‘My December Darling’ Brings Holiday Cheer

A winter wedding, an ex-boyfriend’s best friend and enough holiday drama to rival a Hallmark Christmas movie — “My December Darling” by Lauren Asher brings a heartfelt story laced with love and self-discovery.

Released Nov. 21, “My December Darling” is a novella about familial approval and breaking away from solitude in festive cheer. Though the book contains side characters from Asher’s series “Lakefront Billionaires,” it can be read as a standalone work.

The chapters alternate between family friends Catalina and Luke as they plan a wedding. Catalina’s sister, Gabriella, is set to marry Luke’s friend, Aiden, who also happens to be Catalina’s ex-boyfriend. 

While the snow-dusted streets of the fictional Lake Wisteria provide a romantic backdrop, Catalina and Luke’s love story is layered with struggles which run deeper than holiday clichés. 

Catalina is a nurse with a knack for juggling work. Beneath her sharp exterior lies a woman trying to escape the weight of her mother’s expectations. Catalina’s conflict to seek validation balances her quirky demeanor with moments of vulnerability. 

Catalina seeks her mother’s approval in everything she does, even in the smallest actions — like putting on makeup to satisfy strict standards of appearance. Catalina’s internal conflict masks a deeper fear of disappointing those she loves — a relatable struggle amid the holiday season. 

Her position as a traveling pediatric nurse gives her the opportunity to never stay in one place, but deep down she wants to settle down and have the life Gabriella has. Asher contrasts Catalina’s unstable life with Gabriella’s by highlighting moments of silence, forced smiles and fleeting feelings of inadequacy that reveal Catalina’s desires.

Luke, on the other hand, wears his heart on his Christmas-sweater’d sleeve — but his cheery exterior hides a childhood of parental neglect. A doctor dedicated to his patients, Luke has spent his adult life trying to fill the void of his childhood self. 

Pressured by his parents to constantly achieve more, Luke finds himself stuck in a cycle of work without enjoyment, striving for success at the cost of personal happiness. As he prepares for his friend’s wedding, he becomes envious of Aiden, who has both a fulfilling career and the freedom to marry the person he loves.

With the company of Catalina, Luke regains joy. He and Catalina bond over their silly love of LEGOs. 

But behind that childishness lies years of trauma. For Luke, he fears being left abandoned once again. 

Amidst his emotional turmoil, Catalina reminds him he’s needed in this world. 

“Some people really are undeniably good,” Catalina said. “In a world like ours, we could use more of them.” 

Luke’s determination to bring joy to the lives of Catalina and his patients mirrors his own journey to find acceptance. Paired with Catalina’s struggle for self-worth, “My December Darling” explores how two people can heal together while navigating personal struggles.  

Even amidst the quirky holiday narrative, “My December Darling” touches on the importance of self-acceptance, forgiveness and connection. The novella’s brevity doesn’t diminish its impact — under the glitter and garland hides sorrows and scares. 

However, despite the emotional grounds in the book, Asher’s playful dedication reminds the reader of holiday charm. 

“To those who were torn between Doctor McSteamy and McDreamy…Get ready to fall in love with Doctor Darling,” Asher wrote.

“My December Darling” is available to purchase online.