At the end of every year, I have a strong desire to look back at all of the books I read that year, reread my reviews, choose my favorites in fiction and non-fiction, and write a post about it.Here is my 2023 report.I review books on the social media website Goodreads. At the end of the year, they send me emails reporting my year's book reading. Here are some they sent:
2023
Books
Non-
Fiction
1. Everything Sad is Untrue by Daniel
Nayeri 5 stars
This is
probably the best autobiography I have ever read. It is written so beautifully, like a
patchwork rug as the author explained.
It is Daniel’s story from his point of view as a child. You get a piece
here and a beautiful piece there and soon you have the glorious Persian rug of
his life. The book immerses you in the
life of an Iranian, a refugee, a bullied child misplaced in a foreign
land. You feel it all. You laugh at him- he’s funny. You weep for him as his story is so full of
sadness. You rejoice with him in the
happiness in his life, and you honor his unstoppable mother with him.
It is billed
as being for young adults, but, as a conservative parent, I highly recommend
reading it before you let your child read it. Though written from the point of
view of a child, I think it is for you.
Immerse yourself in this amazing story.
It will change you. I read the
hardcover version, which I loved, but other reviewers say the audio version is
well done.
2. Original Grace by Adam S Miller 3 stars
This was a
book requiring deep thinking and analysis.
I’m sure a lot of it went over my head.
I appreciated the personal illustrations and the application of thought. I am grateful for the grace and atonement of
our Savior Jesus Christ.
3. This is the Story of a Happy Marriage by Ann Patchett 5 stars
Some people
are born to write. Ann Patchett is one
of them. These essays written by her
were previously published in magazines and newspapers. Though I don’t always agree with what she
says, I love how she says it. She narrates the book herself and I love her
voice. Not just her physical voice, but
her voice in her writing. She is a
masterful writer.
My favorite essay was the one where she gives
practical tips on how to write a book.
Since I am writing a book, this was most helpful to me. The tip that has helped me the most is to set
aside a certain amount of time every day for writing. Then sit in your computer chair for that
amount of time. You don’t have to write,
but you have to sit there. It works!
I enjoyed
every one of the essays and wish there were more. I feel myself uplifted and determined to do
and be better after listening to this book.
I declare myself an Ann Patchett fan.
4. Wolf Willow by Wallace Stegner 3 stars
I’ll start
by saying I am a Stegner fan. I have
been since the first one I read. This is
the tenth one I have read. But I didn’t
enjoy this one as much as the others. It
is full of the history of Saskatchawan, Canada where Stegner spent part of his
growing up years. He goes back as an
adult and reminisces and recalls and retells stories. I loved that part. There are a couple of self-contained short
stories in this book that were absolutely spell-binding. But over half of the book was history. I was not that interested in that. It was hard for me to stay interested. So, overall, I give it 2 ½ stars. Because it’s Stegner, I’ll round up to 3.
5. Chicken Soup for the Soul: True Love by Jack Canfield 3 stars
It has been
a long time since I read a Chicken Soup book.
I really enjoyed reading these 101 stories- people’s love stories. They were uplifting and funny and spiritual
and entertaining. They helped me love
and appreciate my own love a little more.
Who doesn’t appreciate a good love story?
6. Dorothy and Lyman Gabrielsen by Patricia Mickelsen 5+ Stars
My sister,
Patty created a beautiful book honoring and detailing the lives of our parents,
Dorothy and Lyman Gabrielsen. It is full
of beautiful pictures and tributes written by their siblings and posterity. It also has their personal histories, both
written by Dad as Mom was too ill to complete hers. It was a beautiful act of love from him to
her. I treasure this beautiful book and
the remembrances of my parents it brings.
7. The Little Book of Etiquette by Dorothea Johnson 4 stars
In
preparation for teaching my grandchildren about etiquette at our upcoming
family reunion, I read this little book.
It was most informative and helpful.
The dos and don’ts lists will be most helpful in my teaching. Having good manners is not about strict
rules, but about helping yourself and others feel comfortable. Mannerly people can represent their families,
their church, and their business in a positive way. I have some fun teaching ideas and hope I can
do an adequate job.
8. The Road to Villa Page by Cynthia and William James Royce 2
½ stars
An American
couple buys a home in France. Told
alternately from each of their perspectives, the story of their challenges and
their successes unfolds. I liked the
idea of it, but it seemed very scattered and hard to follow.
