A Book A Week

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)

Holiday stories often conjure images of warmth, joy, and the unshakable hope of the season. Yet the ones that resonate most deeply with me embrace the complexities of the human spirit, where darkness and light coexist. Consider Ebenezer Scrooge's ghostly reckoning in A Christmas Carol or George Bailey's moment of despair in It’s a Wonderful Life. These tales endure because they confront the struggles that make acts of kindness and redemption meaningful.

Claire Keegan’s novella Small Things Like These joins this tradition, offering a quietly powerful story about compassion and moral courage. Set against an unassuming backdrop, it shines not through grand gestures but through the strength of one man’s resolve to bring light into the darkness around him.

Life for Bill Furlong has been a series of quiet struggles and modest triumphs. Raised by a single mother in a small Irish town steeped in Catholic tradition, Bill always felt like an outsider. His mother's untimely death when he was just twelve left him orphaned, compounding his sense of otherness. Yet, against the odds, Bill managed to build a life of stability.

Now a coal merchant, he earns enough to provide for his wife and their five daughters. While his work doesn’t bring wealth, it sustains them—a rare accomplishment in 1985 Ireland, where economic hardship drives many to seek better fortunes in London. Bill’s existence is humble but steady, shaped by resilience and an enduring sense of responsibility.

As Christmas approaches, the frigid weather brings a surge of business for Bill. Among his regular deliveries is the local convent, a place of wealth and power in the small town. During one of his visits, Bill stumbles upon a disturbing truth hidden within its walls. This discovery forces him to reckon with the ghosts of his own past and the silent complicity of a community tightly gripped by the church’s influence.

Claire Keegan masterfully transports readers to a bygone Ireland, juxtaposing the warmth and goodwill of the holiday season with the stark hypocrisy of those in power failing to live by the values they preach. Her writing is spare yet evocative, letting the story’s quiet profundity emerge naturally without becoming overwrought. The novella is timeless, feeling like a classic while addressing issues that remain strikingly relevant today.

At just over a hundred pages, Small Things Like These is a compact but profoundly moving tale. It captures the power of quiet resistance and the impact of small acts of courage, earning its place as a standout holiday tale and one of my most memorable reads of the year.

For more information, visit Amazon and Goodreads. 

(2024, 87)

Christmas is a time for giving, togetherness, and sharing the season's joy. While I’m a sucker for the heartwarming holiday stories that flood the season, I’ve found them becoming a bit predictable. Recently, I’ve been searching for something different. This year, I was thrilled to come across You Better Watch Out, a thriller set during the holidays by James S. Murray (of Impractical Jokers fame) and Darren Wearmouth. With its eerie twist, it’s a fresh, unexpected Christmas novel that blends holiday cheer with a dash of horror—just what I was looking for.

Just days before Christmas, Eddie Parker is making the long drive home when he pulls into Old Forge for a quick stop. It’s a classic small town, the kind that time—and everyone else—seems to have forgotten. As he browses the dusty shelves of the general store, his eyes are drawn to an elderly couple shuffling through the aisles. A glimpse of crisp bills in the woman’s purse catches his attention, and despite knowing better, temptation gets the best of him. Old habits die hard, and Eddie could use the extra cash. He follows them out, ready to make his move. But just as he’s about to strike, he realizes he may have underestimated his targets. A sharp sting on his neck is the last thing he feels before the world darkens.

Jessica Kane wakes with blurred vision and a splitting headache. Her fingers brush her forehead, coming back slick with blood. Panic sets in. Where is she? How did she get here? As her vision clears, she recognizes the town of Old Forge, but something is wrong. The once-familiar place is completely abandoned, draped in eerie, vintage Christmas decorations as if frozen in time. But it’s not the past she’s traveled to. Soon, Jessica discovers five other strangers, including Eddie, each with no memory of how they arrived in this strange place. They share the same confusion and dread, but one thing is clear: they must find a way out. Escape, however, won't be easy. Someone is hunting them, methodically orchestrating their deaths, one by one. Each time, they watch helplessly as another life fades before their eyes. They must find a way out of this nightmare before they become the next victim. 

You Better Watch Out isn’t your typical holiday read. It unfolds more like a horror thriller than anything else, making for a refreshing take on the genre. Authors Murray and Wearmouth fully embrace the fun of this unique narrative, crafting a gory and thrilling holiday tale that feels like a blend of A Christmas Carol and the Saw movies. The characters aren’t exactly good people. They find themselves in a scenario that forces them to confront their past while seeking redemption for their futures. But first, they’ll have to survive.

I went into the novel blind and was blown away by the adrenaline rush it delivered. There’s a central mystery surrounding the mastermind behind this holiday horror, and the twist caught me completely off guard. While you might need to suspend some logic to fully enjoy the ride, don’t let that deter you. You Better Watch Out is a thrilling, clever novel that is a unique addition to the holiday reading season.

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

(2024, 77)

October usually signals the beginning of the spooky season for me, but I've been momentarily sidetracked by thoughts of future holidays. After reading her first two mysteries, I’ve become quite taken with Nita Prose’s quirky, neurodivergent character, Molly the Maid. So, when I discovered that Prose would be releasing a Christmas-themed novella featuring Molly, it immediately landed on my TBR list. Even better, I was fortunate to receive a copy from her publisher. And so, despite this being a month typically dedicated to horror reads—and with South Texas still experiencing scorching summer-like temperatures—I find myself enjoying The Mistletoe Mystery. This cozy Yuletide novella serves as the perfect prelude to the holiday season.

