What I Read in November/December

I know it’s taken a minute but I’m finally sharing my final reading wrap up of 2020.

November was a pretty slumpy reading month for me. I had such good intentions of reading a ton of nonfiction during the month and only managed to finish one book. Between the election, the holidays and preparing to switch jobs reading just didn’t pan out. I more than made up for it in December though, thanks to a ton of holiday themed romance novels and novellas and being sick and really only able to sleep and read. In total, I read X books in December and it was truly a spectacular reading month.

November Read

The Only Plane in the Sky by Garrett M. Graff
Rating: 5/5 stars
What I liked/disliked: This book absolutely blew me away. I was 8 when 9/11 happened but still have such vivid memories of the day. I’d had this book on my to read list for a while and I’m so glad I finally picked it up. The book follows the events of the day from the perspective of everyone from members of government to first responders, airport employees and the families of victims and survivors of the attack. It was tough to get through, especially reading the accounts of those who were inside the tower, but I absolutely devoured this book. This was one of the first major historical events I remember living to, and it’s a great and interesting feeling to know that your living memory is a part of history. I would love to read more historical accounts told in this format.

December Reads

Merry Inkmas by Talia Hibbert
Rating: 4/5 stars
What I liked/disliked: Talia Hibbert is a QUEEN in my book!! I picked this novella up when I was in a bit of a reading slump and overwhelmed by a packed calendar. This story was just what I needed in a romance — lovable characters, the perfect strangers to lovers set up and just the right amount of real life seriousness that Hibbert blends into romance effortlessly. This was perfectly steamy, sweet and still managed to touch on serious topics like homelessness, anxiety and trauma. I also appreciate that Talia Hibbert includes content warnings at the start of the book for all of the aforementioned themes, in case they are triggering. I laughed and cried (because love during Christmas) and would definitely recommend this!

Wrapped Up in You by Talia Hibbert
Rating: 5/5
What I liked/disliked: I was clearly on a Talia Hibbert roll last month. This was recommended by a bunch of people on Instagram and is currently only available on the Kobo app (which is free) or device. This was another perfect holiday themed romance about longtime two friends who could finally have the chance to become more at Christmas time. I loved this novella so much. I really think it’s the masterful way that Talia Hibbert combines topics like found family, grief, abuse and trauma with common romance troupes, funny moments and rich characters. I found myself rooting for Will and Abbie throughout the entire story; I just wanted what was best for both of them! Again, highly recommend this quick read.

Greenglass House by Kate Midford
Rating: 4/5 stars
What I liked/disliked: I’m a huge fan of middle grade novels and I think this one is really special. It always warms my heart when I pick up a book set for the audience and realize all of the amazing things a young reader will feel about themselves when they see their lives reflected in the story. This book follows Milo, the 12 year old adopted son of the owners of Greenglass House, a local inn known to service smugglers. One night, a ton of new and pretty suspicious guests all turn up for a stay at the inn. Objects start to go missing and Milo, with the help of his friend Meddy, decide to embark on a little adventure and get to the bottom of what’s going on at Greenglass House. This book touches on everything from found family, friendship, choosing the story of your life and more. I thought Milo was a really well done and special character, as was Meddy. The book did move a little slow for me, and is at it’s core a mystery novel which isn’t my favorite, but I really enjoyed reading it.

The Little Bookshop on the Seine & The Little Bookshop on the Corner by Rebecca Rasin
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
What I liked/disliked: A book set in Paris about a bookshop owner is pretty much a recipe for a good time for me. Whether you’re a book lover or a lover of all thing Parisian comme moi I think you’ll enjoy this book. My copy of the book included both Little Bookshop on the Seine and the story’s prequel The Little Bookshop on the Corner. Set at Christmastime, we follow our main character and book lover Sarah who owns a small, struggling used bookstore in a small town. She’s currently working to try to make both her business and long distance relationship work. One day, her friend and fellow bookshop owner calls and offers her the chance to swap bookstores, sending Sarah off to Paris. I love watching people experiencing Paris and relating so deeply with the way the city sweeps you off of your feet. All of the romance subplots were also super sweet, even thought I did not want Sarah’s love life to end how it did, and it seemed like a missed opportunity for a bigger romance moment! As a main character, Sarah is a bit annoying and comes off as helpless sometimes, which is probably why I didn’t enjoy the prequel as much.

The Office Party by Whitney G
Rating: 3/5 stars
What I liked/disliked: It’s been a few weeks now and every time I think of this book I laugh because what just happened?! This book is basically a massive human resources violation from page one. The entire premise, that a company has a mandatory office retreat at an exotic location that staff must skip Christmas to attend, is kind of ridiculous? The novella is basically a faux enemies to lovers workplace romance that kicks off when Whitney pulls her boss, who she hates, for secret Santa and unknowingly gifts him the vibrator her sister sent her for Christmas. There had always been some attraction between them, even though Whitney can’t stand him, and he takes the gift as the green light to move forward with pursuing her. This book was a very fun read but definitely requires some suspension of disbelief about everything you’ve ever known about workplace rules. I’m really glad I picked this up and would definitely read it again for a laugh!

Someone: A Novella by Kendra Danielle
Rating: 5/5 stars
What I liked/disliked: Enemies to lovers is my favorite romance troupe but apparently I also love “we slept together years ago but only one of us remembers it” as well. This was the cutest little love story and I pretty much read it all in one sitting. The story follows Colton, a retired NFL player who recently took over his family’s company and has recently fallen for Whitney, one of the company’s best employees, who just quit. Whitney hates Colton, and he can’t seem to figure out why. The two work together to try and perfect the dating app that the company was developing under Whitney’s leadership, and end up getting close in the process. I loved both of these characters so much, and the blast from the past moment was so well done. Who doesn’t love a second chance romance?! And the steamy scenes are….very very steamy.

Booked for Christmas by Lily Menon
Rating: 5/5 stars
What I liked/disliked: This book was PERFECTION! CHEF’S KISS! I’ve always loved a hate to lovers romance but what I didn’t know is that my true favorite is “two bookish people who hate each other are trapped in the perfect romance brewing situation during Christmas…with snow.” I loved everything about this short story. It follows author Sophia as she hosts her annual holiday party at a small cabin on a snowy night. She’s caught off guard when Wolfe, a book critic who’s known to be really harsh about her books, shows up. The snow gets bad, and Wolfe ends up stuck waiting out the storm alone with Sophia. This book was so precious, so steamy, and the perfect holiday romance read. I can see myself rereading this next Christmas.