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Winter Day #1
One Day in Winter: An absolutely perfect feel-good festive read!
One morning in December, Caro set off on a quest to find out if her relationship with her father had been based on a lifetime of lies. Lila decided to tell her lover's wife of their secret affair. Cammy was on the way to pick up the ring for the surprise proposal to the woman he loved. And Bernadette vowed to walk away from her controlling husband of 30 years and never look back. In one day, four lives will change forever.
464 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2017
3142 people are currently reading
2831 people want to read
About the author
Shari Low
47 books1,483 followers*No1 Multi-Million Copy Best-Selling Author*
In a career spanning twenty five years, author Shari Low has published over 40 books, and sold over five million copies around the globe, hitting the best seller charts in many countries including UK, USA, Canada, Germany and Australia.
In 2020, her first novel, What If? (originally published in 2001), was updated and re-released, followed by the sequels What Now? and What Next?. All three novels became international best sellers.
Since then, several of Shari's books have been #1 chart-toppers - including One Day With You, One Moment in Time, One Christmas Eve, One Year After You, One Midnight With You and One Day & Forever.
Her latest novels, One More Day of Us and One Snowy Day were published in 2025 by Boldwood Books.
Shari has also co-written three Hollywood thrillers, The Rise, The Catch and The Fall, with LA-based TV presenter and actor Ross King.
In real life, once upon a time she met a guy, got engaged after a week, and thirty-something years later she lives near Glasgow with the one they said would never last. Their children have now grown and scattered across the world, so she spends an inordinate amount of time on video calls and aeroplanes.
For all the latest news, visit Shari on Facebook, twitter, instagram or at sharilow dot com
In a career spanning twenty five years, author Shari Low has published over 40 books, and sold over five million copies around the globe, hitting the best seller charts in many countries including UK, USA, Canada, Germany and Australia.
In 2020, her first novel, What If? (originally published in 2001), was updated and re-released, followed by the sequels What Now? and What Next?. All three novels became international best sellers.
Since then, several of Shari's books have been #1 chart-toppers - including One Day With You, One Moment in Time, One Christmas Eve, One Year After You, One Midnight With You and One Day & Forever.
Her latest novels, One More Day of Us and One Snowy Day were published in 2025 by Boldwood Books.
Shari has also co-written three Hollywood thrillers, The Rise, The Catch and The Fall, with LA-based TV presenter and actor Ross King.
In real life, once upon a time she met a guy, got engaged after a week, and thirty-something years later she lives near Glasgow with the one they said would never last. Their children have now grown and scattered across the world, so she spends an inordinate amount of time on video calls and aeroplanes.
For all the latest news, visit Shari on Facebook, twitter, instagram or at sharilow dot com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 339 reviews
September 1, 2017
Positively addictive, delightfully mesmerizing, and absolutely brilliant!
This novel takes us on a moving journey into the lives of four strangers for one day and introduces us to their thoughts, feelings, motivations, fears, and dreams and highlights just how small the world truly is and how quickly strangers can become friends and friends can become strangers.
The writing is expressive, amusing, and effortless. The characterization is spot on with a whole slew of characters that are genuine, multi-layered, intriguing and unique. And the plot is a series of compelling subplots that are skillfully unravelled and intertwined to create an unforgettable, heartfelt, humorous story about life, love, loss, family, adultery, deception, lies, friendship, romance, and happiness.
I have to admit that Shari Low has the amazing ability to sweep me away to a place I don’t want to leave and immerses me into the lives of characters I can’t get enough of and this novel is no exception and Shari Low one day is definitely not enough. I can’t tell you how excited and honoured I was to be asked to read, review, and kick off this blog tour, and as most of you may already know there are a few authors I love, Karen Swan, Lucinda Riley and Shari Low you’re one of them.
Thank you to Aria for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at http://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
This novel takes us on a moving journey into the lives of four strangers for one day and introduces us to their thoughts, feelings, motivations, fears, and dreams and highlights just how small the world truly is and how quickly strangers can become friends and friends can become strangers.
The writing is expressive, amusing, and effortless. The characterization is spot on with a whole slew of characters that are genuine, multi-layered, intriguing and unique. And the plot is a series of compelling subplots that are skillfully unravelled and intertwined to create an unforgettable, heartfelt, humorous story about life, love, loss, family, adultery, deception, lies, friendship, romance, and happiness.
I have to admit that Shari Low has the amazing ability to sweep me away to a place I don’t want to leave and immerses me into the lives of characters I can’t get enough of and this novel is no exception and Shari Low one day is definitely not enough. I can’t tell you how excited and honoured I was to be asked to read, review, and kick off this blog tour, and as most of you may already know there are a few authors I love, Karen Swan, Lucinda Riley and Shari Low you’re one of them.
Thank you to Aria for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at http://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
June 19, 2019
Favorite Quotes:
She despised him. When he walked out, she’d thought she couldn’t hate him more. Now, looking at these images, she realised there was a whole pool of hate she hadn’t even dipped her toe in yet.
What started as a temporary post in the blokes’ section led to a couple of promotions until he claimed his self-penned accolade, Manager of Sack and Crack Support Services.
Argh, the aging process is bollocks. I think every time I pee I lose brain cells. My memory is shot.
‘Although… wouldn’t have minded that in my day. It would be good to have photographic evidence of how I looked before I went gray, developed wrinkles and my baps headed south.’ A woman at the next table froze, unsure if she really had just overheard that correctly. Couldn’t have. Not from that elderly lady.
‘We’ve come to tell you that we’re running away together. We’re lesbians,’ Sarah replied, deadpan, making Bernadette splutter. Stuart’s eyes widened so much she worried that he’d do himself a permanent injury. ‘I’m kidding! Although, she does have great legs,’ Sarah added, grinning.
I can’t tell you how much I hope you’re related to this lot because I need this kind of drama in my life. I love them already. It’s like having your own Lifetime mini-series.
My Review:
I giggle-snorted and smirked my way through this delightful and addicting tale. This was my first encounter with the mega-talented scribe that is Shari Low, but I am positive she has already become an extremely necessary habit. The author and her ingenious storyline were based in Scotland, a land from which sprouted some of my ancestral DNA, so I plan to claim my reading time indulging in Ms. Low’s highly entertaining work as supporting possible relatives. Ms. Low’s writing was crisp, witty, engaging, observant, and cleverly amusing. I adored her well fleshed out characters, was captivated by her well-plotted storyline and relished the witty bantering of the shrewd and meddlesome aunties. One Day In December was a toy chest full of delicious secrets just begging to be exposed.
She despised him. When he walked out, she’d thought she couldn’t hate him more. Now, looking at these images, she realised there was a whole pool of hate she hadn’t even dipped her toe in yet.
What started as a temporary post in the blokes’ section led to a couple of promotions until he claimed his self-penned accolade, Manager of Sack and Crack Support Services.
Argh, the aging process is bollocks. I think every time I pee I lose brain cells. My memory is shot.
‘Although… wouldn’t have minded that in my day. It would be good to have photographic evidence of how I looked before I went gray, developed wrinkles and my baps headed south.’ A woman at the next table froze, unsure if she really had just overheard that correctly. Couldn’t have. Not from that elderly lady.
‘We’ve come to tell you that we’re running away together. We’re lesbians,’ Sarah replied, deadpan, making Bernadette splutter. Stuart’s eyes widened so much she worried that he’d do himself a permanent injury. ‘I’m kidding! Although, she does have great legs,’ Sarah added, grinning.
I can’t tell you how much I hope you’re related to this lot because I need this kind of drama in my life. I love them already. It’s like having your own Lifetime mini-series.
My Review:
I giggle-snorted and smirked my way through this delightful and addicting tale. This was my first encounter with the mega-talented scribe that is Shari Low, but I am positive she has already become an extremely necessary habit. The author and her ingenious storyline were based in Scotland, a land from which sprouted some of my ancestral DNA, so I plan to claim my reading time indulging in Ms. Low’s highly entertaining work as supporting possible relatives. Ms. Low’s writing was crisp, witty, engaging, observant, and cleverly amusing. I adored her well fleshed out characters, was captivated by her well-plotted storyline and relished the witty bantering of the shrewd and meddlesome aunties. One Day In December was a toy chest full of delicious secrets just begging to be exposed.
