Back to December by Monique Brasher: Book Review

 ** ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own. 

The Book

Twelve years, one promise, and a love that refuses to lose its way.

Twelve years ago, I moved away from Enchanted Hollow—and the boy who loved me through every season. Every December since, Holden Lockwood and I have kept our promise: one weekend together, no expectations, no questions. Just us.

But this year feels different.

Coming home to help my sister plan a celebrity wedding means seeing Holden in a whole new light—fall weekends instead of snowy ones, ordinary days instead of borrowed time. For the first time in years, I can almost see what forever might look like. Until it all falls apart.

Two months later, a snowstorm traps us in his brothers' holiday rental that feels more enchanted than accidental. Think A Christmas Carol meets a Hallmark movie—complete with twinkle lights, kids, and magic that seems determined to play the part of my own personal Ghost of Christmas Future. And as the rooms shift and memories blur into what might be, I start to wonder if it’s too late to stop running from the only person who’s ever felt like home.

Now, caught between the ghosts of who we were and the spark that’s never gone out, I have to decide if our story really ended in October…or if this December is our chance to find our way back—for good.

NOTE: This book was previously published as 'Tis the Gingerbread Season but has been expanded considerably (more than double the content from before).

Back to December is a closed-door romance with cozy, magical vibes and no explicit scenes!

The Enchanted Hollow romances can technically be read in any order, as each book completes a complete arc for each couple. HOWEVER, they are inter-connected standalone romances, which means there are series threads that do continue into later books (which also means there are spoilers for other books), if you read them as true standalone romances. For this reason, I highly recommend that you read all books in this series in the order pictured below.

The Author

Monique writes sweet, no-spice, small town romances. While they might have a smidge of angst, you'll always find a happily ever after with swoony couples and character growth. When she's not writing, she can be found watching The Big Bang Theory or Friends (or a Marvel movie), on the water with her family, or reading a book. She lives in Texas with her husband of 18 years, four kids, two dogs (Thor and Loki), and a cat.

Book Review

I loved reading Holden and Laila's story last year in 'Tis the Gingerbread Season and at the time, didn't really feel like anything was truly missing from their story... but after reading this, I'm so thrilled that Monique decided to go back and give them a rewrite because now, I love them even more. Their original story was fun... but definitely short and sweet, without too much background of their years long relationship. I'm not one for rereads, but truly there was so much added to their story that it really felt completely new, up until the last quarter of the book or so. We still got those Family Man vibes that I enjoyed in the original, BUT before we get there, we have so much more time to fall in love with these two both as individual characters, and in their relationship together. It made me root for them all that much more. I also feel like there were more Hansel and Gretel nods than I recall in the original too... which as a lover of fairy tales, I really enjoyed seeing. If you love a good slow burn and a story that feels like Stars Hollows meets Once Upon a Time with all the magical holiday vibes, this one is one not to be missed (even if you read the original). I absolutely loved it. 

Back to December is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language. It is the second full-length book in the Enchanted Hollow series. While you may be able to enjoy this one as a standalone, but I would definitely recommend reading in order for the best experience. We learn more about the magic of the town with each consecutive book and there may be some spoilers as well. I'd also recommend reading the prequel to this one ('Tis the Christmas Season) for an even fuller look at Holden and Laila's history. 


You can purchase your copy here: https://amzn.to/4nMrfMe