A Year in Reviews

by Donna Huber

Here we are at the end of 2024 and what a year it has been. So many books! We published 405 reviews, discussions, and lists this year. Earlier this week, MK shared her favorite books, which happened to be all fantasy and magical realism, and Susan shared her reading statistics and favorite books. I shared my favorite books of the year back in November and if I were to do the list today I would add 2 books I read this month Daughters of Shandong by Eve J. Chung and Perfect Storm by Paige Shelton.

Today, I'm taking a moment to highlight some of our most popular posts and special features of the year.

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My 2024 Reading Stats

by Susan Roberts

Just 2 more days of 2024. I'm sharing some of my reading statistics for the year as well as my favorite books of the year. If you are a fantasy fan, be sure to check out MK's list of favorite reads.

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My Favorite Fantasy Reads of 2024

by MK French

Here we are in the last few days of 2024 and will feature a few "best of 2024" lists. I'm kicking it off with my favorite reads of 2024. 

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Blue Christmas Bones by Carolyn Haines ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

Sarah Booth Delaney and her friends can’t help falling in love with Christmas this year, which they plan to spend celebrating the King of Rock n’ Roll at the annual Elvis Festival in Tupelo. The main attraction is an Elvis impersonator competition, drawing impersonators from all over the world to honor the king.

Amazon Affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

The Secrets of Still Waters Chasm by Patricia Crisafulli ~ a Review

by MK French

Gabriela Domenici and her boyfriend Daniel Red Deer are hiking when they find a strange construction site in the middle of the woods. They find a woman's body and a man convulsing, so they go for help. Upon returning to the scene, the two bodies and all of their gear are gone. Trying to research the area, Gabriela meets herbalist Lucinda Nanz and Wendy Haughton, a young woman desperately trying to escape her abusive husband. Despite warnings to stay out of the investigation and Daniel's urging to not get involved, Gabriela is determined to discover the truth. This puts her at odds with people who will stop at nothing to stop her.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

2 Suspense Novels to End the Year

by Susan Roberts

I'm catching up on some of my backlog of books as the year comes to an end. If you are looking for a good book to curl up with as you see the old year out, check out these two books of suspense.

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Christmas Books I Still Hope to Read

by Donna Huber

Merry Christmas! Did you find everything you wanted under the tree? Did you get any books? If you got a new eReader and need to stock it or if you are just now finding time to read Christmas books, be sure to check out all 25 posts for our 25 Days of Christmas Reading. The free ebooks might not be free anymore but we provided plenty of recommendations over the past month that I'm sure you will find something fun to read.

Here is a list of Christmas books that are still in my TBR pile and I hope to get them read before the end of the year.

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'Twas the Night Before Christmas

by Donna Huber

Here we are on the day before Christmas. Have you had time to read a few Christmas stories? If not, perhaps you can sneak in a Christmas poem or two tonight. It might even be one of the most famous American poems that you will share with your children tonight. Learn a little about this famous poem and another Christmas poem (less well-known) by the same author.

We'll be back tomorrow with one more list for our 25 Days of Christmas Reading. We hope you have enjoyed the features and we wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

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Christmas Begins with Mary Kay Andrews

by Susan Roberts

Mary Kay Andrews is a well-known Southern author who writes fantastic books about life in the South.  I wasn't really aware of all of the Christmas books that she's written until I read her current newsletter that started out with the comment above.  So I ordered her new Christmas short story and started looking through her backlog of books for Christmas books.

If you need even more holiday reading recommendations, check out our 25 Days of Christmas Reading.

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There's a New Ryan in Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan Universe

by Donna Huber

I've been reading Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan stories for more than 2 decades (and I know many fans who have followed the series for longer). I always thought I enjoyed the Ryan Sr books more than the Ryan Jr. books because of nostalgia. But I recently read the two new books in the series and realized that there is another distinct difference between the Sr and Jr series.  And I'm so excited about the new Ryan that is introduced in these books.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Free books were provided for an honest review.

Spend Christmas in Michigan with Viola Shipman

by Susan Roberts

Viola Shipman is a fantastic author who writes books that take place in my home state of Michigan. Since he didn't publish a Christmas this year, now is a great time to catch up.  Here are three of his books that celebrate the holidays (and the cold weather and snow). Plus a couple of bonus Christmas stories are featured at the end if you need a short, quick read.

If you need more recommendations check out our other 25 Days of Christmas Reading features.

