Review: Josie Silver writes captivating love story

"One Day in December" (Broadway Books), by Josie Silver

Author Josie Silver takes readers on a journey that spans 10 Christmas seasons, exploring what happens when true love is found - and lost - in "One Day in December."

When Laurie spies a handsome young man out of a London bus window, she immediately believes in love at first sight. Too bad she doesn't have the nerve to make something happen before the driver leaves her mystery man staring at her through a blanket of holiday snowflakes.

Laurie adores spending time with her best friend and roommate Sarah. One of their favorite pastimes is visiting trendy bars in search of Laurie's long lost "Bus Boy." Sarah is determined to find this elusive man to make her friend's dreams come true. Laurie, on the other hand, thinks it's time to throw in the towel. She decides to mourn Bus Boy just in time for her joint Christmas party with Sarah. With festivities in full swing, Sarah is eager to introduce her best friend to her new beau. When Laurie turns to meet Sarah's boyfriend, Jack, she locks eyes with the guy she fell head-over-heels in love with exactly a year earlier. Laurie quickly pulls her face into a warm smile and welcomes Jack into her life. Sarah can never know.

Thanks to Laurie's reaction, Jack believes she doesn't recognize him from the bus station and that it's best for everyone involved. He's in love with Sarah and can easily be friends with the woman who took his breath away.

Over the next several years, Laurie manages to squelch any feelings she may have toward Jack. She avoids him and begins to date other people in order to forget him. Yet the attraction remains.

"One Day in December" is a captivating read, full of charming characters and relatable situations.