It started with a New Year's resolution:
1 book a week, 52 books in a year.
I kept reading, and it grew into something much more.

Back in 2011, I was an avid reader who had somehow lost my way with reading. Between working and being a full-time student, reading for pleasure had slowly fallen by the wayside.

I wanted to change that. So I gave myself a New Year's resolution to read one book every week for a year. I started A Book A Week on January 1, 2012 as a way to hold myself accountable and share what I was reading along the way.

I didn't quite reach my goal that first year, but I kept reading. I kept reviewing. And all these years later, I'm still here, looking forward to whatever book comes next. Some years I crush my goals, some years I don't, but my love for a good book has never wavered.

Reader. Blogger.
Book lover.

I'm a lifelong reader with a particular soft spot for mysteries and thrillers. I've always loved the genre, and I credit those stories—the twists, suspense, and need to know what happens next—with keeping me a reader as an adult. My reading has taken me in all kinds of directions since then, but I'll always come back to a good mystery.

I love creepy horror novels. A fascinating work of nonfiction can completely pull me in, too. And I've found plenty of favorites in science fiction, literary fiction, romance, and other genres I might never have picked up when I first started the blog. That's part of the fun. I never quite know what kind of story is going to grab me next.

When I'm not reading or writing reviews, you'll usually find me at home with my husband and our pets. I'm a classically trained musician and composer, an enthusiastic home cook, and a backyard gardener. There's usually a trip to look forward to or some new project that has caught my interest, too.

At the end of the day, I just really love books. There's nothing quite like discovering a story I can't put down or finding an author I can't wait to read again. Even when a book doesn't quite work for me, I still enjoy thinking about why and putting those thoughts into words. That's what keeps me reading, reviewing, and sharing it all here on A Book A Week.

Honest reviews, always.

Some of the books I review are ones I've purchased myself. Others are provided by publishers or authors in exchange for an honest review. Either way, what I write here is always what I really think.

Not every book is going to work for every reader, and that's part of the fun of talking about books. I'll tell you what worked for me, what didn't, and hopefully give you enough to decide whether a book might be right for you.

Good, bad, or somewhere in between, you'll always get my honest take.

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I'm always happy to hear from readers, publishers, authors, and fellow book lovers.

Review Copies

I'm always open to considering books for review. I read across a pretty wide range of genres, though mysteries and thrillers tend to be particular favorites. If you'd like me to consider a book, send along a little information about it and why you think it might be a good fit for A Book A Week.

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How is the week of Christmas already? Does anyone else feel like the holiday season has flown by? Honestly, it feels like Thanksgiving was just yesterday. One of my favorite traditions this time of year is listening to holiday-themed audiobooks while tackling chores around the house—it’s a cozy way to stay in the holiday spirit. This year, I was thrilled to receive a copy of Pamela Kelley’s newest novel, The Christmas Inn, from her publisher. It’s a charming holiday romance perfect for anyone looking to soak up a little extra cheer as the season races by.

Riley Sanders isn’t exactly brimming with holiday cheer this year. Recently laid off from her job as a social media manager, she’s facing an uncertain future as the new year approaches. A phone call to her sister Amy for some much-needed venting brings unexpected news: their mother has broken her leg and could really use help at the family inn. With no pressing commitments and the holidays fast approaching, Riley decides to head home to the cozy inn nestled on the shores of Cape Cod, just in time for the Christmas rush.

When Riley arrives, she’s greeted by the inn’s warm, festive atmosphere and the sense of belonging she’s been missing. She meets Franny, a guest mourning the recent passing of her sister and embarking on a heartfelt journey guided by four unopened letters her sister left behind. Riley also reconnects with Aidan, her high school sweetheart, now a widower staying at the inn with his son while their home undergoes renovations.

What starts as a brief visit to help her mom quickly turns into something far more meaningful—a chance to rediscover the magic of family, rekindle a lost romance, and find a renewed sense of purpose as she embraces the spirit of the season.

The Christmas Inn by Pamela Kelley is a heartfelt tribute to the power of family, community, and love, all wrapped in a charming story that’s easy to get lost in. While it embraces many of the familiar tropes of Hallmark-style holiday romances, don’t let that stop you from diving in. Kelley crafts characters that are impossible not to love, and Stephanie Németh-Parker’s narration effortlessly transports you to the cozy Cape Cod setting. During a season bustling with activity, this book offers a much-needed escape—a sweet, uplifting holiday story that beautifully embodies the spirit of Christmas.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.

(2024, 94)

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12 Comments

Comments

Lark@LarkWritesDecember 23, 2024 at 10:21 AM
I love reading this kind of heartwarming holiday story this time of year. Especially when there's a little more to it than just the one romance. This does sound like a charming read. And I can't believe it's Christmas in two days! With Thanksgiving being so late this year, it feels like I blinked and December was over. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas, Ethan! :D
Samantha@WLABBDecember 23, 2024 at 1:31 PM
I love holiday romances this time of year too, and I am trash for a good second chance romance. Sounds like a sweet one.
Mary KirklandDecember 24, 2024 at 1:04 PM
That sounds like a good book for this time of year.
Kimberly @ Caffeinated ReviewerDecember 28, 2024 at 9:20 PM
I enjoyed this one as well, Ethan. Lovely review!
AshDecember 29, 2024 at 3:54 PM
I love the cover for this one!
Horror/thriller is my favorite genre but during the Christmas season I love books like this, it just makes me so happy and feel so warm inside. Glad it was a good one!

Ash @ Essentially Ash
Want to follow me on Bookstagram, booktok, add my snapchat or check out my photography?
BlodeueddJanuary 1, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Ohh a Christmas book 🎄 I tried to get a few of those in.

A Book A Week

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About Me

It started with a New Year's resolution:
1 book a week, 52 books in a year.
I kept reading, and it grew into something much more.

Reader. Blogger.
Book lover.

Honest reviews, always.

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