9. The Personal History of Kenneth Allen
Hinton
I loved
reading my husband’s recently-published personal history. He did a beautiful job writing it. He combed through thousands of family
pictures and digitized many, including them in this book. He told the story of his life beautifully in
word and photos. At the end, he included
other records he has kept: his basketball try-out journal from high school, his
detailed dating record, his patriarchal blessing, and a summary of our mission
to Japan. Reading his history helped me to love him even more.
10. American Ramble by Neil King 4 stars
Non-Fiction. This was a great book-so well written. If you love American history and geography
you will love this book. I loved the
social insights he gives. After a battle
with cancer and just at the end of the pandemic lockdown, Neil King goes on a
walking pilgrimage from his home in Washington DC to New York City. He meets many people along the way and visits
many historical sites. His research is
remarkable as he tells the stories of the sites and the people in history that
were there. He meets many along the way,
telling of each, their personalities, their expertise and what they taught
him. That was the part I liked
best. I think most would enjoy this good
book.
11. Upstairs at the White House by J.B West 5 stars
Non.
Fiction. I really liked this book. It was written by the Chief Usher at the
White House during six different administrations. The chief usher’s job is to make and keep the
white house running the way the first family, especially the first lady, wants
it. He told a lot about the
personalities and family life of Eleanor Roosevelt, Bess Truman, Mamie
Eisenhauer, Jacqueline Kennedy, Lady Bird Johnson, and Pat Nixon and his
relationship with each. Unlike the “tell
-alls” of modern day, he was most respectful in his writing. But he did share some cute anecdotes about
each. He seemed to like and respect all
of the first ladies. He seemed especially
fond and close to Jacqueline Kennedy. I
learned so much about each of them and loved learning their values, likes,
dislikes, and family life. I really
think most would enjoy reading this book.
12
The Shattered Dream by Gene Smith 3 stars
This is a
sad book. It is a biography of Herbert
Hoover. He may be the most qualified man to ever be president
of the United States. But his timing was
horrible. And he lacked charisma. He was born into indigent circumstances, but
was extremely intelligent and a genius at problem solving. He became very wealthy and sought-after by
companies for his problem-solving skills.
He became president just as the stock market crashed, bringing on the
great depression. The author’s feelings
are that Hoover and Wilson were the best presidents this country ever had. “ In the end, a chosen few said of him that
the world had dealt as cruelly with him as with any man who ever lived.” I am
afraid that is true. I wish history had
been kinder to Herbert Hoover.
12. A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway 3 stars
In this
collection of remembrances from his time in Paris as a young newlywed,
Hemingway introduces us to other famous writers and artists living there at
that time, especially Scott Fitzgerald and Gertrude Stein. One of the things I
liked the most about the book was his expressions of great love for his
wife. His last story was so very
sad. I learned a lot about life in Paris
in the 1920 and got to know famous people in a very personal way. Did you really have to drink so much?
13. The Book of Mormon
Reread.
14.Cheaper By the Dozen by Frank and Ernestine Gilbreth 3
stars
Published in
1948 and written by two of the dozen children of Frank and Lil Gilbreth, this
book tells many of the adventures of the Gilbreth family. The father was eccentric and creative, the
mother, very intelligent. They had an
even dozen of children- six girls and six boys.
It was a cute, funny, and unsettling book. Two movies have been made based on this
book.
Fiction
1.
Mustaches for Maddie by Chad Morris 4 stars
Based on a
true story, this funny, heartwarming book was recommended to me by my
granddaughter. It is well-written and is
so true to the world of a middle-school student. I loved the emphasis on family and love and
community support. I loved the afterword
that tells the “real” story of Maddie
and her mustaches.
2.
The Brilliant Life of Eurdora Honeysett by Annie Lyons 5 stars
This is my
kind of book. I loved it. Eighty-five-year-old Eudora thinks she is
through with life until she meets Rose, her ten-year-old neighbor who claims
Eudora is her BFF. The book is all about
forgiveness, relationships, friendship, old age, and the blessing we can be to
one another through the ups and downs of life. The audio version is superb!
3.
The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim 3 stars
I was
surprised. I expected this book to be
about travel in Italy. Instead, it was
all about human nature, relationships, and the influence for good or bad we can
be upon one another. There are
captivating descriptions of the landscape and foliage, but the ladies never
really leave the castle they have rented for their vacation. All of the “action” takes place right
there. Okay, so there is no action. But there is certainly conversation and thought-provoking
interchange between the characters. We
really can have profound influence on each other is my takeaway.
