December '25 Book Pick: Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young
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There’s something about December that always nudges me toward stories with heart—books that feel like a deep breath, a warm mug between your hands, or a reminder that life can still surprise you in soft and beautiful ways. Out on a Limb is exactly that kind of book, and honestly, I was so glad we chose this as our December pick.
A Story That Feels Like a Hug
Win instantly became one of those characters I just felt close to—stubbornly independent, quietly vulnerable, and doing her best to navigate the world on her own terms. Her limb difference doesn’t define her, but it shapes the way she’s had to move through life, often proving herself to people who underestimate her.
And then there’s Bo. Oh, Bo.
Charmingly chaotic, tender-hearted, and the kind of person who walks into a room and softens the air. Their connection starts as one impulsive moment at a costume party—fun, messy, unexpected—and suddenly becomes something much bigger when Win discovers she’s pregnant.
What truly touched me is how the book handles what happens next: not with melodrama, but with honesty. There’s awkwardness, fear, hope, and these tiny moments where you can almost feel Win trying to reopen doors she’s kept closed for years. And Bo? He shows up. Not perfectly, not without his own insecurities, but with so much genuine care that I found myself rooting for him from the first pages.
Their decision to simply start as friends while preparing for a baby…
Let’s just say we all know how that usually ends. But watching them slowly let each other in was pure cozy-read magic.
Why Out on a Limb Is Worth the Read
What I really appreciated about this story is how Win’s limb difference is written. It’s part of who she is and how she moves through the world, but it’s never treated as something that needs to be “explained” or used to teach the reader a lesson. Win is allowed to be stubborn, unsure, funny, guarded, and strong—all at the same time—just like any other fully realized character.
The romance itself is beautifully quiet. There are no big, dramatic declarations, and that’s exactly why it worked for me. The connection between Win and Bo grows through small, everyday moments—awkward conversations, shared worries, gentle humor, and that slow realization that something meaningful is forming. Watching them slowly let each other in felt comforting in the best way.
At its heart, this book is also a gentle reminder that love and family don’t always arrive the way we expect. Sometimes they grow from unexpected beginnings, take unconventional shapes, and still feel deeply real and warm.
About the author
Hannah Bonam-Young is an Amazon bestselling author from Ontario, Canada. She lives with her childhood-friend-turned-husband Ben, two kids, and bulldog near Niagara Falls on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples.
Read more about Hannah ON HER WEBSITE
Book Club Discussion Questions
- How did you relate to Win’s need to be independent and handle everything on her own? Did your feelings about her independence change as the story progressed?
- How did Win’s limb difference shape her experiences, relationships, and self-perception without becoming the only thing that defines her?
- What was your first impression of Bo, and how did your perception of him evolve throughout the book?
- Do you think Win and Bo’s decision to approach parenting as “friends first” felt realistic? At what moments did it seem most fragile—or most promising?
- What were your thoughts on Win’s decision to keep the baby, and how did the story explore her fears, doubts, and hopes around that choice?
- Which scenes best highlighted healthy communication between Win and Bo, and which moments showed where communication broke down?
- Which secondary character played the most meaningful role in Win’s growth, and why?
- Which small gesture or everyday moment from Bo stood out to you as especially meaningful?
- Which part of Win’s emotional journey toward vulnerability affected you the most?
- Did the pacing of Win and Bo’s relationship feel believable to you? Why or why not?
- If you could give either Win or Bo one piece of advice at any point in the story, what would it be?
- How do you think Win and Bo’s relationship might have unfolded if the pregnancy hadn’t happened?
- How did the book portray the realities of parenthood, including fears, expectations, and practical challenges?
- What does love look like for Win and Bo—both individually and as a couple?
- How did you feel about the ending? Did it meet your expectations, or did it leave you wanting something more?
Find More Details about Out on a Limb on the Book Page
Reading Out on a Limb feels like settling into a quiet, reassuring space at the end of a long day. It gently invites you to slow down and reflect on what it means to let others in, even when independence feels safer. This isn’t a story you rush through and move on from; it’s one you carry with you, returning to its softness and emotional honesty whenever you need a reminder that vulnerability can be a source of strength.