Yes, it’s a bit early but I’m at the beginning of several books and won’t get any of them finished until at least the 31st, so I thought I’d go ahead and post now. I assumed I’d had a slow reading month because I’ve been so busy with Christmas, editing, and family that my reading time has felt curtailed. But then I counted up my books, and, well, turns out it was just another normal month. 😂
Of course, there were many Christmas reads this month, so you can always save these for next year if you are a seasonal reader!
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
I’ve been reading this book for years, but during our moves over the past decade or so, I couldn’t locate my book! This year, I not only knew where it was, but I bought the hardcover because my much-loved paperback is fragile. This story never disappoints. It’s a great read-aloud to the family—takes an hour or less. It always brings me to tears and sets the tone for Christmas.
Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor by Roseanna White
Oh. My. I love Roseanna’s stories, and this was a great one! An Edwardian England-set story inspired by The Nutcracker. I loved it! I might keep it in my Christmas kindle folder to read again next year. Such a delight!
Blessings on State Street by Rachael Bloome
You know I love Rachael Bloome’s Poppy Creek series. Well, this is book one of a new series—and it’s a Christmas book! So of course I had to read it. I love how she sets up another small-town series but it doesn’t feel like a reworking of Poppy Creek. This town has its own unique personality, as do its residents. Loved this one. Can’t wait to read the rest!
His Mistletoe Miracle by Jenny B. Jones
The problem with a Jenny Jones book is that they are hard to read in bed at night—because it’s hard to keep from laughing out loud and waking up my husband! Love all her Sugar Creek rom-coms especially, but then again, I don’t think I’ve read a Jenny Jones book I didn’t enjoy. This book was no exception.
I read two novella collections. As usual with such things, there as one I liked less than the others, but overall these are great stories:
We Three Kings by Crystal Caudill, Cara Putman, Angela Ruth Strong
I love it when novella collections have a “connection” between the stories. These three are united by family, although generations apart. That means there are two historical novellas and one contemporary. The one by Crystal Caudill won the Christy Award for novella.
A Match Made at Christmas by Amy Anguish, Sarah Anne Crouch, Lori DeJong, and Heather Greer
Four contemporary Christmas romances. Again, I usually like one less than all the others, but still a great collection. No connection between the stories except the Christmas setting, but still fun.
Now for a couple of non-Christmas-themed books:
An Honorable Deception by Roseanna White
This book completed The Imposters series. I can’t tell you how much I loved all three books! They were fun and serious, and the characters captured my heart immediately. I raced through every book. I was sad to see this one end, but I know Roseanna will write more good books in the future!
Jack by Susan May Warren
Reading book one of a Susan May Warren series is always exciting! This was a great start to the Minnesota Kingstons series. We met the sister Boo (Bronte) in the Alaska Air series, and now we get to experience her siblings’ stories! As usual, a great story that has set up the other stories! Yay! NOTE: you can get this book here, or wait for it to release on Amazon on January 10!
On Moonberry Lake by Holly Varni
This book finaled in the debut novel category of the Christy Awards this year. It didn’t win, but the back cover copy intrigued me. I wanted to love it. Turned out it just wasn’t the story for me. But many others have loved it, so be sure to check it out. It might be just the book for you!
My one non-fiction book this month was also my one audiobook:
A Circle of Quiet by Madeleine L’Engle
This is the first of four books in her Crosswicks Journals series. Each book is a memoir of sorts in which she talks about writing and life and faith. And I adored it. First, I loved it in audio because the way it is written makes it feel like you are sitting down for coffee with an older friend and she’s giving you her wisdom. Second, I loved the things she had to say. Her honesty about all aspects of life and writing and faith. I have the whole series on audio now but these are the kinds of books that I want to also own a physical copy to return to when I need encouragement.
And that wraps up 2024!