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FESTIVE READS: Just For December by Laura Jane Williams

Genre: Christmas | Romance 

Release Date: 24th November 2022

Publisher: Avon Books

Eve Bird knows that just like the glitter and glamour of Hollywood, the holidays aren't all they're cracked up to be. She's a successful author, making a name for herself without using the already famous name of her estranged Father - but now that her books are taking off, she finds herself in the last place she'd ever wanted to be: the spotlight.

Here, on the film set for the adaptation of her own book, she's there to watch the romance she's written come to life despite the fact her real life is anything but a romance novel and she's going to keep it like that. She likes knowing what happens next, and romance is far too unpredictable. Leading man Duke Carlisle is thinking about the next chapter of his life too, after the very public and dramatic end of his relationship with co-star Daphne. And seeing his favourite romance novelist on set has definitely got him dreaming of love again. 

Like it or not, both Eve and Duke are stuck on this set and forced together in a wintery wonderland full of happy ever afters - but it's just for December, right?

"How unlike you to edit the script as you go."

Laura Jane Williams has a simply magical way of creating an authentic love story with a contemporary twist and still makes time for indulgently sweet romance. In the words of our main character, Williams offers a unique romance for modern women who don't have time for that, "Heteronormative nonsense that could be sorted out with a proper conversation."

Taking everything you love about the cheesiest of romance novels and the most festive hallmark classics and flipping them on their head, this story is so refreshingly clever but still has that comfortable familiarity.  The festive vibes were perfect, with just enough Christmas Cheer to get you in the mood but not so much that you're overwhelmed by the season - set in wintery Bavaria, full of lights and mulled wine and excitement with a cosy glow that lasted all the way through. 

The characters were brilliant - Duke was dry, cleverly sarcastic and brimming with personality underneath his good looks and charm. Eve was stunning, bold, motivated and unapologetic - the kind of person who deserves all the love in the world but won't let herself be defined by it. And as for her best friend Magda, she is the best friend we'd all kill for. The people were the star of the show (and the whole tree too!), moving the story forward in a character-driver, natural pace and giving us time to sit with the characters and soak in the surroundings. 

In between the conflict, the romance, the snow and the busy filming schedules, there's always time for bold and timely statements that everyone can relate to - about the mistreatment of people in entertainment, about family, about feminism. It honestly and sensitively addresses important subjects like addiction, abandonment and illness with authenticity and genuine care.

This is one of those stories that might make you tear up a little but will also lift your spirits and fill you with joy. Witty, warm and wonderful - this perfect winter read is just further proof that Laura Jane Williams isn't just for December.   

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I was gifted an advanced reviewers copy of this title in return for an honest review. 




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