December Wrap-up and January TBR

Hey guys!

How has your month been? Are you ready for 2022? This year literally sucked so I’m definitely excited to see it behind now.

My reading month started well and then just kinda led to a bit of a slump so…

Check out what I’ve read this month:

December Wrap-up

• Thunderpaws and the Tower of London
• Cirque Du Freak 1
• Instructions for Dancing
• A Bookshop Christmas
• Christmas for Beginners
• The Christmas Layover
• The Vampire’s Assistant
• Under the Whispering Door
• Apples Never Fall – DNF
• I’ll Be Home for Christmas

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TOP book of the month:

1.Under the Whispering Door was a 4star for me but definitely my fav of the month. It talks about a lot of important things, especially mental health and although a slow book, I had lot of fun especially with the second half of the book!

What were your favorite reads in December? Have you read any of the books I mentioned? Let’s discuss in the comments below!

January TBR

What’s on your TBR for January? Are you excited for any of these or have you read any of them? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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I’ll Be Home For Christmas by Karen Clarke – ARC Review

I’ll Be Home for Christmas by Karen Clarke

Series: N/A

Publisher: Bookouture

Published October 14th 2019

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Holidays

Pages: 268

Format: ARC

Buy: Amazon 

* Received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you very much! This doesn’t affect the review in any way. My opinions are, as always, my own.*

The weather forecasters said the snowstorm would miss the eastern seaboard. They were wrong. When Ally Henderson’s flight from Southern California to New York City for Christmas gets diverted to the tiny Midwestern town of Bethlehem, she’s desperate to get back in the air and back to the Big Apple. But with all the airports closed, she’s forced to rely on Midwestern hospitality to wait out the storm. And she soon le

Last Christmas, Nina gave away her heart – only to have it broken. But this year, at her family’s cosy café, could she find a second chance at love with someone special under the mistletoe?

Nina Bailey loves Christmas. Except this year she doesn’t. Because it turns out that her husband-to-be has been cheating on her – and her beautiful wedding ceremony in the snow is cancelled.

She’s not really in the mood to be jolly, sing carols, or go anywhere near gingerbread men – in fact, what Nina wants is to avoid the whole thing. So she’s come to stay at her Aunt Dolly’s cosy café to nurse her broken heart.

Nina is determined to get through Christmas with no tinsel, no fuss – and definitely no flirting. So when she arrives and meets infuriatingly handsome Ryan Sadler, with his gorgeous forest-green eyes, she is not best pleased. And when Nina overhears him making fun of her, she is furious. (There might have been an incident with a koala onesie and a spilled bottle of milk, but that really wasn’t her fault!) So despite the spark between them, and the fact that he can whip up a fabulous dinner faster than she can say Michelin star, romance and Christmas are off the menu this year.

Unfortunately, Aunt Dolly hasn’t quite got the message, going to great lengths to provide a proper British Christmas for her beloved niece: a true home away from home. With sparkling lights adorning every wall and a tree to equal the Rockefeller Center’s and, yes, mistletoe above every doorway, can Nina resist the magic of Christmas – and stick to her no-romance rule?

This heartwarming romantic comedy will have you reaching for eggnog, roasted chestnuts and gingerbread cookies! The perfect festive book to read curled up in front of the fire, for fans of Sue Moorcroft, Holly Martin and Debbie Johnson.

Nina just had a really bad breakup when she was about to get married. To get away from it, she travels to the charming French village of Chamillon to spend some quality time at her aunt and cousin and focus on her new career as a travel blogger. Romance is far from her plans, but her aunt Dolly is trying to set her up nonetheless with her son’s best friend Ryan. He is also staying at their house and is also going through a tough breakup. As first impressions go, let’s just say they didn’t hit the jackpot, but will Dolly’s skills as matchmaker change that?

A Snowy Little Christmas by Fern Michaels, Tara Sheets and Kate Clayborn

A Snowy Little Christmas by Fern Michaels, Tara Sheets and Kate Clayborn

Series: N/A

Publisher: Zebra Books

Published October 29th, 2019

Genres: Holiday Romance, Contemporary, Anthology

Pages: 336

Format: ARC

Buy: Amazon | BookDepository

* Received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you very much! This doesn’t affect the review in any way. My opinions are, as always, my own.*

Sometimes love needs a little help from Mother Nature—and what better time than the holidays to let it snow . . . and snow . . . and snow . . .

