Dogs Think That Every Day is Christmas

Short and sweet - I was thinking that this was going to be something else entirely - but this book is straight outta left field. That isn't to say that I didn't enjoy it - I did - it was just so unexpected. The book opens with a with an introduction and confession about how he wronged his dog Pete when he was a child and has never fully been absolved for it - then follows the poem "Dogs Think That Every Day is Christmas" that is not as child friendly as these amateurish illustrations would lead you to believe. An odd but endearing little book from the master of sci-fi.

Wrapped With a Beau

Very steamy, very predictable. Good holiday fun! Longer review coming soon - just want this in before the new years!

House of Ash and Bone

A little on the cheesy side, but definitely dark. This read like a middle grade horror novel but with plenty of foul language. When Josephine and their family find out they have inherited a big old house in Canaan; the news couldn't have come at a better time. There family is in dire financial straights and this could be just the thing they need to get back on track. The house is big and creepy and better than they expected - there are five big bedrooms, one for each daughter and the rooms seem perfectly suited to each of them. So why does Josephine feel ill at ease? Soon her memory starts to go foggy and soon she starts to suspect that they aren't the only ones living in the house. Genuinely creepy at moments, but there was somehow both a lot and not a lot going on at the same time. Just an ok novel with a meh ending. 

The Boys from Biloxi

Why have I waited so long to read a John Grisham?!? I was thoroughly engrossed in this legal thriller and it wasn't as "literary" or "legally" as I thought it might be. It was very straightforward and the plot kept me engaged. Biloxi wasn't just known for it's coastal beauty and fishing, it was also known for its vices and corruption. The police and judges were in bed with the mobsters; taking cuts from the illegal drinking, gambling, and prostitution. Two young boys were raised in this environment and they couldn't lead different lives; once friends and athletes the two grow apart after high school and find themselves at opposite sides. One will become a lawyer who idealizes his father and the work he is doing to clean up Biloxi; the other a thug and mobster, one who also idolizes his father and the "empire" he built. Fast paced, I liked how this story spans over decades. The city of Biloxi also feels like a character. I definitely need to read more Grisham!

Unhinged

There's nothing like ending a great reading year with a little bit of smut. And what bizarre smut this was. A door (yes a door) starts to fall for the woman that lives in the apartment he guards. He starts to really fall for her and watches her every move. Soon he realizes that the landlord is up to no good and he wants to protect her from his evil advances. But how can he do that when he can't move on his own? One wild dream later and Tana is lubing up the doorknob (OW!). Is this how he can protect her? Wild and ridiculous. Though honestly.... I could have done with a little more door sex, lol. 

The Treehouse Library

The 5th installment of the Pages and Co. series, is good, but not my favorite. The first few were so good that it's hard to come close to that bookish magic. The Treehouse Library is the second book in the series that focuses on Milo, and now he's the most important kid because he controls the Quip, a magical train that runs on stories and imagination. His uncle, the real conductor of the train is unconscious and poisoned. Milo and his new friend, Alessia, must try to find the cure to wake him. They take the train and go looking for the Botanist, if anyone has a cure it must be here. Whimsical and fun. This series is perfect for book lovers!

Notes From the Porch

Short and sweet, this little collection of short stories can easily be read in an hour so. Ranging from observations about his seven year old neighbor, to blue herons, to the loss of his daughter, the stories run the gamut of emotions and of brevity. Written during the pandemic, the stories carry the mark of learning to adapt to less human interaction; while still remaining charming and heartfelt. Cute, but not a timeless collection that you would re-read over and over. 

A Christmas Story

Simply the best Christmas tale. Why did I wait so long to read this?! I grew up loving the movie and being proud that it was written by a Hoosier who lovingly wrote about where I grew up (the "region"). Reading this collection of short stories (taken from another short story collection by Jean Shepherd) that inspired the cult classic Christmas movie, I was in awe of how truly funny it was. I literally laughed out loud on multiple occasions much to the annoyance of my cats. I can't praise it enough. It's fantastic and I want to reread it every holiday season. It's too damn good to read just once. For fans of the movie adaptation, humor, and Hoosiers. Not to be missed!

Her Secret Hope

While not the strongest storyline in the Pinecraft series - this installment is a perfect conclusion to the series. Lilly Kurtz returns to Pinecraft for good, but not to be with a man. She is tired of living in the shadow of her adoption and wants to figure out life on her own. She takes a job as a maid in order to secure free housing and enjoys getting to reconnect with her best friends. The only thing is, even though she is so much closer to them, she has never felt further apart. They seem to speak their own language talking about husbands and kids and Lilly starts to feel left out. That's not what she wanted? Or is it? When Eddie Byler, an Amish guest at the inn, starts talking to her she feels a spark. Maybe there is something there, but she's nervous that if he gets too close he will be disgusted by her past. Can she let down her walls to let love in? Inspirational, heartwarming, and charming. I wish this series would continue!

Holidays on Ice

I love David Sedaris, he has such dry, wry wit. But this has to be my least favorite book of his. It's not as funny, and he comes off as a real jerk in most of the stories. I listened to the audiobook which is the best way to get the full Sedaris experience! He and his sister, Amy, do all the narration which is fantastic. This collection isn't the most uplifting holiday read, in fact save for the first story, it's barely a holiday read at all. But I will read anything by Sedaris, so even though it's not my favorite, it's still worth a listen!

The Water Dancer

The prose isn't always easy to read, but this story is powerful and unforgettable. Hiram was born with a gift he doesn't know how to use or control; but it has the power to change his future. He was born into servitude at Lockless, a Virginian tobacco plantation. His mother and his memory of her is long gone; all he has is his half brother, Maynard, the heir to the estate, and the plantation owner, his father. He is afforded some liberties but when you're born to the tasked; the only liberty that matters is freedom. Little does he know that his gift will soon help him on the underground. Heartbreaking and powerful!

Lessons in Chemistry

I am such a fool! I avoided this book for ages solely because I disliked the cover! I deprived myself from loving this for far too long. The audiobook narration was superb, and was the very first thing that hooked me. I was so invested in Elizabeth Zott and her story. From defying the odds in the early sixties as a female scientist, finding love, losing love, starting a family, and become a well loved tv host - this journey was fantastic and was all about defying the odds while staying true to yourself. The character building is top tier and I had such deep feelings for them all. The characters were wonderfully flawed and so real. I can't wait to watch the show. This is a book I will definitely read again!