With nine books to read in the final month of 2019, I was reading like it was my full-time job to reach my goal by December 31st. Between eating and reading my way through the holidays, I managed to make it to 50 books in 2019. Keep reading for a quick look at what I read in December.
Mr. Churchill's Secretary by Susan Elia MacNeal
Rating: 4 Stars
This book in 3 words: Smart, Wartime, Underdog.
Thoughts: Protagonist Maggie Hope is what sealed the deal for me in this book. She is smart, witty, and knows her worth. Throw her into a well-plotted mystery amid wartime, and you have a highly engaging story.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in Night-time by Mark Haddon
Rating: 3 Stars
This book in 3 words: Introspective, Clever, Curiosity.
Thoughts: What I loved about this book was seeing the world through Christopher's perspective. He perceives the world differently, through a very rigid set of rules he has accepted as true. I work with children who have special/exceptional needs, and this book gave me an idea of how they are processing their world. This story follows Christopher as he uncovers the truth of who killed his neighbor's dog.
For One More Day by Mitch Albom
Rating: 3 Stars
This book in 3 words: Forgiveness, Family, Gratitude.
Thoughts: This was another classic Mitch Albom story of enlightenment and second chances. The story follows Charles Benetto and his mother's relationship across time. Charles gets the opportunity many of us wish for, one more day with a loved one who has passed. This story makes you want to hold on to the people you care about a little bit tighter.
Twice in a Blue Moon by Christina Lauren
Rating: 5 Stars
This book in 3 words: Hollywood, Romance, Redemption
Thoughts: I fell in love with this book while I was reading it. It wasn't too predictable, and the tension between the characters was perfect. The story is about Sam and Tate. The two meet while both traveling in London, they fall in love during one spectacular summer that comes to a heartbreaking end. Years later the two are forced back into each other's lives unexpectedly, bringing up the drama and hurt that was there years ago. A big part of what I enjoyed about this book was the setting. I loved the trip to London (it made me think fondly of my own), and the movie set made for such an exciting dynamic. I highly recommend this one.
The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez
Rating: 5 Stars
This book in 3 words: Brilliant, Flirty, Love.
Thoughts: This might just be my favorite romance novel I have read all year (and twenty-two of the fifty books I read this year were romance novels). This book had it all, an exceptional couple with unique challenges and plot twists up against them, all the sexual tension a book could hold, and a binge-worthy love story. The characters in this book were what made it so exceptional. I mean, the dude goes out to get tampons and comes back with (said tampons) McDonald's and ice cream! The characters were so charming and honest, I could not get enough of this book.
Snow Angel Cove by RaeAnne Thayne
Rating: 3 Stars
This book in 3 words: Festive, Hallmark, Cozy.
Thoughts: This book was the Hallmark Christmas movie that you could hold in your hands. It's the story of the mother-daughter duo whose plans get destroyed right before Christmas, only to be swept up by the people and town of Snow Angel Cove. While there isn't much that stands out when I think back to this book in my flurry of reading, I remember it putting me in the Christmas spirit and finding it to be a comforting and heartwarming read.
Say You Still Love Me by K.A. Tucker
Rating: 3 Stars
This book in 3 words: Summertime, Romance, Starcrossed.
Thoughts: This is a story about lost love and second chances, similar to Lauren's Twice in a Blue Moon. Piper and Kyle have one glorious summer together as youth camp counselors that ends abruptly, and the two never speak again. Thirteen years later Kyle walks into Piper's office building, dragging with him the unfinished business between him and Piper, surprise! This story goes back between past and present, which I felt the author juggled well, although I loved the present timeline the most. Pipers' modern-day gumption and work dynamic were highly engaging. It was a steamy and enjoyable read, even if predictable at times.
The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory
Rating: 4 Stars
This book in 3 words: Passionate, Modern, Love.
Thoughts: A spontaneous elevator incident brings Drew and Alexa together for a whirlwind journey of wedding dates, roadblocks, and an ultra-sweet love story. I love how Guillory took on conversations about race and privilege with her characters in this book. They took on obstacles that any couple coming from different backgrounds and cultures could relate to. It was smart, exciting, and had me jumping up for her next book as soon as I finished.
Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis
Rating: 5 Stars
This book in 3 words: Inspirational, Empowering, Honest.
Thoughts: I have nothing but good things to say about Rachel Hollis. This woman is changing my life for the better, one book, podcast, and post at a time. Rachel is all about eliminating barriers to help you become successful in being the best possible version of yourself. I cannot recommend her books enough. This one was a reread for me because I wanted a little extra boost of motivation for going into the new year.
Wishing you all a happy new year, filled with books and joy!
Yours Literarily,
Lauren.
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