What I've Read So Far in January

[@estherjane-m8e]

You are definitely a reading rockstar for January 😊❤

[@BooksAndJams]

I have started the year off strong that's for sure. Thanks!

[@Readingindarknesss]

I had the appeal on wait list at the library but after this description, I caved and bought it!!

[@BernasBookishAdventures]

I am also having a great reading month in January and I am so glad you are rocking the readathon too 🎉🎉

[@BooksAndJams]

Yay! Glad you've started the year off with great reads as well.

[@lizdorrington2851]

Yay that you're having a great reading month so far Krista. I'm also having an excellent reading month, I've read 12 books so far. I suffered a nasty accident at the beginning of the year so I'm definitely finding solace & comfort in reading. ❤

[@BooksAndJams]

I'm so sorry you've had an accident. Glad that books are bringing some light to your days. Prayers for quick healing!

[@Danni.Dabbles]

I like the idea of a mid month check in. I relate to having some books that I just forget about by the end of the month. The Words We Lost sounds very impactful. I want to read the Appeal! I tried it via audio, which due to the mixed media just didn't work well. I have thought about picking up Welcome to Hyunam-Dong Bookshop, but I'm just not sure it's for me. 👍

[@ShainaInColorland]

What a great month so far Krista! 💜

[@BooksAndJams]

It has been a great month so far!

[@carlajohannessen]

I also started my year off with Exiles. I just love Jane Harper! Great video!!

[@BooksAndJams]

Yay! I am ready for her to write another one now. haha.

[@natashaelliot5930]

What a fab start to the year! I love the sound of The Light Pirate

[@BooksAndJams]

I hope you love it if you pick it up.

[@Patlovescozybooks]

Hey Krista! Watching videos tonight. You are awesome!

[@BooksAndJams]

Thanks so much!

[@cajunpeachreads]

👍I keep eyeing The Appeal - think I'll throw it on my Next Books so I keep seeing it and work it in soonish.

[@BooksAndJams]

Yes! It's such a fun read.

[@story_b918]

Awesome start to the month! 👍📚

[@BooksAndJams]

Thanks so much!

[@somero2350]

You go girl. Eight books already. Wow. That's impressive. I hope you have a great week ahead. ❤ Gonna be cold here in Virginia. Great time to snuggle and read.

[@BooksAndJams]

It is a chilly week for sure. Not nearly as cold as some other places in the US, but chilly enough!

[@sandyh8755]

Eight books at the half way point of the month?! Great reading! I’m finishing up my 5th book which is not bad. The Appeal is going on my list for sure. I’m not familiar with Jane Harper, but you talked me into looking into this trilogy.

[@BooksAndJams]

Not bad at all to have 5 so far. Any number is not bad as long as you're enjoying your reading time!

[@MidloLiz]

Great month so far.! The weather has made for nice cozy reading days, and I've been enjoying it.

[@BooksAndJams]

It's getting even colder this coming week. Yikes!

[@Bookworm_Bron]

👍🏻 Yay for Jane Harper! I love her books. It must be time for another one soon 🤞🏻

[@BooksAndJams]

I hope so!

[@judymiller2895]

Wow! Great start to the month and year. 📚📚📚

[@BooksAndJams]

For sure! I'm so thrilled.

[@scotthacker2265]

I agree with you on The Light Pirate.

[@BooksAndJams]

It was a strange one, but I'm glad I read it.

[@bethanysbookshelf]

👍🏼 You’ve made me want to pick up The Last Love Note and The Appeal!

[@BooksAndJams]

Yay! I hope you do and love them both!

[@healing682]

Thank you so much for the recommendations! The Sugar Queen sounds really good :) Some of the books I've read were too heavy for the start of the year which had me bawling almost every day but found gems too. The Last Russian Doll, The Book of Everlasting Things, Mercy House, Queen of Thieves (recommended for anyone interested in British historical novels), The Kitchen Front just finishing The Flower Boat Girl and The Last Checkmate.

[@tamerastarr5528]

The Sugar Queen was really good ! Thank you for rec.

[@BooksAndJams]

I'm glad you liked it.

[@bobbyshields4810]

I always enjoy. I hope you will have another meet up in Northern VA this year. I would love to attend.

[@BooksAndJams]

Thanks so much Bobby. I hope to plan an outing to Green Valley Book Fair, which is in Harrisonburg this year.

[@janemair9640]

Loved the appeal you need to read the Christmas sequel it is just as good! 😊

[@BooksAndJams]

I will definitely read the Christmas one next winter.

[@becky9194]

So glad you are having a great reading month so far!

[@BooksAndJams]

Thanks, I am!

