
10 Jan Book Review: One Day in December by Josie Silver
I picked up One Day in December because, let’s be honest, the whole “romantic bus stop moment” thing felt like it had my name written all over it. I mean, who hasn’t had that split-second, what-if-they’re-my-person kind of moment? Okay, so maybe mine didn’t involve a dashing stranger but rather an especially attractive barista who wrote my name perfectly on a latte cup (swoon). Anyway, I’d been craving something warm and fuzzy with just enough angst to keep it interesting, and this book seemed like the perfect fit.
What’s it about?
One Day in December by Josie Silver starts with a heart-stopping, movie-like meet-cute that feels like it could be lifted straight out of a romantic comedy. Laurie is riding a bus in London during the Christmas season when she locks eyes with a stranger sitting at a bus stop. It’s not just a glance—it’s one of those soul-stirring, life-pausing moments that makes Laurie absolutely certain this man is the one. There’s only one problem: the bus pulls away before they can speak, leaving Laurie with nothing but the memory of his face.
Laurie spends the next year scanning every street, café, and pub in London for her mystery man, who she dubs “Bus Boy.” Her best friend and roommate, Sarah, is all in on the search, even if she teases Laurie about her conviction that this random stranger is her soulmate. Laurie’s romantic life seems to be on hold as she obsessively holds out hope to find him. It’s all a bit hopelessly romantic and tinged with the kind of yearning that’s perfect for a chilly evening curled up with a blanket.
Then, in a twist that’s as heart-wrenching as it is awkward, Laurie finally meets Bus Boy—at a Christmas party a year later. His name is Jack, and he’s just been introduced as Sarah’s new boyfriend. Cue the oh no, oh no, oh no no no TikTok sound because this is where things get messy.
From there, the story unfolds over the course of ten years, following Laurie, Jack, and Sarah as their lives weave together in unexpected, often bittersweet ways. Laurie is determined to be a good friend and suppress her feelings for Jack, while Jack, well… he isn’t exactly indifferent to Laurie either. But life doesn’t stop for a complicated love triangle. Careers, breakups, new relationships, and personal growth keep pulling the trio in different directions.
Laurie tries to move on and even falls in love with someone else—a charming, reliable man named Oscar who seems like everything Jack isn’t. Meanwhile, Jack’s relationship with Sarah goes through its own ups and downs, and their friendship group dynamics become increasingly complex. There are missed opportunities, emotional confessions, and even the occasional close call where it seems like Laurie and Jack might finally get their timing right.
The book is packed with romantic tension, but it’s also very much about friendship, loyalty, and how people evolve over time. Laurie and Sarah’s relationship is central to the story, and it’s often as poignant as the romance. Even when Laurie is harboring feelings for Jack, she’s deeply committed to protecting Sarah and her happiness. It creates this push-and-pull that makes the story feel grounded in real emotional stakes.
By the time the final act rolls around, both Laurie and Jack have to decide what they truly want and what they’re willing to risk for it. Is their connection as star-crossed as Laurie once thought, or has it always been a fantasy that needs to be let go? And what about all the other people—Sarah, Oscar, and even themselves—who could get hurt in the process?
The book ends in a way that’s hopeful and heartfelt, though not without some bruises and bittersweet reflections along the way. It’s a love story for people who don’t necessarily believe in perfect love but still root for people to find their version of happiness. Romantic, messy, and full of moments that will have you screaming at the characters to just talk to each other already, One Day in December is a decade-long journey through love, friendship, and all the tangled feelings in between.
What This Chick Thinks
Alright, let’s talk about why I gave One Day in December an 8/10. First off, I loved the sheer emotional pull of this book. Laurie and Jack’s story is a rollercoaster of “Will they? Won’t they?” and “Oh no, not like this!” that kept me turning the pages late into the night. The ten-year span makes the story feel sprawling and layered, like you’re watching these people grow up in real time—and let’s be honest, I’m a sucker for character development that feels earned. Laurie starts out as an idealistic dreamer, and by the end, she’s been through enough heartbreak and self-discovery to feel like someone you’d genuinely want to grab a coffee with.
That said, this book also frustrated me so much at times. The love triangle between Laurie, Jack, and Sarah? It’s juicy, but it’s also deeply stressful. Laurie’s loyalty to Sarah is admirable, but watching her stifle her own feelings (and seeing Jack do the same) had me wanting to yell, “Just tell her already!” I get that life is messy, but some of the drama felt a little drawn out. Still, that tension is probably why the book hit me so hard. It’s one of those stories where you’re fully invested in everyone’s happiness, even when it feels like it’s impossible for them all to win.
The writing itself is breezy and cinematic, which I loved. Josie Silver knows how to craft scenes that feel like you’re watching a holiday rom-com unfold, but she also sneaks in these deeper emotional beats that make you think about fate, timing, and how relationships shape us. It’s not high-brow literary fiction, but it’s not trying to be—it’s warm, heartfelt, and exactly the kind of book you want to curl up with on a cozy winter night.
I’ll admit, though, I didn’t completely buy into Laurie and Jack’s connection at first. The whole “love at first sight” trope isn’t usually my thing, and their initial spark felt more like infatuation than anything substantial. But as the years went on and they kept orbiting each other, I started to root for them in spite of myself. The real magic of the book is how it takes that fleeting moment at the bus stop and turns it into something layered and real, with all the messiness that comes with it.
Now, about the ending—I won’t spoil it, but let’s just say it felt earned. It’s not perfect, but it left me with a smile and a bit of a lump in my throat, which is exactly what I wanted from this kind of story.
Final Thoughts
So, yeah, this book charmed me, stressed me out, and made me feel all the feels in equal measure. It’s the kind of story that makes you reflect on your own relationships, those what-if moments, and how time changes everything. I’m giving it a solid 8/10—mostly because it hit me emotionally, but a few of the plot twists felt just a tad too convenient, and some of the drama could’ve been trimmed down. Still, if you’re a fan of love stories that are as bittersweet as they are heartwarming, this one’s a winner.
Try it if you like:
- Me Before You by Jojo Moyes: If you’re into romance with a side of emotional growth and life-altering choices, this one’s right up your alley.
- Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman: For readers who like character-driven stories about love, friendship, and finding yourself through life’s messiness.
- The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion: It’s a lighter, more humorous take on complicated relationships, but it’s got the same heartwarming vibe as One Day in December.
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Posted at 22:09h, 10 January[…] One Day in December by Josie Silver – Both stories touch on missed connections and second chances, with romance and growth woven throughout. […]