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One Christmas Morning
Eva has spent the past three years burying herself in her work, trying to forget the heartbreaking events of the Christmas that ripped her world apart. And this year, on the eve of her shop launch, the last thing Eva wants is to drive to the wild moors of Cornwall to attend her friends Hallie and Kian’s Christmas party. But at her husband James’ insistence, here they are. Worse still, Hallie announces she is pregnant, bringing Eva’s pain to the surface.
Overwhelmed by her friend’s news and the bittersweet memories of past Christmases, Eva tries to sneak back to London in the middle of the night. But as the clock strikes midnight, she is visited by the ghost of her beloved grandmother. Gran tells Eva that if she doesn’t face her ghosts head-on and stop shutting out her loved ones, she risks losing them all forever.
When Eva wakes on Christmas morning, she finds herself living not her own life, but that of her hardworking assistant, Diana, whose overflowing inbox isn’t the only secret she’s been keeping. The next day, she wakes on Christmas morning again, this time in the body of Hallie’s sister, Natalie. As Eva lives Christmas Day again and again through the perspectives of her friends, she is offered a glimpse into the lives of those she has been pushing away. With each Christmas Day comes a new lesson—and an insight into the secrets and struggles her loved ones have been hiding. To move forward, Eva must let go of the past. But is it too late to fix her future?
Overwhelmed by her friend’s news and the bittersweet memories of past Christmases, Eva tries to sneak back to London in the middle of the night. But as the clock strikes midnight, she is visited by the ghost of her beloved grandmother. Gran tells Eva that if she doesn’t face her ghosts head-on and stop shutting out her loved ones, she risks losing them all forever.
When Eva wakes on Christmas morning, she finds herself living not her own life, but that of her hardworking assistant, Diana, whose overflowing inbox isn’t the only secret she’s been keeping. The next day, she wakes on Christmas morning again, this time in the body of Hallie’s sister, Natalie. As Eva lives Christmas Day again and again through the perspectives of her friends, she is offered a glimpse into the lives of those she has been pushing away. With each Christmas Day comes a new lesson—and an insight into the secrets and struggles her loved ones have been hiding. To move forward, Eva must let go of the past. But is it too late to fix her future?
325 pages, Paperback
First published October 17, 2023
218 people are currently reading
17352 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Greenlaw
8 books475 followersRachel Greenlaw is the author of ONE CHRISTMAS MORNING, THE WOODSMOKE WOMEN'S BOOK OF SPELLS the COMPASS AND BLADE series and THE ORDEALS duology. She lives on an island in the middle of the Atlantic, where you'll find her wandering the white sand beaches, searching for cowrie shells and writing her next story.
For up to date information on Rachel's books, giveaways and news, sign up for her newsletter at https://rachelgreenlaw.com
And follow her on instagram and TikTok @rachelgreenlaw_ for a window into her world.
For up to date information on Rachel's books, giveaways and news, sign up for her newsletter at https://rachelgreenlaw.com
And follow her on instagram and TikTok @rachelgreenlaw_ for a window into her world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 562 reviews
December 15, 2023
One Christmas Morning by Rachel Greenlaw is a Holiday and Romance Fiction Story with Magical Realism!
I'm torn about One Christmas Morning...
At first I thought it was because I wasn't in the mood for a Christmas story several months early, until I realize this doesn't feel fun and festive like Holiday Fiction should feel.
Most of this story is spent in the head and first-person voice of our protagonist Eva Glass and frankly, connecting with Eva is a challenge. She's struggling with her marriage, her friendships, and her working relationships. She's trying to forget what broke her heart three years ago. She's bottled herself up so tight she's losing herself and everyone she loves in the process.
Eva's focus is on the opening of her new business, but she promises her husband, James she'll spend Christmas with their close friends, Hallie and Kian at Penhallow, a manor house in Cornwall. She knows she needs to keep her word, but the childhood memories and her family's connection to this manor house haunts her.
At the Christmas party, Eva hears news that's overwhelming and she decides to head back to London, despite the weather, without letting anyone know. At the stroke of midnight, time stands still and as she drives, she sees a familiar figure standing in the middle of the road...
One Christmas Morning has an interesting twist to the Time-Loop trope, unfortunately it feels overly repetitive and drawn out. Most of this story focuses on the plot rather than the characters. I want to know more about Eva, James, Hallie, and Kian and their friendship. It's always all about the characters for me.
I enjoyed One Christmas Morning from 75% on where the quality of the writing improves and the ending is uplifting, but that's a good long time to read before enjoyment arrives, don't you think?
One Christmas Morning has a creative premise with loads of potential. I'm glad to see the many positive reviews and ratings for this debut novel. It's an okay read, but I need more of a connection to the characters to be all in.
3⭐
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon, and Rachel Greenlaw for an DRC of this book. It has been an honor to give my honest and voluntary review.
I'm torn about One Christmas Morning...
At first I thought it was because I wasn't in the mood for a Christmas story several months early, until I realize this doesn't feel fun and festive like Holiday Fiction should feel.
Most of this story is spent in the head and first-person voice of our protagonist Eva Glass and frankly, connecting with Eva is a challenge. She's struggling with her marriage, her friendships, and her working relationships. She's trying to forget what broke her heart three years ago. She's bottled herself up so tight she's losing herself and everyone she loves in the process.
Eva's focus is on the opening of her new business, but she promises her husband, James she'll spend Christmas with their close friends, Hallie and Kian at Penhallow, a manor house in Cornwall. She knows she needs to keep her word, but the childhood memories and her family's connection to this manor house haunts her.
At the Christmas party, Eva hears news that's overwhelming and she decides to head back to London, despite the weather, without letting anyone know. At the stroke of midnight, time stands still and as she drives, she sees a familiar figure standing in the middle of the road...
One Christmas Morning has an interesting twist to the Time-Loop trope, unfortunately it feels overly repetitive and drawn out. Most of this story focuses on the plot rather than the characters. I want to know more about Eva, James, Hallie, and Kian and their friendship. It's always all about the characters for me.
I enjoyed One Christmas Morning from 75% on where the quality of the writing improves and the ending is uplifting, but that's a good long time to read before enjoyment arrives, don't you think?
One Christmas Morning has a creative premise with loads of potential. I'm glad to see the many positive reviews and ratings for this debut novel. It's an okay read, but I need more of a connection to the characters to be all in.
3⭐
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon, and Rachel Greenlaw for an DRC of this book. It has been an honor to give my honest and voluntary review.