September 9, 2017
Entirely surprising and awe-inspiring.
Seeing a familiar face on one of the random Facebook post, Caro started to think that the father who walked away from them years ago who had a Very Important Job was actually having a Very Important Secret. She decided to ride a train off to Glasgow to see for herself and know the truth.
Busy on schedule of preparing for his marriage proposal to his girlfriend, Lila, Cammy needs to find for the perfect ring, booked for the perfect restaurant and get the perfect suit with the help of his friends, Josie and Val.
Lila, on one hand, is having an illicit affair to cardiac surgeon, Ken for seven years. Cannot wait any longer with the promise of divorcing and leaving his wife for good, she's plotting to tell Ken's wife herself about their relationship and realised that it is the perfect time to do and act on it.
Endured a thirty years of unhappy marriage life, Bernadette plans to leave his husband, Ken (right, exactly! The same person). With the help of her best friend Sarah, she have to move out from their house, tell their kids about her decision and get a fair share of their savings before Ken returns home.
I love Bernadette's character the most. She was selfless and strong. I understand why she had stayed with her controlling husband for so long because she always thought of her children before her own. But getting her freedom and knowing her worth for the very first time was the best decision she ever made for herself.
They may have the same longing for the love and affection of a father but Caro and Lila's character were entirely opposite. Caro liked the privacy. She was confident on her own way and always care for her mom in every way possible while Lila loved the attention, the spotlight. I understand why she had to live a pretentious and full-of-masquerade kind of life. She wanted to fill a hole somewhere in her heart and that was the reason why she looked for love on somewhere else.
Cammy's character I believe was the most vulnerable from all of them. With the history he had and the story he didn't saw coming, he was exposed to an endless chain of let downs and heartaches. He never realised his own denial until it was too late
One Day in December is about four persons' lives, entwined, connected and tangled. A perfect story that delivers the message of how one single decision can cause a domino effect on someone else life. That in every promise comes a lie and in every secrets comes betrayal.
I love how the author gave so much attention on each character with an intricate well written plot and an intriguing complex narrative. This is something that feels like more than a reality — relatable and existential; Or like watching a soap opera with all the twists and dramas involve, this story was entertaining.
***Thank you to Melanie Price of Aria Fiction, to NetGalley, and Shari Low for providing me an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review!
Links to buy:
Amazon | Kobo | iBooks | Google Play
About the Author:
Shari Low lives in Glasgow and writes a weekly opinion column and Book Club page for a well-known newspaper. She is married to a very laid-back guy and has two athletic teenage sons, who think she’s fairly embarrassing, except when they need a lift.
Website | Twitter
Seeing a familiar face on one of the random Facebook post, Caro started to think that the father who walked away from them years ago who had a Very Important Job was actually having a Very Important Secret. She decided to ride a train off to Glasgow to see for herself and know the truth.
Busy on schedule of preparing for his marriage proposal to his girlfriend, Lila, Cammy needs to find for the perfect ring, booked for the perfect restaurant and get the perfect suit with the help of his friends, Josie and Val.
Lila, on one hand, is having an illicit affair to cardiac surgeon, Ken for seven years. Cannot wait any longer with the promise of divorcing and leaving his wife for good, she's plotting to tell Ken's wife herself about their relationship and realised that it is the perfect time to do and act on it.
Endured a thirty years of unhappy marriage life, Bernadette plans to leave his husband, Ken (right, exactly! The same person). With the help of her best friend Sarah, she have to move out from their house, tell their kids about her decision and get a fair share of their savings before Ken returns home.
They didn’t know that somewhere out there a heart had just been crushed by the weight of broken promises. Or that someone else sighed with relief as they walked away from the past. Or that someone’s plans for a new life had turned to dust. Or that a very unexpected love was pulling two people together.
I love Bernadette's character the most. She was selfless and strong. I understand why she had stayed with her controlling husband for so long because she always thought of her children before her own. But getting her freedom and knowing her worth for the very first time was the best decision she ever made for herself.
They may have the same longing for the love and affection of a father but Caro and Lila's character were entirely opposite. Caro liked the privacy. She was confident on her own way and always care for her mom in every way possible while Lila loved the attention, the spotlight. I understand why she had to live a pretentious and full-of-masquerade kind of life. She wanted to fill a hole somewhere in her heart and that was the reason why she looked for love on somewhere else.
Cammy's character I believe was the most vulnerable from all of them. With the history he had and the story he didn't saw coming, he was exposed to an endless chain of let downs and heartaches. He never realised his own denial until it was too late
One Day in December is about four persons' lives, entwined, connected and tangled. A perfect story that delivers the message of how one single decision can cause a domino effect on someone else life. That in every promise comes a lie and in every secrets comes betrayal.
I love how the author gave so much attention on each character with an intricate well written plot and an intriguing complex narrative. This is something that feels like more than a reality — relatable and existential; Or like watching a soap opera with all the twists and dramas involve, this story was entertaining.
***Thank you to Melanie Price of Aria Fiction, to NetGalley, and Shari Low for providing me an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review!
Links to buy:
Amazon | Kobo | iBooks | Google Play
About the Author:
Shari Low lives in Glasgow and writes a weekly opinion column and Book Club page for a well-known newspaper. She is married to a very laid-back guy and has two athletic teenage sons, who think she’s fairly embarrassing, except when they need a lift.
Website | Twitter
September 13, 2017
4.5/5
I loved the format of this one, just as the title says it follows one day in the life of four different people. I was slightly overwhelmed initially when the first page was a full list of all the characters but as soon as I started to read more I relaxed into the read and found it was actually really easy to follow. I figured out the characters lives and dynamics rather quickly and no issues keeping it all straight. Things are broken into segments of two hour chunks and each of the four main characters have a chapter within each time period. I so love a story told from several viewpoints and I was so engrossed by this one as I knew each of them would experience something life changing but not knowing what was intriguing. I was very curious as to how their lives would intertwine or if they even actually would overlap. The structure made this a real page turner as I was always eager to see how the other characters were coming along while I was still wrapped up in the current chapter.
In typical Low fashion she crafted a cast of wholly memorable, realistic characters, some more likable than others. While I truly came to care about each of them, I was most invested in Bernadette’s life. She was such an authentic, kind person who’s been trapped in an awful marriage for thirty years and I really wanted her to be free and happy! Caro was also so sweet and loving, she definitely tugged on my heartstrings as well. Cammy was a lovely man with loads of charm and then there was Lila. Ugh she made me so angry, she’s definitely a hard one to relate to but I was still captivated by her story. (And her appalling behavior)
This was full of heart, humor and even some genuinely sad moments, a really emotional read. Low is a really fantastic storyteller and I loved how she wove all of the subplots together in the end. I’ve been a fan of Low for awhile now and this may be my favorite book so far!
All of my reviews can be found on www.novelgossip.com
I loved the format of this one, just as the title says it follows one day in the life of four different people. I was slightly overwhelmed initially when the first page was a full list of all the characters but as soon as I started to read more I relaxed into the read and found it was actually really easy to follow. I figured out the characters lives and dynamics rather quickly and no issues keeping it all straight. Things are broken into segments of two hour chunks and each of the four main characters have a chapter within each time period. I so love a story told from several viewpoints and I was so engrossed by this one as I knew each of them would experience something life changing but not knowing what was intriguing. I was very curious as to how their lives would intertwine or if they even actually would overlap. The structure made this a real page turner as I was always eager to see how the other characters were coming along while I was still wrapped up in the current chapter.
