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Waiting for December
Two connections. One holiday season. An impossible choice.
After losing her job and being jilted by her fiancé, Harper James is hoping to find herself—not love—this holiday season. So when she meets Sky while flying to Vermont to try and start over, she doesn’t welcome the attraction, she resists it. It’s clear there’s something there though—something special both don’t want to lose. Sky suggests a they’ll put their romance on pause and reunite on Christmas Eve for a second date.
Harper has every intention of waiting for Sky…until she meets Jesse in Vermont. Over the next three months as Jesse helps Harper look inward and discover what she truly wants from life, he works his way into her heart, making her question if she should hold onto hope for Sky, or if true love is right in front of her.
After losing her job and being jilted by her fiancé, Harper James is hoping to find herself—not love—this holiday season. So when she meets Sky while flying to Vermont to try and start over, she doesn’t welcome the attraction, she resists it. It’s clear there’s something there though—something special both don’t want to lose. Sky suggests a they’ll put their romance on pause and reunite on Christmas Eve for a second date.
Harper has every intention of waiting for Sky…until she meets Jesse in Vermont. Over the next three months as Jesse helps Harper look inward and discover what she truly wants from life, he works his way into her heart, making her question if she should hold onto hope for Sky, or if true love is right in front of her.
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Published September 27, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
December 20, 2022
I read and loved Waiting at Hayden’s back in 2018. I can’t believe it’s been four years ago this month! Waiting for December is @rileycostello’s new book, and it’s a perfect book to cozy up with this winter or any time.
About the book: “Two connections. One holiday season. An impossible choice.
After losing her job and being jilted by her fiancé, Harper James is hoping to find herself—not love—this holiday season. So when she meets Sky while flying to Vermont to try and start over, she doesn’t welcome the attraction, she resists it. It’s clear there’s something there though—something special both don’t want to lose. Sky suggests a pact: they’ll put their romance on pause and reunite on Christmas Eve for a second date.
Harper has every intention of waiting for Sky…until she meets Jesse in Vermont. Over the next three months as Jesse helps Harper look inward and discover what she truly wants from life, he works his way into her heart, making her question if she should hold onto hope for Sky, or if true love is right in front of her.”
I now want to visit Stowe, especially in the winter. 😍 Harper (my cat, Harper, loved that a character was named after her. 😉) is so complex and relatable. I felt like her journey was my journey, too. This is a romantic story, which I think is a slight tweak on romance. It’s also such a perfect, warm holiday read that leaves you feeling good. I gave it a big hug in the end and wished I could hug Harper.
Overall, Waiting for December is a holiday read for everyone and quite possibly my favorite of the season thanks to it’s well-developed characters, quaint, small town setting, and heart. ♥️
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
About the book: “Two connections. One holiday season. An impossible choice.
After losing her job and being jilted by her fiancé, Harper James is hoping to find herself—not love—this holiday season. So when she meets Sky while flying to Vermont to try and start over, she doesn’t welcome the attraction, she resists it. It’s clear there’s something there though—something special both don’t want to lose. Sky suggests a pact: they’ll put their romance on pause and reunite on Christmas Eve for a second date.
Harper has every intention of waiting for Sky…until she meets Jesse in Vermont. Over the next three months as Jesse helps Harper look inward and discover what she truly wants from life, he works his way into her heart, making her question if she should hold onto hope for Sky, or if true love is right in front of her.”
I now want to visit Stowe, especially in the winter. 😍 Harper (my cat, Harper, loved that a character was named after her. 😉) is so complex and relatable. I felt like her journey was my journey, too. This is a romantic story, which I think is a slight tweak on romance. It’s also such a perfect, warm holiday read that leaves you feeling good. I gave it a big hug in the end and wished I could hug Harper.
Overall, Waiting for December is a holiday read for everyone and quite possibly my favorite of the season thanks to it’s well-developed characters, quaint, small town setting, and heart. ♥️
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
November 8, 2022
Thank you to the author, Riley Costello, for the gifted copy of Waiting for December! ❄️ {partner}
Genre: Holiday Romance
Trope: Love Triangle
Format: 📖
Pub Date: 9.27.2022
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
"I guess I don't want to be free so much as I want to belong — to myself, to a place in the world, to a community. I don't think I've ever felt any of that."
My first Holiday Romance of 2022! And it's from Riley Costello, who wrote one of my small-town favorites Waiting at Hayden's, in 2019.
This book was everything I needed to begin my holiday season, and yes, it was the first book I read once my Christmas decorations were up. But it was a perfect November read, too, as most of this story takes place before Christmas. And the story is set in a small inn in Stowe, VT - picture-perfect for a holiday rom-com.
