Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Synopsis
Eleanor Oliphant struggles with appropriate social skills and tends to say exactly what she’s thinking. Nothing is missing in her carefully timetabled life, where weekends mostly consist of frozen pizza, vodka, and phone chats with Mummy. But everything changes when Eleanor meets Raymond, the bumbling IT guy from her office, whose big heart will ultimately help Eleanor find the way to repair her own profoundly damaged one.
Thoughts
This was the first book chosen to read for a book club that I recently joined and it did not disappoint! It was funny and was very moving. I was cheering on Eleanor throughout her journey. There are some twists at the end of the book that I didn’t see coming which broke my heart. A great book to finish 2019 with . . . a definite must read if you haven’t done so yet!
How Mrs. Claus Saved Christmas by Jeff Guinn Genre: Historical Fiction (Holiday)
Synopsis
It’s 1620, and Mrs. Claus’s beloved husband is off in the New World, planting the seeds for what will become a glorious Christmas tradition. Meanwhile, Mrs. Claus has chosen to stay in England, where the first signs of a dangerous threat to Yuletide cheer are in evidence. The Puritans have gained control of Parliament and appear determined to take all the fun out of Christmas. But Mrs. Claus knows that it’s time for serious action when, in 1647, a law is passed by Parliament that actually punishes anyone who celebrates Christmas. Based on the actual events of Christmas Day in 1647, when ten thousand peasants marched through the streets of Canterbury demanding their right to celebrate a beloved holiday.
Thoughts
This is the 2nd book in Jeff Guin’s The Christmas Chronicles and just like the first book in the series The Autobiography of Santa Claus, there are 24 chapters which are to be read one at a time beginning December 1. Another wonderful holiday read!
The Autobiography of Santa Claus by Jeff Guinn Genre: Historical Fiction (Holiday)
Synopsis
This enchanting holiday treasure combines historical fact with glorious legend as Saint Nicholas reveals the definitive story of Santa Claus.
In The Autobiography of Santa Claus, Santa shares his story with readers for the first time. Nicholas (his real name) was born in Lycia, in Asia Minor, to wealthy parents who died when he was young. The kind people of Lycia taught him the lessons of goodness and generosity that led to his lifelong mission to remind the world about the importance of giving.
Thoughts
This is definitely a feel good holiday story which I refer to as an advent book. There are 24 chapters to be read one at a time beginning on December 1. A great book to read with your family!
Winter Solstice by Elin Hilderbrand Genre: Chick Lit
Synopsis
It’s been a long time since the entire Quinn family celebrated the holidays under the same roof, but that’s about to change. With Bart back safe and sound from Afghanistan, the Quinns are preparing for their most joyous holiday season ever . . . After all, Bart’ return isn’t the family’s only good news: Kevin is enjoying married life with Isabelle, Patrick is getting back on his feet after paying his debt to society, Ava thinks she’s finally found the love of her life, and Kelley is thrilled to see his family reunited. But it just wouldn’t be a Quinn family gathering without a few surprises and upheavals. A celebration of everything we love — and some of the things we endure — about the holidays.
Thoughts
This was my favorite book of the entire series! It is probably the saddest as well as the Quinn’s prepare to say goodbye to Kelley who has terminal brain cancer. You will laugh and cry and won’t be disappointed. I cannot recommend the Winter Series enough. Get these books! I gave this book 5/5 stars. The series as a whole averaged out to 4.5/5 stars.
The Only Plane in the Sky – An Oral History of 9/11 By Garrett M. Graff Genre: Non Fiction
Synopsis
The first comprehensive oral history of September 11, 2011 — a panoramic narrative woven from the voices of Americans on the front lines of an unprecedented national trauma. Over the past eighteen years, monumental literature has been published about 9/11. But one perspective has been missing up to this point — a 360-degree account of the day told through the voices of the people who experienced it. Drawing on never-before-published transcripts, recently declassified documents, original interviews and oral histories from nearly five hundred government officials, first responders, witnesses, survivors, friends and family members, Graff paints the most vivid and human portrait of the September 11 attacks yet. The Only Plane in the Sky weaves together the unforgettable personal experiences of the men and women who found themselves caught at the center of an unprecedented human drama. The result is a unique, profound and searing exploration of humanity on a day that changed the course of history, and all our lives.
Thoughts
I thought I had read everything that was out there about the events that transpired on 9/11, but this book proved me wrong. I listened to the book on Audible every chance I got and I must say that version is superbly narrated. I enjoyed it so much that I purchased the physical copy of the book to keep in my personal “library”. I would highly recommend listening to the book if you get a chance. I gave the book 5/5 stars.
Winter Storms by Elin Hilderbrand Genre: Chick Lit
Synopsis:
The stormy weather of the past few years seems to have lifted for the Quinn family: Mitzi’s come home, Patrick’s about to be released from prison, Kevin and Isabelle are finally getting married, and there’s hopeful news about Bart, who has been captured by the enemy forces in Afghanistan.
But that doesn’t mean there aren’t still some dark clouds on the horizon. As Kevin and Isabelle’s special day approaches, a historic once-in-a-century blizzard bears down on Nantucket, threatening to keep the Quinn family away from the place — and the people — they love most. Before the snow clears, the Quinns will have to survive enough holiday intrigue to send anyone running for the spiked eggnog.
Thoughts:
Each book in this series gets better and better! Tissues will definitely be needed for the end of this one. I gave this book 5/5 stars.
