I’m going to listen to that podcast, thank you for the recommendation. My slow, quiet end of year read was The End of Drum-Time. It was fine. Best written historical fiction I read last year and perfect for winter, being set in the tundra at all. Do you like historical + romance? I was going to recommend it but then I realized as I was writing this that I am not sure after all if that is a favorite combination for you.
You recommended this for me last month and I bought a copy! I’m excited for it to be one of my seasonal wintry reads this month or next + will check off one of my “award” boxes as well, since it was shortlisted for NBA. I do love historical romance and have some deep dives into the genre planned this year.
I’m excited to listen to your podcast recommendation! 2024 was my year of getting more comfortable sharing negative reviews. But in 2025 I don’t plan to review every book I read as extensively as I typically do. If I don’t have something interesting to say, I’m just not going to force it whether it’s a book I loved or hated!
This may have been the review that finally convinced me to read James. I was worried it might be too dense. There are so many great books coming out this month. Not sure how I'll ever read them all!
That’s what I was worried about too, Kuleigh! I assure you it’s not ☺️ As for new releases, I don’t think we’ll be able to come even close to reading them all!
I (unintentionally) took the week between Christmas and New Year off from reading, and it was unexpectedly such a nice reset to slow down in that way before the turn of the calendar. It gave me a fresh perspective on 2025 reading!
I completely agree, Michelle! I didn’t completely take the week off, since I was at home and had tons of time, but I made sure to consume other things, work on crafts, and reflect. No need to rush anything.
James is a perfect way to end the year! So smart and gripping.
It really really was! I'm happy I read it when I did.
I have yet to read James. It will be a 2025 must read. Looking forward to The Heart of Winter. 💜📚
Yes, Marcia! It will be amazing whenever you read it. And I agree about The Heart of Winter - it looks like my favorite kind of heartwarming story.
I’m going to listen to that podcast, thank you for the recommendation. My slow, quiet end of year read was The End of Drum-Time. It was fine. Best written historical fiction I read last year and perfect for winter, being set in the tundra at all. Do you like historical + romance? I was going to recommend it but then I realized as I was writing this that I am not sure after all if that is a favorite combination for you.
You recommended this for me last month and I bought a copy! I’m excited for it to be one of my seasonal wintry reads this month or next + will check off one of my “award” boxes as well, since it was shortlisted for NBA. I do love historical romance and have some deep dives into the genre planned this year.
Oh gosh. Glad someone is keeping track!
I’m excited to listen to your podcast recommendation! 2024 was my year of getting more comfortable sharing negative reviews. But in 2025 I don’t plan to review every book I read as extensively as I typically do. If I don’t have something interesting to say, I’m just not going to force it whether it’s a book I loved or hated!
That’s so freeing, Sara! The hardest reviews to write are the meh ones for sure
Just downloaded the podcast recommendation. Thank you!
Please come back and share your thoughts, Katie!
Just jotted down lots of book ideas. Thank you!
My eldest is moving to San Francisco in June for a job. All the bittersweet feels! They’re supposed to leave the nest and all but it’s tough.
Bittersweet indeed. But at least you'll get to visit San Francisco regularly in the future - that's a win ;-)
That Galison is adorable.
It is! It was really hard for me though with all those trees! Luckily my husband was willing to help me power through ;-)
Love your puzzle! I am addicted to Galison 500 piece puzzles!
I love them too! MudPuppy 500 piece are my other favorites :-)
This may have been the review that finally convinced me to read James. I was worried it might be too dense. There are so many great books coming out this month. Not sure how I'll ever read them all!
That’s what I was worried about too, Kuleigh! I assure you it’s not ☺️ As for new releases, I don’t think we’ll be able to come even close to reading them all!
I (unintentionally) took the week between Christmas and New Year off from reading, and it was unexpectedly such a nice reset to slow down in that way before the turn of the calendar. It gave me a fresh perspective on 2025 reading!
I completely agree, Michelle! I didn’t completely take the week off, since I was at home and had tons of time, but I made sure to consume other things, work on crafts, and reflect. No need to rush anything.