At first, I was 100% into Sky's character. He was intelligent, witty, sexy, and a pilot, so how could Harper not like him? But then Jesse came into the picture, and... I'm sorry, Sky, who? Waiting for December is one of those books where you're either going to be Team Sky or Team Jesse, and I'm in Jesse's corner.
But, besides the love triangle that Harper was experiencing. I loved that she was putting herself and her needs first. She needed time to rest, recover and figure herself out before she made her decision. I also love that Riley Costello allowed that to happen for Harper and didn't force anything.
❄️ Stowe, VT setting
🎄 Set in the three months leading up to Christmas
🥰 All the feels
I recommend adding Waiting for December to your holiday reading list!
______
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Genre: Holiday Romance
Trope: Love Triangle
Format: 📖
Pub Date: 9.27.2022
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
"I guess I don't want to be free so much as I want to belong — to myself, to a place in the world, to a community. I don't think I've ever felt any of that."
My first Holiday Romance of 2022! And it's from Riley Costello, who wrote one of my small-town favorites Waiting at Hayden's, in 2019.
This book was everything I needed to begin my holiday season, and yes, it was the first book I read once my Christmas decorations were up. But it was a perfect November read, too, as most of this story takes place before Christmas. And the story is set in a small inn in Stowe, VT - picture-perfect for a holiday rom-com.
At first, I was 100% into Sky's character. He was intelligent, witty, sexy, and a pilot, so how could Harper not like him? But then Jesse came into the picture, and... I'm sorry, Sky, who? Waiting for December is one of those books where you're either going to be Team Sky or Team Jesse, and I'm in Jesse's corner.
But, besides the love triangle that Harper was experiencing. I loved that she was putting herself and her needs first. She needed time to rest, recover and figure herself out before she made her decision. I also love that Riley Costello allowed that to happen for Harper and didn't force anything.
❄️ Stowe, VT setting
🎄 Set in the three months leading up to Christmas
🥰 All the feels
I recommend adding Waiting for December to your holiday reading list!
______
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookend....
Follow my blog: https://thebookenddiner.com/
Follow me on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/thebookendd...
Follow me on StoryGraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile...
January 2, 2023
REVIEW POSTED 1/2/23
Waiting For December is Riley Costello’s sophomore book and a very pleasant surprise tempting me to soon backtrack and read her debut Waiting at Hayden’s released in July, 2018.
There’s a touch of the Christmas season attached to the story, but certainly doesn’t overpower the true substance in the messaging.
Harper James is broken-hearted after being stood up at the altar and needs a fresh start. She leaves her home in Atlanta to accept a job in Stowe, Vermont working in an inn. On the plane, she meets an off-duty pilot who is from Stowe. Arriving at the inn, she meets the son of the owners. Both men are, of course, appealing, handsome and tempt her mightily – but she’s determined to remain on a hiatus from men. Plans don’t always work out . . . and sometimes choices are even harder to make.
The characters are all easy to like, the chemistry is electric and the writer’s eloquent descriptions surrounding the town of Stowe and the inn’s charm bring this story to life on the pages.
Enjoyable and fun-to-read with just enough angst and thoughtful realism to keep me involved.
November 26, 2022
Just finished and already recommending to my fellow book worms! Waiting for December is such a sweet story and now I’m so eager to book a trip to Stowe, Vermont. This book would be amazing to read at any time of year but I’m glad I read it during the holiday season. 5 stars!
I’ve now read both of Riley’s books and I loved them both equally. Can’t wait to see what she does next!
I’ve now read both of Riley’s books and I loved them both equally. Can’t wait to see what she does next!
October 20, 2022
I absolutely loved this book and genuinely couldn't figure out whether Harper would pick Sky or Jesse until the very end. The perfect fall-turning-to-winter read!
December 11, 2023
Love Triangle Ladies, this one is for you!
I didn't read the synopsis for this one, because i'm very loyal to my going in blind mentality. This was a great surprise for me! This was a book that felt like it dug a little deeper than other Christmas books and I appreciated that. It spans a course of a few months as time drifted from fall into winter.
When Harper loses her job and her fiance, she decides to go find herself by flying back to her hometown in Vermont and taking up a cozy inn gig. She doesn't expect to find love on the airplane...and then finding it again where she least suspected it.
This is a book that had me turning pages and put me in emotional turmoil (which honestly I loved), just when I thought I was in love with one character, I fell even harder for another to a point where I was going to throw my book if he wasn't end game. haha
There is a lot of sweet, heartfelt moments, and this one was quite the slow burn! I was totally a goner for one of the men and I think it would be nearly impossible not to fall for him with everything going on in the book. Grade A book boyfriend material.