In typical Low fashion she crafted a cast of wholly memorable, realistic characters, some more likable than others. While I truly came to care about each of them, I was most invested in Bernadette’s life. She was such an authentic, kind person who’s been trapped in an awful marriage for thirty years and I really wanted her to be free and happy! Caro was also so sweet and loving, she definitely tugged on my heartstrings as well. Cammy was a lovely man with loads of charm and then there was Lila. Ugh she made me so angry, she’s definitely a hard one to relate to but I was still captivated by her story. (And her appalling behavior)
This was full of heart, humor and even some genuinely sad moments, a really emotional read. Low is a really fantastic storyteller and I loved how she wove all of the subplots together in the end. I’ve been a fan of Low for awhile now and this may be my favorite book so far!
All of my reviews can be found on www.novelgossip.com
December 9, 2019
I needed something that would spread that magical christmas spirit. I will have to try something else tho.
I didn´t particularly like any of the characters, couldn´t relate to them and I our of principle hate when characters are introduced followed up by a detailed description of how they look. It doesn´t come of natural and feels stiff. Only reason this book isn´t getting less than 3 stars is because there was some character development (for some, not all) and there was a bit of a happy ending that I enjoyed.
Read it in one sitting, not because it was any good but because I really wanted to get it over with, not a feeling I particularly enjoy while reading.
I didn´t particularly like any of the characters, couldn´t relate to them and I our of principle hate when characters are introduced followed up by a detailed description of how they look. It doesn´t come of natural and feels stiff. Only reason this book isn´t getting less than 3 stars is because there was some character development (for some, not all) and there was a bit of a happy ending that I enjoyed.
Read it in one sitting, not because it was any good but because I really wanted to get it over with, not a feeling I particularly enjoy while reading.
September 1, 2019
4 strangers on different journeys and a glimpse into their lives for one day was what this novel was all about. Caro ,a teacher, had discovered a powerful truth. Cammy was going to propose to a not-so-kind woman Lila. Bernadette was about to leave a boor of a man.
Having read many of Shari Low's books, this story too brought the heart back into the prose. I loved the warmth that certain characters induced into the story. Each one touched me in different ways. A deft hand by the author made their lives intersect, and the story changed its direction.
Shari's writing is always a pleasure to read as emotions are felt almost from the beginning. In this book too, there was an innocence in the way certain characters were depicted. I love to hate my characters too, I take almost a guilty pleasure in it. Lila evoked that in me almost from the get-go. The beginning took some time for me to connect to the characters, but I settled down once I got to know them.
I loved how the author could weave dreams and realities into a bond and beguile strangers to friends with the turn of a page. Humor, happiness, sadness and betrayal all were layered into the plot.
A skilfully written story with intertwining subplots showing different aspects of life and human psyche. A sweet read, indeed!!
Having read many of Shari Low's books, this story too brought the heart back into the prose. I loved the warmth that certain characters induced into the story. Each one touched me in different ways. A deft hand by the author made their lives intersect, and the story changed its direction.
Shari's writing is always a pleasure to read as emotions are felt almost from the beginning. In this book too, there was an innocence in the way certain characters were depicted. I love to hate my characters too, I take almost a guilty pleasure in it. Lila evoked that in me almost from the get-go. The beginning took some time for me to connect to the characters, but I settled down once I got to know them.
I loved how the author could weave dreams and realities into a bond and beguile strangers to friends with the turn of a page. Humor, happiness, sadness and betrayal all were layered into the plot.
A skilfully written story with intertwining subplots showing different aspects of life and human psyche. A sweet read, indeed!!
December 3, 2020
One day in Glasgow, Scotland several people who should never have met do so because of circumstances. One is a 32-year-old woman, whose mother is suffering from dementia, set on finding her absentee father. One is a 29-year-old woman who is having an affair with an unavailable man. One is a man, nearly 40, who’s in love with the idea of love, but who’s friends are trying to talk him into seeing reality. One is a woman married many years whose emotionally abusive husband has seen her for the last time. How they come together makes for compelling reading. This is a really good book.
October 1, 2019
Don’t think I’ve read a book set in one day and this was a great read.
Four characters tell their stories - Caro, Lila, Cammy and Bernadette.
Likeable characters apart from one!!
I really enjoyed this story and thought the ending was fitting to the story.
A clever interesting storyline that kept me going back for more. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author in the future.
Four characters tell their stories - Caro, Lila, Cammy and Bernadette.
Likeable characters apart from one!!
I really enjoyed this story and thought the ending was fitting to the story.
A clever interesting storyline that kept me going back for more. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author in the future.
September 19, 2017
ONE DAY IN DECEMBER by Shari Low is an example of contemporary fiction at its finest. Engaging, addictive, and all-consuming, this story completely took over and I did not even notice the hours drift by as I was immersed in that all-important day in December when lives would change forever.
Caro is devastated at the dwindling health of her mother and the complete abandonment by her father at a time when they need him more than ever. Even though his important job had always taken him away during most of her life, Caro is angry that he would turn his back on them now. But when a little Facebook digging seems to uncover a lifelong secret that could change everything, Caro travels to Glasgow to confront the man she never really knew or understood. I loved Caro and her kind heart and she was one of my favourites in this book.
Lila is selfish and self-obsessed and has decided that she no longer wants to wait for her married lover to leave his wife, and resolves to take matters into her own hands. When Lila wants something she takes it and to hell with the consequences or gets hurt in the process. As you can tell I was not a massive fan of Lila but I was still hooked by her story and how it all would end.
Cammy is sexy, sweet, and a little heartbroken from a love that he let get away. Now in a new relationship, he is giving it his all and has planned a romantic proposal to the new lady in his life. It is time he grew up and this is the perfect next step, even if his closest friends feel it is an awful mistake. Cammy is a wonderful character who is so endearing that you just want to hug him and take him under your wing.
And then there is Bernadette, a hardworking and caring nurse, who has spent thirty years married to a calculating and controlling monster. Seeing her friend find happiness in her later years has inspired her to break free. With her plans ready to go, Bernadette only hopes that she doesn't let fear force her to retreat. Bernadette is my favourite character and I desperately wanted her to find the happiness and love that she truly deserved.
All of these characters stories converge in unexpected ways on that one fateful day in December and as the drama unfolds, you will not be able to put this book down. The day itself is split into slots and the story moves from one character to another as the narrative flows easily from beginning to end.
ONE DAY IN DECEMBER by Shari Low is a superb story of love, secrets, friendship, and heartbreak, and needs to be on everyone's reading list this year.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher
ONE DAY IN DECEMBER by Shari Low is an example of contemporary fiction at its finest. Engaging, addictive, and all-consuming, this story completely took over and I did not even notice the hours drift by as I was immersed in that all-important day in December when lives would change forever.
Caro is devastated at the dwindling health of her mother and the complete abandonment by her father at a time when they need him more than ever. Even though his important job had always taken him away during most of her life, Caro is angry that he would turn his back on them now. But when a little Facebook digging seems to uncover a lifelong secret that could change everything, Caro travels to Glasgow to confront the man she never really knew or understood. I loved Caro and her kind heart and she was one of my favourites in this book.
Lila is selfish and self-obsessed and has decided that she no longer wants to wait for her married lover to leave his wife, and resolves to take matters into her own hands. When Lila wants something she takes it and to hell with the consequences or gets hurt in the process. As you can tell I was not a massive fan of Lila but I was still hooked by her story and how it all would end.
Cammy is sexy, sweet, and a little heartbroken from a love that he let get away. Now in a new relationship, he is giving it his all and has planned a romantic proposal to the new lady in his life. It is time he grew up and this is the perfect next step, even if his closest friends feel it is an awful mistake. Cammy is a wonderful character who is so endearing that you just want to hug him and take him under your wing.
And then there is Bernadette, a hardworking and caring nurse, who has spent thirty years married to a calculating and controlling monster. Seeing her friend find happiness in her later years has inspired her to break free. With her plans ready to go, Bernadette only hopes that she doesn't let fear force her to retreat. Bernadette is my favourite character and I desperately wanted her to find the happiness and love that she truly deserved.
All of these characters stories converge in unexpected ways on that one fateful day in December and as the drama unfolds, you will not be able to put this book down. The day itself is split into slots and the story moves from one character to another as the narrative flows easily from beginning to end.