4.
The Reckoning
by John Grisham 3 stars
This was a
well-written, but very sad book. It
combines historical fiction from WWII and a crime/law story. Honestly, I finished kind of wishing I hadn’t
read it. It just left me sad. 3 stars because the writing is so very good.
5.
A Christmas Waltz by Josi S Kilpack 3 stars
My sister
recommended this author, so, though it was not the season, I read this sweet,
clean romance. It really wasn’t much about Christmas. Good
writing and good story.
6.
Be Frank with Me 5
stars by Julia Claibourne Johnson
I loved
Frank. I loved Alice. I loved this book. I loved the story, but mostly, I loved Frank
and Alice. Frank is a 9-year-old
eccentric genius. Alice is hired to care
for him while his mother writes a novel.
His mother is nothing but rude to Alice, but Alice tolerates it and
learns to love Frank. Her patience and tolerance are beyond admirable. It is
very well read in the audio version. I
will be seeking other books by this author.
7.
In His Steps
by Charles M. Sheldon
The phrase
“What would Jesus do?” that was so popular a few years ago (remember the
bracelets?) originated from this novel.
It is an interesting idea, but I’m not sure I agree that the choices the
people made in this book trying to emulate our Savior are actually what He
would have chosen. That troubled
me. But I guess that’s the good of the
book: to get the reader to analyze and think about it. My personal goal is to accept the Savior’s
invitation to “Come, follow me.” What a
different world we would live in if we all lived our lives by this mantra.
8.
The Sunday Lunch Club by Juliet Ashton 2 stars
I’m not sure
how to review this book. It was a good
story, though told in a way that was confusing at times. It was about the importance of extended
family and their support of one another.
That’s good. But there was too
much that violated my moral sense to make me comfortable reading it.
9.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt 5+stars
I loved this
book! It is warm and tender and so well
written. It is all about relationships:
the importance of family and friendships- even those found in very unusual
places. I think everyone would enjoy
this delightful book. It is beautifully
read in the audio version.
10. How to Raise an Elephant by Alexander McCall Smith 3 stars
I really
enjoy this series. This one is #21 in
the delightful series and I have read them all.
I love the descriptions of
Botswana and the country. I love Mma
Romatswa. I love the calm and peace I
feel as I read these books. Mma Makutsi is especially irritating in this novel,
but, in the end, she does something very kind, living up to her name: Grace. I
had almost decided I wouldn’t read more because she takes away from the calm
and peace I feel otherwise in these stories as she is so irritating. But she redeemed herself with an act of love and kindness. I look forward to reading #22.
11.The One Hundred Years of Lenni and
Margot by Mary Anne Cronin 3 stars
17-year-old Lenni and 83-year-old
Margot meet in the hospital and become fast friends. They realize that their years, added together
are a perfect 100 years. Lenni is alone
and very ill. Her life expectancy is
short. Their life stories unfold as they
work together on an art project, illustrating their 100 years of life, telling
each other their stories.
I loved the premise of the book. But I got lost at times in the stories-
probably because I was listening to it.
I was moved to tears at times, well, one time. When Margot’s dear husband dies. Other parts were disturbing to me, but,
overall, it was a good story. It was
well-read in the audio version.
12.Rescue by Jennifer Nielsen 4 stars
You’ll be on the edge of your seat
from start to finish with this book set in WWII France. Meg is a brave and stubborn character who
helps with the French Resistance and recues her father from the Nazis. I enjoy reading Jennifer Nielsen’s
well-researched historical fiction novels and discussing them with my teenaged
grandchildren.
13.Whiter Than Snow by Sandra Dallas 4 stars
This is a sad story of children
buried in an avalanche in a Colorado mining town in 1920. The avalanche happens at the end of the
book. The beginning chapters introduce
you to each of the parents of the children and tells their sad stories. In each case, their children have become
their joy and reason for living. It
sounds pretty sad, doesn’t it? But it
also shows how a community comes together in this trajedy and how each parent
is blessed as their community accepts them and helps then through their grief.
14.Escape Goat by Ann Patchett 5 stars
Such a cute children’s story about a
goat that regularly escapes his pen and gets blamed for everything that goes
wrong while he is out. I listened to the
audio version, then ordered it to read to my grandchildren.