December 21, 2023
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The Storygraph and The Book Review Crew Blog
This isn't your typical Christmas story but, I enjoyed it very much nonetheless. It was gut-wrenchingly sad and I love books that make me feel something. I didn't mind a sad holiday tale because Christmas isn't a magical time for everyone and I found it refreshing to read a story about a woman who has a hard time around the holidays.
Eva is a workaholic avoiding her life so she doesn't have to deal with two tragedies that happened three years ago. I didn't like Eva at first but as I got to know her I understood her a little bit more and her reasons for behaving the way she did.
This tale has some magical realism elements and I loved that about it. Eva gets a surprise visit from her long-dead grandmother. Her gran shows her what life is like for four other people in Eva's life. Once Eva gets their points of view she starts to learn a lot more about herself. I liked how Eva inhabits the bodies of these ladies and gets their perspectives on things. It's true what they say, we should always be kind because we never know what someone is going through.
This is Greenlaw's debut novel and she hit it out of the park, for sure. I look forward to her next adult novel The Woodsmoke Women’s Book of Spells , which is due out October 2024. She also has a Young Adult book called Compass and Blade due out in February of 2024.
The Storygraph and The Book Review Crew Blog
This isn't your typical Christmas story but, I enjoyed it very much nonetheless. It was gut-wrenchingly sad and I love books that make me feel something. I didn't mind a sad holiday tale because Christmas isn't a magical time for everyone and I found it refreshing to read a story about a woman who has a hard time around the holidays.
Eva is a workaholic avoiding her life so she doesn't have to deal with two tragedies that happened three years ago. I didn't like Eva at first but as I got to know her I understood her a little bit more and her reasons for behaving the way she did.
This tale has some magical realism elements and I loved that about it. Eva gets a surprise visit from her long-dead grandmother. Her gran shows her what life is like for four other people in Eva's life. Once Eva gets their points of view she starts to learn a lot more about herself. I liked how Eva inhabits the bodies of these ladies and gets their perspectives on things. It's true what they say, we should always be kind because we never know what someone is going through.
This is Greenlaw's debut novel and she hit it out of the park, for sure. I look forward to her next adult novel The Woodsmoke Women’s Book of Spells , which is due out October 2024. She also has a Young Adult book called Compass and Blade due out in February of 2024.
August 17, 2023
In a Nutshell: 'Groundhog Day' meets 'A Christmas Carol.' Not as light-hearted or heartwarming as you would expect from the theme. But if you are looking for a more emotionally intense book, this will work well.
Story Synopsis:
If you enjoy Groundhog Day kind of stories, this is a good one. While it takes the same trope of a day being repeated while the character makes some changes in their thinking and their choices, it adds a twist in the way the day is repeated. I'll not reveal the twist to you, but I will say that it adds a lovely novelty to a tried-and-tested formula.
If you enjoyed Dickens' A Christmas Carol, you'll like this one, as it incorporates a similar 'repent or regret' style threat through the grandmother's ghost.
If you like light Christmassy reads, this book isn't for you at all, or at least, it's not something I'd recommend you read during Christmas. (You can read it as a non-Christmas story.) Though it has a few heartwarming moments, a major chunk of the book is upsetting or infuriating or depressing, a great part of which is because of Eva.
Eva is a complicated character to relate to or root for. There's a lot of self-absorbed whining at the start (which always sounds worse in first person) and hence I was more irritated with than sympathetic for Eva despite her circumstances. I had forgotten that this was a Groundhog Day book, so I was initially befuddled by the author's decision to have such an annoying character at the helm of her plot. But once the time loops began, I realised the benefit of Eva's character development. So yes... though irritating, she works well for the story.
Of course, by its very nature, the book is quite predictable. (Though there was one incident at the end that I did not see coming.) So this book is not about the destination but about the journey. And the journey is handled decently.
Christmas itself is more of a minor background than a major setting in this novel. Except for the fact that the plot is set around Christmas day and that the characters are having a Christmas party, there's nothing religious or even festive about the book. The only role that Christmas has to play in the story is to highlight how Eva's shop launch needs to be on time so that people can do their post-holiday shopping at her business. As such, the book didn't generate any warm Christmassy feelings in my heart. To me, it felt more like a second-chance romance than a holiday book.
From the first page itself, you see how mental health and past trauma are going to be a strong part of the narrative. It feels a bit too much at the beginning, as within the first 10% or so, we see marriage issues, new business worries, broken friendships, imagined faces at faces, abstract mentions of something traumatic that happened three years ago, vague references to something that happened at the manor in Eva's childhood, Eva's assistant also having personal secrets,... It is overwhelming! But have patience at the start. The real story begins at around 18% or so, and that's when things become interesting.
A tiny niggle: There are four references made to a Coldplay song, without ever mentioning which song it was. Not all of us are Coldplay fans, nor do we know all Coldplay songs, nor can we be expected to Google Coldplay hits to figure out the song. Please, dear author, specify the song title at least once in the story if it has a key role in the narrative.
All in all, I don't think this is the kind of book I'd like at Christmas. I prefer happier and lighter reads, both of which are emotions present in this story only at a minimal level. But if you are a reader who likes introspective books during the holiday season, you will definitely like this one better.
The author does have potential, and based on this debut, I would certainly read more from her.
3.5 stars, rounding up for the groundhog novelty and the fact that it is fast-paced.
My thanks to HQ and NetGalley for the DRC of “One Christmas Morning”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
Content warning: miscarriage, death.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Story Synopsis:
Thirty-two-year-old Eva's life has been all about her new business since the last three years, after some personal tragedy caused her mindset to focus inwards. As her shop is due to launch on New Year's, she is busy even on Christmas, bringing her work and her assistant with her to a Cornwall manor to attend her friends Hallie and Kian's Christmas party.
Overwhelmed by some news announced at the party, Eva attempts to escape the moors at midnight, when suddenly she is visited by the ghost of her dear grandmother. Her grandmother warns her of the self-destructive path she has chosen, and tells her that she needs to make better decisions.
The next morning, Christmas day, Eva wakes up as...
Read the book to know what is in store for Eva.
The story comes to us in the first person perspective of Eva.
If you enjoy Groundhog Day kind of stories, this is a good one. While it takes the same trope of a day being repeated while the character makes some changes in their thinking and their choices, it adds a twist in the way the day is repeated. I'll not reveal the twist to you, but I will say that it adds a lovely novelty to a tried-and-tested formula.