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Sisters in Science by Olivia Campbell ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

In the 1930s, Germany was a hotbed of scientific thought. But after the Nazis took power, Jewish and female citizens were forced out of their academic positions. Hedwig Kohn, Lise Meitner, Hertha Sponer, and Hildegard Stücklen were eminent in their fields, but they had no choice but to flee due to their Jewish ancestry or anti-Nazi sentiments.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

The Christmas Inn by Pamela Kelley ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

Riley Sanders didn’t plan on losing her job as a content marketing manager right before Christmas. When she calls her sister Amy to vent, she learns that their mother has broken her leg and could really use some help at the inn. Riley decides to head home to the inn, nestled along the shores of Cape Cod, in time for the Christmas rush. She is happy to help and needs something to distract her as mistletoe is hung and snowflakes begin to fall.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.i

Your Letter by Hyeon A Cho ~ a Review

by MK French

Sori Lee stood up for her friend, which led her to become the new target. Her friend transfers schools, so Sori decides to follow that example. She finds a letter taped to the bottom of her desk inviting her on a scavenger hunt. Following the clues to find the letter writer, she explores the people and places around the school and learns to trust in people again.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

Tales of Christmas Past

by Donna Huber

Historical fiction is one of our favorite genres and so of course we have some historical Christmas stories to recommend. 

Whether you want holiday romances, merry & murder, or delightfully frightful, we have you covered with our 25 Days of Christmas Reading (plus free ebooks, audiobook recommendations, and festive treat recipes).

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5 Historical Fiction Stories Featuring Tough, Tenacious Women

by Susan Roberts

This must be the week for historical fiction as Donna reviewed a WWII homefront novel on Monday, and yesterday, MK had reviews for a novel set in 18th century Japan and one of the novels I'm also reviewing today. 

I have reviews of five new historical fiction novels - one is about Queen Elizabeth and her first Christmas as Queen , one takes place during World War I and the other three all take place during World War II.  The one thing that all five books have in common is that they feature tough and tenacious women who made a major difference in their worlds.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Free books were provided for an honest review.

Christmas Books to Listen to & a Recipe

by Donna Huber

Christmas is just around the corner, are you ready? Whether you have your hands full with wrapping Christmas presents, baking holiday goodies or are just tired of Christmas music (why did they start playing them before Thanlsgiving?), a Christmas audiobook is a great way to enjoy a festive read. Here are some I've listened to. Get a free trial of Audible!

Need more reading recommendations? Check out our 25 Days of Christmas Reading.

I've included an easy treat to make at the end.

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2 Novels of Historical Fiction to Read

by MK French

Do you have a preferred time period when you read historical fiction? I usually read early history (16th - 19th century) but I enjoy more modern historical fiction. Today I'm recommending one set in 18th century Japan and one that is set during WWII.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Free books were provided for an honest review.

A Festive Christmas Series by Kimberly Thomas Continues with New Books

by Susan Roberts

Kimberly has brought her readers a new Christmas series full of family and romance, forgiveness and absolution...but most of all the spirit of love that exists at Christmas. Discover the spirit of Rockport, where hope and heart collide, and every return is a chance for new beginnings.

In January, I reviewed the first 3 books in the series, and Thomas has penned two more books in the series this year. If you need more reading recommendations be sure to check out our 25 Days of Christmas Reading.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Free books were provided for honest reviews.  

Holiday Fiction for Prime and Kindle Unlimited Subscribers

Today's list features some ebooks that Amazon Prime and Kindle Unlimited subscribers can enjoy for free as part of their memberships. If you are finding yourself with extra reading time during the holidays, you can try the free trials of Prime and Kindle Unlimited and enjoy reading for free.

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Fear of the Light by Ross Harrison ~ a Review

by MK French

Someone has kidnapped the assassin Juni Lien, and now Travis Archer will do whatever it takes to find her. Doing so means passing trials that isolate him more and more, and has devastating consequences. Juni isn't helpless, and the two wind up discovering secrets from the past that threaten to destroy everything.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

Free ebook: Wrapped Up in Christmas by Janice Lynn

I only have 2 more workdays of the year and then I plan to read Christmas books, eat Christmas cookies, and enjoy other Christmas festivities. If you need more reading recommendations for your holidays, we have you covered with our 25 Days of Christmas Reading.

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The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle by Jennifer Ryan ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

After renowned fashion designer Cressida Westcott loses both her home and her design house in the London Blitz, she has nowhere to go but the family manor house she fled decades ago. Praying that her niece and nephew will be more hospitable than her brother had been, she arrives with nothing but the clothes she stands in, at a loss as to how to rebuild her business while staying in a quaint country village.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

Books of Christmas Lore & Trivia

Have you ever wondered about the origins of some of the Christmas traditions and stories? Do you enjoy trivia? Are you looking for small talk topics for the company Christmas party or answers your kids' 20 questions about Christmas? Here is a list of books about Christmas lore and trivia.