STARRY NIGHT * Fern Michaels

As the host of a radio program for the lovelorn, Jessie Richmond is surprisingly lonely, especially with the holidays approaching. So she decides to make the trek to her uncle’s bookstore in rural New York state and hold a speed dating event—only to find herself snowed in—with one very special single . . .

MISTLETOE AND MIMOSAS * Tara Sheets

After years of hard work, real estate agent Layla Gentry has her dream home on Pine Cove Island. She’s perfectly content to be on her own. Until her childhood nemesis, Sebastian, comes to town. When a snowstorm and a stranded kitten bring them together on Christmas Eve, Layla discovers he’s all grown up—and she may have one more dream left . . .

MISSING CHRISTMAS * Kate Clayborn

It’s all work and no play for two longtime friends-turned-business-partners Kristen and Jasper—until an unexpected kiss turns things personal. Will it mean the end of something, or the beginning? With a major contract in the balance, Christmas around the corner, and a lot of unspoken feelings, it may take an unpredictable blizzard in New England to seal the deal . .

This was exactly what I needed right now! I’m super late to both read it and review it but as I don’t have as much time now-a-days, I was waiting for the Christmas spark to finally hit me and alas, it did!

This is the perfect Hallmark book! There’s three romantic stories all passed during Christmas written by three different authors. They are all different in ways but they all felt like the perfect Christmas movie to me. Christmas is my fav time of the year and these definitely made me feel all warm and toasty ready for a winter night!

The first story was perfect for me. It was a subtle romance with a bookstore setting and I couldn’t be more in love.

There’s something for everyone in here, three different romance stories – nemesis to lovers, business-partners to lovers and of course the “I just met you but holy mistletoe I think I love you” which I unexpectedly loved. There’s also Christmas lovers, grinches, kitties (Who doesn’t love a kitty, right?!) and all the cuteness you can think of.

It was just incredibly cute and the much needed happy jolly book I was craving for. Definitely getting this one to re-read during the holidays! Swoon!

What did you think of it? Have you read it? Let’s discuss it in the comments below!

It Won’t Be Christmas Without You by Beth Reekles – Review

It Won’t Be Christmas Without You by Beth Reekles

Series: N/A

Publisher: One More Chapter

Published August 30th, 2019

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Christmas

Pages: 203

Format: ARC

Buy: Amazon

* Received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you very much! This doesn’t affect the review in any way. My opinions are, as always, my own.*

From the author of the smash hit Netflix romcom The Kissing Booth!

Eloise, a self-confessed Christmas obsessive, can’t wait for the big day. Devoted to her Michael Bublé playlist, she’s organising the school nativity play and even her gorgeous Grinch of a neighbour, James, can’t get her down.

Her workaholic twin sister, Cara, on the other hand, plans to work over the holiday – and figure out what secrets her seemingly-perfect boyfriend George might be keeping from her.

The sisters used to be close but since Cara moved to London, everything’s been different. Only, Eloise isn’t giving up just yet, and with a white Christmas on the cards, Cara can’t fail to be moved by the magic of the season … can she?

I can’t believe I forgot to write a review for this urgh! Sorry >-<

Back in December and January I read quite some Christmas books. I love Christmas and this is a book from the author of the Netflix romcom The Kissing Booth, which I enjoyed. But this book felt just average to me (although I would totally see a movie of it! So, finger crossed Netflix adapts it!).

It’s a cute and quick read but I had some problems distinguishing the two main characters? It took me some time to fully assimilate who was who and being a short read, that’s not a good thing.

Other than that it was a very cute and sweet Christmas book with a side of romance – which I was all in for-, the importance of family and sisterhood. I became very invested in the characters’ adventures through the Christmas days and the love that started to bloom.

I also really enjoyed the format of the novel – counting the days – it felt super exciting to me. Overall this is a quick easy Christmassy read that I would love to see on screen!

What did you think of it? Have you read it? Let’s discuss it in the comments below!

