book from Faith Hogan. I have now read 2 of her books! Enjoyed both,,,
November 30, 2023
Not as wow as I thought ...
January 8, 2023
Could have been an ok story but the way it was written was confusing at times. Two different possibilities with different outcomes made it difficult to remember what was going on.
December 10, 2022
I can't recommend this book enough! It has a brilliant "sliding doors" style which kept me completely rapt throughout and unable to put it down! I was desperate to find out what would happen in each of the scenarios. The book is really well written and enables you to feel like the main character, Liv, is one of your friends. I was absolutely rooting for her throughout, desperately hoping she'd ditch her loser boyfriend! It's really left me filled with a festive glow! I hope you enjoy it too!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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