15.The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman 3 stars
This was a fun read about four
elderly people who meet every Thursday to solve unsolved murder cases. But suddenly they are right in the middle of
solving two murders right in their own neighborhood. I enjoyed the characters, but sometimes had a
difficult time sorting everything out.
It gets pretty convoluted! There
are three books in the series and I will read the next one.
16.The Orchard by Paul Heller 4 stars
This is a beautifully written novel
in first person narrative from the perspective of a young girl. It is the story of how she and her mother
lived and loved in a cabin in Vermont.
It is all about family, friends, commitment, and love. It is so convincingly written that I would
have thought it autobiographical if it weren’t written by a man. I will seek others of his books. A five-star read, but language brings it down
a star for me.
17.Dear Mrs. Bird by AJ Pierce 4 stars
An historical fiction story set in
WWII England. You come to love the
characters and their English customs, culture and turn of a phrase. This novel gives the perspective of women
during wartime: their sacrifice, their patriotism, their courage. I listened to the well-done audio version and
am now listening to the second book in the series. It looks like a third will come out
soon.
18.The Secret Woman by Victoria Holt 3 stars
I enjoyed reading this Victorian
romance, though I’m not necessarily inclined to read more of this classic
author’s books -The setting was just so dark. It was an intriguing story with a surprise
ending.
19.. Iceberg by Jennifer Nielsen 4 stars
Jennifer Nielsen is a master of
writing historical fiction. Having
toured two of the top Titanic museums in the world (Halifax, Nova Scotia and
Belfast, Northern Ireland,) I have a special interest in this horrible disaster
and have learned a lot about it. Nielsen’s research shows as she incorporates
truths into her story. As in all of her novels, this one is a page-turner (or
in my case, listener) to the end.
20.Where the Watermelons Grow by Cindy Baldwin 5 stars
This story touched my heart. It is told from the perspective of a young
girl whose mother has schizophrenia.
Della is sure that if she can just be a better daughter, she can make
her mother’s illness go away. This book is full of love: Family love, and community love. Many of the
women in their little southern town love Della and help her through this
difficult time. I especially recommend
this book to anyone dealing with mental illness in their family. It is beautiful.
21.Yours Cheerfully by A J Pierce 5 stars
This is the second book in the Emmy
Lake series. I think I liked it even
better than the first. It is set in WWII
England. We already love the characters
from Dear Mrs. Bird, but especially Emmy evolves from an impetuous girl who
makes a lot of unwise decisions to a mature young woman who truly makes a
difference for women/ mothers during the war.
It is so well read in the audio version.
A third book in the series is to come out soon. I’m hoping for a happily ever/ post-war plot.
22. The Horse in My Garage by Patrick McManus 3 atars
Long a fan of Patrick McManus, I
enjoyed this collection of hilarious essays written by him. Some experiences are repeated in more than
one essay, but I really enjoyed reading it.
23.A Home in the Sun by Sue
Moorcroft 3 stars
I enjoyed reading this book, though
the protagonist was a little slow to recognize the good in her present life;
clinging to the past. I enjoyed this
author and will seek other books by her. I listened to the audio version.
24. Marilla of Green Gables by Sarah McCoy 4 stars
Long a fan of the Anne of Green
Gables series, I was delighted to read this prequel to the series- the story of
Marilla.
Knowing the ending of Marilla’s life
made reading this story of her life quite sad, as I knew she would not get her
dreams fulfilled. But, still, it was a
well-written and enjoyable novel. It is
a story of a hard-working, devoted, strong-willed woman. I love the characters, the setting, and the
history it teaches. I have to say,
though, that I felt that some of the characters were different than they are in
the Anne series. For instance, Rachel is
a much stronger character there than in this story. Matthew is much quieter and more lovable in
the series. Even Marilla is much bossier
and more outspoken in the series. If you
are a fan of Anne, though, you will want
to read this one!
25.Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm by Kate Douglas Wiggen 3 stars
When I saw this book on Scribd, it
elicited a strong, warm, emotional response.
Though I couldn’t remember a thing about the story, I remembered loving
it as a child. I had to listen to
it. It was fun to revisit this
coming-of-age story written in 1901.
Rebecca is a literary hero for young girls as she faces and solves
problems and continually convinces herself to make good choices. It is also a great study in what life was
like for a young girl way back then.