 

Wrapped Up for Christmas by Katlyn Duncan ARC Review

Wrapped Up for Christmas by Katlyn Duncan

Series: N/A

Publisher: Wednesday Books

Published: October 1st, 2019

Genres: Chick-Lit, Christmas, Romance

Pages: 384

Format: ARC

Buy: Amazon | Book Depository

* Received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you very much! This doesn’t affect the review in any way. My opinions are, as always, my own.*

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… but not for Angie Martinelli…

Having lost her boyfriend, job, and apartment all in the space of a week, Angie has no choice but to leave California and return to her family in New England.

Determined not to let life weigh her down, Angie finds work at the local mall where she worked as a teenager. After an embarrassing run-in with a handsome stranger, Nick, she’s convinced her luck is about to change.

But Nick has secrets of his own… and as the first flakes of snow begin to fall, Angie can’t help but wonder if she’ll ever find love.

This was so adorable! I literally could put this down and read it in two sittings. Such a feel-good story! 

This is Angie’s story. She just had a bad break-up, lost her job and had to move home to her parent’s house. Needless to say, this was not how her Christmas was supposed to go. Nonetheless, Angie makes the best of it and enjoys the comfort of being near her family and friends, finds a new job even if it’s not ‘the’ one, and even a new romance. It’s not easy for her to put herself so soon in a romantic situation but sometimes life just happens… it might not go how you predict but it might just go where it should. 

Angie was the kindest sweetest person and I loved how much she cared for everyone around her. She’s intelligent, self-sufficient, strong and I loved to see her ultrapass every obstacle life put in front of her. I also loved how much initiative she had and how much she worked for something she believed in. It was beautiful to see and we need more of those thoughts and actions!

I loved her friendship with Reese and how sweet she was for everyone near her. Reese was very different from her, a lot more blunt and harsh but with a heart of gold. Their friendship was beautiful and I dearly enjoyed their moments together.

As for our love interest, Nick. He was definitely a good guy with his heart in place even if sometimes his actions didn’t shine through the way they were supposed to. I loved seeing him with Angie and I could feel their spark and attraction through the pages. Their romance started quite fast but sometimes that’s just how it is, and it doesn’t mean it’s not right. I loved them together and I think they were perfect for each other.

This book is full of holiday cheer, sweet moments, it’s a fair share of drama and a lot of romantic moments.

If you’re a fan of sweet, feel-good Christmas stories this is for you! It was gripping and just the perfect holiday book to curl up and read on a cold day.

 

 

What did you think of it? Are you excited about this book? Let’s discuss it in the comments below!

One Week ’Til Christmas by Belinda Missen – ARC Review

One Week ’Til Christmas by Belinda Missen

Series: N/A

Publisher: HQ Digital

Published November 1st, 2019

Genres: Chick Lit, Romance, Christmas, Adult

Pages: 179

Format: ARC

Buy: Amazon

* Received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you very much! This doesn’t affect the review in any way. My opinions are, as always, my own.*

Two people. One chance meeting. Seven days to Christmas.

Isobel Bennett is waiting for the number 11 bus when a man quite literally falls into her lap. Snow is falling, Christmas lights are twinkling, and a gorgeous man with dark brown hair has just slipped on ice and is now pressed against Isobel.

Isobel knows she’s not imagining the chemistry between them. But then his ride arrives and, embarrassed, he beats a hasty retreat, murmuring apologies – and Isobel realises only too late that she didn’t manage to catch his name…

When she runs into him again the next morning, she decides it’s fate.

It’s a second chance for Isobel and Tom – but there’s only one week until she’s leaving London for good. Seven days of enjoying all the festive delights the city has to offer: ice-skating at Somerset House, mulled wine on the Southbank, Christmas shopping at Liberty.

There’s magic in the air and mistletoe in the trees – but what will happen when the week is over?

For fans of Josie Silver, Lucy Diamond and Marian Keyes, this is one Christmas romance you don’t want to miss!

– I know Christmas has already passed but I’m still making my way through Christmas books because they just make me feel happy and I didn’t have all the time I wanted to read them before Christmas so… I will be reading them hopefully all through January. –

One Week Til’ Christmas was a super adorable romance. We follow Isobel through her week before Christmas in London. But this was far from a normal week for her. Right at the start of it, she has a man literally sending her into a gutter. And that’s not the only time she will have to face him…

This is a very light-hearted and funny Christmas book. It completely made me feel all warm and Christmas-y and smile all the time while reading it. It was extremely gripping and I just wanted to know what was gonna happen next. As you probably noticed, chick-lit is not the most unpredictable of reads and I saw where this one was going right from the start. But that didn’t make me enjoy it any less.