[@indydriven2596]

Your reading is going so well. There’s nothing better than starting off with really good reads at the beginning of a new year. I love Jane Harper’s books also, and I agree, I enjoyed The Dry the most out of the trilogy. It was a book where I felt that the heat and oppressive drought in Australia was an actual character in the book. You’ve given me two books that I now want to read and have put on hold at my library. I had never heard of The Words We Lost but it sounds like a book that you can make a deep connection with, and I’ve also put The Light Pirate on hold. I’ve seen that book around on different TBRs but have never heard it reviewed until now. It sounds like one I may enjoy. I hope the second half of January is as good for you as your first half with respect to reading. 🤓📚📖

[@LoriCall1]

I have Love Note and Exiles on my TBR already. I think I will add The Light Pirate. It sounds great. Sure enjoy you.

[@BooksAndJams]

I hope you love all of those books.

[@LauraR00]

Sounds like a great start to the year! I haven't read Janice Hallett yet, but I want to check her out.

[@MLLatUtube]

👍👍👍I am adding The Appeal and The Sugar Queen to my TBR. I also already have Welcome to the Hyunam Dong Bookstore on my list so I hope I like it more than you did. 🙂 My favorite so far is The Way of the Wolf, a contemporary werewolf fantasy. (Yes, it was odd but I ended up really enjoying it.)

[@nicolegalbraith1689]

I feel your frustration with Nothing But the Truth. Sadly as a middle school teacher, I liked it because it is such a realistic portrayal of how teachers and schools are treated by the public. I loved the ending of the Aaron Falk trilogy, but kind of hope Jane Harper changes her mind and writes more books with him or includes him as side character in other books.

[@GabrielTheMagolorMain]

As a parent it’s difficult..my son had several awful teachers in elementary, so awful lawyers were involved. It made me not trust anyone involved with the school system. However…middle school and high school he has had so many fantastic teachers. Over Covid during middle school he had one teacher for online learning and she was incredible, she made such a difference. Many great teachers have come after her. So I made a point to reach out to the district. For years I’d been the one showing up upset, documenting every problem, pulling my kid out when things got bad. So when he had amazing teachers I wanted them to know that too. The downside is I don’t believe that matters to their pay. I would say “this teacher is amazing, a compliment from me you know has to be solid with our history,” but the district doesn’t seem to do much. I’m sure they’re glad I’m out of their hair and my sons doing good, but I wish these teachers that make such a difference got more recognition and a raise, I would guess that’s what they could use the most. I don’t envy your position, I’ve never wanted to be a teacher. Something I used to think about was us parents and our kids come to each year with either a ton of baggage or good experiences that the next teacher had nothing to do with. So I had empathy for that, at the same time I could not turn off my mistrust until it naturally started to wear off as right teachers came along. I can’t speak for how the greater public treats schools and teachers, but what some kids are put through at the hands of burnt out teachers (which is generous) is atrocious. But that doesn’t make it fair for the teachers that don’t damage their students. I’m sorry you have to deal with that.

[@katrinapowers1939]

I really enjoyed the format of The Appeal.

[@nancypicksbooks]

Wow! Lots of books completed already. Interesting review of The Light Pirate. I'm reading it this year and am now wondering if it will work for me. I DNFd Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop. I was so bored.

[@BooksAndJams]

I can see that about the Bookshop book. It wasn't quite as cozy/lovely as I was hoping.

[@emmareads734]

I haven’t read any of those. The Appeal sounds most interesting to me. I love mysteries!

[@BooksAndJams]

I have been loving mysteries lately too.

[@lamper2]

Love how you describe the books. How do you read so many books in such a short time? Takes me long to read a book. Thanks. Barb

[@BooksAndJams]

I just read all the time. And I have a job where I can read a little at work as well.

[@MariaGutierrezCA]

Now I know what I’m going to recommend in the Patreon Besties chat today!

[@BooksAndJams]

Oooo I can't wait to find out!

[@annelies9494]

😂 here I am, watching your video in what looks like the exact same Oodie, soooo comfy 😊

[@BooksAndJams]

It's so cozy! My reading chair is pretty drafty since it's right under my attic door. So I wear that thing quite a bit on these cold evenings!

[@crystiepratt5239]

Great video. I’m new to your site & loved it. Thank you 👍

[@BooksAndJams]

Welcome! I’m glad you’re here!

[@susanfranke5533]

Fantastic start to 2025. I finally read Anne of Green Gables and loved it. Now definitely pick up a copy of The Appeal

[@hsmom3120]

You've had a great reading month so far! I skipped over The Appeal section because I am currently reading it. It's good because I keep losing track of time! I am curious about Jane Harper. Do her books need any cautions like language or spice?

