December Reads

While I usually make it a point to read books of different genres that didn't really happen this month. It was almost straight fiction.  Should I blame it on the road trips or poor planning?  Most of these are light fiction reads that I read as we traveled this month.  

December Reads 

The Ladies of Ivy Cottage by Julie Klassen:  This is the second book in the Tales from Ivy Hill series.  Since I read the first book, The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill last month, I had high expectations for this book.  The first book in the series was quite the page turner and I definitely stayed up past bedtime to finish it!  The story line continues in this second book where the reader learns more about Miss Rachel Ashford.  She opens a circulating library to help alleviate her difficult financial circumstances after her father's passing.  Along the way Miss Ashford discovers a number of mysteries as she deals with her own complicated friendships.  The second book moved a little too slow for my taste.  I read the majority of this book on a long road trip but I was a little disheartened when I realized that the book really wasn't keeping my interest.  This book clocks in at over 400 pages which is just ridiculous.  I do feel as though I am fairly committed to the series at this point and I might just want to know what happens to the rest of the characters.  I probably would pick up the next book in the series if I happen to see it at my local library but I won't be going out of my way to purchase it.  Please note that I did receive a review copy of this book from Bethany House.  All opinions are my own.

Loving my Actual Christmas by Alexandra Kuykendall: I'm sure that everyone would agree that they dream of enjoying the Christmas season more instead of being swept up into the craziness.  I purchased this book with that thought in mind since it had received rave reviews.   Surprisingly, nothing in the book was really earth shattering.  Most of the tips were things that my family and I already practice in our home.  For example Kuykendall encourages the reader to set realistic expectations, not to be afraid of saying no, and to focus on the real meaning of Christmas.  The best piece of advice or takeaway from this book included the advice about the 12 Days of Christmas.  The author encourages the reader to celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas from Christmas Day (December 25) to Epiphany (January 6).  I'm happy to share that this was actually something that my parents passed onto me and it is a tradition that we have embraced in my own family.  I cannot tell you how much this helps increase our joy and enjoyment of the Christmas season.

Amelia and the Captain by Lori Copeland: If you haven't already noticed, I really enjoy reading an entire genre of books I like to call Hallmark movie books.  They are always lighthearted, clean fiction books that are just pure fun.  I always try to have a "Hallmark movie book" with me on a long road trip because I am often interrupted and appreciate not having to follow a complicated story plot while I am helping care (and entertain) children in the car.  In this book swindler Amelia finds herself clinging for life when she runs into Union Captain Morgan Cane.  The story progresses and involves a shady villain who attempts to kidnap and steal Amelia.  All that to say this book was just okay and I don't plan on reading any other books in this series.

Caroline: Little House, Revisited by Sarah Miller: I was pleasantly surprised to find this book on the new books shelf at the library.  I've been a "Little House" fan since the time my sweet mama opened up Little House in the Big Woods and read it to me while I was tucked in at night.  The book drew me in from the very beginning as Miller retells the story through the eyes of Ma.  Unfortunately there was a scene in the book where the author shares a little too much about the intimate married life of the Ingalls.  I just think that was totally unnecessary and really kind of soured the rest of the book.

 
Well I guess it was rather a disappointing month for reading after all.  Overall every single book I read in December was a let down.  Nevertheless I"m really excited about some of the books I'm reading right now!  

Currently Reading:

Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family by Paul David Tripp

Make it Happen by Lara Casey

Red Hot Monogamy by Bill Farrel

The Austen Escape by Katherine Reay

The Complete Brambly Edge by Jill Barklem

I'm also excited for more time this month to curl up by the fire with a good book so please share!  What books are you reading right now?  Have you read any of these books?