Plot Summary
December's Shadows Return
Each year, December brings Josie Morgan a wave of grief and loneliness, a reminder of the parents she lost in a tragic accident two decades ago. She numbly endures the festive season, avoiding Christmas music and decorations, and clings to her annual ritual: writing a letter to her parents she knows will never be read. This December, her life is further upended by a painful breakup with Oliver, her boyfriend of two years, who betrays her just as she faces redundancy at work. Alone in her London flat, Josie's world feels smaller and colder than ever, her heart heavy with memories and the ache of what's missing.
A Collision of Fates
Seeking solace, Josie sets out on her bike to post her letter, lost in memories and pain. Distracted, she collides with Max Carter, a stranger stranded in London after his flight to New York is canceled. Their meeting is awkward and bruising, but it sparks an unexpected connection. Josie insists on buying Max a drink as an apology, and over wine, their guarded banter reveals shared wounds and a mutual sense of being adrift. Both are alone at Christmas, both haunted by loss, and both surprised by the comfort they find in each other's company.
Letters Never Sent
Josie's ritual of writing to her parents is a private act of remembrance, a way to keep them close. Max, too, carries his own burdens—family far away, a recent breakup, and a sense of not belonging. As they spend more time together, exploring London's Christmas markets and skating rinks, their defenses begin to lower. Josie's letter, lost in the chaos of their first meeting, becomes a symbol of the words left unsaid between them. Their growing intimacy is shadowed by the knowledge that their time is limited, and neither is ready to confront the depth of their feelings.
Winter Wonderland Hearts
Josie and Max's tentative friendship deepens as they navigate the festive city together. They share laughter, confessions, and the small joys of the season, from ice skating mishaps to Christmas shopping adventures. Each moment is tinged with bittersweet hope—Josie dares to imagine happiness again, while Max finds himself drawn to her warmth and resilience. Yet, both are wary of the future, haunted by past heartbreaks and the fear of loss. Their connection is undeniable, but the specter of impermanence looms over every stolen glance and gentle touch.
Unexpected Joys, Unspoken Pains
As Christmas approaches, Josie and Max spend more time together, their bond intensifying. They share stories of childhood, dreams deferred, and the ache of missing loved ones. Josie's grief is a constant companion, but with Max, she feels seen and understood. Max, meanwhile, is hiding a deeper pain—one he cannot yet share. Their relationship teeters between friendship and something more, culminating in a night of vulnerability and passion. But the morning brings reality crashing back, and Max's reluctance to stay hints at secrets he cannot reveal.
Christmases Past and Present
The holiday season forces Josie to confront her past—her parents' absence, her complicated relationship with her grandparents, and the unresolved pain of Oliver's betrayal. Max's presence is both a balm and a challenge, pushing her to open her heart even as she fears being hurt again. Together, they navigate awkward encounters with exes, family expectations, and the bittersweet joy of found family. Their connection deepens, but the future remains uncertain, and both are left wondering if happiness is possible after so much loss.
Tangled in New York
Months pass, and Josie and Max drift apart, each returning to their separate lives. Max is in New York, surrounded by family and old friends, but haunted by memories of Josie. He reconnects with Erin, an old flame, but finds himself unable to move on. Josie, meanwhile, struggles to rebuild her life in London, feeling the absence of Max acutely. Their paths cross again at a wedding in Edinburgh, where unresolved feelings and unspoken truths threaten to unravel the fragile peace they've found. The city's beauty and history mirror their own unfinished story.
Spring's Second Chances
In Edinburgh, Josie and Max are forced to confront the reality of their connection. Surrounded by friends, family, and the ghosts of their pasts, they navigate awkward conversations, lingering glances, and the ache of what might have been. Erin's presence complicates matters, as does the revelation of Max's deepening struggles. Despite the joy of being together again, old wounds resurface, and both must decide whether to risk their hearts once more. The city's springtime renewal offers a glimmer of hope, but the future remains uncertain.
Edinburgh's Unfinished Stories
At Laura's wedding, Josie and Max are drawn together and pulled apart by circumstance and emotion. The castle's grandeur and the festivities cannot mask the tension between them. Josie is haunted by the sense that something is being left unsaid, while Max grapples with the weight of his secret. Their interactions are charged with longing and regret, culminating in a confrontation that lays bare their fears and desires. The night ends with a kiss and a painful goodbye, as Josie realizes she cannot continue living in the shadow of what might have been.