If you enjoyed Dickens' A Christmas Carol, you'll like this one, as it incorporates a similar 'repent or regret' style threat through the grandmother's ghost.
If you like light Christmassy reads, this book isn't for you at all, or at least, it's not something I'd recommend you read during Christmas. (You can read it as a non-Christmas story.) Though it has a few heartwarming moments, a major chunk of the book is upsetting or infuriating or depressing, a great part of which is because of Eva.
Eva is a complicated character to relate to or root for. There's a lot of self-absorbed whining at the start (which always sounds worse in first person) and hence I was more irritated with than sympathetic for Eva despite her circumstances. I had forgotten that this was a Groundhog Day book, so I was initially befuddled by the author's decision to have such an annoying character at the helm of her plot. But once the time loops began, I realised the benefit of Eva's character development. So yes... though irritating, she works well for the story.
Of course, by its very nature, the book is quite predictable. (Though there was one incident at the end that I did not see coming.) So this book is not about the destination but about the journey. And the journey is handled decently.
Christmas itself is more of a minor background than a major setting in this novel. Except for the fact that the plot is set around Christmas day and that the characters are having a Christmas party, there's nothing religious or even festive about the book. The only role that Christmas has to play in the story is to highlight how Eva's shop launch needs to be on time so that people can do their post-holiday shopping at her business. As such, the book didn't generate any warm Christmassy feelings in my heart. To me, it felt more like a second-chance romance than a holiday book.
From the first page itself, you see how mental health and past trauma are going to be a strong part of the narrative. It feels a bit too much at the beginning, as within the first 10% or so, we see marriage issues, new business worries, broken friendships, imagined faces at faces, abstract mentions of something traumatic that happened three years ago, vague references to something that happened at the manor in Eva's childhood, Eva's assistant also having personal secrets,... It is overwhelming! But have patience at the start. The real story begins at around 18% or so, and that's when things become interesting.
A tiny niggle: There are four references made to a Coldplay song, without ever mentioning which song it was. Not all of us are Coldplay fans, nor do we know all Coldplay songs, nor can we be expected to Google Coldplay hits to figure out the song. Please, dear author, specify the song title at least once in the story if it has a key role in the narrative.
All in all, I don't think this is the kind of book I'd like at Christmas. I prefer happier and lighter reads, both of which are emotions present in this story only at a minimal level. But if you are a reader who likes introspective books during the holiday season, you will definitely like this one better.
The author does have potential, and based on this debut, I would certainly read more from her.
3.5 stars, rounding up for the groundhog novelty and the fact that it is fast-paced.
My thanks to HQ and NetGalley for the DRC of “One Christmas Morning”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
Content warning: miscarriage, death.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
November 6, 2023
If you are looking for an uplifting fun Christmas book this is not it. Sad and depressing throughout with only a glimmer of hope at the end which came way too late.
Eva is married to James and is intensely focused in getting her boutique store completed and ready for launch. She does this to the detriment of her relationships, especially with James. Three years ago she suffered an intense loss and she copes by burying herself in her work. When the two of them are invited to their friends' Christmas party in Cornwall, Eva doesn't want to go but James insists. When she gets there, some news rocks her and sends her scrambling to go home in the middle of a storm. The ghost of Eva's grandmother appears in the road before her and sends Eva back in time to relive Christmas over and over through the eyes and perspectives of the various people in the house.
This book is a case of a depressing topic with very uneven pacing. It's really obvious what the tragic event in Eva's past is, but it isn't revealed in the story until almost the end. That does nothing to garner any sympathy or empathy towards Eva. Because the reader is in the dark, we can't come alongside her and root for her healing with the compassion necessary. Overall I spend most of the book irritated with her and frustrated that she just wasn't getting it. I also found the entire setting-up-the-business thing to be very boring.
Everything here is just too long and drawn out and then--wham! We are at the happily-ever-after and it was very jarring. I appreciated the hopeful ending after the long, melancholy book, but it was too little too late and I was too down to be pulled back out.
Other reviewers have enjoyed this one, so if the premise sounds good, give it a try but realize that it's sadder than you might be expecting.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Eva is married to James and is intensely focused in getting her boutique store completed and ready for launch. She does this to the detriment of her relationships, especially with James. Three years ago she suffered an intense loss and she copes by burying herself in her work. When the two of them are invited to their friends' Christmas party in Cornwall, Eva doesn't want to go but James insists. When she gets there, some news rocks her and sends her scrambling to go home in the middle of a storm. The ghost of Eva's grandmother appears in the road before her and sends Eva back in time to relive Christmas over and over through the eyes and perspectives of the various people in the house.
This book is a case of a depressing topic with very uneven pacing. It's really obvious what the tragic event in Eva's past is, but it isn't revealed in the story until almost the end. That does nothing to garner any sympathy or empathy towards Eva. Because the reader is in the dark, we can't come alongside her and root for her healing with the compassion necessary. Overall I spend most of the book irritated with her and frustrated that she just wasn't getting it. I also found the entire setting-up-the-business thing to be very boring.
Everything here is just too long and drawn out and then--wham! We are at the happily-ever-after and it was very jarring. I appreciated the hopeful ending after the long, melancholy book, but it was too little too late and I was too down to be pulled back out.
Other reviewers have enjoyed this one, so if the premise sounds good, give it a try but realize that it's sadder than you might be expecting.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
August 26, 2023
Eva is completely consumed with the expansion of her business, so much so that she's neglected every other aspect of her life and is causing pain for others. It's up to her Gran to make her see reason. But Gran has passed away, hasn't she?
This novel reminded me of a mashup of two movies: Groundhog Day and Freaky Friday, as it takes the main plot twists of both. There should have been homage to both movies paid in this book, but I did not see any. The premise is that Eva has neglected everyone and everything for her business. There is a hidden secret and reason for her doing so, and it is revealed at the end, but I figured it out long before that. The book was too long for such a simple ending. I never really felt connected to Eva or any of the characters except Gran.
I think it was a good idea for a novel, but not well executed. I expect a lot from "Groundhog Day" style books. You're already taking someone else's idea, so you have to deliver on characters and story. This did not.