If you are ready to curl up with an entertaining holiday story, check out all our recommendations for the 25 Days of Christmas Reading.

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Crime & Christmas Fa La La La

by Donna Huber

For a long time I thought Christmas stories were only romances, but in 2017 I read a Christmas thriller and it changed everything. Now I seek out other crime fiction Christmas stories. I always have a few cozy mystery series that have a Christmas book, but I particularly like Christmas suspense and thrillers. This year I've read a few so if you also want a thrill along with your Merry & Bright check out these books.

Need more recommendations? Check out all the books featured during the 25 Days of Christmas Reading.

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Christmas Stories for Friday the 13th

As it is Friday the 13th, we are featuring some dark and spine-chilling Christmas stories for those who find frightful reading to be quite delightful. Be sure to also check out our previous posts in our 25 Days of Christmas Reading.

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Perfect Storm by Paige Shelton ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

Beth Rivers needs to disappear. Her one-time kidnapper, Travis, is on his way to her town in Alaska, and she's losing time to get out quickly.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

4 Christmas Novellas For Joyful Reading

by Susan Roberts

Life can get pretty hectic around the holidays.  Even though you might want to read, there just isn't time to read an entire novel.  Here's a list of a few Christmas novellas that you can read in one sitting. 

Need more recommendations? Check out all of our 25 Days of Christmas Reading posts.

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A Bramble House Christmas by C.J. Carmichael

Do you have the Hallmark Channel on 24/7 during the holidays? If you have a weakness for their holiday movies, then you definitely need to read this book. It inspired a Hallmark Channel Original movie.

Get more recommendations with our 25 Days of Christmas Reading. 

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Beneath the Poet's House by Christa Carmen ~ a Review

by MK French

Saoirse White is dealing with grief and writer's block, and decides to move into the home of Sarah Helen Whitman, the nineteenth-century poet and spiritualist once courted by Edgar Allan Poe. Saoirse is immediately welcomed by a trio of transcendentalists obsessed with Whitman, the house, and Whitman’s beliefs. Glad to make friends, she soon meets prize-winning author Emmit Powell and romance blooms. Saoirse begins to write again, but old fears return, and a secret she tried to bury may not be the only thing haunting her.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

A Murder on 34th Street by Colette Clarke

It is easy to find holiday romances, but to find holiday stories in other genres can be a bit more difficult, If you are more into murder than romance, check out today's free ebook for our 25 Days of Christmas Reading.

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Daughter of Shandong by Eve J. Chung ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

In 1948, civil war ravages the Chinese countryside, but in rural Shandong, the wealthy, landowning Angs are more concerned with their lack of an heir. Hai is the eldest of four girls and spends her days looking after her sisters. Headstrong Di, who is just a year younger, learns to hide in plain sight, and their mother—abused by the family for failing to birth a boy—finds her own small acts of rebellion in the kitchen. As the Communist army closes in on their town, the rest of the prosperous household flees, leaving behind the girls and their mother because they view them as useless mouths to feed.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

Christmas at Belhaven Hall by Karla Kratovil

If you are a fan of Regency romance you don't want to miss this FREE ebook. Be sure to check out all our holiday reads during our 25 Days of Christmas Reading. 

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I Made It Out of Clay by Beth Kander ~ a Review

by MK French

Eve is single and nearing forty, stressed about work and relationships. With her younger sister's wedding coming up, she manages to make a golem to pose as her boyfriend. He's handsome and thoughtful, but her rom-com start soon takes a darker turn.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

Not Until Christmas Morning by Valerie M. Bodden

As we get closer to Christmas, the more I just want to curl up with a book. But if you are like me, your book budget is a little smaller in December due to all the holiday shopping. I normally turn to the library but the hold list for Christmas books (even older titles) is longer than Santa's naughty or nice list. Good thing for free ebooks at Amazon. Be sure to check out our other 25 Days of Christmas Reading for more recommendations and more free ebooks.

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Cape Cod Series by Kimberly Thomas ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

A new series by Kimberly Thomas is always something to look forward to.  She writes feel-good women's fiction, as well as clean and wholesome contemporary romance. Her stories focus on love, loss, and the everyday situations that families face.  Her characters are relatable and her plots make her books more than just contemporary romances.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Free books were provided for honest reviews.

