Book Review: Every Day in December (ARC)

Author: Kitty Wilson

Two people. One month to fall in love.

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

Rory Walters hates December. Whilst it looks like his life is together, he’s still reeling from a winter’s night five years ago when his life changed forever. Now back at home, he’s certain that this will be yet another Christmas to endure rather than enjoy.

But as midnight on December 31st draws closer, Belle and Rory’s time together is coming to an end. With a little help from a Christmas miracle could Belle find the one thing she really wants underneath the mistletoe?

Every Day in December was an interesting and enjoyable novel. The story starts in a prequel-like flashback to five years ago on New Year’s Eve where the main character, Belle Wilde, is escorting her best friend, Luisa Fischer, to the hospital to deliver her first child, Marsha, as Luisa’s husband, Remi, is still on the way. While she is walking through the waiting room, she spots a devastated figure that turns out to be Rory Walters, who Belle first saw at university, but lost touch with over the years. Due to his emotional state, she does not talk to him, thinking that she would not see him again, but life had other plans.

The story returns to the present-day on December First where the reader gets an introduction into Belle’ current life. She is now 31 and working on her passion project, the Shakespeare Project, which takes all things Shakespeare and makes them accessible to people from all backgrounds and of all ages. She still close with Luisa and is godmother to Marsha and their youngest child. Unfortunately, the company that she currently works for files for bankruptcy and she is now without a job and no savings. Not only does she now have to figure out how to earn money again, she is not looking forward to the holiday portion where she has to spend time with her family. Her famous father, Nick Wilde, has many issues and her mother, Cyndi, is not much better to offer support. Her younger sister, Rose, who is married to 27 year old politician, Jack Sharp, is the clear favorite child. However, she is determined to not let all of her life obstacle damper her Christmas spirit.

Rory Walters is back in town for a month to work with a new client for his reputation management firm and to visit his family for the holidays after his mother, Allison, faces some upsetting news. He reunites with Belle as his new client is Nick Wilde. Rory remembers the initial attraction he had to Belle all those years ago, while Belle is set on helping Rory share her love of Christmas, so the two of them begin to spend time together. The story follows them each day in December all the way until December 31. The novel is told through the perspectives of both main characters, Rory and Belle. I love duel-perspective stories as it is not only nice to know what is happening as the characters are apart, but I enjoy seeing their inner thoughts as it helps me further connect with the characters.

There is a lot happening in this story as the tragedy that Rory faced five years ago is explored. Belle’s job, family, and her Shakespeare project are explored on her side. There is their shared experiences together as Rory plans to return to his home in Australia at the end of the month plus the growing attraction between them. The romance aspect of the story was very well done in this story. The attraction is not automatically told to the reader for both characters and instead the two of them begin slowly forming a friendship. The attraction grows naturally and there are many obstacles before they could start a romantic relationship. Not only are both characters dealing with their own romantic traumas from the past, but also they each have realistic fears that any attempt at a romance could ruin the friendship.

Overall, they are an excellent opposites attract pair as Belle has a lot of chaos in her life and Rory helps bring some stability and support. In turn, Belle takes Rory out of his comfort zone and shares new experiences with him. While Christmas is included in the chapters, the story covers all of December. I loved this element as it shows that the joy and difficulties that surround the whole month, not just the actual day. There is a lot of character growth for both characters that happens naturally over time. Both characters have a lot going on in this story, so many mistakes and learning experiences occur. While I loved many aspects of this story, Belle’s passion for Shakespeare was a standout and I wish her site was a reality as I love the idea of modernizing the themes and stories to make them relatable to everyone while also showing an appreciation for the original works. This was a lovely and heartwarming novel and I will definitely have to try out some more Kitty Wilson novels in the future!  

**I give a special thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and the author for the opportunity to read this enjoyable novel. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**