ONE DAY IN DECEMBER by Shari Low is a superb story of love, secrets, friendship, and heartbreak, and needs to be on everyone's reading list this year.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher
November 4, 2024
I’m going to talk about the narration first as I was gutted to realise this wasn’t Helen McAlpine. however, in the most un condescending way possible Cathleen McCarron managed to win me over, she was the right fit for this title. I did slightly miss Val and Josies “real” voices, but I still loved it.
Loads of character crossovers from other titles, I always love these, but there was a main character who I knew had a story after this so I completely knew what was coming for her (my own fault for not following the order of the release dates I suppose) in fact I know the outcome of several characters. Often I thought I had already read this title. I hadn’t. It was really lovely to meet Cammy again. I just feel like you know that you’re going to get with Shari Low, I laughed I cried, The end destroyed me, and as much as I tried to understand Lila I detested her.
Everything I expect from the author as always, humour, sadness, complex relationships, and good solid characters.
I have a severe unashamed bias for Shari Lows books, so on I go to book two of the series!
Loads of character crossovers from other titles, I always love these, but there was a main character who I knew had a story after this so I completely knew what was coming for her (my own fault for not following the order of the release dates I suppose) in fact I know the outcome of several characters. Often I thought I had already read this title. I hadn’t. It was really lovely to meet Cammy again. I just feel like you know that you’re going to get with Shari Low, I laughed I cried, The end destroyed me, and as much as I tried to understand Lila I detested her.
Everything I expect from the author as always, humour, sadness, complex relationships, and good solid characters.
I have a severe unashamed bias for Shari Lows books, so on I go to book two of the series!
September 14, 2019
Warning ⚠️: this story may cause spontaneous bouts of stress eating #justsaying
I kid you not – blink and you’d miss that share bag of Peanut M&Ms (not a shameless plug – just leftover treats from my birthday). Honestly though, from chapter 25 onwards my anxiety levels were spiking. I don’t think I even tasted them on the way down. I fear it went something like this...
OMG! I can’t take the tension...
*crunch-crunch*
Crap, here come the heart palpitations...
*crunch-crunch*
NOOOOOO!!!
*crunch-crunch*
Insert sweary-word here of your choice.
*crunch-crunch*
*sobs*
*crunch-hiccup-crunch-hiccup*
Woohoo!
*crunch-crunch*
Aww.
So, yeah, just a normal reading session ‘a la Laura’ then. *snorts*
As readers of my reviews will know, This Is Me was my first read by this author earlier this year in which Josie and Val were scene stealers for me. Needless to say, when I realised they popped up in this story I was cock-a-hoop.
Plus, I finally got to know more about Caro and Cammy. I have to admit it took a moment for me to put two and two together, but with the arrival of J & V the penny finally dropped. Embarrassed you will be. *smirks*
Shari has an uncanny way of making my metaphorical hackles rise with the introduction of a truly loathsome character or two. I was so angry I could spit. Don’t laugh, that was me being polite. The air was blue. Very uncouth of me, I know.
Seriously though, is there anything more satisfying as a reader than when one such character gets their comeuppance? Sooooo satisfying, lol.
Like all the best reads, ODIW will take you on an emotional rollercoaster. For me, Shari Low is an exceptional storyteller. She just has a way of drawing out all your emotions as you read. One where the lines become blurred and you can no longer distinguish yourself from the characters. Quite simply, you are one and the same.
On a lighter note, one line from Val had me hooting with laughter longer than necessary:
“Och, son, if I was twenty years younger and single...”
The Mommy will kill me for mentioning this, buuuttt remind me to tell you all about my mum and a male author at a book signing I attended a few years back where almost the exact same sentence was used to my mortification *laughs*.
And you lot wonder where I get it from *shrugs*.
I kid you not – blink and you’d miss that share bag of Peanut M&Ms (not a shameless plug – just leftover treats from my birthday). Honestly though, from chapter 25 onwards my anxiety levels were spiking. I don’t think I even tasted them on the way down. I fear it went something like this...
OMG! I can’t take the tension...
*crunch-crunch*
Crap, here come the heart palpitations...
*crunch-crunch*
NOOOOOO!!!
*crunch-crunch*
Insert sweary-word here of your choice.
*crunch-crunch*
*sobs*
*crunch-hiccup-crunch-hiccup*
Woohoo!
*crunch-crunch*
Aww.
So, yeah, just a normal reading session ‘a la Laura’ then. *snorts*
As readers of my reviews will know, This Is Me was my first read by this author earlier this year in which Josie and Val were scene stealers for me. Needless to say, when I realised they popped up in this story I was cock-a-hoop.
Plus, I finally got to know more about Caro and Cammy. I have to admit it took a moment for me to put two and two together, but with the arrival of J & V the penny finally dropped. Embarrassed you will be. *smirks*
Shari has an uncanny way of making my metaphorical hackles rise with the introduction of a truly loathsome character or two. I was so angry I could spit. Don’t laugh, that was me being polite. The air was blue. Very uncouth of me, I know.
Seriously though, is there anything more satisfying as a reader than when one such character gets their comeuppance? Sooooo satisfying, lol.
Like all the best reads, ODIW will take you on an emotional rollercoaster. For me, Shari Low is an exceptional storyteller. She just has a way of drawing out all your emotions as you read. One where the lines become blurred and you can no longer distinguish yourself from the characters. Quite simply, you are one and the same.
On a lighter note, one line from Val had me hooting with laughter longer than necessary:
“Och, son, if I was twenty years younger and single...”
The Mommy will kill me for mentioning this, buuuttt remind me to tell you all about my mum and a male author at a book signing I attended a few years back where almost the exact same sentence was used to my mortification *laughs*.
And you lot wonder where I get it from *shrugs*.
February 19, 2019
Shari Low is now a go-to author for me. I love her writing style and the way this book moves effortlessly from one point of view to another. This story has it all. Characters you will cheer for and those you will love to hate. It's a moving novel about trust, betrayal, family values and friendship. Highly recommended!
December 5, 2022
Een geweldig boek. Ik had steeds zin om verder te lezen. Het verhaal draait om vier personen wiens leven met elkaar verbonden zijn. Gaandeweg komen de verhaallijnen steeds meer bij elkaar. Op Lila na vond ik het ook allemaal leuke personages. Toch vind ik het ook knap dat Shari Low een personage als Lila neer heeft weten te zetten. Ondanks haar slechte kanten, leefde ik op het laatst toch met haar mee. Echt een aanrader dit boek. Ik ga nu verder met een ander boek van Shari Low. Ik heb die al een keer gelezen, maar twee personages komen in deel 2 van deze trilogie voor. Vandaar dat ik het andere boek ga herlezen.
November 17, 2017
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers, Aria for this advance review copy. Also thank you to Melanie from Aria for allowing me to be part of the blog tour for this fantastic book!
This is the story of four people set throughout one day in December. They don’t know each other but are all connected in some way:-
Caro has possibly found her dad – the dad that walked out on her and her mum and who she hasn’t seen since. Caro’s mum suffers from early onset dementia and has been involved in a car accident because of this. She is in a coma and isn’t expected to live much longer. Caro has found who she thinks is her half-sister, Lila on Facebook. She decides to travel from her home in Aberdeen to Glasgow to see if her suspicions are right and this man is really her dad.
Cammy is the owner of a menswear shop in Glasgow. He is planning his proposal that night to his girlfriend, Lila. Lila is extremely ‘high maintenance’ and lives her life on social media. Her Facebook and twitter accounts are filled with snapshots and selfies from her day. Cammy has only been with Lila for 6 months and knows what she’s like, but loves her unconditionally and, against the advice from people that he knows, he wants to marry her.
Lila is a drug representative with a big flashy company car and company credit card. She is Cammy’s girlfriend, but doesn’t see a long term future with him. She is having an affair with one of her customers, a cardiac surgeon called Ken Manson. She wants him to leave his wife, which he promises he will, but not until the time is right. She has been willing to wait, until now.
Bernadette is leaving her husband, Ken Manson. She has spent 30 years in a loveless marriage with her husband emotionally abusing her. She has reached the end of the tether and today is the day that she is going to walk out and leave him.
