Lauren Asher’s My December Darling is a delightful addition to the holiday romance genre, bringing warmth and charm to the cozy town of Lake Wisteria. As a novella that packs both emotional depth and festive cheer into its compact length, it proves that sometimes the best gifts come in small packages.
Setting & Atmosphere
The story unfolds in Lake Wisteria, a picturesque lakeside town that Asher has crafted with careful attention to detail. The winter setting is beautifully depicted through holiday festivities, twinkling lights, and cherished traditions like the Puerto Rican parranda. The small-town atmosphere feels authentic rather than clichéd, with a vibrant community that adds depth to the narrative.
Character Development
Catalina Martinez
Catalina is a refreshingly complex protagonist whose initial “ice queen” reputation belies deeper layers. As a traveling NICU nurse, she’s built walls around her heart that make perfect sense given her backstory. Her character arc from guarded to gradually opening up feels natural and earned rather than rushed.
Luke Darling
Despite his almost too-perfect-to-be-true name, Luke is written with enough flaws and insecurities to make him relatable. His perfectionism and family issues add welcome complexity to what could have been a one-dimensional “nice guy” character. His persistence in pursuing Catalina manages to be charming rather than overwhelming.
Romance Development
What sets this romance apart is how it handles the potential awkwardness of its premise – the maid of honor dating her sister’s ex-fiancé’s best friend. Rather than manufacturing drama, Asher navigates these complex relationships with maturity and nuance. The chemistry between Luke and Catalina builds naturally through:
- Shared interests (particularly their LEGO hobby)
- Professional respect
- Gradual trust-building
- Family dynamics
- Holiday traditions
Writing Style
Asher’s writing shines in several areas:
- Authentic dialogue that advances both plot and character development
- Well-paced scenes that balance romance with family dynamics
- Skillful integration of cultural elements
- Natural humor that doesn’t feel forced
Strengths
- Cultural representation, particularly of Puerto Rican holiday traditions
- Complex family dynamics that feel authentic
- Professional backgrounds that inform character decisions
- Balance of holiday charm with realistic relationship challenges
- Strong supporting characters who enhance rather than distract from the main romance
Areas for Improvement
- The novella length sometimes limits deeper exploration of interesting subplots
- Some conflicts resolve perhaps too neatly
- Secondary character development could be deeper
- The ending feels slightly rushed compared to the careful pacing of earlier chapters
Notable Elements
The incorporation of LEGO building as a shared hobby between the protagonists is both unique and effectively symbolic of their relationship building. It’s refreshing to see characters bonding over something beyond the usual romance tropes.
Comparison to Other Works
While this is a departure from Asher’s Lakefront Billionaires series, it maintains her signature blend of emotional depth and romantic tension. Fans of small-town holiday romances like those by Sarah Morgan or Jenny Hale will find familiar comfort here, though Asher brings her own distinct voice to the genre.
Impact and Themes
The story explores several meaningful themes:
- The courage required to open oneself to love
- Family loyalty versus personal happiness
- The importance of breaking self-imposed limitations
- Professional dedication balanced with personal life
- Cultural traditions and their role in modern relationships
Final Verdict
My December Darling is a beautiful read for successfully delivering:
- A well-crafted romance that feels both festive and grounded
- Complex characters with realistic motivations
- Rich cultural elements that enhance the story
- Professional details that add authenticity
- Strong emotional payoff
The novella format works both for and against the story – while it keeps the pacing tight, some readers might wish for more time with these engaging characters. However, this leaves readers wanting more rather than feeling overwhelmed, which is precisely what a holiday novella should accomplish.
Recommendation
This book is perfect for readers who:
- Enjoy holiday romances with depth
- Appreciate cultural representation in their romance reading
- Like professional characters with real-world challenges
- Enjoy slow-burn romance with earned emotional payoff
- Are looking for a satisfying but quick romantic read
Conclusion
My December Darling proves that Lauren Asher can craft compelling romance at any length. While fans of her longer works might miss the extended character development of her full-length novels, this novella succeeds in delivering a satisfying holiday romance that balances festive charm with emotional authenticity. It’s a welcome addition to the holiday romance genre and shows Asher’s versatility as an author.
Not only does it serve as a perfect introduction to Asher’s writing for new readers, but it also offers her existing fans a fresh perspective on her storytelling abilities. The novella format, while presenting some limitations, ultimately serves the story well by maintaining focus on the central romance while still delivering the emotional depth readers expect from Asher’s work.