With a name like Astra Noel Snow, holiday spirit isn’t just a seasonal specialty–it’s a way of life. But after a stinging divorce, Astra’s yearly trip to the Milwaukee Christmas market takes on a whole new meaning. She’s ready to eat, drink, and be merry, especially with the handsome stranger who saves the best kringle for her at his family bakery.

For Jack Clausen, the Julemarked with its snowy lights and charming shops stays the same, while the world outside the joyful street changes, magically leaping from one December to the next every four weeks. He’s never minded living this charmed existence until Astra shows him the life he’s been missing outside of the festive red brick alley.

After a swoon-worthy series of dates, some Yuletide magic, and the unexpected glow of new love, Astra and Jack must decide whether this relationship can weather all seasons, or if what they’re feeling is as ephemeral as marshmallows in a mug of hot cocoa.

I REALLY wanted to love this book, and there were parts of it I really liked — what’s not to love about a magical world where it’s always Christmas and people don’t age? I loved the idea that Jack waited for Astra, and I love that she was willing to risk the normal for love.

But there were a few places that didn’t quite work for me. The opening was a bit awkward with all the jumping around, and there were places where information was repeated and it slowed the story down. I really wanted to throw the book at Astra, though, when she made her decision at the end. Maybe it’s because I can’t imagine having three close friends at that age who I’d give up my dreams for; I wasn’t able to relate to giving up my dream for a friend who has other people in her life to help her. That could just be me though.

I didn’t LOVE the book for those reasons, but I still really enjoyed it and will probably pick up another book by this author to see what else she’s written.

Rated PG-13 for adult situations and one f-bomb. Get your copy here!

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