I don't want to spoil too much but if you like Christmas Hallmarks with a little more emotional weight to them, I highly recommend this pick! It also gave me the emotional plight that watching the bachelorette did..and while I loathe that show...I did not loathe this experience, daresay I enjoyed it very much!
If you want a more underrated choice for Christmas reading this year, go with this one!
**some light strong language, some build up scenes and foreplay but mostly fade to black and not ovelry descriptive.
I didn't read the synopsis for this one, because i'm very loyal to my going in blind mentality. This was a great surprise for me! This was a book that felt like it dug a little deeper than other Christmas books and I appreciated that. It spans a course of a few months as time drifted from fall into winter.
When Harper loses her job and her fiance, she decides to go find herself by flying back to her hometown in Vermont and taking up a cozy inn gig. She doesn't expect to find love on the airplane...and then finding it again where she least suspected it.
This is a book that had me turning pages and put me in emotional turmoil (which honestly I loved), just when I thought I was in love with one character, I fell even harder for another to a point where I was going to throw my book if he wasn't end game. haha
There is a lot of sweet, heartfelt moments, and this one was quite the slow burn! I was totally a goner for one of the men and I think it would be nearly impossible not to fall for him with everything going on in the book. Grade A book boyfriend material.
I don't want to spoil too much but if you like Christmas Hallmarks with a little more emotional weight to them, I highly recommend this pick! It also gave me the emotional plight that watching the bachelorette did..and while I loathe that show...I did not loathe this experience, daresay I enjoyed it very much!
If you want a more underrated choice for Christmas reading this year, go with this one!
**some light strong language, some build up scenes and foreplay but mostly fade to black and not ovelry descriptive.
December 8, 2022
WELL THIS WAS THE CUTEST FREAKIN CHRISTMAS BOOK IN THE ENTIRE WORLD!!!!
I was genuinely concerned how this would go because the beginning was so insta-love and cheesy but then the story progressed and JESSE shows up and omg SWOON.
Highly recommend if you love small town Christmas books and hallmark Christmas movies! I also loved that it was about the FMC finding herself while also finding her perfect match
LOVE
I was genuinely concerned how this would go because the beginning was so insta-love and cheesy but then the story progressed and JESSE shows up and omg SWOON.
Highly recommend if you love small town Christmas books and hallmark Christmas movies! I also loved that it was about the FMC finding herself while also finding her perfect match
LOVE
December 22, 2022
4 ⭐️ The perfect story to read before the holidays!!
“I wish we could tell everyone struggling to get over somebody that there is someone better out there. Your person will show up, and life will make sense again. It just might require waiting. But the wait is worth it.”
AHH Jesse is literally so wholesome 🥺🥺
“I wish we could tell everyone struggling to get over somebody that there is someone better out there. Your person will show up, and life will make sense again. It just might require waiting. But the wait is worth it.”
AHH Jesse is literally so wholesome 🥺🥺
December 17, 2022
I read this in just over 24 hours! Riley Costello does it again with a modern cozy romance. This one was a bit spicier than her first book. I recommend it to anyone who loves a good Hallmark Christmas story, the Bachelorette, or love stories!
December 20, 2022
I absolutely loved this holiday read!! I myself was literally waiting for December to read it and I’m so happy I did! This book had a little bit of everything. There was tension, self discovery, and the warm holiday feeling that only a Christmas movie can provide!
I do know which guy I would’ve chosen too.
I do know which guy I would’ve chosen too.
December 23, 2022
I loved this book. It was the perfect holiday read. Riley’s writing style is one of my favorites. I feel like I’m on board with what her characters are thinking and understand/feel their emotions right along with them!
Her characters also have a certain wholesome element that I did not know I was missing until I read it in this book! Have fun reading this one!
Her characters also have a certain wholesome element that I did not know I was missing until I read it in this book! Have fun reading this one!
December 21, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up to 4. This was a sweet contemporary romance centered around a rural Vermont Inn. Harper unexpectedly has two men with romantic interests in her, and she has to figure out her own path, and what's best for her.
It's a sweet (but realistic --- not too sugary) story. For what it's worth, I think she made the right choice on Christmas Eve.
It's a sweet (but realistic --- not too sugary) story. For what it's worth, I think she made the right choice on Christmas Eve.
December 8, 2023
Cute and cozy and I really enjoyed it! And now want to visit Stowe, Vermont. 😉
January 2, 2025
Hallmark Christmas movie, but make it a book.
Harper, ma’am, you tested every ounce of my patience. No stars for you. Every star given is for Jesse, his inn and small town New England.