This is a classic.
26. Meet Me at the Museum by Anne Youngson 4 stars
Tina, in England, writes a letter of
inquiry about an ancient mummy to a museum in Denmark. The curator of the museum replies. They strike up a friendship, finding much in
common and continue to write back and forth.
It is a sweet and very thought-provoking book.
27. In Five Years by Rebecca Serle 2 stars
The premise of this book was
interesting. I should have liked the
book. But I didn’t much. I didn’t like Dannie, the main character
much. You need to like the main
character, I think, to enjoy a book.
Though her loyalty to her best friend was admirable, she otherwise
wasn’t that great of a person. I have to admit the story kept me turning the
pages, but I was often disgusted with what I found on the next page. I can’t recommend this one.
28. A Place For Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza 4 stars
This book was hard for me to get
into. There are many flashbacks and even
flashbacks within flashbacks. The names
are foreign to me, so it was difficult to keep track of the characters. But around the middle of the book, I was
deeply involved in the story and was in tears at the end. It is a story of family, culture, love, and
forgiveness. I think I will remember
this one for a long time.
29. While You Were Mine by Ann Howard Creel 3
stars
I listened to the audio book. I found the reader’s voice to be rough and
irritating and over-dramatic. I think if
I read the story myself, I would have enjoyed it more. It was a good story with interesting
characters. I learned a lot about
post-WWII New York City. Three stars
from me.
30.The Patron Saint of Liars by Ann Patchett 3 stars
I wanted to like this book. I wanted to like Rose; even to understand
Rose would have been nice. But the
author never let us understand her or understand why she seemed incapable of
loving and commitment. She had three
people that truly loved her, that were desperate for her love, but she couldn’t
seem to love them back. I came to love
all three of them, but only felt frustration and even disgust for Rose. A 3-star rating is generous.
31.A Bridge Across the Ocean by Susan Meissner 4 stars
I loved the immersion in history,
though I swore I would never read another book with the word Hitler in it. As in all of Meissner’s books, this story
connects women from different times, lives, and even continents. The reader comes to know and love each one
and to truly empathize with them in their difficulties. I love how everything comes together in the
end. 4 shining stars from me.
32. The Trouble
with Goats and Sheep by Joanna Cannon 4 stars
This novel, set on an avenue in a
village in England, is a sociological study on following the crowd, mob
mentality, and judging others. One of
our narrators is a young girl, who, with her friend decide to spend the summer
finding God. The author’s use of words
and the turn of a phrase are brilliant, as she would say. You can’t go a page without laughing. The novel is full of irony. In fact, if I had to describe it in one word,
I would choose irony. The residence of
the avenue think they are God-fearing Christians, when, in fact they cause
misery and destruction with their judgments and gossip. The story is also a
mystery as one of the residents has gone missing. She just vanished one day and all are sure
the odd man from house number eleven must be to blame. I know it sounds like a lot in just one
little novel. But it’s all in
there. It is brilliant!
33.Stars Over Sunset Boulevard by Susan Meissner 4 stars
Susan Messner’s style to is tell two
stories- one from the past (in this case during the filming of “Gone With the
Wind,”) and one from the present, and usually there is an object that ties the
two stories together (in this case, a hat Scarlett O’Hara wore in the movie.)
This is a story of friendship,
loyalty, romance, and love. The characters
are flawed, but very likable. It is such
a good story, told so well. I love how
it portrayed unconditional love between two friends. The audio version is well
done.
34. The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney
Walsh 5 star
I loved this
book. I was afraid it was just going to
be silly when it started. I don’t like
silly. But it wasn’t silly. It was funny, but it also had so much
depth. It was about nurturing,
ministering, and accepting. It was about
forgiving and not giving up on someone no matter what. Thank you, Tiffani (my
niece) for a great recommendation! For
me to give a 5-star rating it has to be a page-turner and it has to make me
want to be a better person. Check. Check!
35.Sea of Memories by Fiona Valpy 3 stars
It was
well-written. I loved the settings and
description. I was disappointed in the
choices made by the main character, especially in the end. I loved the granddaughter/grandmother
relationship that developed in the story.
I listened to the audio version of this book. The reader had a very singsong style that made
listening difficult. I feel I would have
enjoyed it more if I had read it.
36. The Keeper of Happy Endings by Barbara Davis 4
½ stars
I really
enjoyed this book. It is a story set-in
two-time periods- WWII France and Boston now.