[@BooksAndJams]

How are you liking The Appeal? There's no spice in Jane Harper's books. There might be some language, but I don't remember.

[@eileennielsen5165]

Have you ever read Days At The Morasaki Book Shop? I think you might like that. One of my fave books of 2024. LOVED it, bought the sequel.

[@BooksAndJams]

I haven't read that one yet, but it does sound like something I would enjoy.

[@natashachesney178]

I couldn't read the Avi book because I am a teacher and that book would get to me! Haha! I will have to check out Jane Harper. This is the first time I have heard of her. Thank you for sharing variety of books!

[@ReadBrucey]

It’s pretty horrific but I am a teacher and I did read it. I wanted to throw it multiple times.

[@BooksAndJams]

I hear you. That Avi book was quite frustrating! Jane Harper is an Australian author and I have really enjoyed her books. I hope you do give her a try. The Dry is still my fave I think.

[@katherinestephens6537]

I've had a great reading 1st half of January also. My favorites so far are the Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis and a netgalley copy of The Quiet Librarian by Allen Eskens (releases in February). I loved both of those.

[@BooksAndJams]

Yay! I hope James is a hit for you as it is with so many others.

[@ReadingAce]

I really need to read something by Jane Harper! And I need to get to The Appeal! Ahhh! So many books! I've read 8 things so far this year and I'm in the middle of 3 others, so I'm quite happy with it!

[@BooksAndJams]

So many books is right! I hope you do get to both Jane Harper and The Appeal. I highly recommend both!

[@mermaidmama5890]

lovely video as always!

[@BooksAndJams]

Thanks so much!

[@theresepazell7875]

Hi Krista..Reading Louise Penny Glass Houses..will take me awhile maybe Thur the end of January.

[@BooksAndJams]

Nice. I hope to pick up one or two more in the series this year.

[@starlasell5698]

❤📚📚❤️ I really liked The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton last year. I've added The Last Love Note to my list. Thank you.

[@BooksAndJams]

You're so welcome. Happy reading.

[@starlasell5698]

@BooksAndJams Thank you!

[@caseyr4188]

Thanks for the content!

[@BooksAndJams]

Thanks for watching!😀

[@belle2157]

I fast forwarded over you discussion of The Appeal because it is next on my list! No spoilers! Also I just finished "What you are looking for is in the library'" by Michiko Aoyama. Very good but also a translated book so I get what you mean about a book keeping you from fully engaging; maybe some translated texts do that.

[@BooksAndJams]

Totally understandable. I went in pretty blind and it was such a fun read. Hope you also enjoy it.

[@bethanysbookshelf]

I was hoping you would do a mid-month because I wanted to hear your thoughts on The Words We Lost! 🤭 I just started it today.

[@BooksAndJams]

How are you liking it?

[@bethanysbookshelf]

@ I am enjoying it so far! This month has been so weird for me reading wise.

[@juliannekarman1524]

Our Bookclub read What You are Looking for is in the Library, it was translated from Japanese- I had a hard time reading it, so I listened to it and that worked better for me, you may want to try that. I put Exciles on my TBR!!!

[@BooksAndJams]

I did listen to most of these actually! haha. I have been interested in What You are Looking for... Would like to try that one someday too.

[@agohl85]

As a resident of Central Florida right on the Gulf Coast that just lived through two insane hurricanes, I think I'm gonna skip "The Light Pirate." Thanks for the heads up about the content!

[@BooksAndJams]

Yeah, probably skip that one for a while.

[@stargater2892]

I have Welcome to the ... as a want to get read. I was piqued by the Christian author but missed the book and the trilogy. Another day I will rewatch and catch those. 👍

[@BooksAndJams]

I hope you like the Bookstore one more than I did. It was good, but not as good as I hoped. The Christian author is Nicole Deese and the series is Fog Harbor.

[@mollyalladin2431]

I just put book 2 for Jane Harper series on hold with my library!

[@BooksAndJams]

Sweet! I hope you enjoy it.

[@ReadBrucey]

I told you Nothing but the Truth was a crazy crazy book. As a teacher, this book represents every one of my (all teachers) worst fears!

[@BooksAndJams]

Oh man. It was so infuriating!

[@eileennielsen5165]

Hi Krista! Have you ever read The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon? Couldn't remember. What were your thoughts? ZERO degrees here, w/ wind chill, little below...

[@BooksAndJams]

Yes, Frozen River was my favorite book of last year.

[@sandyokey7728]

You’re having a great month so far. Jane Harper is an author I would like to try this year, as is Janice Hallett. I will avoid Nothing But the Truth because it sounds like an infuriating read.

[@BooksAndJams]

I really am. I love that this is how my reading year has started.