Harper, ma’am, you tested every ounce of my patience. No stars for you. Every star given is for Jesse, his inn and small town New England.
October 20, 2022
Yet another incredibly touching, heartfelt story by Riley Costello where I could not wait to steal moments to follow Harper’s journey! After loving Waiting at Haydens, I was thrilled to get Costello’s newest book Waiting for December and dive right in! Such strong character development and you can’t help believe they are part of your life! As a
small-town New England gal myself, Riley is able to capture the essence of what life was like growing up there. She is a true artist, where she is able to paint beautiful pictures of relationships as they unfold, friendships, introspection, and extraordinary surroundings, all with her words.
You did it again Riley! Please continue telling us your stories!
small-town New England gal myself, Riley is able to capture the essence of what life was like growing up there. She is a true artist, where she is able to paint beautiful pictures of relationships as they unfold, friendships, introspection, and extraordinary surroundings, all with her words.
You did it again Riley! Please continue telling us your stories!
October 21, 2022
I think I've met my two new favorite book boyfriends! This book has all my favorite tropes so there is lots to love. Would love to see it made into a movie because some of the scenes (like on the plane with Sky) and around the campfire with Jess are so romcomish 😊 Are you listening Netflix? Highly recommend!
October 15, 2022
This book feels just like watching a Hallmark movie and I’m obsessed. 😍 I definitely recommend picking this one up around the holidays! It’s a cozy, laid back read that quickly became a favorite of mine. I can’t wait to see what Riley Costello brings us next. ❤️
December 26, 2023
Take my review with a grain of salt because I rarely read this type of book, so maybe I'm a bit too harsh.
This is a fun, light-hearted read, and it was fitting that I read the bulk of it on Christmas day. I enjoyed reading it, but it was not as good as I had hoped. The love triangle in this book was not very compelling for me because one of the love interests is totally surface-level and the other is essentially Harper's soulmate from the get-go. The main reason there is any sort of tension in this story is that Harper seems to be very good at seeing the potential in others, which leads her to always see what she "could" have with Sky, the pilot. Side note: I thought I would get over the cringe factor of the pilot being named Sky, but I did not. Anyway, while I respect Harper's dedication to Sky and her commitment to this "pact" they had made, it was a bit too unrealistic for me. Sky and Harper had known each other for one day, and Harper managed to cause problems for herself because the promise totally distracted her from her goal of finding herself in Vermont. She also was so stuck on this first date that she refused to see what was right in front of her with Jesse.
Also, I couldn't believe that Harper was so attached to the "potential" she had with Sky that she was able to totally ignore that her second date with him went about as poorly as it could have. Like, babe, that's 50% of your time with him. Maybe let's be a little more realistic. Their relationship is driven by two things: potential and the potential for physical intimacy. However, the latter wasn't very compelling for me because Harper is written to have much more physical chemistry with Jesse. At one point, Harper says that her connection with Sky was the strongest she had ever felt and even stronger than the one she had with her ex-fiancé. Be for real lmao.
Ugh, okay, so basically, Sky is the problem with this book.
That said, I actually liked this book a lot otherwise. I enjoyed reading about Harper's life while working at the inn. Even though it was evident that that could become her passion, and she sort of ignored it, I suppose that goes with the general trend of missing what was in front of her.
The parts with Jesse, his family, and the inn are really cute. Jesse is almost too perfect, but whatever, I enjoyed it. I also really liked that the epilogue was from his perspective, the proposal with the bucket list was adorable and personal. So, despite my many critiques of various aspects of the book, I had a good time reading it.
If you like Hallmark movies, this is absolutely the book for you.
This is a fun, light-hearted read, and it was fitting that I read the bulk of it on Christmas day. I enjoyed reading it, but it was not as good as I had hoped. The love triangle in this book was not very compelling for me because one of the love interests is totally surface-level and the other is essentially Harper's soulmate from the get-go. The main reason there is any sort of tension in this story is that Harper seems to be very good at seeing the potential in others, which leads her to always see what she "could" have with Sky, the pilot. Side note: I thought I would get over the cringe factor of the pilot being named Sky, but I did not. Anyway, while I respect Harper's dedication to Sky and her commitment to this "pact" they had made, it was a bit too unrealistic for me. Sky and Harper had known each other for one day, and Harper managed to cause problems for herself because the promise totally distracted her from her goal of finding herself in Vermont. She also was so stuck on this first date that she refused to see what was right in front of her with Jesse.
