Weekly Reads and Wrap-Up || Dec 9-15, 2024

[@WildHeartsandWildflowers]

Sounds like you had a pretty good week of reading overall, Tammy. I tried reading several Christmas romances this month, and while most were ok, as you said about the Debbie Macomber book, they're not ones I would ever re-read. I had one DNF, too 😣 - and thankfully, one really enjoyable one (The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan). However, I think I've decided I prefer romance to be just *part* of the book, and not the main event! 😊

[@believeinyourshelf]

I'm glad you found a Christmas book you enjoyed! I've heard only good things about The Christmas Bookshop. And I feel much the same about romance. I enjoy it if there's other "stuff" to go along with it in a story. ❤️

[@dagmoon]

Borders my state! Who would have thought to look at the publishing information. I know who. YOU. LOL. 😍It's been part of the fun of the game for me to see you play with the many ways you really dig into the details of not only the stories within but the covers or any other bits that go along with a published book and its author.

[@believeinyourshelf]

It's been fun playing with the details! 😄 And like you said...be creative, lol! 😂😂🤣

[@estherjane-m8e]

Almost have bingo many ways😊❤

[@believeinyourshelf]

Maybe this week! 😁

[@amyaybar7894]

Oh my gosh, the Three Investigators! I read everyone of those as a kid. I loved them. But I do remember one kid was chubby. When I saw the picture on the book, I thought maybe it wasn't the same series because it looked so different from what I remember.

[@believeinyourshelf]

I think I need to go see what other covers are out there for this book. I'm intrigued! 😁 Merry Christmas! ❤️🎄

[@insearchofwonder]

A agree that The Last Christmas in Paris is not a Christmas story. I started it last Christmas and quickly realized that, so I put it off until January. It was much better for January, and I loved it then!

[@believeinyourshelf]

You were wise to put it off til January. It was definitely marketed wrong, in my opinion. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas, my friend. 🥰🎄

[@miriamelizabethreads]

I agree that The Fortnight in September isn't for everyone! I did really enjoy it which surprised me!

[@believeinyourshelf]

It's a nice book to slow down with. I'm glad you liked it, too. 🥰

[@catreadsbooks]

It sounds like you had a great reading week with books you enjoyed! I read some Debbie Macomber books last December and they were just ok for me. She's so hyped up I was expecting more than the stories offered. I'm not a big romance fan so that plays into it too. I like a mystery with my romance stories. I finally read two Christmas books this past week. I read A Cross Country Christmas by Courtney Walsh (overall I enjoyed this book but the end was a little undone in my opinion considering the issues that the author brought up) and You Feta Watch Out by Linda Reilly (I loved this book and mystery. There were so many twists, turns, and surprises. I highly recommend!). Have a wonderful week! 🎄

[@believeinyourshelf]

I stilllll haven't had a chance to read You Feta Watch Out. I'd like Santa to bring me the gift of 2 extra hours each day, lol! There's never enough time to read everything we want, right? I hope you have a most lovely Christmas, Cat. 🥰🎄🥰

[@cozycottagechapters]

What a good reading week! I didn't love Last Christmas in Paris, which was a bummer because I feel like everyone has such positive things to say about it. I'll have to look for One More River to Cross!

[@believeinyourshelf]

Yes, kind of a bummer... I hope you have a lovely Christmas. ❤️🎄

[@amyc1752]

I completely agree that The Fortnight in September isn't for everyone. I read it last year I believe and had the same thoughts as you. I'm currently reading A Holiday by Gaslight by Mimi Matthews. I snagged it a couple of weeks ago when it was free on Kindle. Hope you have a great week and a great reading week, Tammy!

[@believeinyourshelf]

Are you enjoying A Holiday by Gaslight? I have a copy, but I think I'm running out of time to get it read this Christmas season. Have a lovely Christmas Day! ❤️🎄

[@amyc1752]

@@believeinyourshelf I enjoyed it. It was cute and sweet. I probably wouldn't reread it, though. There's always next Christmas!

[@Annnbob]

I'd like to borrow the romance book and the cow book. They sound like fun reads!

[@believeinyourshelf]

You can borrow any book, any time. 🥰

[@StormReads]

I don't have that harlequin, I don't even have that author so I need to look for it! 😀 Love the cover of Phantom Lake, to bad it's not going well.

[@believeinyourshelf]

I finished Phantom Lake today. It was just ok... 🫤

[@gerrid9092]

I enjoyed the Fortnight in September too. But you’re right, I hesitate to recommend it because it’s not for everyone. I thought it was a beautiful, quiet & thoughtful book.

[@believeinyourshelf]

I agree! It's definitely not for everyone. But it worked for both of us, YAY! I hope you have a lovely Christmas! ❤️🎄

[@gerrid9092]

I have read 2 Essie Summers books, No Roses in June and Bachelors Galore. I found them very reasonably priced on Kindle. I really enjoyed the stories and learning a little about New Zealand. She’s definitely a writer that I will read more. Have you read Mary Burchell? She reminds me of Essie Summers. I read Under the Stars of Paris and enjoyed it. I read that Burchell wrote books and used the money to help Jews escape Nazi Germany. She has at least 2 series.

[@believeinyourshelf]

Thanks for sharing those recommendations. I've added them to my TBR pile! And I have Under the Stars of Paris. I've heard nothing but good about it. ❤️📚

[@gerrid9092]

@ I think you’ll enjoy it. It’s kind of old fashioned and definitely a romance (think it started off as Mills and Boon which is UK’s version of Harlequin) but an enjoyable story.

[@Soniawithani]

I read The Secret of Phantom Lake, I really enjoyed it! My only complaint is how they constantly refer to Jupiter Jones as the "portly" boy.....It's so funny that you said the same thing. I'm like can't you just call him by his name. I think I mentioned that in my September book review. Sisters thinking alike.

[@believeinyourshelf]

Right?!? Sisters have that connection, right? 😅

[@JessBookgirlTV]

😊

[@cajunpeachreads]

I am so far behind on watching videos. I bet you get several bingos next week. Poor White Cow! I would have been worried about her too - I hope they found her a friend. Oh that's really rude the way that book refers to that boy. I'm glad he's not real so he doesn't have to know that.

[@believeinyourshelf]

It is rude, isn’t it?! 😳 I ended up not liking the book at all (even though the story was pretty good) because of the mean adjectives the author kept using. And...by the way...everything turned out just wonderfully for White Cow. ❤️🎄🐄🎄❤️