We’ve reached the end of another reading year. Where did the time go? What did we read?
It’s been a record-breaking year for me. I was able to finish up some reads as well this month that I had started a hot minute ago.
As with finishing up reads, I read a lot in general. Probably ought to get into those details, right?
Terms and Traditions by Morgan Taylor Giesbrecht
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rating explained:
I loved the dynamics in this one. I don’t know for sure, but maybe Morgan’s earlier books had some of these characters? Not required to read anything else before this one!
Nash delivers all the swoon you can handle and Stephanie is his perfect compliment.
Notes:
- Stephanie Addams – 28yo – Nash’s assistant and friend of 2yrs
- Nash Prescott – 33yo – billionaire business owner, drives a Jeep Wrangler
- Dual POV
- Fake dating
- Stephanie’s father (whom she’s not close to) is Nash’s biggest rival
- Faith elements throughout
- Anxiety rep
Quotes:
Nana must have read my thoughts because she laughed. “Things have a way of working themselves out in God’s timing. The hiccups along the way are opportunities for us to grow in faith, not wither in defeat.”
This is the first book in the Reluctant Romantics series. Excited for the next ones in series!
Pucks and Pranks by Tiffany Noelle Chacon
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rating explained:
I had no notes on this 😂 but I obviously loved. I got the ebook with credits after discovering this author. Obvi for hockey reasons.
Former rivals meet again. Elliot Adler, like all my favorite MMCs, delivers the swoon. NHLer who banks and is so generous. Even when he was in high school, he was gone for Isabella Castillo. I loved the flashbacks and seeing both of their experiences. It was a really sweet story.
This is book one in the Sports in the Sunshine State RomCom series.
How to Kiss on Christmas Morning by Jenny Proctor
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rating explained:
What’s better than a grumpy sunshine story? Let’s. Be. Real.
There were maybe twice that I didn’t like stuff in this? But I can’t remember anything now except at the end when they got to the epilogue and it seemed like they were living together but not married yet. Personal preferences here.
I don’t wanna spoil it because the synopsis doesn’t give away much, honestly. But you will love when you find out what Noah does for a living (not just being a farmhand on the property).
She shows up to work at the Inn that’s a working farm since she’s out of work otherwise trying to be a nurse as she finishes exams to be certified and doesn’t have plans for the holidays. Noah shows up to rescue her when she gets stuck before she arrives. Such swoon. Can you not tell by the cover????? Anyway, they’re basically there with just a few other workers and they have plenty of moments together as Noah begins to open up to her over the one week time. Be prepared for instant attraction.
This is a story told only in Megan Sheridan’s POV.
This is a standalone, but you see characters from her previous books like the Appies and Sweater Weather series.
Lighting Up My Christmas by Cindy Ray Hale
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rating explained:
This was a VERY quick read. The story and their love story progressed a bit too fast for me. I liked the idea of this story, but felt like it was too rushed through. You can’t expect too much depth in a novella this short, but for me, it just wasn’t there like I would have liked.
Still a cute novella and I’d recommend for an afternoon reading during the holiday season. 🙂
Part of the Letters to Mrs. Claus multi-author series. This is standalone.
Nicked by the Mistletoe by Ellie Hartwood
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rating explained:
Another quick read (crazy week or I would have read in a day). This one was a quick romance as well, but when old friends reconnect like no time has passed, you just know, ya know?
I really enjoyed this one. Would love if it was transferred into a full length novel.
This is a book from the multi-author Letters to Mrs. Claus series.
A Christmas Court(ship) by Tiffany Noelle Chacon
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rating explained:
Fan of best friend’s older brother? Fan of pickleball? I think this is for you if so.
I loved this one so much. The chemistry. The banter. The pickleball. Man. I didn’t know it could be so swoony 😂😂
Weird flex, Summer, honestly…
Beckett and Sadie didn’t stand a chance.
Other notes:
- 3 yr age gap
- She’s a nurse who has plenty of time to play pickleball
- He majored in history but PLAYS PICKLEBALL AS A PROFESSIONAL? WHAT?
- 130 pages of swoon obvi since read in a day
Part of the Letters to Mrs. Claus multi-author series.
The Letters We Don’t Expect by Evie Sterling
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rating explained:
I almost gave this a 3 star… but I was like I don’t knowwwwww.
I liked the beginning even though I didn’t fully know what was going on. I felt like it was sudden – the story starts off with her almost barging into his house and she’s staying at his cabin while hers is being repaired.
I read other reviews and some said that it was too fast? But I mean, sure, it’s a novella so the romance does speed up. I didn’t get that vibe because they had met before and had encounters for a while, like a whole year or so of encounters. So it’s not like they were total strangers. But I felt like there were WAY TOO MANY “moments” that didn’t need to be “moments” over nothing. That’s my only real complaint.
Anywayyyyyy.
This is part of the Letters to Mrs. Claus multi-author series.
Corralling the Cowboy by Elle E. Kay
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rating explained:
If you’re looking for a suspenseful novel with some romantic tension, this is the book for you!
This is not really a Christmas story based on reading it, but it was a good read overall.
Ethan’s an author while Bethany is a bookstore owner with a teenage son. Ethan is plunged into danger as he falls for her and tries to protect her and her son, Kyle, from those following them. Kept me turning the page!