Also, I couldn't believe that Harper was so attached to the "potential" she had with Sky that she was able to totally ignore that her second date with him went about as poorly as it could have. Like, babe, that's 50% of your time with him. Maybe let's be a little more realistic. Their relationship is driven by two things: potential and the potential for physical intimacy. However, the latter wasn't very compelling for me because Harper is written to have much more physical chemistry with Jesse. At one point, Harper says that her connection with Sky was the strongest she had ever felt and even stronger than the one she had with her ex-fiancé. Be for real lmao.
Ugh, okay, so basically, Sky is the problem with this book.
That said, I actually liked this book a lot otherwise. I enjoyed reading about Harper's life while working at the inn. Even though it was evident that that could become her passion, and she sort of ignored it, I suppose that goes with the general trend of missing what was in front of her.
The parts with Jesse, his family, and the inn are really cute. Jesse is almost too perfect, but whatever, I enjoyed it. I also really liked that the epilogue was from his perspective, the proposal with the bucket list was adorable and personal. So, despite my many critiques of various aspects of the book, I had a good time reading it.
If you like Hallmark movies, this is absolutely the book for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2022
Riley Costello was one of the very first authors who reached out to me when I started my bookstagram account and I really loved her previous book, Waiting At Hayden’s. When she reached out to me about reading her newest work, Waiting For December, naturally, I jumped at the chance.
When Harper loses her job and gets screwed over by her fiancé, she decides to take a job at a local Vermont inn, in an effort to find herself again and investigate who she is as a person. On the flight to Vermont, she meets Sky, and it feels like the two of them are destined to be together forever. He hast to leave the next day, but they make a pact to meet at the annual Christmas holiday town party in a couple of months time. As Harper starts to re-discover her self, she also starts to question this pact as she meets Jesse, the son of the inn owners and realizes she starts to have feelings for him to. With the Christmas party coming closer, Harper now has to decide what she really wants out of life.
I really enjoyed this book. It was super short, but it felt like such a grande story. It felt like a Hallmark movie the setting of this town in Vermont sounds completely perfect. I am a little jealous that I don’t live there, to be honest. The Christmas traditions and all of the preparation that went into this Christmas holiday really got me into the Christmas spirit. Everything just sounded so fun. It was a great setting for a book.
Now, I’m moving onto my one petty complaint about this book. I do not like who she ends up with at the end. I’m obviously not going to spoil it. I am just firmly in one camp and that’s my decision. I think she she would have had a much better life with the other man and I am a little salty that she did not choose the one that I liked lol. I also feel like anyone who reads this book is going to pick one or the other and it makes for a great discussion as to why you’re backing Jesse or Sky. If you had a Christmas themed book club, this would be a perfect choice for discussion. I promise not to hold it against Riley Costello in the future, but I am just saying… I am available in the future if you want to run the next one by me. 😂
Overall, this is such an adorable book. It was a great Christmas read. This would be a great gift for a friend or a loved one.
When Harper loses her job and gets screwed over by her fiancé, she decides to take a job at a local Vermont inn, in an effort to find herself again and investigate who she is as a person. On the flight to Vermont, she meets Sky, and it feels like the two of them are destined to be together forever. He hast to leave the next day, but they make a pact to meet at the annual Christmas holiday town party in a couple of months time. As Harper starts to re-discover her self, she also starts to question this pact as she meets Jesse, the son of the inn owners and realizes she starts to have feelings for him to. With the Christmas party coming closer, Harper now has to decide what she really wants out of life.
I really enjoyed this book. It was super short, but it felt like such a grande story. It felt like a Hallmark movie the setting of this town in Vermont sounds completely perfect. I am a little jealous that I don’t live there, to be honest. The Christmas traditions and all of the preparation that went into this Christmas holiday really got me into the Christmas spirit. Everything just sounded so fun. It was a great setting for a book.
Now, I’m moving onto my one petty complaint about this book. I do not like who she ends up with at the end. I’m obviously not going to spoil it. I am just firmly in one camp and that’s my decision. I think she she would have had a much better life with the other man and I am a little salty that she did not choose the one that I liked lol. I also feel like anyone who reads this book is going to pick one or the other and it makes for a great discussion as to why you’re backing Jesse or Sky. If you had a Christmas themed book club, this would be a perfect choice for discussion. I promise not to hold it against Riley Costello in the future, but I am just saying… I am available in the future if you want to run the next one by me. 😂
Overall, this is such an adorable book. It was a great Christmas read. This would be a great gift for a friend or a loved one.
December 17, 2022
This book left me feeling warm and cozy. A chance encounter in September leads to a wonderful journey of self-discovery and love.
This is a perfect holiday romance, since the story begins in the fall it's a perfect read for any time of the year.