What an amazing book! I expected a chick-lit type book but this was much more! Set over the space of one day, this book introduces us to four people who don’t really know each other, but have so much connecting them. It was great how well the story flowed from one person to another, with a chapter being dedicated to each character in turn. I experienced so many mixed feelings going through this book – sadness and sympathy for Caro, Cammy and Bernadette, anger, frustration and probably a little bit of hate for Lila. Each character’s story was wonderfully written and how they all linked together throughout the space of the day was very clever.
I genuinely could not put this book down. It was my first by this author, and certainly won’t be my last. I have related to so many different aspects of this book on so many different levels, and I have laughed and cried my way through it (you will need tissues – just a word of warning!) Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant. Five stars!
This is the story of four people set throughout one day in December. They don’t know each other but are all connected in some way:-
Caro has possibly found her dad – the dad that walked out on her and her mum and who she hasn’t seen since. Caro’s mum suffers from early onset dementia and has been involved in a car accident because of this. She is in a coma and isn’t expected to live much longer. Caro has found who she thinks is her half-sister, Lila on Facebook. She decides to travel from her home in Aberdeen to Glasgow to see if her suspicions are right and this man is really her dad.
Cammy is the owner of a menswear shop in Glasgow. He is planning his proposal that night to his girlfriend, Lila. Lila is extremely ‘high maintenance’ and lives her life on social media. Her Facebook and twitter accounts are filled with snapshots and selfies from her day. Cammy has only been with Lila for 6 months and knows what she’s like, but loves her unconditionally and, against the advice from people that he knows, he wants to marry her.
Lila is a drug representative with a big flashy company car and company credit card. She is Cammy’s girlfriend, but doesn’t see a long term future with him. She is having an affair with one of her customers, a cardiac surgeon called Ken Manson. She wants him to leave his wife, which he promises he will, but not until the time is right. She has been willing to wait, until now.
Bernadette is leaving her husband, Ken Manson. She has spent 30 years in a loveless marriage with her husband emotionally abusing her. She has reached the end of the tether and today is the day that she is going to walk out and leave him.
What an amazing book! I expected a chick-lit type book but this was much more! Set over the space of one day, this book introduces us to four people who don’t really know each other, but have so much connecting them. It was great how well the story flowed from one person to another, with a chapter being dedicated to each character in turn. I experienced so many mixed feelings going through this book – sadness and sympathy for Caro, Cammy and Bernadette, anger, frustration and probably a little bit of hate for Lila. Each character’s story was wonderfully written and how they all linked together throughout the space of the day was very clever.
I genuinely could not put this book down. It was my first by this author, and certainly won’t be my last. I have related to so many different aspects of this book on so many different levels, and I have laughed and cried my way through it (you will need tissues – just a word of warning!) Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant. Five stars!
September 4, 2017
The story takes place over one day in the city of Glasgow. As it turns out, it will be a momentous day in the lives of four people and those close to them. Events unfold in two-hourly time slots with frequent switches between the different characters. As the action plays out, at times the reader is blessed with more information than the character (creating some “Uh-oh, that’s not going to happen” or “I have a bad feeling about this” moments) and at other times, we learn things alongside the characters (resulting in some “I wasn’t expecting that” moments).
So, let’s get to know the characters…Caro is setting off by train to track down the father who abandoned her and her mother years before. A post on Facebook, that she came across by chance, has led Caro to suspect that her father’s frequent absences on business during the years he and her mother were together may have been cover for something else entirely. Was he in fact leading a double life? Encouraged by her cousin, Todd, she’s determined to find out the truth and confront her father before it’s too late.
Menswear shop owner Cameron, known to his friends as Cammy, is planning to propose to his girlfriend, Lila. She’s the first woman he’s fallen for since he lost the love of his life to another man. Helped by pals, Josie and Val (hilarious characters, by the way), he’s chosen the perfect ring, the perfect suit, the perfect restaurant. Now he just needs everything to go to plan.
Lila is oblivious to Cammy’s intentions. She’s more interested in snaring her married lover, cardiac surgeon Ken, who she’s been having a passionate affair with for years, unbeknownst to his wife. Lila’s determined that today’s the day Ken will tell his wife he’s leaving her – and if not, Lila’s going to do it for him.
Bernadette knows all about leaving because after thirty years of marriage to Ken – yes, that same Ken – she’s had enough of his callous, controlling behaviour and she’s planning her departure for life as a free woman. But if she’s to make her escape, she needs to do it before Ken returns home.
The author manages the incredible feat of orchestrating the various strands of the plot and frequent changes in points of views so you never lose track of the story as the tension builds. I really liked the geographical near misses during the day as characters unknowingly pass close to each other – in shops, restaurants and streets. I found myself particularly drawn to Caro and Bernadette. They seemed fully realised characters; like people you might meet in real life. I don’t believe anyone with an ounce of humanity can read this book without rooting for Bernadette and I liked how the author had Caro grow as a character, even with the period of one day.
Other characters seemed a little less finely drawn and Ken, in particular, felt a little like pantomime villain. The men in this book aren’t a terribly good advertisement for fatherhood! Although I couldn’t like Lila – self-obsessed, shallow and mercenary – I could admire her spirit and her ability to land on her feet (metaphorically only, as it turns out).
Even if I wasn’t totally engaged by all the characters, I was completely gripped by the complex threads of the story and intrigued to see how the author was going to pull everything together. Safe to say, she succeeded brilliantly. I’ll also admit I shed tears at one point and I’m not usually a sentimental person. I can now see why Shari Low’s books are so popular. Great storylines, clever plotting and engaging characters make One Day in December a very satisfying read.
I received an advance reader copy courtesy of publishers, Aria, in return for an honest review.
So, let’s get to know the characters…Caro is setting off by train to track down the father who abandoned her and her mother years before. A post on Facebook, that she came across by chance, has led Caro to suspect that her father’s frequent absences on business during the years he and her mother were together may have been cover for something else entirely. Was he in fact leading a double life? Encouraged by her cousin, Todd, she’s determined to find out the truth and confront her father before it’s too late.
Menswear shop owner Cameron, known to his friends as Cammy, is planning to propose to his girlfriend, Lila. She’s the first woman he’s fallen for since he lost the love of his life to another man. Helped by pals, Josie and Val (hilarious characters, by the way), he’s chosen the perfect ring, the perfect suit, the perfect restaurant. Now he just needs everything to go to plan.
Lila is oblivious to Cammy’s intentions. She’s more interested in snaring her married lover, cardiac surgeon Ken, who she’s been having a passionate affair with for years, unbeknownst to his wife. Lila’s determined that today’s the day Ken will tell his wife he’s leaving her – and if not, Lila’s going to do it for him.
Bernadette knows all about leaving because after thirty years of marriage to Ken – yes, that same Ken – she’s had enough of his callous, controlling behaviour and she’s planning her departure for life as a free woman. But if she’s to make her escape, she needs to do it before Ken returns home.
The author manages the incredible feat of orchestrating the various strands of the plot and frequent changes in points of views so you never lose track of the story as the tension builds. I really liked the geographical near misses during the day as characters unknowingly pass close to each other – in shops, restaurants and streets. I found myself particularly drawn to Caro and Bernadette. They seemed fully realised characters; like people you might meet in real life. I don’t believe anyone with an ounce of humanity can read this book without rooting for Bernadette and I liked how the author had Caro grow as a character, even with the period of one day.
Other characters seemed a little less finely drawn and Ken, in particular, felt a little like pantomime villain. The men in this book aren’t a terribly good advertisement for fatherhood! Although I couldn’t like Lila – self-obsessed, shallow and mercenary – I could admire her spirit and her ability to land on her feet (metaphorically only, as it turns out).
Even if I wasn’t totally engaged by all the characters, I was completely gripped by the complex threads of the story and intrigued to see how the author was going to pull everything together. Safe to say, she succeeded brilliantly. I’ll also admit I shed tears at one point and I’m not usually a sentimental person. I can now see why Shari Low’s books are so popular. Great storylines, clever plotting and engaging characters make One Day in December a very satisfying read.