I received a free copy of this book from Harper Collins via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
This novel reminded me of a mashup of two movies: Groundhog Day and Freaky Friday, as it takes the main plot twists of both. There should have been homage to both movies paid in this book, but I did not see any. The premise is that Eva has neglected everyone and everything for her business. There is a hidden secret and reason for her doing so, and it is revealed at the end, but I figured it out long before that. The book was too long for such a simple ending. I never really felt connected to Eva or any of the characters except Gran.
I think it was a good idea for a novel, but not well executed. I expect a lot from "Groundhog Day" style books. You're already taking someone else's idea, so you have to deliver on characters and story. This did not.
I received a free copy of this book from Harper Collins via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
October 12, 2023
In this book, readers get to re-live Christmas Day over and over and over again. Phew, there’s a lot of roast dinners going on but thankfully, with none of the calories! However, despite being set on Christmas Day, I didn’t think it was a heavily festive book and I believe this was the right balance for my first Christmas read of 2023.
In truth, this novel was a grower; the more I read, the more invested I came into Eva’s story. Honestly, I didn’t really like Eva at the beginning and I think Greenlaw wants readers to dislike her. She is completely obsessed with her business, treating those around her incredibly poorly – from her suffering assistant to her husband of many years. Although she has been invited to a Christmas party in Cornwall, she is estranged from her friends because of how much she has immersed herself in her work – and Eva knows this is her doing. Yet, as far as she is concerned, it is all work, work, work, regardless of the day of the year and the hurt is causes to her nearest and dearest.
Yet, as Eva is forced to re-live Christmas Day, she starts to recognise the harsh reality of her situation. Waking up in a different body of someone at the secluded manor, Eva learns more about herself and the people around her. The lack of mobile phone signal means Eva is forced to take drastic action if she wants to continue working and this causes her to lean more towards her friends, really talking to them and finding out their honest opinions about Eva’s behaviour. And this is when it starts to get rather poignant.
A key theme in this novel is grief – not something you would normally associate with a Christmas story. Eva is grieving for the loss of her grandmother and another tragic event that happened at the same time. As the story unfolds, readers learn how so many of the other characters are mourning significant losses. Eva experiences their different griefs and this helps her understand how much unhappiness is from her own actions. There are a couple of days where tragedy dominates the story and I found myself getting quite emotional, racing through the pages and desperate to find a happy conclusion. Yet, the writer does not always provide this, acknowledging that growth can come from grief, however much it might hurt at the time.
I really enjoyed this story and the seclusion of the moors meant that you are really focused on Eva’s journey. She is not distracted by technology and is forced to admit that her behaviour has been abysmal. Seeing the different realities made for some uncomfortable truths but, by the end of the novel, I had grown to like the protagonist and was pleased to see her making every effort to alter her obsession over work, to caring more about her friends and family.
This was a magical read full of emotion and warmth. Some readers might find the topics incredibly emotive but the magic of the plot helps to soften such sensitive subjects. By the closing, it is impossible to ignore the feelings of warmth and contentment… although this might have been down to re-living Christmas dinner so many times!
With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In truth, this novel was a grower; the more I read, the more invested I came into Eva’s story. Honestly, I didn’t really like Eva at the beginning and I think Greenlaw wants readers to dislike her. She is completely obsessed with her business, treating those around her incredibly poorly – from her suffering assistant to her husband of many years. Although she has been invited to a Christmas party in Cornwall, she is estranged from her friends because of how much she has immersed herself in her work – and Eva knows this is her doing. Yet, as far as she is concerned, it is all work, work, work, regardless of the day of the year and the hurt is causes to her nearest and dearest.
Yet, as Eva is forced to re-live Christmas Day, she starts to recognise the harsh reality of her situation. Waking up in a different body of someone at the secluded manor, Eva learns more about herself and the people around her. The lack of mobile phone signal means Eva is forced to take drastic action if she wants to continue working and this causes her to lean more towards her friends, really talking to them and finding out their honest opinions about Eva’s behaviour. And this is when it starts to get rather poignant.
A key theme in this novel is grief – not something you would normally associate with a Christmas story. Eva is grieving for the loss of her grandmother and another tragic event that happened at the same time. As the story unfolds, readers learn how so many of the other characters are mourning significant losses. Eva experiences their different griefs and this helps her understand how much unhappiness is from her own actions. There are a couple of days where tragedy dominates the story and I found myself getting quite emotional, racing through the pages and desperate to find a happy conclusion. Yet, the writer does not always provide this, acknowledging that growth can come from grief, however much it might hurt at the time.
I really enjoyed this story and the seclusion of the moors meant that you are really focused on Eva’s journey. She is not distracted by technology and is forced to admit that her behaviour has been abysmal. Seeing the different realities made for some uncomfortable truths but, by the end of the novel, I had grown to like the protagonist and was pleased to see her making every effort to alter her obsession over work, to caring more about her friends and family.
This was a magical read full of emotion and warmth. Some readers might find the topics incredibly emotive but the magic of the plot helps to soften such sensitive subjects. By the closing, it is impossible to ignore the feelings of warmth and contentment… although this might have been down to re-living Christmas dinner so many times!
With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Read
December 23, 2023chalking this up as a DNF. got about 25% in and never wanted to pick it back up…😩
October 15, 2023
Review coming soon.
October 23, 2023
If you love an emotional Christmas story with the warmest of endings (and a touch of magic!), this was an absolute winner!
Despite the beautiful Cornwall manor venue, workaholic Eva is dreading the upcoming overnight Christmas celebration hosted by friends. Her plans of an early escape back to London are halted when a visit from her grandmother's ghost forces Eva into a magical loop of repeatedly waking up on Christmas day inhabiting the body of someone else.
Gaining the ability to see herself through the eyes of others, it's a startling path for Eva as she comes to realize where her life and marriage are headed as a detached workaholic. But it's also an opportunity to learn more about the lives of those closest to her. It very much gave me Christmas Carol vibes!
It's definitely a heavier read, with discussions of grief and pregnancy loss—but it's also an uplifting story as Eva adjusts her priorities, healing herself and her relationships in the process.
(heat level: closed door)
Despite the beautiful Cornwall manor venue, workaholic Eva is dreading the upcoming overnight Christmas celebration hosted by friends. Her plans of an early escape back to London are halted when a visit from her grandmother's ghost forces Eva into a magical loop of repeatedly waking up on Christmas day inhabiting the body of someone else.
Gaining the ability to see herself through the eyes of others, it's a startling path for Eva as she comes to realize where her life and marriage are headed as a detached workaholic. But it's also an opportunity to learn more about the lives of those closest to her. It very much gave me Christmas Carol vibes!