The writing and story were eloquent. I was pulled into Harper's story and found myself wanting to savor the story. This may be one of my top feel-good stories of the year.
Harper is making a temporary move to Vermont to find herself by working at an Inn for the season. On the plane ride she meets, Sky. The two have an instant connection and spend time together when she goes with him to his parent's house and pretends to be his girlfriend. Despite their connection, the two agree to step back and meet up on Christmas Eve. What she doesn't expect is Jesse. Working together at the inn, she and Jesse develop a friendship and deep feelings.
As Harper found herself torn between her feelings for Sky and Jesse, I also found myself torn. Even though there was one that I preferred over the other, I wasn't even sure who to root for….they were both so different.
This story goes beyond a love triangle. Most people can relate to Harper in some way. We've all felt deeply about something and torn about making a decision…even if it's not a romantic decision. Without giving anything away, I loved how Harper focused on herself first.
This book was charming and left me with a big smile. I felt like I was in Vermont with Harper. It had the elements of a Hallmark movie without feeling too cheesy or predictable. The progression of the story had me guessing who she would pick until the end, which felt like the final rose scene in the Bachelorette.
I highly recommend this small town, laid-back cozy love story.
This is a perfect holiday romance, since the story begins in the fall it's a perfect read for any time of the year.
The writing and story were eloquent. I was pulled into Harper's story and found myself wanting to savor the story. This may be one of my top feel-good stories of the year.
Harper is making a temporary move to Vermont to find herself by working at an Inn for the season. On the plane ride she meets, Sky. The two have an instant connection and spend time together when she goes with him to his parent's house and pretends to be his girlfriend. Despite their connection, the two agree to step back and meet up on Christmas Eve. What she doesn't expect is Jesse. Working together at the inn, she and Jesse develop a friendship and deep feelings.
As Harper found herself torn between her feelings for Sky and Jesse, I also found myself torn. Even though there was one that I preferred over the other, I wasn't even sure who to root for….they were both so different.
This story goes beyond a love triangle. Most people can relate to Harper in some way. We've all felt deeply about something and torn about making a decision…even if it's not a romantic decision. Without giving anything away, I loved how Harper focused on herself first.
This book was charming and left me with a big smile. I felt like I was in Vermont with Harper. It had the elements of a Hallmark movie without feeling too cheesy or predictable. The progression of the story had me guessing who she would pick until the end, which felt like the final rose scene in the Bachelorette.
I highly recommend this small town, laid-back cozy love story.
December 7, 2022
Waiting for December is a Hallmark movie on paper. I feel like I'll see the commercial advertised for it any day now. It's set in a charming Vermont town with a leading lady that is ready for a fresh start after being dumped and fired. Plus, there's a dash of farm life, 2 attractive men pining over her, and some Christmas cheer all throughout.
Harper is down on her luck, ready for a fresh start with bucket list to get her going! On her flight out she has an instantaneous spark with a dashing pilot and their chemistry is immediate. They choose to slow it down and wait until Christmas Eve before reuniting and seeing if the feelings are there. But when she arrives at her new job at a quaint inn, her coworker happens to be ruggedly handsome with a heart of gold that shows her the small things in life really are the most magical. Harper has to make the tough decision on which of these men spark the love and trust that she's ultimately looking for.
It is a precious story with just enough holiday magic! If you love the Hallmark, feel good romances-this one is for you! Thank you to the author, Riley Costello for my gifted copy!
Harper is down on her luck, ready for a fresh start with bucket list to get her going! On her flight out she has an instantaneous spark with a dashing pilot and their chemistry is immediate. They choose to slow it down and wait until Christmas Eve before reuniting and seeing if the feelings are there. But when she arrives at her new job at a quaint inn, her coworker happens to be ruggedly handsome with a heart of gold that shows her the small things in life really are the most magical. Harper has to make the tough decision on which of these men spark the love and trust that she's ultimately looking for.
It is a precious story with just enough holiday magic! If you love the Hallmark, feel good romances-this one is for you! Thank you to the author, Riley Costello for my gifted copy!
December 2, 2022
This book is the best holiday read you will find this year. I bought one for myself and came back to buy a few for friends in a wine/book exchange and more for stocking stuffers for my sisters and mom.
The author transports you all the way across the country(I’m in California) and paints the scenery so well I feel as if I’ve now been to Stowe. (It’s been added to my bucket list because, ahem, darling!)
They way she introduces the characters just when you think you know who you’re rooting for you’re switching teams. She draws out traits and ideals we’ve all been looking for at one point or another so much that it’s easy to see yourself in Harper. Maybe you’ve been brave enough to pick up and start over somewhere new, or maybe you’ve just dreamed about it. But this book plays out that desire in the most magical way possible.