I received an advance reader copy courtesy of publishers, Aria, in return for an honest review.
September 5, 2017
Favorite Quotes:
She despised him. When he walked out, she’d thought she couldn’t hate him more. Now, looking at these images, she realised there was a whole pool of hate she hadn’t even dipped her toe in yet.
What started as a temporary post in the blokes’ section led to a couple of promotions until he claimed his self-penned accolade, Manager of Sack and Crack Support Services.
Argh, the aging process is bollocks. I think every time I pee I lose brain cells. My memory is shot.
‘Although… wouldn’t have minded that in my day. It would be good to have photographic evidence of how I looked before I went gray, developed wrinkles and my baps headed south.’ A woman at the next table froze, unsure if she really had just overheard that correctly. Couldn’t have. Not from that elderly lady.
‘We’ve come to tell you that we’re running away together. We’re lesbians,’ Sarah replied, deadpan, making Bernadette splutter. Stuart’s eyes widened so much she worried that he’d do himself a permanent injury. ‘I’m kidding! Although, she does have great legs,’ Sarah added, grinning.
I can’t tell you how much I hope you’re related to this lot because I need this kind of drama in my life. I love them already. It’s like having your own Lifetime mini-series.
My Review:
I giggle-snorted and smirked my way through this delightful and addicting tale. This was my first encounter with the mega talented scribe that is Shari Low, but I am positive she has already become an extremely necessary habit. The author and her ingenious storyline were based in Scotland, a land from which sprouted some of my ancestral DNA, so I plan to claim my reading time indulging in Ms. Low’s highly entertaining work as supporting possible relatives. Ms. Low’s writing was crisp, witty, engaging, observant, and cleverly amusing. I adored her well fleshed out characters, was captivated by her well-plotted storyline, and relished the witty bantering of the shrewd and meddlesome aunties. One Day In December was a toy chest full of delicious secrets just begging to be exposed.
She despised him. When he walked out, she’d thought she couldn’t hate him more. Now, looking at these images, she realised there was a whole pool of hate she hadn’t even dipped her toe in yet.
What started as a temporary post in the blokes’ section led to a couple of promotions until he claimed his self-penned accolade, Manager of Sack and Crack Support Services.
Argh, the aging process is bollocks. I think every time I pee I lose brain cells. My memory is shot.
‘Although… wouldn’t have minded that in my day. It would be good to have photographic evidence of how I looked before I went gray, developed wrinkles and my baps headed south.’ A woman at the next table froze, unsure if she really had just overheard that correctly. Couldn’t have. Not from that elderly lady.
‘We’ve come to tell you that we’re running away together. We’re lesbians,’ Sarah replied, deadpan, making Bernadette splutter. Stuart’s eyes widened so much she worried that he’d do himself a permanent injury. ‘I’m kidding! Although, she does have great legs,’ Sarah added, grinning.
I can’t tell you how much I hope you’re related to this lot because I need this kind of drama in my life. I love them already. It’s like having your own Lifetime mini-series.
My Review:
I giggle-snorted and smirked my way through this delightful and addicting tale. This was my first encounter with the mega talented scribe that is Shari Low, but I am positive she has already become an extremely necessary habit. The author and her ingenious storyline were based in Scotland, a land from which sprouted some of my ancestral DNA, so I plan to claim my reading time indulging in Ms. Low’s highly entertaining work as supporting possible relatives. Ms. Low’s writing was crisp, witty, engaging, observant, and cleverly amusing. I adored her well fleshed out characters, was captivated by her well-plotted storyline, and relished the witty bantering of the shrewd and meddlesome aunties. One Day In December was a toy chest full of delicious secrets just begging to be exposed.
August 13, 2017
I really enjoyed this book! The storyline was exciting and fast paced with a clever structure/narrative which however did sometimes become a bit confusing and all over the place. The characters were well-written and I felt that their individual stories were in such detail that I could imagine them being real people. All apart from Lila...I felt Lila was very stereotyped however there appeared to be a message there with her that reminded me of that Black Mirror episode where social media is the basis of everyday life and I enjoyed that connection.
I LOVED the repetition of the first page at the end as it gains a whole new weight of meaning with it and it is truly a moving book that allows you gain a feel for the fast-paced emotional rollercoaster of life. Definitely would read again and recommend!
I LOVED the repetition of the first page at the end as it gains a whole new weight of meaning with it and it is truly a moving book that allows you gain a feel for the fast-paced emotional rollercoaster of life. Definitely would read again and recommend!
December 7, 2019
With "One Day in December", Shari Low wrote a story about different people in Glasgow, each of them with issues of his or her own and at least in one way connected to someone else. This reminded me a lot of the movie "Love...Actually", and I can really imagine it being made into a movie.
Low's writing style is as amazing as usual. She tells the story from the point of view of four different characters, each on a special mission on this last Friday before Christmas.
I was most interested in Bernadettes storyline and really hoped that everything would go according to plan. But I also sympathized with Cammy. Caros story was incredible and I was really excited about the outcome, but in the second half of the book her thoughts mostly repeated themselves. Lila was such a disagreeable person, but I was nevertheless curious about her day, although she also felt a bit repetitive after a while.
Great book, that can be read any time of the year, because winter or December or Christmas really play no role in here at all.
Low's writing style is as amazing as usual. She tells the story from the point of view of four different characters, each on a special mission on this last Friday before Christmas.
I was most interested in Bernadettes storyline and really hoped that everything would go according to plan. But I also sympathized with Cammy. Caros story was incredible and I was really excited about the outcome, but in the second half of the book her thoughts mostly repeated themselves. Lila was such a disagreeable person, but I was nevertheless curious about her day, although she also felt a bit repetitive after a while.
Great book, that can be read any time of the year, because winter or December or Christmas really play no role in here at all.
August 26, 2017
One Day in December by Shari Low a life altering five-star read. This book was so amazing, it’s one of those books that makes you stop and think. It makes you think of how fragile the life we are living is. This is a fast-paced book, so if you like slow and sedate this won’t be for you, but if you like fast and interesting then you will love this book. I have read another couple of books from this author a few years ago, but hadn’t seen anything recently then when I saw this pop up, read the blurb and I knew I had to check it out. (it kinda reminds me of my life a few years ago)
You will love some characters more than others, and some you will want to wish bad luck on just for existing. But what I loved and hated most about this book was the way everything was wrapped up, it was great. (Apart from one, but there’s always one. Else what would I write about)
If you have ever had one of those days where you wonder what if, or have a close escape and felt relieved. This is something you will enjoy; this book has something for everyone and I am happy I gave it the chance. As even though it was fast-paced it was easy to follow and explained itself well as it went.
You will love some characters more than others, and some you will want to wish bad luck on just for existing. But what I loved and hated most about this book was the way everything was wrapped up, it was great. (Apart from one, but there’s always one. Else what would I write about)
If you have ever had one of those days where you wonder what if, or have a close escape and felt relieved. This is something you will enjoy; this book has something for everyone and I am happy I gave it the chance. As even though it was fast-paced it was easy to follow and explained itself well as it went.
September 7, 2017
This is one of those books where you have to set aside a bit of relaxation time so you can focus fully on all the characters. All the events take place in a very short space of time, over one day in fact.
It highlights just how much of our lives are influenced either by coincidence, karma or self infliction. It covers so many relationships, twists and turns, all outcomes based on certain decisions. Secrets are uncovered and people betrayed.
I liked the steady writing style all the characters are believable but not necessarily likeable. Some of the antics were very much in the ‘what are you doing!’ league but it makes for an entertaining story.
Of all the people involved I probably enjoyed reading about Lila the most, she wasn’t the nicest but had something to keep the reader either cheering or booing her!
One Day in December is an enjoyable story if you like a drama to get to grips with and be a fly on the wall of human dilemmas.
My thanks to the author, publisher and netgalley for my copy which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
It highlights just how much of our lives are influenced either by coincidence, karma or self infliction. It covers so many relationships, twists and turns, all outcomes based on certain decisions. Secrets are uncovered and people betrayed.