It's definitely a heavier read, with discussions of grief and pregnancy loss—but it's also an uplifting story as Eva adjusts her priorities, healing herself and her relationships in the process.
(heat level: closed door)
December 15, 2023
2.5 stars
Review to come
Review to come
December 23, 2024
TW: alcohol, blood, cancer, car accident, cursing, death, death of a loved one, grief, infertility, infidelity, injury/injury detail, medical content, medical trauma, miscarriage, panic attacks/disorders, pregnancy, vomit.
I'm tired and don't really feel like writing a review for this one, so to put it bluntly: this book lost an entire star after the 75% mark. I won't expand on what exactly caused this, but I will say that I'm not usually the type to lower my rating because I disagree with the author's creative choice.
That being said, the point of this event was to show we can choose happiness even amidst tragedy. However, since the entire point of the story and literally every other experience made this point, that event felt traumatic simply for the sake of being shocking. Maybe it was more realistic, but I think a magical Christmas story can handle a little unrealistic happiness?
I liked how this book handled grief and Eva finding her way back to herself. Even the way she handled the body-swapping was more reasonable than most stories with that plot and I appreciated it.
This still (even for a book about healing from grief) felt incredibly bleak.
I kind of regret reading this and I wouldn't really recommend it to anyone. (This isn't against Rachel Greenlaw as an author. I loved "The Woodsmoke Women's Book of Spells" and enjoy her writing even if I disliked this one.)
I'm tired and don't really feel like writing a review for this one, so to put it bluntly: this book lost an entire star after the 75% mark. I won't expand on what exactly caused this, but I will say that I'm not usually the type to lower my rating because I disagree with the author's creative choice.
That being said, the point of this event was to show we can choose happiness even amidst tragedy. However, since the entire point of the story and literally every other experience made this point, that event felt traumatic simply for the sake of being shocking. Maybe it was more realistic, but I think a magical Christmas story can handle a little unrealistic happiness?
I liked how this book handled grief and Eva finding her way back to herself. Even the way she handled the body-swapping was more reasonable than most stories with that plot and I appreciated it.
This still (even for a book about healing from grief) felt incredibly bleak.
I kind of regret reading this and I wouldn't really recommend it to anyone. (This isn't against Rachel Greenlaw as an author. I loved "The Woodsmoke Women's Book of Spells" and enjoy her writing even if I disliked this one.)
December 30, 2023
A Christmas Carol meets Groundhog Day meets Quantum Leap meets The Seven Murders of Evelyn Hardcastle…
Okay, don’t worry there are no murders! I added that last comp purely because this is a super story that involves consciousness swap into a number of characters that share Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the same big house.
Eva has lost herself, following two tragic losses in her life three years before. Her response has been to delve into her business, which now includes her first shop opening in the week between Christmas and New Year. Her business has consumed her, and her marriage to James is falling apart. James manages to get Eva to agree to spend a few days away from London in the countryside, where their close friends are gathering in the huge old house where her grandmother used to live.
The author makes super use of the windswept, cut-off-from civilization troop, that sends Eva into a spin as she is forced to confront her actions and the consequences they’ve had on the people who have been closest to her in her adult life. All while still grieving a loss of her beloved Gran, her surrogate parent as her actual parents were very absent during her childhood.
I’m not giving too much away by saying that we have the Ghost of Christmas Gran popping up to show Eva the error of her ways. That’s a very simplistic way of describing what is a solid study into actions and consequences as we consider grief, love, relationships, friendships, responsibilities, and balance in life. In a repeating day—Christmas Day—Eva’s consciousness will inhabit different characters… Can Eva see herself in a new way and learn from the lives of others? And if she can, will she have the chance to repair the damage done over years?
This is a fully engaging and absorbing journey into oneself, forcing the reader to stop and examine their own choices. We ask ourselves whether our choices and have created happiness and balance in our own lives? And when we look at ourselves in the mirror, can we say that we fulfil our responsibilities to others that we love and care about in our lives?
This is a superbly executed mildly paranormal emotional drama set at the time of year when we’re supposed to come together and celebrate what’s good in our lives. It’s instantly become one of my favorite-ever Christmas stories!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Okay, don’t worry there are no murders! I added that last comp purely because this is a super story that involves consciousness swap into a number of characters that share Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the same big house.
Eva has lost herself, following two tragic losses in her life three years before. Her response has been to delve into her business, which now includes her first shop opening in the week between Christmas and New Year. Her business has consumed her, and her marriage to James is falling apart. James manages to get Eva to agree to spend a few days away from London in the countryside, where their close friends are gathering in the huge old house where her grandmother used to live.
The author makes super use of the windswept, cut-off-from civilization troop, that sends Eva into a spin as she is forced to confront her actions and the consequences they’ve had on the people who have been closest to her in her adult life. All while still grieving a loss of her beloved Gran, her surrogate parent as her actual parents were very absent during her childhood.
I’m not giving too much away by saying that we have the Ghost of Christmas Gran popping up to show Eva the error of her ways. That’s a very simplistic way of describing what is a solid study into actions and consequences as we consider grief, love, relationships, friendships, responsibilities, and balance in life. In a repeating day—Christmas Day—Eva’s consciousness will inhabit different characters… Can Eva see herself in a new way and learn from the lives of others? And if she can, will she have the chance to repair the damage done over years?
This is a fully engaging and absorbing journey into oneself, forcing the reader to stop and examine their own choices. We ask ourselves whether our choices and have created happiness and balance in our own lives? And when we look at ourselves in the mirror, can we say that we fulfil our responsibilities to others that we love and care about in our lives?
This is a superbly executed mildly paranormal emotional drama set at the time of year when we’re supposed to come together and celebrate what’s good in our lives. It’s instantly become one of my favorite-ever Christmas stories!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC.
June 13, 2023
At its core, One Christmas Morning is a story about a women’s self-discovery and second chances.
Eva has buried herself in her work over the past three years and is about to launch the opening of her new store, so the last thing she wants to do is attend her friend’s Christmas getaway with her husband and closest friends. Amidst all the stress with her job and not being present, she gets stuck in a time loop, and now spends each new Christmas day witnessing her life from the perspectives of those closest to her. With this new experience, Eva comes to realize how she has spent the past three years escaping from pain versus prioritizing what is most important and really living. However, is it too late to make amends?
