Hello, friends. These quieter days between Christmas and New Years are among my favorites each year. We still have family here, the house has that post-Christmas cluttered feel, and there’s been plenty of reading, napping, and grazing on leftovers. Mother Nature even delivered a post-Christmas snowstorm for extra coziness! As the month, and year, are fast coming to a close, I wanted to share three quick mini-reviews before I write my wrap-up posts.
Merry by Susan Breen
I don't usually read Christmas/holiday books (except for that year I tore through three of Elin Hilderbrand's Winter Street novels in a week), but this one came in The Bookshelf's Book Lover's Advent Box my family gifted me this holiday season. Based on the particulars - family drama, London setting, an heirloom copy of A Christmas Carol, and the ghost of Charles Dickens - it should have worked for me. But it just didn't, and probably should have been a DNF.
⭐⭐💫
Bright Lights, Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews
This title appealed to me because it has a premise similar to Christmas on Jane Street by Billy Romp. A brother and sister duo travel to NYC to run the family’s annual Christmas tree business in Greenwich Village, while living in a tiny camper for the entire month. I loved the NYC neighborhood setting, their interactions with the locals, and the holiday vibes.
⭐⭐⭐💫
The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol 5 by Beth Brower
Have I mentioned lately how much I'm enjoying this series? A small group at Modern Mrs. Darcy is reading one per month and we are slated to read volume 5 in January. When I discovered that Volume 5 actually takes place over Christmas, I couldn't help myself and settled in with it on the 26th. Once again, I loved Emma's wit and antics. This was a perfect holiday weekend read.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I'll be back in a few days with a December Wrap-Up. Meanwhile, I hope you're enjoying a peaceful week between holidays.
Yes I love these quieter days between Xmas & New Year's but then my husband's bday falls tomorrow, lol. Never a dull moment. Get the cake! I guess I don't know much about the Emma Lion series ... have I been under a rock or did they recently pop up? ... Mary Kay Andrews is pretty good on Instagram ... I have to hand it to her. Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteSusan - The Emma Lion books have been around since 2021, I think, but I just learned of them earlier this year. They seem to be having a moment. The audios are available via hoopla from my library and I think they keep getting better. This is only the second Mary Kay Andrews book I've read, but agree she's great on Instagram. Happy Birthday to your husband!
DeleteThank you for these reviews, I'm starting to make my 2026 list, I don't think I'll read any holiday ones, but I'll be sure to write them down for next December! Have a Happy New Years!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Tammie!
DeleteI can't believe you finished a book that was only a 2.5 star! I would surely have given up part way through!
ReplyDeleteHelen - I can't believe I finished that book. Ugh!
DeleteI so agree. As much as I enjoy the holidays, I love the quieter days heading into the new year. The weather has cooperated, so I've been able to get out and walk 3 miles every day. I know that won't last, but I'm loving the sunny weather right now.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry Merry was a bust. I'm not big on Christmas books and can't think of any that I've read and enjoyed. Well, Rosamunde Pilcher's Winter Solstice was excellent, but it's not really a Christmas book.
I have to thank you for telling me about Beth Brower's books. I gave my mom the first in the series and she tore through it in a couple of days. I believe she's ordered the next two or three! I look forward to reading them, as well.
Enjoy your quiet days. I'm eager to see your December wrap-up, as well as your favorites of 2025. Take care!
Les - Winter Solstice is a book I've returned to several times around the holidays and it always satisfies! I did enjoy the Hilderbrand series back in 2016, but haven't tried any real Christmas reading since. Might be a few more years...
DeleteI'm so glad your mom is enjoying Emma M. Lion. The audios are excellent, too, and are all available on hoopla. Can't get enough of Emma's wit and antics!
Oh, to walk 3 miles every day! I'm looking forward to walking again regularly when we get to FL. It's been pretty icy here the last few weeks. I miss the beach!
Happy New Year!
I don't have any Christmas related books but I see Les mentioned Winter Solstice...I own that on Kindle and have yet to read it. Maybe I need a to-read list that can be handled in a month to remind me.
ReplyDeleteGlad things are chill for you now with the quiet time and I look forward to yur end of year wrap up.
Tina - You're in for a treat with Winter Solstice! I'd reread it with you next year if you decided to try it. Our house is emptying out later today, then the cleaning and organizing begins. We're going up to visit my parents around New Years, then head to FL the following week - provided we don't get snowed in up there! Happy New Year!
DeleteI managed to read two novellas and a slim volume of verse, all Christmas-themed, on Christmas Day - bliss!
ReplyDeleteWell done, Liz! Happy New Year.
DeleteThe Emma Lion series is new to me. Thanks for the update.
ReplyDeleteMystica - It's a wonderful series. The first book or two sets things up, but then it really takes off!
DeleteThis is my favorite time of year as well! I'm skipping the first book but do want to read the Mary Kay Andrews and the Emma Lion series is calling my name. I just discovered my library has the first one on audio so it will be a listen towards the beginning of the year.
ReplyDeleteKatherine - I think you will love the Emma M. Lion series. The first book is pretty short and mostly all set up, but they get better and better! All of the audiobooks are available on hoopla, too, if your library offers it.
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