Ghost Stories for Your Christmas Reading

by Donna Huber

During the Victorian Era, it was tradition to tell ghost stories during Christmas. Probably the most famous Christmas ghost story is A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (check out my deep dive into A Christmas Carol). Last year, one of my local libraries hosted a night of Victorian ghost stories and it was a lot of fun with storytellers sharing stories. Light a fire, dim the lights, grab a cozy blanket, and curl up with one of these books of Christmas ghost stories. If you are just now joining up for our 25 Days of Christmas Reading, be sure to check out the previous days.

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How to Steal a Galaxy by Beth Revis ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

Ada had no intention whatsoever to continue working for the rebel group that hired her to retrieve the government’s plans for a nanobot climate cleaner if they weren’t willing to pay her for it, but then they offer a different undercover mission to a charity gala where Rian will be in attendance.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

Under The Mistletoe Short Story Collection

The holiday season can be crazy with holiday parties and gift shopping and if you have kids all the school activities and then schools out and they are home all day! It can be difficult to find a few minutes for yourself let alone time to enjoy a book. But it is important to find some "me-time" during the holidays so today we are featuring a collection of short (Amazon says they are 2-hours or less reads) holiday romance stories. If you are a Prime Member you can read AND listen for free (I love holiday audiobooks when Christmas carols get too repetitive). If you need more recommendations, check out all our 25 Days of Christmas Reading posts.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site.

4 Young Adult Novels For Winter Reading Entertainment

by MK French

Your teen will soon be out of school for the winter holidays and will need something to keep them entertained. Here is a round-up of recently released and upcoming new young adult novels.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Free books were provided for an honest review.

A Midwinter Murder by Verity Bright ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

It's Day 5 of our 25 Days of Christmas Reading and I'm reviewing a new book!

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

Have a Cozy Little Christmas with this Cozy Mystery Box Set

When most people think of Christmas books they probably think of holiday romances. While there are more than plenty of holiday romances to read, did you know you can find Christmas books in other genres as well? If romance isn't your thing but you still want a festive read for the the season, check out today's featured book (and if holiday romances are your thing, be sure to check out Days 1 - 3 of our 25 Days of Christmas Reading).

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Two New Humorous Fiction Books

by Susan Roberts

Do you need a good laugh? These two funny books will lighten your mood and make you smile.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Free books were provided for an honest review.

Christmas at the Marshmallow Cafe by C.P. Ward

Day 3 of our 25 Days of Christmas Reading and we have another heartwarming free romance novel for you. I love the title - the Marshmallow Cafe sounds like a fun place. 

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My UnderSlumberBumbleBeast by Zoje Stage, illustrated by J. E. Larson ~ a Review & Giveaway

by MK French

Nine-year-old Pru is interested in many things, and right now she wants to find the source of the strange noises under her bed. UnderSlumberBumbleBeasts only come out in the dark, she had never seen one. When her mother asks her to clean her room, Pru's life changes.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.i

Free eBook: A Texas Christmas Miracle by Justine Davis

Day 2 of our 25 Days of Christmas Reading features a free holiday romance ebook. Be sure to stop by every day for a new book list, free ebook, or other festive goodie. You can always find all our 25 Days of Christmas  Reading posts at this link.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site.

Bluebird Day by Megan Tady ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

In this hilarious, heartwarming tale, mother-daughter skiing champs face the bumps in their own relationship when an avalanche in a Swiss village forces them together.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

5 Holiday Romances to Read This Season

by Donna Huber

Today we are kicking off our 25 Days of Christmas Reading. We did this last year and it was a lot of fun. Each day we will feature reading recommendations, free ebooks, or some other festive goodies. If you aren't into reading Christmas books, we will still have reviews of new and recent releases throughout the month. 

As we have been reviewing Christmas books since September, today is a round-up of some of them since you might not have been thinking of Christmas at the time.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Free books were provided for an honest review.

The Forgotten One by Catherine Bybee ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

A dazzling tale of long-lost relatives, overnight riches, and unexpected romance. 

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

14th Annual Holiday Shopping Guide

by Donna Huber

I love putting together the annual books to give list. It's probably why the Holiday Shopping Guide is one of the few things I started the first year of Girl Who Reads that I still do today. If you have readers on your gift list this year (or if you want to get a gift for yourself) here are some of the best books I've read this year. Surprisingly, out of the 138 books I've read so far only 6 received 5 stars, but I have a few other books that were really close to getting 5 stars so they're on this list as well.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Many of the books on this list were provided free for an honest review.