This women’s fiction holiday read is truly a special book filled with many timely lessons, such as the importance of finding a work/ life balance, letting people in versus shutting those closest to you out, and figuring out what’s most important in life. It definitely took me a while to like the main character, but as the story developed, I started to see the world from her POV and understand and emphasize with her more. By the end, I felt uplifted and fulfilled as the story really came full circle. Also, while I know this is a small detail and not so important, I do wish we knew about more about Eva’s business and the shop she was opening. All the references were vague, yet it was such a big part of her life!
Read if you like:
-Groundhogs Day trope
-A Christmas Carol
-Stories about overcoming grief
-England countryside setting
-Found family
Thank you Avon for the ARC! Pub date: 10/17
Eva has buried herself in her work over the past three years and is about to launch the opening of her new store, so the last thing she wants to do is attend her friend’s Christmas getaway with her husband and closest friends. Amidst all the stress with her job and not being present, she gets stuck in a time loop, and now spends each new Christmas day witnessing her life from the perspectives of those closest to her. With this new experience, Eva comes to realize how she has spent the past three years escaping from pain versus prioritizing what is most important and really living. However, is it too late to make amends?
This women’s fiction holiday read is truly a special book filled with many timely lessons, such as the importance of finding a work/ life balance, letting people in versus shutting those closest to you out, and figuring out what’s most important in life. It definitely took me a while to like the main character, but as the story developed, I started to see the world from her POV and understand and emphasize with her more. By the end, I felt uplifted and fulfilled as the story really came full circle. Also, while I know this is a small detail and not so important, I do wish we knew about more about Eva’s business and the shop she was opening. All the references were vague, yet it was such a big part of her life!
Read if you like:
-Groundhogs Day trope
-A Christmas Carol
-Stories about overcoming grief
-England countryside setting
-Found family
Thank you Avon for the ARC! Pub date: 10/17
December 23, 2024
Am always interested in body travel books. . .and at Christmas time, no less.
This was a light, on-topic read for December, with overtones of cranky people who need to reframe their perspective and do repent appropriately (a la A Christmas Carol).
This was a light, on-topic read for December, with overtones of cranky people who need to reframe their perspective and do repent appropriately (a la A Christmas Carol).
December 4, 2024
It was fine
December 18, 2023
I literally had no idea until the writing of this review (2.5 weeks after finishing 🤦♀️) that One Christmas Morning is Rachel Greenlaw's debut. I honestly think that makes me love this book even more, and I can tell you it is a super solid read and I hope she has more up her sleeve for us! This is a Christmas/holiday read, but it deals with some very difficult subjects and was a complete tearjerker for me. I don't know why I am reading all of these sad holiday books, but I was glad that at least it ended on a hopeful note. Eva is basically a workaholic, drowning herself in her shop launch to avoid dealing with what happened in her life the previous year. This not only pushes her husband away, but her friends as well, and it takes her waking up in the bodies of others for an extended period of time to finally realize the changes she needs to make in her life.
I loved the audiobook which is narrated by Ashley Tucker, and I was nothing but thrilled with the way she narrated this heartbreaking story. You will probably want to have some tissues handy, and I would definitely check triggers before going in. There is one that is a particularly heavy theme once we find out what it is, and I know it will be a rough go for some people, especially women. One Christmas Morning is like a mix of Groundhog Day and Freaky Friday, and while I wanted to like the characters, I found myself not being super fond of Eva. I figured out what she should have realized before she did, and her attitude and actions really frustrated me at times, especially after she should have learned better, but she chose to use avoidance again instead. Despite all of that, I loved this book and would most certainly recommend it to others!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I loved the audiobook which is narrated by Ashley Tucker, and I was nothing but thrilled with the way she narrated this heartbreaking story. You will probably want to have some tissues handy, and I would definitely check triggers before going in. There is one that is a particularly heavy theme once we find out what it is, and I know it will be a rough go for some people, especially women. One Christmas Morning is like a mix of Groundhog Day and Freaky Friday, and while I wanted to like the characters, I found myself not being super fond of Eva. I figured out what she should have realized before she did, and her attitude and actions really frustrated me at times, especially after she should have learned better, but she chose to use avoidance again instead. Despite all of that, I loved this book and would most certainly recommend it to others!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
December 11, 2023
One Christmas Morning surprised me so much. The cover is beautiful and the premise is so sweet- I mean, hello, who doesn't love a small business owner opening their shop in time for the holidays and working on keeping their relaitonship alive at the same time? There's an easy richness to the storytelling and an even timbre to the tone that makes it a wonderful read to get swept up in this holiday season. Rachel Greenlaw writes in a way that is both relatable and and raw, so I was honestly so suprised when this took a turn for the fantastical and wound up in a Dickensian "I see dead people" realm instead.
Per usual, I need to familiarize myself more with a book's blurbs prior to reading. Or not, I suppose, since it continues to work out extremely well. This book is sweet and poingnant and perfect for putting you in the "Christmas Carol" mood without having to actual read about Tiny Tim or pop the Muppets into the VCR. 4.5 stars for its combined unique premise and easy bingeability. This would be a great read for anyone trying to cross a few more books off their goodreads goal in time for the end of the year.
Per usual, I need to familiarize myself more with a book's blurbs prior to reading. Or not, I suppose, since it continues to work out extremely well. This book is sweet and poingnant and perfect for putting you in the "Christmas Carol" mood without having to actual read about Tiny Tim or pop the Muppets into the VCR. 4.5 stars for its combined unique premise and easy bingeability. This would be a great read for anyone trying to cross a few more books off their goodreads goal in time for the end of the year.
October 2, 2023
Book: One Christmas Morning
Author: Rachel Greenlaw
Publisher: Avon on Harper Voyage Books
Genre: Women’s Fiction Holiday Groundhog Day story
Pub Date: October 17, 2023
My Rating: 3
Pages: 336
Eva is about to open her new store which she has been preparing for the past three years. She is hopeful her work will help bury a heartbreak from one Christmas.
Eva does not want to attend Hallie and Kian’s Christmas party; Eve’s husband James’ insistence that she needs to be with friends. However, when Hallie announces she is pregnant, it brings back sad memories for Eva. She decided she is going to sneak back to London in the middle of the night but as the clock approaches midnight the ghost of her grandmother appears. Gran tells Eva she needs to stop shutting out loved ones, or she is going to lose everyone forever.
Eva then gets stuck in a Groundhog Day time loop, and spends Christmas day over and over from the perspectives of those closest to her.