Whatever you like to do to slow down during Christmas time make sure it includes curling up with tea or wine, locking your door if you have kids, and reading Waiting For December. It’s everything you knew or didn’t know you needed.
The author transports you all the way across the country(I’m in California) and paints the scenery so well I feel as if I’ve now been to Stowe. (It’s been added to my bucket list because, ahem, darling!)
They way she introduces the characters just when you think you know who you’re rooting for you’re switching teams. She draws out traits and ideals we’ve all been looking for at one point or another so much that it’s easy to see yourself in Harper. Maybe you’ve been brave enough to pick up and start over somewhere new, or maybe you’ve just dreamed about it. But this book plays out that desire in the most magical way possible.
Whatever you like to do to slow down during Christmas time make sure it includes curling up with tea or wine, locking your door if you have kids, and reading Waiting For December. It’s everything you knew or didn’t know you needed.
December 24, 2022
I was excited for a lighthearted meet cute holiday romance, a person I follow read this and liked it, and so I was thrilled when my library added this ebook at my recommendation. December is when I most enjoy reading floofy romances. My expectations were not super high with this book in terms of plot. And while I feel there was too much indecision in the last quarter of the story, the plot itself was fine.
That aside, unfortunately this one was a miss, for me. The writing was much too much of “tell” instead of show - I found myself getting frustrated at the way the narrator (Harper) was telling the reader all her feelings - and in a way that sometimes felt unrealistic. I think the book could have been better had it been told in the third person, instead of the first, and if the reader was required more to glean how the Harper was feeling by her words and actions, rather being told it.
I always feel guilty leaving a negative review. I know authors put an insane amount of sweat into their books. But this is a 2.75 star for me - rounded up for Goodreads.
That aside, unfortunately this one was a miss, for me. The writing was much too much of “tell” instead of show - I found myself getting frustrated at the way the narrator (Harper) was telling the reader all her feelings - and in a way that sometimes felt unrealistic. I think the book could have been better had it been told in the third person, instead of the first, and if the reader was required more to glean how the Harper was feeling by her words and actions, rather being told it.
I always feel guilty leaving a negative review. I know authors put an insane amount of sweat into their books. But this is a 2.75 star for me - rounded up for Goodreads.
November 18, 2023
4 stars ❄️🎄🔥
This book was very interesting! I will say that if you don’t like love triangles, don’t read this. I, however, really like the love triangle trope from time to time. I think the one in this book was good, even tho I had a very strong preference for one love interest.
As for Harper, I liked her as an individual character and her self discovery journey she was on, but I did get annoyed at times at how insta love things got and how she could be so convinced about a strong connection with one of the guys and then just a second later change her mind completely again. She felt a bit indecisive and immature in that regard, but I get that it was part of her journey.
In the end, I had a really good time with this book. I loved the small town Vermont setting, that it took place in the months leading up to Christmas, the pact with Sky, the bucket list, the self discovery journey, Harper and Jesse running the inn together. So definitely a book I would recommend.
This book was very interesting! I will say that if you don’t like love triangles, don’t read this. I, however, really like the love triangle trope from time to time. I think the one in this book was good, even tho I had a very strong preference for one love interest.
As for Harper, I liked her as an individual character and her self discovery journey she was on, but I did get annoyed at times at how insta love things got and how she could be so convinced about a strong connection with one of the guys and then just a second later change her mind completely again. She felt a bit indecisive and immature in that regard, but I get that it was part of her journey.
In the end, I had a really good time with this book. I loved the small town Vermont setting, that it took place in the months leading up to Christmas, the pact with Sky, the bucket list, the self discovery journey, Harper and Jesse running the inn together. So definitely a book I would recommend.
December 8, 2022
If you want a Hallmark movie in a book, look no further.
Short Synopsis:
After a bad breakup, Harper wants to start a new adventure. She packs up her bags. Takes a job at an inn in Vermont. Makes a bucket list while she’s there for three months. And swears off men.
And then she meets Sky on the plane. And Jesse at the inn. And now that no guy rule is being reevaluated.
Thoughts:
I liked it! This was just such a light and fun romance that left me smiling. It’s a perfect book for December (if that wasn’t clear in the title….)
I will say I was very strongly rooting for one of the men and was very strongly annoyed about the other one.
Read if you like:
❄️ Small Town Romances
❄️ Christmas
❄️ Letter (or email) writing
❄️ Pilots
❄️ Love Triangles
❄️ Bucket Listz
Short Synopsis:
After a bad breakup, Harper wants to start a new adventure. She packs up her bags. Takes a job at an inn in Vermont. Makes a bucket list while she’s there for three months. And swears off men.