I liked the steady writing style all the characters are believable but not necessarily likeable. Some of the antics were very much in the ‘what are you doing!’ league but it makes for an entertaining story.
Of all the people involved I probably enjoyed reading about Lila the most, she wasn’t the nicest but had something to keep the reader either cheering or booing her!
One Day in December is an enjoyable story if you like a drama to get to grips with and be a fly on the wall of human dilemmas.
My thanks to the author, publisher and netgalley for my copy which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
December 3, 2020
So I started reading this because I confused it with the December book club pick. I only read the first three words of the title, duh. But it was a good thing, I really enjoyed it. It was like an episode of Dateline or a story from Star magazine. A fun fast read.
November 12, 2020
Wow, these books by Shari Low have got to be amongst the most emotional reading experiences I’ve ever had.
One Day in Winter, Another Day in Winter and The Last Day in Winter are all set on the Friday before Christmas one year apart. One Day in Summer follows the year after in early summer.
Each story is told over a 24 hour period in Glasgow and focuses on three or four main characters whose lives have somehow become entwined or estranged. Each book has different characters, but some appear in each story, especially the eccentric duo Josie and Val.
Reading the introductory page, I wasn’t too sure that these books were going to be for me. There seemed to be an awful lot of characters, and I wondered if I would be spending too much time trying to get my head around who’s who.
However, from the very first chapter, I was hooked. Each book is very cleverly written, and the words flow effortlessly as more and more secrets unravel. I found them gripping and addictive.
I found that these books evoked so many emotions in me. The storylines cover death, betrayal, friendship, family, love, deceit and so much more. They show both the good and the bad in mankind.
As is so often the case with me and new authors, I started with the last book first 🙄 but it didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the others.
I read a couple of these books in one day, with the others spanning two days when work got in the way of my reading 😂. They really are that good – I just couldn’t put them down and I can’t recommend them highly enough.
One Day in Winter, Another Day in Winter and The Last Day in Winter are all set on the Friday before Christmas one year apart. One Day in Summer follows the year after in early summer.
Each story is told over a 24 hour period in Glasgow and focuses on three or four main characters whose lives have somehow become entwined or estranged. Each book has different characters, but some appear in each story, especially the eccentric duo Josie and Val.
Reading the introductory page, I wasn’t too sure that these books were going to be for me. There seemed to be an awful lot of characters, and I wondered if I would be spending too much time trying to get my head around who’s who.
However, from the very first chapter, I was hooked. Each book is very cleverly written, and the words flow effortlessly as more and more secrets unravel. I found them gripping and addictive.
I found that these books evoked so many emotions in me. The storylines cover death, betrayal, friendship, family, love, deceit and so much more. They show both the good and the bad in mankind.
As is so often the case with me and new authors, I started with the last book first 🙄 but it didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the others.
I read a couple of these books in one day, with the others spanning two days when work got in the way of my reading 😂. They really are that good – I just couldn’t put them down and I can’t recommend them highly enough.
August 18, 2017
I would like to start by thanking Netgalley, the publisher and Dhari Low for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review.
This book is proof that a day is all it takes to change your life forever.
Lila is about to propose to her surgeon boyfriend.
But he is actually married to Bernadette.
Bernadette is tired of her husbands ways and is finally going to demand the divorce she had been wanting for quite some time now.
Then there is Cam second boyfriend of Lila who doesn't know Lila is cheating on him and is all set to ask her to marry Him.
Next we have Caro who has discovered that her dad has a secret life and that she has a sister she knew nothing about.
All of this and plenty more besides makes a story with so many twist turns and secrets that it is sometimes hard to keep up with it all.
This book certainly had plenty to keep you on your toes.
I would have liked one certain character to see more backlash then they did. As all actions have consequences and they seemed to scrape through the book without much consequence falling in them.
Dispite that small criticism it is a fast paced book, full of many twist and turns and revelations. Reminded me a bit of a soap outline so if you are partial to a soap this is a book for you.
This book is proof that a day is all it takes to change your life forever.
Lila is about to propose to her surgeon boyfriend.
But he is actually married to Bernadette.
Bernadette is tired of her husbands ways and is finally going to demand the divorce she had been wanting for quite some time now.
Then there is Cam second boyfriend of Lila who doesn't know Lila is cheating on him and is all set to ask her to marry Him.
Next we have Caro who has discovered that her dad has a secret life and that she has a sister she knew nothing about.
All of this and plenty more besides makes a story with so many twist turns and secrets that it is sometimes hard to keep up with it all.
This book certainly had plenty to keep you on your toes.
I would have liked one certain character to see more backlash then they did. As all actions have consequences and they seemed to scrape through the book without much consequence falling in them.
Dispite that small criticism it is a fast paced book, full of many twist and turns and revelations. Reminded me a bit of a soap outline so if you are partial to a soap this is a book for you.
September 18, 2019
One Day in Winter by Shari Low
A Winter Day #1
It is almost Christmas as this story begins. It is told from the perspective of four people who will each experience more before the day ends than they could have imagined.
Caro: is just finished teaching and on break. She is off to see if what she has seen on social media might give her insight into why her father disappeared a couple of years before. She is dealing with the illness of her mother and wants answers.
Cameron/Cammy: is a man nearing forty who has loved deeply in the past and lost the girl to someone else. He has a business running a men’s clothing shop and believes he is in love and ready to settle down even though friends of his are skeptical.
Bernadette/Bernie: has been married for thirty years, born two children, is a nurse and is fed up and finally ready to claim her life for herself again. Her husband is a handsome professional man who is in reality a scum-bucket.
Lila: is a blonde beautiful bombshell focused on her media image and attaining the man she has been with off and on for the past seven years. She seems to have daddy issues that carry over into other parts of her life. Of the four people narrating this story she is the one most difficult to feel anything positive for.
The book begins with a person on a bed alone dying.
The book then is told in segments of time by the four people mentioned above.
Beginning in the morning we see how the day of each one begins
Next they are on their way to achieve their goals for the day
We follow and get to know them better
As the day wore on I began to:
* like Caro more and more
* hope Cammy could deal with what I suspected was going to happen
* cheer loudly for Bernadette
* and dislike Lila and the man she was having an affair with
By the end I was satisfied with the way the book ended.
At first I was wondering if I would enjoy the book because it moved from one perspective to another and I wondered if I would be able to keep all the threads straight but very quickly I realized it would be no trouble at all.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to ARIA for the ARC – this is my honest review.
4.5 Stars
A Winter Day #1
It is almost Christmas as this story begins. It is told from the perspective of four people who will each experience more before the day ends than they could have imagined.
Caro: is just finished teaching and on break. She is off to see if what she has seen on social media might give her insight into why her father disappeared a couple of years before. She is dealing with the illness of her mother and wants answers.
Cameron/Cammy: is a man nearing forty who has loved deeply in the past and lost the girl to someone else. He has a business running a men’s clothing shop and believes he is in love and ready to settle down even though friends of his are skeptical.
Bernadette/Bernie: has been married for thirty years, born two children, is a nurse and is fed up and finally ready to claim her life for herself again. Her husband is a handsome professional man who is in reality a scum-bucket.
Lila: is a blonde beautiful bombshell focused on her media image and attaining the man she has been with off and on for the past seven years. She seems to have daddy issues that carry over into other parts of her life. Of the four people narrating this story she is the one most difficult to feel anything positive for.
The book begins with a person on a bed alone dying.
The book then is told in segments of time by the four people mentioned above.
Beginning in the morning we see how the day of each one begins
Next they are on their way to achieve their goals for the day
We follow and get to know them better
As the day wore on I began to:
* like Caro more and more
* hope Cammy could deal with what I suspected was going to happen
* cheer loudly for Bernadette
* and dislike Lila and the man she was having an affair with
By the end I was satisfied with the way the book ended.
At first I was wondering if I would enjoy the book because it moved from one perspective to another and I wondered if I would be able to keep all the threads straight but very quickly I realized it would be no trouble at all.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to ARIA for the ARC – this is my honest review.
