Best Reads of December 2020

Here we are, the night before New Year's Eve. It feels like forever ago that 2020 was just beginning. It has been a most difficult year. I hope that you at least found some distraction and entertainment in the many great books that came out this year. At the end of each month, the staff of Girl Who Reads has named their favorite reads for the month. Have you enjoyed this feature? Should we continue to do so in 2021? 

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Jingle All the Way by Debbie Macomber

When the December rush stresses you out in a normal year, it was really tough in 2020 when most holiday plans had to be canceled. A good light, fluffy book always helps to calm my nerves and there is always a new Debbie Macomber Christmas book to pick up.  This year it was Jingle All the Way - a predictable book with a happily ever after ending that helped my mood tremendously. Donna reviewed it back in October, if you want to read her review. ~ Susan

Daisy is a top real estate broker in Chicago where she owns a popular company with her best friend Jack.  She seems to be taking on all of the work involved in the company, while Jack relaxes and lets her handle the problems.  When she wants to fire his inept niece as her secretary, he decides that she is too stressed and orders her to take a cruise that his niece arranges.  When Daisy decides that a warm-weather cruise might be helpful, she packs her summer clothes and heads to the airport.  When she finds out that she has been booked on an educational Amazon river cruise instead of a leisurely Caribbean cruise, she attempts to get off the boat but has to make the best of it and continue the cruise.  After several days of being sick from a spider bite, she decides to make the best of the cruise and starts to meet the people.  When she meets Asher Adams, the ship's charming naturalist, there are instant sparks between them.  As the cruise is ending, they have to make a decision whether a long-distance relationship is the best for them or if they should just say goodbye.

Jingle All the Way was a fun book to read and who doesn't like a happily ever after ending?

Buy Jingle All the Way at Amazon

An Ivy Hill Christmas by Jule Klassen

I read so many good books this month that it is difficult to choose just one. But as Susan said, 2020 has been a difficult year, and I decided to go with the book that gave me the most warm fuzzy feelings. While An Ivy Hill Christmas is technically a romance, there is much more to this story. It is about family, charity, community, and the forgiveness that entered the world on Christmas Day. I liked how the themes of forgiveness, helping your fellow man, the true meaning of Christmas was interwoven into the story. It felt natural and never preachy. It's a definite must-read for fans of Christmas stories. And I just love its cover. You can read my full review. ~ Donna

It has been many years since Richard Brockwell has spent the Christmas holidays at his family's country estate. Finding it difficult to refuse, he begrudgingly returns with all intent of being miserable. While there he must confront past mistakes - both those made by him and against him. Will forgiveness be on the table along with the roasted goose?

Buy An Ivy Hill Christmas at Amazon

Wrong Alibi by Christina Dodd

I read a lot this month, and it's hard to choose a favorite book out of the bunch. I did read a lot of romantic stories, and that always helps when things are hectic and busy in Real Life. Still, the one that stuck with me for the longest after finishing it was Wrong Alibi. I enjoyed Petie's story and the strength she had in fighting for the truth and her family.  Read my review. ~ MK

Evelyn was eighteen years old when she landed a job as a caretaker in Alaska but soon was left with charges of theft, embezzlement, and murder. Despite being innocent, she was convicted. She went on the run, searching for the actual murderer so she can get revenge. While she plans on being the hunter, there is evidence from the original crime that has to be untangled before her family is put at risk.

Buy Wrong Alibi at Amazon

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