This month I challenged myself to read a Christmas book (I’ve never read one before! Unless you count The Greatest Christmas Pagant Ever which I read in the 3rd grade and nothing can top it). And I finally finished it two days after Christmas. Also it wasn’t even that Christmassy. You can read more about that later but I will say I think I kinda failed on that challenge. But that’s fine.
I set a goal for reading 50 books this year and I nailed it! By that I mean I read only and exactly 50 books. No more, no less. Here are the rest of my reading stats!

As usual, all the links in this post go to support our shop, Twice Told Tales in McPherson KS.

The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters
Download the audiobook here.
Order the hardcover copy here (or stop into Twice Told Tales).

I will admit that the pacing of this book is a little on the slower side but the story was incredible. It follows two main characters–one, a Mi’kmaq man named Joe whose sister, Ruthie, went missing as a toddler. Joe is on his deathbed and taking his eyes off his little sister on that fateful day is just one of the many regrets he lives with. The other main character, a woman named Norma is looking back on her life–trying to piece together the strange childhood she had and the secrets held by everyone who was close to her.

My only real complaint about this story is that I do wish it were longer. I wanted to know more about Joe’s life. I wanted to learn more about what happened with Norma. I fell in love with these folks and my heart ached for each of them.

Here in the Dark by Alexis Soloski
Download the audiobook here.
Order the hardcover here (or snag the last one from Twice Told Tales).

This is a psychological thriller that I struggle to describe to folks! It was really intense but also, at the same time, the characters were very theatrical and campy (which makes sense, this book takes place in the theater scene of NYC). It centers around a theater critic who struggles to connect with people one-on-one but seems to come alive in the dark seats of the theater.

The storytelling in this was spot on. I loved the way the author was not terribly heavy handed with the foreshadowing and traps laid long ago come back into the storyline.
That being said, I did guess the big reveal very very early on and that kind of bummed me out. I wish the reveal had been more exciting for me. But I want you to read it and tell me at what point you realized what the big “ta-da” was.

Late Bloomer by Mazey Eddings
Pre-Order the audiobook here.
Pre-Order the physical copy here.

You know I’m deep in my romance era. I’ve been getting really tired of reading about thin, white straight people. So when a box of ARCs arrived on my desk at work, I grabbed the Sapphic one and immediately started reading away (who could resist that cover anyway?)! So, now I’m reading about thin, white, bisexual people. Bisexual and autistic (written by a bisexual, autistic author).

This book was an adorably cute, cottage core romance! There are several open-door scenes in this book (including one three-chapter long sex scene. Sheesh!) so it’s not for those of you who blush when things get steamy. I think that if I was still early in my romance reading journey, I would have said this book was soooooo good! But now that I’ve read several and am starting to get a feel for what I really like to read about, this one wasn’t my most favorite. They just seem so… young. And maybe they could use some therapy. I LOVE a romance with characters who have been to therapy. They just kinda fight a lot and then get back together without actually addressing what actually happened between them. Which I know is very hot and romantic to a lot of folks. If that’s you–place that pre-order!

Season of Love by Helena Greer
Download the audiobook here.
Order the book here.

Now this is what I’m talking about! This book is my ideal romance. It’s got queer characters (in this one, a hot fat butch lesbian and a bi girl who is described as “elfish”). They’ve got issues but they handle their shit before it becomes someone else’s problem–honestly a great example for healthy relationships. It’s pretty steamy but nothing all that explicit. It’s certainly closed door when it comes to the naked stuff. Like, I can recommend this book to folks without giving disclaimers that make me want to blush.

This was my technically-Christmas book. It takes place on a Christmas tree farm/ inn run by Jewish people. I love it! Last month (was it just last month?) I read the newest book in this series, For Never and Always, and I loved it for alllllll the same reasons I mentioned above. I liked how I could read the books out of order and not feel like I was missing something–but it was more like, “Oh I can’t WAIT to read more about these people!” Another thing I love is how the characters are absolutely Jewish and their faith is super important to them! I’ve never read a book where the character’s faith is a key component to their identity without being. like, full-on religious propaganda. ANYWAY I really hope the next book centers on Cole. I’m going to read everything Helena Greer writes.

That’s what I read in December 2023! Soon I’ll post a roundup of ALL 50 books I read this year!