The romance between Isobel and Tom was steady and cute. Nothing rushed or crazy. It was freaking adorable and I loved it. As were Isobel’s friendships, they were so sweet and so positively realistic! It’s just impossible not to feel good while reading this.

I generally am not a fan of famous characters in books, mainly because they tend to be hard for me to connect with them, but this was quite different. We were able to see the actual person behind the famous face, in a realistic and adorable way. It also talked about how difficult it is to maintain connections with especially family when you are always traveling for work (or just generally working which happens in many jobs). The strain it causes, the harsh words and sad feelings were all there and it made it quite realistic.

I often cry reading romances and this was no different, it was cute, emotional and I loved the pacing. 

I would especially recommend it if you’re into Christmassy or feel-good books!

What did you think of it? Are you excited about this book? Let’s discuss it in the comments below!

A Perfect Cornish Christmas by Phillipa Ashley – ARC Review

A Perfect Cornish Christmas by Phillipa Ashley

Series: N/A

Publisher: Avon

Released on October 31st, 2019

Genres: Romance, Women’s Fiction, Christmas

Pages: 400

Format: ARC

Buy: Book Depository | Amazon

* Received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you very much! This doesn’t affect the review in any way. My opinions are, as always, my own.*

Christmas in Cornwall is just around the corner…

But after last Christmas revealed a shocking family secret, Scarlett’s hardly feeling merry and bright. All she wants this Christmas is to know who her real father is.

So Scarlett heads to the little Cornish town of Porthmellow, where she believes the truth of her birth is hidden. She just didn’t bargain on being drawn into the Christmas festival preparations – or meeting Jude Penberth, whose charm threatens to complicate life further.

Everything will come to a head at Porthmellow’s Christmas Festival … But can Scarlett have the perfect Christmas this year, or are there more surprises on the way?

Curl up with this gorgeous novel and savour the world of Porthmellow Harbour.

A Cosy Christmas in Cornwall by Jane Linfoot

A Cosy Christmas in Cornwall by Jane Linfoot

Series: N/A

Publisher: One More Chapter

Expected publication: October 19th, 2019

Genres: Romance, Christmas

Pages: –

Format: ARC

Buy: Amazon

* Received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you very much! This doesn’t affect the review in any way. My opinions are, as always, my own.*

A December to remember…

Christmas in a Cornish castle? Sign Ivy Starforth up! Hired to kit out the holiday rental as the world’s most Instagramable festive dreamland, there’s only one thing standing in the way of her hefty paycheque – the lord of the manor.

Bill Markham could give Scrooge a run for his money but Ivy is firmly #TeamChristmas…even if her handsome host seems to be doing everything he can to sabotage her staging. Maybe she shouldn’t have stumbled in on him starkers in the hot tub?

As the temperature outside cools, things inside the castle heat up. It’s been a long time since Ivy allowed herself to give in to temptation…surely one little kiss under the mistletoe won’t hurt?

What I Got for Christmas 2018

*Ralph Hulett Vintage Christmas Card Illustration edited by Bookneeders*

Hi guys! How was your Christmas??

Mine was amazing! I ended up doing tones of desserts and eating way too much for my own good… There was snow outside and all my family was together so it was just perfect! Also, I got some Christmas sweaters for me, my boyfriend and my mom, which I think was super cute! I can’t see them very well in the photos but they are all Christmas inspired ones!

As for presents, I actually got less bookish stuff this year… Especially books I didn’t ask for much since I already have MANY I need to read. But I did get some awesome stuff so I wanted to share it here!

So here are some of the things I got for Christmas and some Christmas photos!

*I am NOT bragging I just truly enjoy sharing what I got and seeing what others got!*

What I Got for Christmas 2017

Hi guys! How was your Christmas??

Mine was for sure amazing! I ate SO much and all the family was together, even the cats were super happy and playing around! I absolutely loved it!