Jack has lived his whole life inside the Julemarked, a magical Christmas market that moves from December to December, and place to place, every four weeks. Many times over the years he has run into Astra in Milwaukee, and he thinks he could be ready to settle down - but will Astra be willing to give up her whole life in order to join his magical one? Although I didn't love this as much I'd hoped, it was still an enjoyable holiday romance! Let's get the things I didn't enjoy out of the way - the writing was very repetitive (how many times could Astra say she missed out on the births of her friend's children?) and Astra's ex-husband was a total pill (who divorces someone and then still asks them to hem their pants??). I thought Jack was a little naive in just assuming Astra would come live him with him; I mean, did he even consider leaving the Julemarked at all? But, it was interesting to see how two people who have very different lives could try to make a relationship work. I also liked how Reichert had answers for some of the questions about the Julemarked's magic, but left others to the imagination. If you're looking for a sweet romance, with all the holiday feels, definitely give this one a try. 3.5 stars
Author Samantha has barely left her house in years, but now her publisher has invited her to a week-long Christmas party at his home in Wyoming and she has to go. On the plane ride there, she meets a man who helps her brave the flight. It turns out he's the publisher's son, and even though Samantha has feelings for him, his fiancée soon shows up. Ugh, guys, this was just... not good. Can we first talk about how rude it would be to invite someone, at the very last minute, to your home for a WEEK over Christmas and insinuate that if they don't come, they could lose their job? So I felt a bit bad for Samantha, but then she turned out to be the most unlikeable main character. She is afraid of EVERYTHING and is just constantly talking or thinking about her dog, Socks. Her mind wanders to "plots" for her books, about a James Bond-esque female super spy (although the plots sound more like just scenes). I don't think it would be a huge spoiler to say that the publisher's son, Drew, and his fiancée end up breaking up, paving the way for him and Samantha, although what he sees in her, I don't know. He's a world traveler who wants to change the lives of children in Thailand, and Samantha just wants to stay on the couch in her pajamas. We're supposed to believe that is attractive to him, or that she could just change her life overnight? Just so much cringe here, I could go on for far too long. However, I did enjoy the descriptions of Jackson Hole, Wyoming and all the wintery activities... so there's that. 2 stars
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Though I adored Reichert's book, this was a pretty weak batch for you. Her ex-husband was ridiculous, but I think that was the point, to show how broken she was from it. I loved how Astra and Jack's paths kept crossing and thought the ending was done well
ReplyDeleteI just wanted her to have more of a backbone, I guess! I did love seeing how Astra and Jack had met many times over the years and how important those interactions were to him.
DeleteI loathed Astra's ex but overall enjoyed the Reichert book a lot more than you did. I had been eyeing Christmas at the Ranch, but I think everything you mentioned would annoy me to no end so I'm going to pass on that one. I don't know if you've read it yet, but The Christmas Wish by Lindsey Kelk is a really fun holiday read.
ReplyDeleteI LOVED The Christmas Wish!
DeleteSorry to hear both books were a bit disappointing.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteOh dear, not the best two Christmas reads. Hope the next ones are better!
ReplyDeleteThey have been, thanks!
DeleteI think I might skip both of these! Once Upon a December had caught my eye a while ago, but that repetition would bother me as well. I hope that you enjoy your other holiday reads!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lori! I've seen a lot of love for Once Upon a December, so maybe it was just a me thing!
DeleteGreat reviews! Once Upon A December sounded fun, so I'm glad to hear it was still enjoyable if not great. Christmas at the Ranch does not sound like something I'd enjoy either.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lindsey! I did enjoy Once Upon a December and have seen a lot of other bloggers love it, too.
DeleteOMG! I had the same issues with Once Upon a December. I would have thrown her ex-husband's pants out the window. Is she nuts?!? Her obsession with her friends and their kids was a lot, too. But I had to keep reminding myself this is a cute Christmas story--not not think too hard! haha. I enoyed the setting of the Christmas market though. The other book sounds like a skip. Hughes's novels have been hit or miss for me!
ReplyDeleteAhh, I'm glad to hear I wasn't the only one! The Christmas market was a great setting, I agree. Hughes' previous novel was ok, but this one was just a mess.
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