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December was a busy month and unfortunately, I didn’t have much time to read. I ended the month with a total of four books read, which I think was my slowest month of 2018. Two were holiday themed reads, as I try to read a couple of Christmas books in December.
According to goodreads, I read a total of 82 books in 2018, surpassing my goal of 75. For 2019, I set the goal again of reading 75 books. Here’s looking forward to a new year of great reads! I’m sharing my December reads with Steph and Jana for their monthly Show Us Your Books linkup. Here they are in order from least to most stars:
3 stars:
Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty – The premise of this book interested me – nine strangers who meet at a health resort. However, this book took a weird, unexpected turn. Aside from Big Little Lies, I haven’t enjoyed the other Moriarty books I’ve read. I was hesitant about reading this one and as expected, wasn’t a big fan of this one.
Winter Stroll by Elin Hilderbrand – This is the second book in Hilderbrand’s Winter series. Unfortunately, I was not a big fan of this second book. Not much actually happens and it ends with the story still unfinished, so you know there’s a third book that you must read (and then a fourth!). I will likely finish the third and fourth books next December to see what happens with the Quinn family and see how the series ends.
4 stars:
Christmas Camp by Karen Schaler – Haley wants to win a major Toy ad campaign but has no Christmas spirit. Her book sends her to Christmas Camp to hopefully learn to love the holiday and help her with her campaign. When Haley arrives, she first wants to complete the activities as fast as she can to get her certificate and leave. But then she meets some others who help her understand the true meaning of Christmas. Don’t think I’m giving away any spoilers there, it’s a Christmas book, so you know there will be a happy ending. This book was actually a movie first, and was filmed near me in the Hudson Valley. I haven’t seen it yet, but will hopefully watch it next December.
Josh & Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren – I have become a big fan of Christina Lauren’s contemporary romance books. Hazel is such a fun and quirky character and I really enjoyed following her and Josh set each other up on blind dates. This is one of those books that I think would make a great romantic comedy movie.
That’s a bummer that you didn’t care for the Moriarty book that much! I have it on hold in the library, and I’m hoping that it’ll get to me sooner rather than later. I haven’t read a Christina Lauren book, but I’ve heard such great things about them! I’ll have to add this one to my list!
You have to read a Christina Lauren book! I think you’ll really enjoy them!
I’ve tried two or three Moriarty books and she and I just don’t connect. So she’s always a hard pass for me, no matter how good Big Little Lies is. 😀 I’m so happy that my library FINALLY has Josh and Hazel. On the waiting list and here’s hoping that when it arrives – I’m in the mood to read it!
Yes, I am going to have to pass on Moriarty now. Lesson hopefully learned! Can’t wait to hear what you think about Josh and Hazel!
I think Josh & Hazel would make a great movie too, and I rarely watch books into movies. Hazel was awesome.
I was totally into Big Little Lies but not really moved to read any other Moriartys.
Yes, I loved Hazel’s character! I will no longer be reading Moriarty, no matter how interesting they sound!
I’m about to start Christmas camp – I’m glad to see positive things about it!
Yes, it’s a great Christmas/holiday read.
I really loved Josh and Hazel! I agree about Nine Perfect Strangers. It got so weird!
Yes, so glad I finally gave Christina Lauren a try! I’m such a fan now!
Josh and Hazel is not a book I would normally like but I think I read it at just the right time and found myself enjoying it quite a bit
I can see Christina Lauren not being for everyone, but glad you enjoyed it!
Hmm, disappointed by your review of Nine Perfect Strangers, the premises sounds so interesting! I think I’ve only read Big Little Lies from Moriarty, but that was years ago (or feels that way). I’m already on the wait list though, so I’m going to give it a try. On the wait list for Josh and Hazel too! I haven’t read anything by Christina Lauren so I’m really looking forward to seeing what all the fuss is about!
Yeah, the premise of Nine Perfect Strangers was interesting but still wasn’t a fan. Can’t wait to hear what you think of Christina Lauren.
Hilderbrand’s winter series is my absolute favorite! It gives me all the warm and Christmasy vibes when I read it! <3
I just dislike that they leave off where you NEED to read the next book in the series.
I really like Christina Lauren too! I definitely need to read Josh & Hazel’s soon!
Yes, they are a fairly recent new to me writing duo, but I’ve been loving their books!