During our Monthly Wrap-Up, we’ll take a look at what has happened around here in the last month. That’ll include what’s happened in my life, what we’ve read, any other posts we may have had, our most popular Instagram posts, and books that I’ve added to my ever-growing TBR.
*We linked this post to the December Monthly Wrap-Up Round-Up Link-Up at Feed Your Fiction Addiction*
Jen’s Life:
So this is kinda scary to share…..but the reason I disappeared at times and stopped doing these posts for the latter half of the year was because emotionally I was very broken. I started and ended the year losing those I love, my Grandma who I was extremely close with my whole life. And my little dog, who was more like a child to us for the last 14 years. When you throw in a serious health issue that I still haven’t mentally dealt with yet. To some of our family and friends getting scary sick from COVID. And to me switching to being a teacher to our 2nd and 4th grader since there was no way I could subject them to distance learning again…..well I was an emotional mess to say the very least. So this year I’m trying my best to heal or I guess start the path to healing. This week I’m starting back up my 3+ mile walks and exercise to give myself sanity, spending all the quality time with those I love and just trying to find the joy in simple every day things like I use to. I’m normally a person who is overly bubbly, talkative and smiles wayyyyy too much and I’d love, love, love to find that person again *fingers crossed*. So if you’re working on yourself in 2021 too, hugs and here’s hoping we can get to where we want to go ♥. Now onto all the bookish stuff…….
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What We Read:
5 Stars:
✮ In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren
✮ The Boss Who Stole Christmas (Reindeer Falls #1) by Jana Aston
✮ The One Night Stand Before Christmas (Reindeer Falls #3) by Jana Aston
✮ A Sky Beyond the Storm (An Ember in the Ashes #4) by Saaba Tahir
✮ Second First Impressions by Sally Thorne
✮ You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle
✮ A Crown For Christmas by Rachel Van Dyken
4.5 Stars:
✮ The Darkest Temptation (Made #3) by Danielle Lori
4 Stars:
✮ Holiday With You by Claudia Y. Burgoa & Grahame Claire
✮ If You Give A Jerk A Gingerbread (Reindeer Falls #2) by Jana Aston
3.5 Stars:
✮ Let It Snow by Cassie Cross
2.5 Stars:
✮ Kissmass Eve by M.E. Carter & Sara Ney
DNF:
✮ The Clause in Christmas byRachael Bloome
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Our Favorite Books of the Month:
(Arielle’s Choice) – A Sky Beyond the Storm (An Ember in the Ashes #4) by Saaba Tahir
I can tell you with 100% certainty that these books and these characters will stick with me in my heart and soul until I die. While this isn’t a light and fluffy series that can be re-read at any time during any mood, I know that I will be revisiting them for years to come. I really hope more and more people discover these books and you had better believe that once I start being able to see library patrons face-to-face again that I will be shoving this series at anyone who asks for a fantasy recommendation.
(Jen’s Choice) In a Holidaze, The Boss Who Stole Christmas & A Crown For Christmas
I’m totally cheating by picking three, but oh my gosh I desperately needed help finding the joy in Christmas last year. And each of those books helped me immensely. If you ever need help finding joy and Christmas cheer around the holidays, definitely pick up one of these.
Instagram:
We thought it would be fun to share our most popular posts for December. And they were….
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Books Added To Jen’s TBR This Month:
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So this was our December….did you read any of the same books that we did? Or share the same favorite book as us? If not, then what was your favorite book? Or have you read any of the books I just added to my TBR?
Here’s hoping you all had a wonderful December. And cheers to January being fabulous for all of us!
Jen – I am so sorry to hear you had such a really really awful 2020. I hope that 2021 looks a bit brighter!!
I read In a Holidaze and enjoyed it overall. It was a four star read for me.
-Lauren
ShootingStarsMag recently posted…(Review) Marion Lane and the Midnight Murder
Thank you so much, Lauren! And I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed In a Holidaze too. 🙂
Sorry you’ve been having a hard time, Jen! *Hugs.*
Aj @ Read All The Things! recently posted…Wrap Up: December 2020
Thank you so much for the hugs!!! So needed ♥.
I’m sorry to hear that you’ve been dealing with so much, Jen. I really hope that this year brings healing and better things for you… and for us all.
Tanya @ Girl Plus Books recently posted…Review: In the Penalty Box by Lynn Rush & Kelly Anne Blount #NewRelease #EntangledTeen
Thank you so much, Tanya! I truly hope 2021 is much more kind to my family *keeping all my fingers, toes, arms etc crossed*. I don’t want my littles to go through any more heartache, they’re so young and I’d be beyond grateful for some mental reprieve ♥. Thank you!!
I too am hoping 2021 treats you much better! “Me time” is extra important when everyone is stuck at home and needs more of your time. On a bookish note, your instagram pics are lovely–I enjoy the book focus and simplicity.
Thank you so much, Danielle *hugs*! I hope 2021 is kind to the both of us *fingers crossed*. And thank you so much for the kind comments about our instagram *hugs again*!
I have heard great things about In a Holidaze!
It was so much fun and put me in the most festive mood. I hope you enjoy it when you pick it up. 🙂