It was an absolutely amazing month of reading–an embarrassment of riches! Here are the books I loved.

Mercury by Amy Jo Burns – This title releases January 2, 2024. If you like beautifully written messy family stories full of secrets, this is a must read. You will not regret it. It is just so beautifully done, with each character handled in such a tender way–flaws and all. Highly recommended for lovers of character driven family stories. 

Starling House by Alix E. Harrow – A fantasy gothic tale about a small town in Kentucky haunted by secrets that can’t stay buried and the sinister (or is it?) house that sits at the crossroads of it all. This is creepy and suspenseful and romantic in all the perfect ways.

Faking Christmas by Kerry Winfrey – an absolutely adorable and hilarious enemies to lovers romantic comedy. Perfect for lovers of Hallmark Christmas movies looking for great banter and Christmas cheer. So much fun. 

Pages & Co.: The Map of Stories by Anna James (Author)  Paola Escobar (Illustrator) – Book three in the Pages & Co. middle-grade series and this is absolutely delightful. Have you ever wanted to travel inside your favorite books? Yes? This series is for you, regardless of age. Start with book one and you’ll see that each book just gets better and better. They are excellent on audio and would be a great series to read or listen to as a family. 

Familia by Lauren E. Rico –  This is a fascinating family story that unravels through the point of view of various characters, traveling back and forth in time. The story unfolds with many twists and turns that had me quickly turning pages, wanting to race to the end, but forcing myself to slow down because each character was so well drawn and fascinating in their own right. Would be a great title for book clubs. 

The Secret of the Lady’s Maid by Darcie Wilde –  Book seven in the Rosalind Thorne Mysteries. A new to me historical mystery series. “Poison, politics, jealousy and jewel thieves combine in Rosalind’s most complex case yet. But to solve this dangerous puzzle, Rosalind must also decide where her heart and her future lie.” While this is book seven, it worked perfectly as a standalone. Although I’ll be working my way through books one-six in 2024. If you are also a lover of historical mysteries and also have not stumbled upon this series, go right now. 

Congratulations, the Best is Over! by R. Eric Thomas – I absolutely adored R. Eric Thomas’ first book of essays, Here for It; Or, How to Save Your Soul in America–I remember finishing it late one night and hugging it, I loved it so much. So I was thrilled when my hold came in for his newest collection of essays: Congratulations, the Best is Over! And this time I got to listen to him read it to me as I went about my day. And it’s another 5 star read. I loved every minute of this very real and very funny work. I laughed out loud several times and paused to jot down words and phrases that were so powerful. He is tender and hilarious and I was sorry when it ended. 

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon – An amazing work of historical fiction. Set in Maine, 1789, this is the story of an assault on a local woman and the murder of a local man that many are quick to dismiss. Local midwife and healer Martha Ballard is determined to seek justice and uncover the truth at a time when women were considered best seen and not heard. Based on the real life of a woman history seems to have forgotten (the author’s note is a must read), this is a page turning tense and tender story. I loved every page. 

Murder Under the Mistletoe, A Jane Wunderly Mystery novella by Erica Ruth Neubauer – I adore this historical mystery series and this was just the Christmas treat I wanted. Christmas-time, an English manor house and murder? Yes please. Strong mystery, wonderful characters and arm-chair travel setting.