The story is moving and intriguing.
The plot may have a few too many coincidences, but the happy ending
makes it worth it. It is all about the
importance of family and the ties that should never be broken. This is one I can recommend. I will seek other books by this author.
37.Maggie’s War by Terrie Todd
I
will start by saying that I have put this author’s other two books on my “to
read” list. She is a good writer. I love the Christian undertones. I love that
there is no foul language. I love the themes of redemption, forgiveness, and
love. I loved the characters and their goodness, though in Maggie’s case that
goodness had to be mined by the other characters. I loved the action of the
book and the difficulties, but how they supported one another through those
times. This is a good story. The audio version was well done.
38.Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus 3 stars
As I look
through the reviews of this book, it seems you either love it or you hate
it. Proving my theory wrong, I find
myself kind of in the middle. I
sincerely hope that women weren’t treated this way in the early 1960s. It’s disgusting. Elizabeth is fighting a battle she just can’t
win. Men rule her world. The pendulum has swung maybe a bit too far
the other way now, but I am so glad that women’s minds and contributions are honored
and appreciated now. I see that just
released is a TV series based on this book on Apple TV. I can see why it was chosen: the characters are interesting, the story
engaging, and the premise is really creative.
I enjoyed reading this book.
Warning: There is a rape scene.
Skip it. You will be able to smell it coming. There is some language. Hard to skip that.
39. Authentically, Izzy by Pepper Basham
A romance
develops all through e-mails and video chats.
There is also a lot of communication between cousins, weaving seamlessly
together a delightful story. Almost the
entire book is done in epistles, but that doesn’t weigh it down at all. You hardly notice. What a talented author to be able to do
that. I will be reading the next of this
series. It was a fun, relaxing read- or
listen. I listened to the audio version.
40. A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus 5+stars
Oh, how I
loved this book. It is the story of
three recently orphaned children from London sent to the country during the
blitz. I loved these three children and
Mrs. Mueller is a new literary hero. I
highly recommend this one. I think this
book belongs among the classics. I am
hoping for a sequel.
41. Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata 4 + stars
I really
enjoyed this book, mostly because it re- immersed me into Japanese
culture. We lived in Japan for 1 ½ years
and frequented convenience stores there- mostly to use the facilities, which
were always spotlessly clean. The
workers were friendly and cheerful- just as this woman described they were
taught to be.
The story is
not action-packed. It is a
thought-provoking social/ psychology study.
Do we push people into conforming into what we think will make them
happy and successful? Do we impose our social norms on all? I really loved Keiko. She really wanted to fit in, but in her heart
knew she was happy just the way she was- in her simple life as a convenience
store worker. The book is short. It is quirky.
It is kind of sad. But mostly it
makes you think. I think most would
enjoy it. 4+ stars from me.
42. An Island at War by Deborah Carr 5 stars
I said I
didn’t want to ever read another book with the word “Hitler” in it. I can’t stand the inhumane cruelty. But I’m
glad I listened to this one. It had some cruelty, but didn’t cross the
line. It is about the German occupation
on a channel Island during WWII. It is somewhat similar to “The Guernsey
Literature and Potato Peel Society.” I
loved the characters. They taught me of
resilience and resourcefulness. I
appreciated their compassion and willingness to share and to put others before
their own safety. The writing was
superb. We listened to the audio version
while on a road trip. 5 stars from us!
43. Christmas with Anne by LM Montgomery 4 stars
This was a
delightful collection of Christmas stories written by LM Montgomery. I loved the stories of joy, love,
forgiveness, charity, and Christmas cheer.
It certainly got me into the true spirit of Christmas.
44. The
Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan 3 stars
This was a
story to put you in the Christmas spirit.
It involved sibling reconciliation, transformation, friendship, and a
little romance. My favorite part, though, was the setting. It was set in a shop on a street that
branched off the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Scotland. The descriptions were so real that I picture
it all having visited there and walked that Royal Mile just last year. It was a fun read.
45.Snowed in for Christmas by Sarah Morgan 3 stars
This was a
fun Christmas-time read about a family with three grown children all gathering
at their childhood home for Christmas with their parents and outspoken
grandmother. I hope it’s not spoiling
the story to say that though it is a bit of a rocky road along the way, all
conflicts resolve and the story tied up in a beautiful Christmas bow.
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