I have read and loved the other groundhog type stories; so one with Christmas in the title had me full of anticipation of something good!
However, I had a problem connecting with Eva and some of the other characters.
It isn’t that the story is bad – it just wasn’t what I was expecting.
Want to thank NetGalley and Avon for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for October 17, 2023.
Author: Rachel Greenlaw
Publisher: Avon on Harper Voyage Books
Genre: Women’s Fiction Holiday Groundhog Day story
Pub Date: October 17, 2023
My Rating: 3
Pages: 336
Eva is about to open her new store which she has been preparing for the past three years. She is hopeful her work will help bury a heartbreak from one Christmas.
Eva does not want to attend Hallie and Kian’s Christmas party; Eve’s husband James’ insistence that she needs to be with friends. However, when Hallie announces she is pregnant, it brings back sad memories for Eva. She decided she is going to sneak back to London in the middle of the night but as the clock approaches midnight the ghost of her grandmother appears. Gran tells Eva she needs to stop shutting out loved ones, or she is going to lose everyone forever.
Eva then gets stuck in a Groundhog Day time loop, and spends Christmas day over and over from the perspectives of those closest to her.
I have read and loved the other groundhog type stories; so one with Christmas in the title had me full of anticipation of something good!
However, I had a problem connecting with Eva and some of the other characters.
It isn’t that the story is bad – it just wasn’t what I was expecting.
Want to thank NetGalley and Avon for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for October 17, 2023.
November 24, 2023
There really is nothing I love more than a good Christmas Carol adaptation. I adore them all, and this one is very well done. One Christmas Morning is perfect and beautifully written.
I do have to say that I think a lot of people might go into this book expecting a holiday romcom and that it is not. It's way deeper than that and deals with grief and pregnancy loss set against a holiday backdrop. It's extremely emotional and more about self-discovery and learning to pick up the pieces.
This is one of those books that really makes you feel and stays with you for a long time. It was very special and I'm immensely glad I read it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I do have to say that I think a lot of people might go into this book expecting a holiday romcom and that it is not. It's way deeper than that and deals with grief and pregnancy loss set against a holiday backdrop. It's extremely emotional and more about self-discovery and learning to pick up the pieces.
This is one of those books that really makes you feel and stays with you for a long time. It was very special and I'm immensely glad I read it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
December 17, 2023
This book was promising and interesting from the beginning. It is like “A Christmas Carol” meets “The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle”. I’ve seen it compared to “Groundhog Day” but I’ve never seen that movie 😅 I love a time loop, especially at Christmas time, it makes it feel so magical. I had some issues with the repetitiveness and the writing/content choices, but overall this was a good Christmas read. This was more like 3.5 stars for me but I’ll round up to 4.
November 21, 2023
I am such a sucker for a time travel story, and One Christmas Morning was a very unique take.
⏳ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆?
I really liked how Greenlaw combined the themes from Groundhog’s Day and A Christmas Carol with the MC looking back on her past to learn and grow in order to not make the same mistakes while repenting for a few.
🎄 𝗔𝗻𝘆 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 (𝗻𝗼 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀)?
If you are going into this thinking it’s going to be a fun and uplifting Christmasy Hallmark style story, it is not. Be warned: it is very depressing and heavy, so make sure you are in the mood for it.
⏳ 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲?
Fast paced
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲:
⏳Time travel/Groundhog Day style
🎄Complicated MC
⏳Character growth
🎄Second chance romance
⏳Mental health
🎄Past trauma
⏳ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆?
I really liked how Greenlaw combined the themes from Groundhog’s Day and A Christmas Carol with the MC looking back on her past to learn and grow in order to not make the same mistakes while repenting for a few.
🎄 𝗔𝗻𝘆 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 (𝗻𝗼 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀)?
If you are going into this thinking it’s going to be a fun and uplifting Christmasy Hallmark style story, it is not. Be warned: it is very depressing and heavy, so make sure you are in the mood for it.
⏳ 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲?
Fast paced
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲:
⏳Time travel/Groundhog Day style
🎄Complicated MC
⏳Character growth
🎄Second chance romance
⏳Mental health
🎄Past trauma
April 29, 2023
I received a free copy of, One Christmas Morning, by Rachel Greenlaw, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Christmas is not Eva's favorite holiday or time of the year, she is not looking forward to her friends Christmas Party, but her husband James insists they go. to her best friend Hallie's for Christmas week. Eva is going through a lot, working to hard and avoiding talking about her grief. When her beloved Grandmother visits her like the ghost of Christmas past, and shows her how life will end up if she does not change her way. This is a good Christmas read, but sad at the same time, grief does affect us all differently.
December 27, 2022
What a special book this is!
In this book, the main character Eva experiences Christmas day from the perspective of those close, and not so close, to her. Learning more about herself with every experience.
This is one of those rare books that stays with you, long after you close the book.
The author has achieved, in my eyes, one of those unique books that you just can't stop thinking about.
I am so grateful to have been able to read an advanced copy via NetGalley, you must make this your 2023 Christmas read.
In this book, the main character Eva experiences Christmas day from the perspective of those close, and not so close, to her. Learning more about herself with every experience.
This is one of those rare books that stays with you, long after you close the book.
The author has achieved, in my eyes, one of those unique books that you just can't stop thinking about.
I am so grateful to have been able to read an advanced copy via NetGalley, you must make this your 2023 Christmas read.
December 6, 2023
Eva is obsessed with her work; she is opening a new store and is completely consumed by that. Things with her husband, James, aren't good, and they are en route to Cornwall from London to go to Hallie's holiday party. Eva is trying to make things right with her husband, but she is completely triggered by Hallie's party and the news that Hallie is pregnant. This brings up a lot of unresolved issues in Eva's life as she has suffered a devastating miscarriage and she attempts to return to London at night. While heading there, she is greeted by the ghost of her grandmother who tries to talk some sense into her as her relationships are suffering greatly. When Eva wakes up, she finds herself in a different friend's body and living out their Christmas morning, but also getting inside details as to how her behavior impacts everyone. This is Eva's chance to start over despite her setbacks and trauma and repair the relationships in her life before it's too late. One Christmas Morning by Rachel Greenlaw is a melancholy holiday read, but ultimately by the story's end, it is one filled with hope.
Read the rest of my review here: http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c...
Read the rest of my review here: http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c...