4.5 Stars
September 24, 2019
Set across a single day, with chapters that concentrate on single characters in a chunk of time, Shari brings together a bunch of flawed humans with her signature humour, keen eye on the human condition, and empathy-grabbing narratives.
The story is based around four characters – Caro, Lila, Cammy, and Bernadette.
Caro is a 32-yo teacher from Aberdeen, and is looking after her mum who is currently in hospital. But whilst coping with all this, she’s also searching for her father, who left the family home. She’s searching on Facebook and comes across a Jim Kerr video (her dads fave) attached to a timeline of someone who shares her surname – what is going on?
Cammy is in love with Lila, and would walk over broken glass to keep her happy, despite his friends’ misgivings about her intentions. He is all heart.
Lila is the blonde bombshell who seems to have attachment and attention craving issues. Whilst her chap is planning their perfect future, she is thinking about Kenneth, the older married man who she has been seducing. She is deeply unlikable.
And finally we have Bernadette, who sees her friend Sarah finally meeting the love of her life, and realises just how unhappy she is in her own relationship and declares to her daughter that she is leaving… to her daughter’s sheer relief – he is controlling.
As events unfold across the story, and each character works towards their deserved conclusions, we see deceit, jealousy and attention-seeking, juxtaposed with new hope, genuine love (not necessarily romantic), courage and the power of putting yourself first for once. There is so much to take in across the course of the book, and as usual, Shari makes it impossible for us readers not to spot a little bit of ourselves in at least one character.
I was rooting for Bernadette, Caro and Cammy. The epilogue, particularly Bernie’s, really made me smile. A reminder perhaps, that it’s never too late to spread your wings and look after your own happiness – and to think about the consequences of our actions before we make them.
The story is based around four characters – Caro, Lila, Cammy, and Bernadette.
Caro is a 32-yo teacher from Aberdeen, and is looking after her mum who is currently in hospital. But whilst coping with all this, she’s also searching for her father, who left the family home. She’s searching on Facebook and comes across a Jim Kerr video (her dads fave) attached to a timeline of someone who shares her surname – what is going on?
Cammy is in love with Lila, and would walk over broken glass to keep her happy, despite his friends’ misgivings about her intentions. He is all heart.
Lila is the blonde bombshell who seems to have attachment and attention craving issues. Whilst her chap is planning their perfect future, she is thinking about Kenneth, the older married man who she has been seducing. She is deeply unlikable.
And finally we have Bernadette, who sees her friend Sarah finally meeting the love of her life, and realises just how unhappy she is in her own relationship and declares to her daughter that she is leaving… to her daughter’s sheer relief – he is controlling.
As events unfold across the story, and each character works towards their deserved conclusions, we see deceit, jealousy and attention-seeking, juxtaposed with new hope, genuine love (not necessarily romantic), courage and the power of putting yourself first for once. There is so much to take in across the course of the book, and as usual, Shari makes it impossible for us readers not to spot a little bit of ourselves in at least one character.
I was rooting for Bernadette, Caro and Cammy. The epilogue, particularly Bernie’s, really made me smile. A reminder perhaps, that it’s never too late to spread your wings and look after your own happiness – and to think about the consequences of our actions before we make them.
October 12, 2017
It's odd I had been looking forward to reading this book as I tend to love everything that Shari Low writes, but this just didn't work for me, for over half the book. Now I understand that everything needed to be set up to make the conclusion more interesting, but I had to read through the rest to get there.
It is in fact clever book, all the action takes place over the course of one day, but whereas in a thriller that would make it fast paced, I found the pacing rather sedate. For it follows the actions of four seemingly at first unrelated people, until you very early on work out how they may be connected.
Herein lies my first problem with the book, of the 4 focal characters, I was only engaged and interested in two of them, so every other chapter I was losing interest as I just wasn't as bothered about their stories.
Also at some points you were seeing the same action but from different perspectives which is nice, unless you aren't keen on repetition! I think the other small problem I had was the major turnoff of about 4 pages of characters at the start of a kindle book - had it been a paperback I would have referred back and forth quite happily to get my bearings quicker, but on the kindle I just got scared at how much I was going to have to remember if I read the list!
All that being said I found the book to be well thought out and cleverly crafted. It was not my favourite of Shari Low's books but I didn't hate it either, especially as I did finally become engaged in the whole story and was even feeling rather emotional at one point.
Thank you to Aria and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
September 27, 2019
In this book we meet Caro, who's mum lay dying as she discovers just where her absent father disappeared to and why...
Lila, who is a social media addict with no idea that her boyfriend is going to propose to her, if only he was who she wanted...
Meanwhile Bernadette finally finds the courage to leave her loveless and emotionally abusive husband to enjoy the finer things in life she wants to for a change...
So as Caro discovers who Lila is and Lila discovers Bernadette, their lives link in ways that see the day change their lives forever.
This was a fabulous book, set only over the course of a day all I can say is it was stunning. A captivating, gripping and tumultuous read indeed! I loved courageous Caro, rooted for Bernadette and seethed at Lila and Ken's characters, they deserved each other in my opinion! Cammy Lila's would be fiancée was such a sweet guy, she missed a good one there she didn't deserve him though in my opinion! As you can tell I became attached to the characters reading on I felt like I was invested in their lives as if I were a nosy neighbour or family member! But I truly recommend this book to you, for all the drama the emotional journey and relationships between the characters made it a welcome addition to the chick lit, romance genre, it has been one of my favourite reads for the genres this year.
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
Lila, who is a social media addict with no idea that her boyfriend is going to propose to her, if only he was who she wanted...
Meanwhile Bernadette finally finds the courage to leave her loveless and emotionally abusive husband to enjoy the finer things in life she wants to for a change...
So as Caro discovers who Lila is and Lila discovers Bernadette, their lives link in ways that see the day change their lives forever.
This was a fabulous book, set only over the course of a day all I can say is it was stunning. A captivating, gripping and tumultuous read indeed! I loved courageous Caro, rooted for Bernadette and seethed at Lila and Ken's characters, they deserved each other in my opinion! Cammy Lila's would be fiancée was such a sweet guy, she missed a good one there she didn't deserve him though in my opinion! As you can tell I became attached to the characters reading on I felt like I was invested in their lives as if I were a nosy neighbour or family member! But I truly recommend this book to you, for all the drama the emotional journey and relationships between the characters made it a welcome addition to the chick lit, romance genre, it has been one of my favourite reads for the genres this year.
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
October 7, 2017
The story is told in segments of time in a particular day in December. We have several characters all very different and like a pack of cards Caro's search is going to bring all of them down. Heartbreak, deceit in spades, indifference of a parent (hurtful to the extreme) and friendship and love all in one package.
Caro is seeking her father. After many years she has discovered he is alive, well and living a full life with a wife and a daughter (of the same age as her). Her mother is dying and Caro seeks closure of a life of hurt and bewilderment how a parent could abandon both a wife who was ill and a daughter without any remorse. She also comes up again Lila her stepsister, a woman with a will of her own and only looking out for herself. Her love affair with Ken a cardiac surgeon she thinks is going to lead to a life of riches, respectability and security. His wife the mousy one discovers that she also has a will of her own after decades of verbal abuse and being submissive.
The story shows the highs and lows of several lives all packed into one day and was a book you had to finish naturally in a day.
Settings were lovely, characterizations were spot on.
Caro is seeking her father. After many years she has discovered he is alive, well and living a full life with a wife and a daughter (of the same age as her). Her mother is dying and Caro seeks closure of a life of hurt and bewilderment how a parent could abandon both a wife who was ill and a daughter without any remorse. She also comes up again Lila her stepsister, a woman with a will of her own and only looking out for herself. Her love affair with Ken a cardiac surgeon she thinks is going to lead to a life of riches, respectability and security. His wife the mousy one discovers that she also has a will of her own after decades of verbal abuse and being submissive.
The story shows the highs and lows of several lives all packed into one day and was a book you had to finish naturally in a day.
Settings were lovely, characterizations were spot on.
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