This is book 12 in the Christmas in Redemption Ridge multi-author series (spanning years).
The Rules of Matrimony by Anneka R Walker
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rating explained:
A great read! I so enjoy a marriage of convenience and Ian. What a dream. Such a good man under this gruff exterior who believes lies for a while but wants the best for those he loves and will go to great lengths to protect them.
Amie was so sweet and I loved all the quirkiness of her that really helped Ian fall for her from the start.
The Matchmaking Mamas know what they’re doing sometimes, especially when you’re the son of the leader. 😅
This is the fourth and last book in the Matchmaking Mamas series.
Keeping the Cowboy’s Promise by Hannah Jo Abbott
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rating explained:
A great story of reconciliation for a young married couple at Christmas.
This is book 13 of the Christmas in Redemption Ridge multi-author series.
Have Yourself a Legendary Christmas by J.P. Sterling
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rating explained:
This very Hallmark-y! It was really sweet, though didn’t feel like much a story. I didn’t think there was much growth, but Penelope does learn to open her heart to Logan who shows up for her… to fix a hotel and for her in general.
This is the first story in Sterling’s new Timeless Christmas Tails series of standalones.
Kindling Kissmas by Ellie Hall
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rating explained:
This was a cute and quick read! Reese is a fireman and Rebecca is a pop star – he’s her brother’s best friend. They’re basically snowed in and discover they’ve always liked each other.
Whispers at Painswick Court by Julie Klassen
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rating explained:
I thought this would be like a four star just because of the medical stuff that freaks me out. BUT, I stuck around and wow! The mystery and intrigue were so good. I figured who was involved in the death but the full details of all that happened! Wow!
This is a book that definitely has the mystery the main thing and the romance a subplot. We didn’t get any romance until like the last 40 pages! 😅 Which was actually okay. The slow burn was done so well in this one.
I stayed up late to see how Anne Loveday and the other characters faired after all the events. I’m very happy for all and I can’t talk about WHO without giving away part of the plot.
This is a standalone by a favorite author. ❤️
Cozy by the Fire(man) by Lindsay Rochester
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rating explained:
If you’re not into insta-love this may not be for you.
Typically I am not, but this one was just so good. Who wouldn’t want to instantly fall in love with a hero (fireman). 😅
Cleo is 25 and the guardian over her elementary school aged brother. Ansel is a 33 year old fireman that’s pretty serious and grumpy on the job.
So yeah, I loved this one. It was kind of quick and very steamy but you can rest assured there’s no spice.
This is a book from the multi-author Letters to Mrs. Claus series.
Anything by Kristina Welch
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rating explained:
Okay, I really enjoyed this one. It took me back to college days (this is set in college obvi). Rich in conversations about and with God and Jesus. I really loved that and how they went to God about their relationship and their struggles.
It took me a while to read because the first part of the book was just a little slow and it didn’t help the slow burn with Kitt’s feelings and not being able to be open with Levi.
Levi’s patience was everything and I loved him so much.
If you’re needing a good Christian college romance, this is it.
Christmas with the Boss by Melissa McClone
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rating explained:
Oh wow! A boss who has the hots for his employee? Dang.
John was down bad for Abby, but how did he show it? By pushing her to do more and better work at the office and just flat out being harder on her than the other employees.
That, plus her difficult (and frankly terrible) family, she was undeniably stressed. I would be, too.
I enjoyed the buildup on this one. I wasn’t sure how believable it was, but I enjoyed it.
I can’t remember if I’ve read anything by Melissa McClone but I’ll need to read more!
Chloe Foster’s Holiday Rewrite by Britney M. Mills
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rating explained:
A second chance, quick romance at Christmas. Perfect read!
Chloe and Brock broke up when Chloe left for big New York City dreams. Like Hallmark-fashion, she comes back during the holidays while on the fence about her job and her dreams. Brock wants her to choose him this time, but will she?
This is part of the multi-author Letters to Mrs. Claus series of standalones.
Saved By The Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rating explained:
This one took me a hot minute to read. Like, not even that, but a WHOLE YEAR. I didn’t realize it had been that long ago, LOL.
I almost gave this 3 or 4 stars if I was rating based on where I left off a year ago. The beginning just felt so… I don’t know, not quite lusty, but something. I did not enjoy it. I didn’t feel good reading it.
I picked it back up this month and was able to listen on Spotify for a while and that helped too. I finished it on the 31st when I sat down after work.
The devotion from Sullivan to love a woman who was so set against loving him in return for so long. He was ready from the beginning to love and care for another man’s baby.
The dangers they faced in this were depicted so real and engaging to read.
The second half and the ending of the story helped push this to 5 stars for me.
This is the second book in the Shanahan Match series. The next one will be the Shanahan big bro getting matched!
A Not So Merry Kiss-mas by Abby Greyson
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rating explained:
Can you tell I’m enjoying these Christmas novellas?
This one is a next-door neighbor story but also a set up story.
Melanie and Michael were perfect for each other. She’s a nurse with a weird schedule and he’s a fireman with the 48hr shift schedule.
I hope your 2025 was book-filled and wonderful!
If you read anything memorable in 2025 or any great books in December, let me know in the comments!
Books read this month: 19
Books read this year: 178
Book goal for the year: 100
Happy New Year! Hope your new year provides you ample time for reading ❤️
Not Your Season: Summer's Blog 