About Me

The story behind A Book A Week, and the reader behind the reviews.

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.

Line drawing portrait of Ethan

Hi, I'm Ethan

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.

Loose hand-drawn fountain pen illustration

Review Disclaimer

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.

Contact

Have a question about the blog, a book you think I should read, or just want to say hello? I'd love to hear from you.

Drop me a note using the form below.

Let's Connect

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.

Publishers & Authors

Review requests, interviews, features, or something else you have in mind? Send me a note. I'm always happy to hear about new books and opportunities that might be a good fit for the blog.

General Inquiries

Have a question, a recommendation, or just want to talk books? Those messages are welcome, too.

Find Me Elsewhere

Send a Message

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Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts

The Kill Clause by Lisa Unger

Sunday, December 21, 2025

The Kill Clause by Lisa Unger

Lisa Unger is no stranger to holiday-themed thrillers. Her 2023 release, Christmas Presents , successfully blended a compelling mystery with...

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A Christmas Home by Greg Kincaid

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

A Christmas Home by Greg Kincaid

This time of year is busy for most of us. The holidays bring a flurry of decorating, shopping, gatherings, and travel. For me, that usually ...

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A Dog Named Christmas by Greg Kincaid

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

A Dog Named Christmas by Greg Kincaid

December is here, and with it has come some very welcome colder weather in South Texas. My house is fully decorated for the holidays, and I’...

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Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

Holiday stories often conjure images of warmth, joy, and the unshakable hope of the season. Yet the ones that resonate most deeply with me e...

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You Better Watch Out by James S. Murray and Darren Wearmouth

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

You Better Watch Out by James S. Murray and Darren Wearmouth

Christmas is a time for giving, togetherness, and sharing the season's joy. While I’m a sucker for the heartwarming holiday stories that...

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A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Monday, December 25, 2023

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Merry Christmas! Whether you partake in the festivities or not, I wish you a day filled with joy, tranquility, and a sense of community. I s...

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Friday Flicks: Christmas with the Kranks

Friday, December 22, 2023

Friday Flicks: Christmas with the Kranks

What are your go-to holiday films? I have a list of favorites that I make sure to watch each year, and sometimes, I find myself extending my...

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The Christmas Guest by Peter Swanson

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

The Christmas Guest by Peter Swanson

What is your favorite holiday tradition? For me, decorating, enjoying festive music, and savoring delicious holiday dishes are a few of my m...

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The Christmas Appeal by Janice Hallett

Friday, October 27, 2023

The Christmas Appeal by Janice Hallett

I know what you're thinking. What is a Christmas story doing here in the middle of spooky season? While October typically revolves aroun...

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Hiddensee by Gregory Maguire

Friday, December 17, 2021

Hiddensee by Gregory Maguire

I vividly remember the first time my mom took me to see The Nutcracker. We dressed in our Sunday best and made our way to downtown San Anton...

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When Christmas Comes By Andrew Klavan

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

When Christmas Comes By Andrew Klavan

"In heaven, the great God will judge me, but here on earth I must leave it to you." This time of the year, I'm craving any and...

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Skipping Christmas by John Grisham

Saturday, December 26, 2020

Skipping Christmas by John Grisham

I think it is safe to say that for many of us, this Christmas was anything but ordinary. My Christmas traditions usually consist of travelin...

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Winter Solstice by Elin Hilderbrand

Monday, December 31, 2018

Winter Solstice by Elin Hilderbrand

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 y...

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Winter Storms by Elin Hilderbrand

Latest Review

Winter Storms by Elin Hilderbrand

A new year brings new triumphs and challenges to the ever-engaging Quinn family. Kelley, the patriarch of the family, has been reunited with...

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Winter Stroll by Elin Hilderbrand

Latest Review

Winter Stroll by Elin Hilderbrand

The get-togethers are over, the presents are all unwrapped, and I'm left in the afterglow of another successful Christmas. Amongst the h...

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Christmas on the Island by Jenny Colgan

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Christmas on the Island by Jenny Colgan

We've only got a few days until Christmas, and I'm struggling to get all of my preparations in order. The past week has seen me unex...

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Winter Street by Elin Hilderbrand

Friday, November 30, 2018

Winter Street by Elin Hilderbrand

The holidays are officially upon us. There may not be snow at my Texas home, but it is certainly snowing on the blog! Readers of the blog wi...

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Noelle by Greg Kincaid

Thursday, December 28, 2017

Noelle by Greg Kincaid

"Dogs aren't takers, they're givers." The last couple weeks have been a real whirlwind. I took a vacation the week befor...

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Merry Christmas, Alex Cross by James Patterson

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Merry Christmas, Alex Cross by James Patterson

Merry Christmas, Alex Cross is the nineteenth installment in James Patterson's Alex Cross Series. Initially, I was hesitant to dive in...

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