[@pamelamcarthur5131]

Jane Harper is an auto buy author for me. The Sugar Queen sounds interesting; i'm going to add it to my want to read list.

[@eileennielsen5165]

Nothing But The Truth would make me angry; so I will pass. Kids certainly don't need to be encouraged that way. I read Once Upon A Wardrobe by Patti Callahan. Could not put it down! It had SUCH an effect on me, cried at the end. Learned a lot about C.S. Lewis' life. DYNAMIC! Probably will be my favorite book of 2025!.I like Patty Callahan bks.. Thanks Krista.🤗

[@dawnmorgart4038]

I had to read the Avi book in high school and loved it. It was all about fighting for the sake of fighting, not for what's right, because in the end-spoiler alert-he can't even do what he was fighting for!! It taught me a lot at that age. It has saved me as a teacher because now I can always make sure the parents and kids understand exactly what they are really wanting.

[@BooksAndJams]

I can see the benefits of the book, but didn't love how I felt while reading it.

[@beverlydean-pr3vw]

👍 Go Krista!

[@jaynehunter-ar]

Amazing! Can't wait to see what the rest of the month holds.

[@BooksAndJams]

Me too! I'm excited about what's coming up.

[@glendaw5221]

I’ve only read one Jane Harper and need to read more. Sorry the bookshop one was a semi-bummer. I just finished Zero Days by Ruth Ware. 4 star.

[@BooksAndJams]

Glad you enjoyed your recent read.

[@midge5921]

I think we are just about due another book from Jane Harper. 😊

[@BooksAndJams]

I agree! 🤞

[@kezhicks7902]

Started the year listening to the Allie Shenton book by Mel Sherrat 🚫 sure l like them I'm waiting for Dilly Court s latest. Then I'm going to start the Nate Shepherd legal series by Michael Stagg his new book is out on September 16th

[@BooksAndJams]

I hope you are loving your reads!

[@sandyh8755]

As a retired teacher , I think I’ll pass on Nothing but the Truth. Children are no longer held accountable and all things are the teacher’s fault.

[@ReadBrucey]

I am an English teacher, and I read it last year. I was horrified. It is actually part of the 8th grade English curriculum in Louisiana. I had never picked it up (even though I was a Jr High librarian) because I only taught 7th grade. Now I teach high school, so I decided to pick it up for MGM. Now that I have read it, I really hate the idea of this book as curriculum.

[@BooksAndJams]

It's very sad. My cousin is a teacher and she is trying to change the culture in her school. Her catch phrase is "Accountability is love". It's a slow process, but so important!

[@maryannestoner4065]

The only thing I didn’t like about The Appeal was at the end when all was revealed it was almost a put down of haha how could you not have realized that. Hope you know what I’m talking about. I don’t want to give spoilers. 💕📚

[@BooksAndJams]

I didn't get that from the ending. But I already can't fully remember it. haha.

[@pamelalivengood8356]

I've only finished one book so far. It's been the perfect time to read and I have great books. So???

[@BooksAndJams]

Every season brings different reading paces. NO shame in your game!

[@von20808]

As a retired teacher also, we were blamed for everything. I’m glad when I started teaching kids were held accountable and parents and teachers were on the same team.

[@BooksAndJams]

Yeah. Its sad how things have changed.

[@jeniwoliver6265]

❤️

[@ohiojen9390]

👏🏻❤️

[@kamicastillo1451]

👍 😊

[@sherrysmith6741]

😊

[@marianacaffaro]

❤

[@tammylong111]

👍❤️😊

[@toniweller6008]

👍📚💙

[@JosephineGraham-gq9pk]

👍❤

[@maryflaherty7096]

🙂

[@brandyfox6168]

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[@sjacobs9473]

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[@adrienne4028]

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[@katinic3125]

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[@wendyp6198]

❤👍

[@notthemostread]

👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@rhondanelson1976]

👍🏻

[@arleenneu5575]

👍

[@gracetaylor7351]

🫶🏻

[@victoriah.2083]

😘👍

[@rebekahmackenzie]

That's a shame about Nothing But the Truth. Doesn't seem like a good book for kids.

[@BooksAndJams]

I think it could be good with some discussion.

[@mariannapeios7892]

😂

[@donnapanzardo3058]

I didn’t like The appeal it just wasn’t my style of writing.

[@carriehandy4247]

📚📚📚🫖🫖🫖☕️☕️☕️☕️

[@Kadie-lx7sk]

❤

[@deborahracette9755]

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[@RosemaryG65]

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[@Writing4Jesus247]

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[@rachelbosworth2438]

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[@bevzurkammer4042]

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[@heatherhobbs3752]

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[@mgockowski5]

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[@susanjimenez62]

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[@lorrainestreetman1223]

👍