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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As the year comes to an end, it is important to reflect upon the days that have preceded this one. Today marks the final day of my seventh year of blogging and reviewing books. These seven years have seen much growth for me both personally and professionally. I'm a different person today than I was years ago, but the things that have always shaped me persist to this day. One thing that has certainly only continued to grow is my love of books.

On this day of reflection and celebration, it seems only fitting to review the final novel in Elin Hilderbrand's Winter series. Seven years ago, I wouldn't have even given a second look to Hilderbran's novels. A holiday-themed family drama just wasn't my preferred genre. As my tastes have diversified, I've come to appreciate the kind of character-driven story that Hilderbrand's series presents. More life experience for me means that I'm able to better relate to the everyday challenges faced by the family in the books. Instead of turning away from a genre that was mostly unknown, I've embraced the series and have enjoyed it immensely.

Winter Solstice is the perfect conclusion to Hilderbrand's series. I won't provide any specifics about the plot because a summary just wouldn't convey the depth of the four novel story arch. Suffice it to say, this final book sees loose ends tied up and characters following the natural progression of their development. More than any of the other three books, this one really had me feeling like I was part of the family. Hilderbrand's writing placed me amongst the laughter and the tears as the Quinn family experienced life with each other.

Winter Solstice and the entire Winter series is a wonderful read for the holiday season. The themes of family, life, death, love, and loss permeate each page of the book through characters who are as engaging as they are dynamic. Hilderbrand's writing is able to convey varying emotions and alternating perspectives with language that is easily digestible by readers. I couldn't imagine a better book to end the year on.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.
(2018, 47)

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5 Comments

Comments

RebeccaJanuary 5, 2019 at 12:50 PM
It's nice to reflect back on the year. I have as well, and have returned to my beloved reviewing. I feel ashamed because I've never read Hilderbrand. Isn't that awful? I'm glad you enjoyed this book!
Rebecca @ The Portsmouth Review
Olivia's CatastropheJanuary 19, 2019 at 6:33 AM
It sounds like this one was the perfect conclusion to the series and I am glad you could enjoy reading them all in the right weather and circumstances. Great reviews ^.^
Samantha@WLABBFebruary 10, 2019 at 2:41 PM
It's always interesting for me to see contemporary series that are true series with an overarching story, as they tend to be companions. I am familiar with Hilderbrand, though I have yet to read her. Glad to hear the finale was satisfying.

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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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