June 6, 2023
I really liked this book, the emotional journey of the MC and the wholesome ending were so good to read 😭
The MC is a workaholic, who's pushed away everyone in her life for work, because she's trying to distance herself from her immense grief at losing [redacted]. This book starts on a Christmas Eve where she is on the verge of losing everyone who matter to her.. and then on Christmas morning, she finds herself in a unique/twisted Groundhog Day situation. Every day when she wakes up (that is, on Dec 25 again and again), she wakes up in the body of a different friend or stranger. Each day gives her a new perspective on her current life, and on her failing relationships, and each day takes her further on the emotional journey to finding out what she truly wants out of life.
Her journey and growth through the book were written so well! I was flipping through the pages so fast 😭 I love loved the final ending (it's a hea, so don't worry 🥲)
I do want to mention though, that this book falls under the genre of women's fiction and not romance - the book does have a romantic subplot, but keep the genre in mind when you read it. If you liked Lindsey Kelk's "The Christmas Wish", you should definitely check this one out!
TWs - death of a parental figure (grandmother), miscarriages both past and present on-page and the grief that accompanies them (this is a heavy trigger, I'd say that atleast 30% of the book revolves around miscarriage in an explicit way), anxiety, depression, mild mention of cheating
-- ty to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy!
The MC is a workaholic, who's pushed away everyone in her life for work, because she's trying to distance herself from her immense grief at losing [redacted]. This book starts on a Christmas Eve where she is on the verge of losing everyone who matter to her.. and then on Christmas morning, she finds herself in a unique/twisted Groundhog Day situation. Every day when she wakes up (that is, on Dec 25 again and again), she wakes up in the body of a different friend or stranger. Each day gives her a new perspective on her current life, and on her failing relationships, and each day takes her further on the emotional journey to finding out what she truly wants out of life.
Her journey and growth through the book were written so well! I was flipping through the pages so fast 😭 I love loved the final ending (it's a hea, so don't worry 🥲)
I do want to mention though, that this book falls under the genre of women's fiction and not romance - the book does have a romantic subplot, but keep the genre in mind when you read it. If you liked Lindsey Kelk's "The Christmas Wish", you should definitely check this one out!
TWs - death of a parental figure (grandmother), miscarriages both past and present on-page and the grief that accompanies them (this is a heavy trigger, I'd say that atleast 30% of the book revolves around miscarriage in an explicit way), anxiety, depression, mild mention of cheating
-- ty to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy!
December 11, 2023
such a beautiful and compelling read. definitely one that will stick with me!!
October 12, 2023
3.5 stars
A clever spin on the traditional take of hope and redemption. Eva is an interesting character - you can see how easily she gets lost and starts to drift from everything that is close to her without realising. As she learns from messages from those closest to her, it’s an emotional journey of love, grief and forgiveness.
A clever spin on the traditional take of hope and redemption. Eva is an interesting character - you can see how easily she gets lost and starts to drift from everything that is close to her without realising. As she learns from messages from those closest to her, it’s an emotional journey of love, grief and forgiveness.
Read
December 22, 2023I feel like the best way to describe this is a new twist on A Christmas Carol meets Groundhog Day….definitely not a light Christmas read. I did enjoy how the “Groundhog Day” approach was done. It worked for me! Warning it is not a light Christmas read…you’ve been warned 😂 several times…LOL
October 21, 2023
Loved this sweet and unusual book. Although it has a Christmas title it wasn't just about Christmas. It was about relationships and trying to do right by family and friends, a chance to re-write the past. A great story.
December 10, 2023
This book needs to come with a huge CW for pregnancy loss.
Because you might think you're about to read a cute fluffy Christmas story but in fact a third of the book is all about miscarriages. And the rest is very much devoted to other kinds of grief.
I can do sad books (although I wish I didn't go in blind about such a touchy topic) but they need to be good. This one very much wasn't.
Freaky Friday meets Groundhog Day, it's a really great idea but the execution was really poor. Right from the beginning you are told (not showed) so many things via a ton of flashbacks and memories. Problem is you don't even know Eva-from-present-day yet so how can you relate and feel for Eva-from-the-past?
The whole Ghost Grandma thing makes no sense. It's a really easy cop out to have ghost gran tell you not to question anything and just trust her but sorry it's not enough for me. Nothing is explained regarding the time loops, where and how and why Grandpa can appear and honestly after a while, it was just irritating. Ghost Grandma very much felt like a plot device and nothing else.
I also never bought the characters' behaviors. Why would you care SO MUCH about your friend choosing to bury herself into work to go past her trauma (trauma you don't even know about)? The husband, I get, but the friends, why are they being so needy, nosy and judgy?
Why is it SO surprising that a young ambitious assistant has chosen to do a lot of overtime and sometimes work at weekends? Nothing made sense to me.
Some characters are just there for no reason I could identify... like cousin John? Who is he? What did he bring to the story? Nothing, in my opinion.
I really didn't like One Christmas Morning, I found it very boring and can't think of anything positive to say about it. I don't like leaving one-star reviews but once in a while, I feel like I have to.
Because you might think you're about to read a cute fluffy Christmas story but in fact a third of the book is all about miscarriages. And the rest is very much devoted to other kinds of grief.
I can do sad books (although I wish I didn't go in blind about such a touchy topic) but they need to be good. This one very much wasn't.
Freaky Friday meets Groundhog Day, it's a really great idea but the execution was really poor. Right from the beginning you are told (not showed) so many things via a ton of flashbacks and memories. Problem is you don't even know Eva-from-present-day yet so how can you relate and feel for Eva-from-the-past?
The whole Ghost Grandma thing makes no sense. It's a really easy cop out to have ghost gran tell you not to question anything and just trust her but sorry it's not enough for me. Nothing is explained regarding the time loops, where and how and why Grandpa can appear and honestly after a while, it was just irritating. Ghost Grandma very much felt like a plot device and nothing else.
I also never bought the characters' behaviors. Why would you care SO MUCH about your friend choosing to bury herself into work to go past her trauma (trauma you don't even know about)? The husband, I get, but the friends, why are they being so needy, nosy and judgy?
Why is it SO surprising that a young ambitious assistant has chosen to do a lot of overtime and sometimes work at weekends? Nothing made sense to me.
Some characters are just there for no reason I could identify... like cousin John? Who is he? What did he bring to the story? Nothing, in my opinion.
I really didn't like One Christmas Morning, I found it very boring and can't think of anything positive to say about it. I don't like leaving one-star reviews but once in a while, I feel like I have to.
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