And then she meets Sky on the plane. And Jesse at the inn. And now that no guy rule is being reevaluated.
Thoughts:
I liked it! This was just such a light and fun romance that left me smiling. It’s a perfect book for December (if that wasn’t clear in the title….)
I will say I was very strongly rooting for one of the men and was very strongly annoyed about the other one.
Read if you like:
❄️ Small Town Romances
❄️ Christmas
❄️ Letter (or email) writing
❄️ Pilots
❄️ Love Triangles
❄️ Bucket Listz
December 26, 2023
This is a strong 3 hovering towards a 4…but there are some flaws with the plot that stop me from rating it that high. The story itself is cute and enjoyable. But I think Harper was a little too wishy washy and that took away from her really using this time to find herself. Spending these three months discovering herself was supposed to be such a focal point for her but I felt like it was glossed over to make way for the dramatic romances. She would have some internal conflict with herself and then the next chapter would have resolution with no shown progress of how she got there.
I did really enjoy how it ends though. After the entire book being from Harper’s point of view, it was fun to see it from someone else’s perspective about the events that unfolded.
I did really enjoy how it ends though. After the entire book being from Harper’s point of view, it was fun to see it from someone else’s perspective about the events that unfolded.
December 29, 2022
Such a cute story! When Harper’s fiancé calls off the wedding and then she loses her job, she decides to start over. She has a bucket list and decides to take a job in Vermont running an Inn. On her way to Vermont, she meets Sky on the plane. Although she is not looking for romance, her and Sky hit it off. They decide to wait three months for Harper to discover herself so they go their own ways. Harper gets to the Inn and meets Jesse who is co-running the Inn. Harper now realizes she is interested in two men. As she rediscovers herself, who does she choose? This story had some great points that make you think about life, choices, and finding happiness.
December 8, 2024
pretty good
Lots of inner thoughts and processes in this story. Not everyone is fortunate to hold strong romantic feelings toward two people at once but it was interesting in many ways to read how the main character talked and thought through it. This kept me reading because I wanted to know what happened but I’m not certain about the realistic depth (or possible lack of depth) within the main character’s struggle. Of course I haven’t been in this situation either so perhaps that’s too harsh to state. The Stowe scenery and setting of the story in Nov.-Dec. made it sort-of fun. A bit like a Hallmark movie but in book form.
Lots of inner thoughts and processes in this story. Not everyone is fortunate to hold strong romantic feelings toward two people at once but it was interesting in many ways to read how the main character talked and thought through it. This kept me reading because I wanted to know what happened but I’m not certain about the realistic depth (or possible lack of depth) within the main character’s struggle. Of course I haven’t been in this situation either so perhaps that’s too harsh to state. The Stowe scenery and setting of the story in Nov.-Dec. made it sort-of fun. A bit like a Hallmark movie but in book form.
January 2, 2026
4/5
I read this in 2 days. Love the idea of Harper leaving ATL to find herself. Meeting Sky on the plane and their pact starts the book off with a lot of excitement. Then she arrives at the inn and the reader is surprised with Jesse. It’s pretty obvious that her connection with Jesse is stronger. I was so annoyed when Sky showed up. The story got a bit silly with Madison coming too. Loved their routines with the chickens and sitting by the fire challenge each day. Loved the bucket list too. I can’t rate this a 5 for two reasons. 1 - it’s a bit too cheesy at times. 2 - it ends too quickly (almost seems rushed)
I read this in 2 days. Love the idea of Harper leaving ATL to find herself. Meeting Sky on the plane and their pact starts the book off with a lot of excitement. Then she arrives at the inn and the reader is surprised with Jesse. It’s pretty obvious that her connection with Jesse is stronger. I was so annoyed when Sky showed up. The story got a bit silly with Madison coming too. Loved their routines with the chickens and sitting by the fire challenge each day. Loved the bucket list too. I can’t rate this a 5 for two reasons. 1 - it’s a bit too cheesy at times. 2 - it ends too quickly (almost seems rushed)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2023
I loved this book SO MUCH! Such a cute rom-com that is better than any Hallmark movie. Very reminiscent of those sugary-sweet Hallmark movies, but that is what made this book so fun to read and just warmed my heart. But books are always better than movies. Makes me want to up and hop on a plane to Vermont to help run an inn for a few months. Because you never know what fate has in store for you.
If you love Hallmark movies and cute, heart warming holiday books, then definitely read this. Great way to start off my holiday reading month!
If you love Hallmark movies and cute, heart warming holiday books, then definitely read this. Great way to start off my holiday reading month!
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