Winter Stroll by Elin Hilderbrand Genre: Chick Lit
Synopsis:
Another Christmas on Nantucket finds Winter Street Inn owner Kelley Quinn composing a holiday letter to friends and family. Though the year has had its share of misfortune and worry, the Quinns have much to be grateful for. They are looking forward to celebrating a baptism over the holidays, as well as welcoming a new family member and enjoying the cheer of Nantucket’s traditional Christmas Stroll.
But just when a tranquil and joyous family gathering seems within reach, Kelley’s estranged second wife shows up after souring on her relationship with the inn’s former Santa Claus. Soon Kelley isn’t the only Quinn entertaining a surprise guest as lovers old and new meet beneath the mistletoe. Wtih jealousy, passion, and eggnog consumption at an all-time high, it might take more than a Christmas miracle to get the Quinns – and the inn – through the season intact.
Thoughts:
The Quinn family have more perils to overcome in this book.
While Patrick is still in prison, his wife, Jennifer, has become addicted to oxycodone. It’s become her crutch while trying to keep things running smoothly until Patrick is released.
Kevin and his fiancee are now running the inn and have a beautiful baby girl. Unbeknownst to Kevin, his ex-wife, Nina is back in Nantucket and is ready to start trouble.
Ava’s old boyfriend is back and is not shy in letting her know that he wants her back, but she’s moved on with Scott – or has she?
Bart’s battalion was captured and taken prisoner in Afganistan and the family has no idea of his condition but that could change once one of his men has escaped and been rescued. Will they find out if Bart is still alive?
Mitzi is a wreck over worrying whether Bart is safe or not and has discovered that she’s made a mistake in leaving Kelley for George. Will Kelley be able to forgive her and welcome her back?
The second book in the Winter series did not disappoint! It was a super fast read and again left me wanting to read more about the Quinn family to find out what happens to them next.
The White Christmas Inn by Colleen Wright Genre: Romance
Synopsis:
A New England inn seems like the picture-perfect place to spend the holidays. But when a snowstorm shuts the roads and keeps the guests inside, they find themselves worrying that this Christmas may not be exactly what they dreamed.
Molly just needs to keep her head down and finish her latest book, but her writer’s block is crippling. The arrival of Marcus, a handsome widower with two young girls, is exactly the distraction she doesn’t need.
Hannah had planned a picturesque winter wedding, but as the storm hits, her plans come crashing down. Just when she thinks she’ll never love again, her childhood friend, Luke, comes to check on his grandmother before the storm. Could there be romance in her future after all?
Jean and Tim don’t know how they’re going to keep the inn open another year – or how to bridge the distance between them in their marriage. With a flurry od unexpected guests, they’ll have to work together to keep their little inn afloat. But will it be enough to rekindle their relationship?
As the characters’ stories intertwine, they start to find hope where they thought it had been lost. Though this is definitely not the Christmas any of them imagined, with faith and a little bit of holiday magic, they all might just find this the most wonderful Christmas ever.
Thoughts:
This was such a heart warming beautiful story. I found myself cheering on the characters hoping that they all made it through their trials and tribulations. A wonderful book to give you all of the cozy holiday feels!
Winter Street by Elin Hilderbrand Genre: Chick Lit
Synopsis:
Kelly Quinn is the owner of Nantucket’s Winter Street Inn and the proud father of four children: Patrick, a hedge fund manager; Kevin, a bartender; Ava, a schoolteacher; and Bart, the youngest and the only child of Kelley’s second marriage, who has recently shocked everyone by joining the Marines.
As Christmas approaches, Kelley is looking forward to spending some quality time with his family at the inn. But when he walks in on his wife, Mitzi, kissing Santa Claus – or as the man who plays him at the annual Christmas party – utter chaos descends. With his three older children reeling in their own dramas and Bart unreachable in Afghanistan, it might be up to Kelley’s ex-wife, nightly news anchor Margaret Quinn, to save Christmas.
Thoughts (spoiler alert):
Before Christmas even takes place Kevin gets caught committing Insider Trading; Kevin gets his girlfriend pregnant (a girlfriend his family didn’t even know he had); Ava is caught in a love triangle with Nathaniel, her long-time boyfriend and Scott, the Assistant Principal at the school she teaches at; the entire family is concerned about Bart since none of them are able to make contact with him and fear that he might be in danger; Kelly leans on Margaret when his marriage to Mitzi has fallen apart which could spark some old feelings.
This book is the first in a 4-part series and it was so good! It was a heart warming story and left me wanting to find out what happens next for the Quinn Family.
Christmas Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella Genre: Chick Lit
Synopsis:
‘Tis the season for change, and Becky Brandon (nee Bloomwood) is embracing it, returning from the States to live in the charming village of Letherby and working with her best friend, Suze, in the gift shop of Suze’s stately home. Life is good, especially now that Becky takes time every day for mindfulness – even if that only means listening to a meditation while hunting down online bargains.
But Becky still adores the traditions of Christmas: her parents hosting, carols playing on repeat, her mother pretending she made the Christmas pudding and the neighbors coming round for sherry in their terrible holiday seaters. Things are looking cheerier than ever, until Becky’s parents announce they’re moving to ultra-trendy Shoreditch – unable to resist the draw of draft beer and smashed avocados – and ask Becky if she’ll host this year. What could possibly go wrong?
Thoughts:
Becky puts so much pressure on herself to make this Christmas perfect that she loses sight of what the true meaning of this holiday is. On top of that, an old boyfriend shows up with his current girlfriend and it’s unclear to Becky what their motives are.
This book was laugh out loud funny! It was a light hearted story that I would suggest anyone read to get into the holiday spirit. It is part of the Shopoholic series; however, this book can absolutely be read as a standalone.
Becky's Reading Journey 