Castles, Weddings, and Ghosts
The wedding weekend becomes a crucible for Josie and Max, forcing them to face the reality of their feelings. Surrounded by friends and the echoes of the past, they share moments of joy and sorrow, laughter and tears. Josie's grief for her parents is mirrored by her fear of losing Max, while Max's silence hints at a deeper pain. Their connection is undeniable, but the obstacles between them seem insurmountable. As the festivities draw to a close, both are left with the sense that their story is unfinished, haunted by the ghosts of what could have been.
The Truth Between Us
In the aftermath of the wedding, Josie and Max are forced to confront the truth. Max's illness, long hidden, comes to light in the most devastating way. Josie is left reeling, struggling to process the reality of his diagnosis and the knowledge that their time together was always limited. The revelation is both a betrayal and a gift, offering closure even as it breaks her heart. Max's final letter to Josie is a testament to their love—a love that was brief but transformative, leaving both forever changed.
Loss, Letters, and Letting Go
Josie is plunged into mourning after Max's sudden death, her world once again upended by loss. She finds solace in the rituals of remembrance—writing letters, visiting old haunts, and reconnecting with friends and family. Max's family embraces her as one of their own, and Erin offers understanding and compassion. Through her pain, Josie discovers the strength to move forward, honoring Max's memory by pursuing her passion for photography and embracing the possibilities of life. The act of letting go becomes an act of love, a way to keep Max with her always.
The Last December
A year after Max's death, Josie finds herself in Botswana, living a life she never imagined possible. Surrounded by new friends and breathtaking landscapes, she continues her tradition of writing letters to her parents—and now, to Max. Her grief has softened into gratitude, and she carries the lessons of their love with her into each new day. The pain of loss remains, but it is tempered by the knowledge that love, once found, can never truly be lost. As the sun sets on another December, Josie smiles, ready to welcome whatever comes next.
Analysis
Always, in December is a poignant meditation on grief, love, and the courage to embrace life after loss. Emily Stone crafts a narrative that is both heart-wrenching and hopeful, exploring how the shadows of the past can shape, but not define, our futures. Through Josie and Max's journey, the novel examines the ways in which we carry our wounds, the importance of rituals in healing, and the transformative power of connection. The story's nonlinear structure and use of letters as emotional anchors invite readers to reflect on the passage of time and the significance of memory. Ultimately, the novel suggests that love—however brief—can leave an indelible mark, inspiring us to seek joy, pursue our passions, and find meaning even in the face of heartbreak. Always, in December is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring hope that, even after the darkest winters, spring will come again.
Review Summary
Always, in December receives mixed reviews, averaging 3.72/5. Many readers were emotionally devastated, praising its beautiful writing, complex characters, and exploration of grief and love. However, a significant point of contention is its categorization as a romance — numerous readers felt misled, as the book lacks a traditional happily-ever-after ending. Those who appreciated it compared it to tragic romances like Me Before You, while others felt the unexpected ending was either a cheap plot device or a powerful, authentic reflection of real life.
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Characters
Josie Morgan
Josie is a woman shaped by loss—her parents' death in childhood left her with a deep well of grief and a reluctance to embrace joy, especially during the holidays. She is introspective, loyal, and fiercely independent, yet yearns for connection and belonging. Her annual ritual of writing letters to her parents is both a comfort and a wound, a way to keep their memory alive. Josie's relationships—with friends, lovers, and family—are marked by caution and vulnerability. Through her journey with Max, she learns to open her heart again, to risk pain for the possibility of love. Her development is a testament to the power of resilience and the courage it takes to choose hope after heartbreak.
Max Carter
Max is a man caught between worlds—British by birth, American by family, and emotionally adrift after a devastating diagnosis. Outwardly confident and witty, he hides a terminal illness from those around him, determined to protect them from pain. His chance encounter with Josie awakens a longing for connection and meaning, but his fear of causing her grief keeps him at a distance. Max's relationships are marked by generosity and self-sacrifice, but also by a reluctance to be vulnerable. His journey is one of acceptance—of his mortality, his need for love, and the impact he has on others. In loving Josie, he finds peace, even as he faces the end of his life.
Bia
Bia is Josie's best friend and emotional anchor, providing comic relief and unwavering support. Her impulsive nature and zest for life contrast with Josie's caution, encouraging her to take risks and embrace new experiences. Bia's own struggles with direction and purpose mirror Josie's, but she approaches them with optimism and resilience. Her protective instincts are especially evident in her interactions with Max, whom she initially distrusts but ultimately comes to accept. Bia's presence is a reminder that friendship can be as transformative as romantic love, offering stability and joy in the face of adversity.
