“The December Market” by RaeAnne Thayne Review: Love, Family, and Christmas Magic in Shelter Springs @raeannethayne @HarperAudio #CanaryStreetPress

In The December Market, RaeAnne Thayne offers a delightful holiday romance filled with warmth, emotional healing, and the magic of Shelter Springs’ festive market.

Summary:

In the festive setting of Shelter Springs, Amanda Taylor, a Christmas sceptic and soap shop owner, tries to distract herself from the painful memories of past holidays by focusing on her business at the Holiday Giving Market. However, when her grandmother, Birdie, starts dating a new resident at the local retirement community, Amanda teams up with Rafe Arredondo, the grandson of Birdie’s suitor, to break up the budding romance. Although both are wary of love due to their pasts—Amanda’s reluctance to get hurt and Rafe’s responsibilities as a single father and paramedic—their repeated encounters spark an undeniable connection. As they work to keep their grandparents apart, Amanda and Rafe start to wonder if fate might be offering them a second chance at love this Christmas.

My Thoughts:

Returning to Shelter Springs in The December Market was a delightful experience. This second book in RaeAnne Thayne’s Shelter Springs series brings us a charming Christmas tale that is both heartwarming and layered with emotion. While part of a series, it stands well on its own, so even if you’re new to the Shelter Springs universe, you’ll feel right at home.

At the centre of this story are Amanda Taylor and Rafe Arredondo, two characters grappling with their own emotional baggage. Amanda, who runs a soap shop, isn’t a fan of Christmas due to the painful memories it holds for her. Still, as a shop owner in a bustling small town, she throws herself into the Shelter Springs Holiday Giving Market, making the season merry for her community. Meanwhile, Rafe is a single father balancing the demands of parenthood and his career as a paramedic and assistant fire chief. He’s also carrying the weight of his own grief, having lost his wife to addiction. He’s volunteered to work at the market.

What brings Amanda and Rafe together is an unexpected complication: their grandparents are romantically involved, much to their mutual scepticism. Watching their grandparents bond creates an unlikely camaraderie between Amanda and Rafe, despite their initial reluctance. The chemistry that gradually develops between them feels organic, a slow burn that builds through shared experiences at the festive market.

For me, the star of the show was Rafe’s son, Isaac. His attachment to Amanda is touching and feels genuine, bringing warmth to an already tender narrative. It’s not just Amanda and Rafe’s romance that blossoms but also Amanda’s bond with Isaac, which adds an extra layer of sweetness to the story.

The holiday market itself is another highlight, filled with the festive spirit that makes you want to immerse yourself in its setting. You can almost smell the pine and cinnamon and see the twinkling lights as Amanda and Rafe navigate their growing feelings amidst the holiday cheer. If only Shelter Springs were a real place—I’d be first in line to visit that market!

The Narration:

I chose to listen to the audiobook version, and Vanessa Johansson’s narration was spot on once again. She brings just the right tone to each character, making the listening experience all the more enjoyable. I highly recommend the audiobook format; Johansson’s performance enhances the charm and emotion of an already delightful story.

My Final Thoughts:

The December Market delivers a wonderful mix of romance, family, and Christmas magic. If you’re looking for a feel-good holiday read (or listen!), this one should be at the top of your list.

Some of the Other Books I’ve Reviewed Written by RaeAnne Thayne:

Christmas At The Shelter Inn (Book 1)

All Is Bright

Coming Home For Christmas