A December filled with changes

Synopsis

A quiet house. A rented room. And a December that changes everything.

Laura never imagined Christmas could feel so empty. Grieving her grandmother and struggling to keep her Vermont home, she’s barely staying afloat. The bills are piling up, and the old house needs more than she can give. Reluctantly, she rents her spare room to Jack, a quiet contractor from Boston, expecting nothing more than a tenant.

Jack spends his days at the hospital, watching machines keep his father alive. He’s distant and burdened, and the last thing he’s looking for this Christmas is joy or romance. Renting Laura’s room is simply a convenience.

But amid leaking faucets, chilly nights, and the soft glow of holiday lights, a connection begins to grow between them—fragile, warm, and impossible to ignore.

One December evening draws them closer, yet is it simply a way to comfort each other, or is it something real?

Between grief, desire, and the town that leans on them both, Laura and Jack must decide if love can grow even in the hardest season.

My review

This Christmas is a struggling one for Laura. She is grieving the loss of her grandmother, and while she loves her inherited home, she find it difficult financially. And now even her hours as a barista have been cut back… She sees no other option that renting out her spare room to Jack, in order to make at least some extra money. Jack isn’t in the house a lot, as he spends his days at the hospital, by the side of his estranged father. Yet he cannot ignore the struggles Laura is having with the house. And with his knowledge, why should he not help Laura out? And the more time Laura and Jack are spending together, the more they realize that not only they are going through or have been through the same things, and a connection starts to grow. But Jack is only staying for his father, and will have to return to Boston, so what could ever come from getting closer? So is what they are feeling just for this season, or for the future too?

There is something truly sad when the Christmas period is arriving, and you are not in the mood for it, as you are (still) grieving over the loss of a loved one.

And that for sure is the case with Laura. I could truly feel her pain and grief right from the start of the book. And I could understand her lack of wanting to celebrate Christmas, as everything would remind her of her beloved grandmother.

To make things even worse, while it is lovely that Laura inherited her grandmother’s house, it is in need of a lot of TLC. Yet Laura does not have the financial possibilities to renovate the place she loves. And that is so saddening, seeing Laura in difficulties and wanting to make everything work but she cannot. And on top of that, the little income she has, is she losing as her hours are being cut back, bit by bit…

So while with trepidation but without any other option, she rents out her spare room… I don’t know if I would be able to let a complete stranger in my home, even he came recommended. I read and saw too many thrillers and horrors for that 😊.

And while for sure Laura is winning on the pity – points, Jack is scoring high on it too…

I am counting my blessings, as I am lucky that both my parents are still around. But I also realize that a time will come that I will have to say goodbye…

Seeing how Jack is spending each day at the hospital, at his father’s bed, not knowing if he will ever wake up, just broke my heart. Not only that, but learning that the relationship has been a strained one, and Jack is filled with regret, so sad!

We see with his story, how things can escalate and sometimes even getting too late to fix what has been broken. Makes me appreciate the good relationships in my life once again.

But before you think this is a story filled with darkness and doom, it is absolutely not!

Because Laura and Jack living together is exactly what they need in their lives. Laura understands like no one else what Jack is going through and what he is feeling. And Jack may be right what Laura needs, and not just because he is handy and fixes her house where (much) needed. But Jack gives Laura understanding, and allows her to feel her pain.

And what helps bringing them closer, is they kindness and care, especially for others. Because both Laura and Jack, despite the struggles they are facing, do not hesitate to offer helping hands towards the people of Laura’s community that need that hand.

Whether it is with doing groceries, preparing meals, or installing much needed aiding tools in their homes, Laura and Jack find a passion for altruism, out of the kindness of their hearts. If only there were more Lauras and Jacks in the world…

As Laura and Jack are so alike, it’s obvious that they are getting closer… And it was lovely to read how these people in pain and grief find each other. Just because you are in a bad place and moment in your life, it doesn’t mean that nothing good and great can come your way. And at Christmas everything is possible, right?

Of course, even when good things come your way, it isn’t all that straightforward or easy, as we also clearly see with Laura and Jack. And with so many question marks in both their lives, their connection and feelings for each other is adding only more questions.

A novella is in my opinion always too short, especially with lovely characters as Laura and Jack. But it is also nice that you can finish this story in just one session. And with so many inspiring moments, with strong characters (even if they are hurt), and with so much warmth, love and care for each other and others,  what’s not to love about this wonderful novella!