Erin
Erin is Max's former girlfriend and later, a steadfast friend. Her initial presence complicates Josie and Max's relationship, but she ultimately becomes a source of understanding and support. Erin's confidence and poise mask her own vulnerabilities, and her willingness to step aside for Max and Josie's happiness speaks to her generosity of spirit. She represents the possibility of moving on after loss, and her friendship with Josie is marked by empathy and mutual respect. Erin's development highlights the importance of letting go and embracing new beginnings.
Oliver
Oliver is Josie's ex-boyfriend, whose betrayal sets the story in motion. He is well-meaning but self-absorbed, unable to provide the stability and support Josie needs. His actions force Josie to confront her own patterns of avoidance and to seek fulfillment beyond romantic relationships. Oliver's presence lingers as a reminder of past mistakes and the dangers of settling for less than one deserves. His eventual absence allows Josie to pursue a life defined by her own choices and desires.
Memo (Josie's Grandmother)
Memo is Josie's anchor to her past and a source of unconditional love. Her resilience in the face of loss and illness inspires Josie to persevere, and her gentle wisdom guides her through moments of doubt. Memo's traditions and stories keep Josie connected to her roots, and her recovery from illness serves as a symbol of hope and renewal. Memo's presence is a reminder that family, in all its forms, is a source of strength and comfort.
Chloe Carter
Chloe is Max's younger sister, fiercely loyal and unafraid to speak her mind. She navigates her own grief with pragmatism and humor, supporting Max through his illness and later reaching out to Josie. Chloe's relationship with Max is marked by deep affection and a shared history of overcoming adversity. Her willingness to embrace Josie as family underscores the story's themes of chosen kinship and the enduring bonds of love.
Laura
Laura is Josie's close friend and a grounding presence throughout the story. Her wedding serves as a pivotal moment for Josie and Max, forcing them to confront their feelings and the reality of their situation. Laura's practicality and warmth provide stability, and her encouragement helps Josie pursue her passion for photography. Laura's friendship is a testament to the importance of community and the power of shared experiences.
Geoffrey Gilligan
Geoffrey is a renowned photographer who becomes Josie's mentor. His brusque demeanor masks a deep appreciation for talent and a willingness to nurture potential. Geoffrey's guidance helps Josie find her voice as an artist and gives her the confidence to pursue her dreams. His belief in her abilities is a catalyst for her transformation, and his support is a reminder that sometimes, the right mentor can change the course of a life.
Helen
Helen is Josie's aunt, providing a safe haven and pragmatic advice during times of crisis. Her own struggles with relationships and family dynamics mirror Josie's, and her support is both grounding and empowering. Helen's presence is a reminder that healing often comes from unexpected places, and that family can be both a source of pain and a wellspring of love.
Plot Devices
Nonlinear, Seasonal Structure
The novel is structured around key months—December, April, September—mirroring the cyclical nature of grief, love, and renewal. This nonlinear approach allows the narrative to explore the evolution of Josie and Max's relationship over time, highlighting the impact of memory and the passage of time on healing and growth. The seasonal shifts serve as metaphors for the characters' emotional journeys, with winter representing loss and longing, spring symbolizing hope and new beginnings, and autumn marking the bittersweet acceptance of change.
Letters as Emotional Anchors
Letters—both written and lost—are central to the story's emotional arc. Josie's annual letters to her parents serve as a ritual of remembrance and a means of processing grief. Max's final letter to Josie becomes a vessel for truth, love, and closure, allowing him to express what he cannot say in person. The motif of letters underscores the importance of communication, the pain of words left unsaid, and the enduring power of written memory.
Missed Connections and Fate
The narrative is driven by serendipitous meetings, missed opportunities, and the sense that fate is both cruel and kind. Josie and Max's initial collision, their repeated reunions, and the timing of Max's illness all suggest a universe that is both indifferent and mysteriously orchestrated. This device heightens the tension and poignancy of their relationship, emphasizing the fragility of happiness and the unpredictability of life.
Foreshadowing and Dramatic Irony
The story employs foreshadowing through Max's evasiveness, physical symptoms, and the gradual revelation of his illness. Dramatic irony is used to devastating effect, as the reader becomes aware of Max's fate before Josie does, intensifying the emotional impact of his final letter and sudden death. This device invites the reader to share in Josie's grief and to reflect on the importance of honesty and vulnerability in relationships.
Symbolism of Place and Season
London's wintry streets, Edinburgh's historic beauty, and Botswana's wild expanses serve as backdrops that reflect the characters' emotional states. The changing seasons symbolize cycles of loss and renewal, while specific locations—castles, post boxes, and family homes—anchor the story in memory and tradition. These symbols reinforce the themes of belonging, transformation, and the enduring nature of love.