The opulent Regency Grand Hotel is decked out in holiday splendor, warmly welcoming guests into the festive season. For Molly, the hotel's head maid, the holidays have always been about upholding cherished traditions. Ever since her Gran passed away, Christmas hasn’t quite been the same. Gran always ensured Molly's holiday was filled with joy and warmth, and adjusting to life without her has been difficult. But Molly has her boyfriend, Juan Manuel, by her side this year. He’s helping her honor those old traditions and introducing new ones, making this Christmas a special blend of the familiar and the new for them both.

Juan Manuel certainly seems like Molly’s prince charming, but she can't shake her nagging doubts. Is this relationship truly as perfect as it seems? He’s always attentive, going out of his way to make her life easier—cooking meals, walking her to work, and even gifting her an Advent calendar filled with thoughtful surprises. Yet, there are little things that don’t quite add up. Lately, Juan Manuel appears more drained than ever, with dark circles under his eyes and an unusual tendency to sleep in. Then there's the matter of his lengthy trips to do laundry, even though the dirty clothes remain untouched in the hamper. Something feels off, but surely there must be a reasonable explanation. Without her Gran’s wisdom to lean on, Molly must face her most personal and consequential mystery yet.

In The Mistletoe Mystery, Nita Prose blends cozy mystery elements with festive holiday charm. Molly remains as endearing as ever, with her quirks leading her into a situation that's a joy to watch her unravel. While the plot's direction was evident early on, that's never been the core appeal of this series. The true delight is in observing Molly puzzle through things, even when they seem glaringly obvious to others. The novella beautifully captures the spirit of the season, emphasizing the importance of the people we surround ourselves with. Molly may not be everyone's cup of tea, but she's created a found family that loves and cherishes her just as she is. Although occasionally sentimental, it’s a fitting touch for a holiday story as heartwarming as this one. With themes of community, kindness, and the traditions that bring us together, The Mistletoe Mystery is a delightful read that should keep fans content until Molly’s next adventure releases in the spring.

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

(2024, 73)

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 spent last night celebrating Christmas with my family and will be traveling back home today for additional festivities this evening. In what has become a Christmas Eve tradition, I dedicated the late hours of last night into the early morning to finishing a book. This year, I chose a classic novel that I hadn't read since my school days. Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol is a timeless holiday classic that has sparked numerous retellings and reinterpretations. Immersing myself in the original text, I rediscovered its narrative and found the work to be as impactful as ever.

Attempting to summarize the book feels somewhat futile, given the well-known tale of the cantankerous Ebenezer Scrooge being visited by three spirits—a narrative that has become a trope for numerous retellings. Instead, this review aims to reflect on the enduring power of Dickens's classic tale. Through his distinctive prose, Dickens instantly transports readers to Victorian England, creating a rich setting that envelops them in a cool sense of nostalgia. While classic literature can sometimes be challenging, this story effortlessly flows off the pages. I found myself captivated, even though I was familiar with the narrative, irresistibly drawn to the next page by the enchanting writing.

Despite elements of whimsy and a joyfully happy ending, the work carries a darkness that lingers. Scrooge is a man haunted both literally and figuratively—by his past, grappling with life's what-ifs; by his present, a listless existence yielding great wealth but little satisfaction; and most terrifyingly, by his future, a looming certainty approaching with each passing day. This duality is what, I believe, continues to captivate readers with A Christmas Carol. We all encounter similar reflections on our lives, filled with regrets, upsets, and uncertainties. The holidays, while a time of exuberant celebration, also compel us to step back and reflect on the year gone by. As I turned the final pages of the book,  I was overcome with a sense of gratitude for my own life. Yes, the past year had its challenges, but Dickens's narrative reminds us that no one is beyond redemption. It is never too late to embrace the spirit of love, charity, and community that the season brings. As we approach the final days of the year, I hope you, too, take a moment to reflect and appreciate the gifts in your own life. 

For more information, visit Amazon and Goodreads.

(2023, 92)

As the holiday season unfolds, Madeline Martin is haunted by the tragedy that struck her community over a decade ago. She remains the sole survivor of the brutal killing spree perpetrated by Evan Handy, a man responsible for the murder of her best friend and suspected in the disappearance of her other two close friends. This horrifying crime cast a dark shadow over the small town of Little Valley during what should have been a time of celebration. Her father, who was the town's sheriff at the time, tirelessly worked to find the missing girls, but his efforts proved futile. In the present, Madeline has mostly concealed the physical and emotional scars of that traumatic period. She now owns a successful bookstore and spends her days managing her business while caring for her ailing father. Instead of the warmth and light of the holiday season, she grapples with a shadow of grief.

Harley Granger, renowned for his remarkable ability to uncover details others miss, has carved out a niche as a successful true crime author and podcaster. He arrives in Little Valley and begins reexamining the seemingly closed case involving Evan Handy. His initial interaction with Madeline sours when she realizes his intention to delve into her past. Madeline has already struggled to move beyond those painful memories, and the last thing she needs is an author unearthing her history. Still, Harley's probing questions hold a glimmer of potential. Evan Handy's pattern has been disturbingly replicated, even after his incarceration, with five young women disappearing in the same region over a decade. This raises uncertainties about Evan Handy's guilt, the potential presence of another culprit on that fateful night, and the sinister motives that may still be at play.

Marketed as a holiday novella, Christmas Presents may be shorter than your typical novel, but I found Lisa Unger's narrative to be a well-rounded mystery that offers due attention to both its plotline and the characters who navigate it. This marked my first encounter with Unger's storytelling, and I was captivated by her writing. She skillfully balances setting the atmosphere, building suspense, and crafting emotionally rich characters. The book presents a captivating interplay between the quaint, small-town holiday backdrop and the somber events that have transpired there. Unger weaves in contemplations on grief, guilt, and justice, infusing the story with a depth that enhances the mystery elements. Despite its relatively extended length for a novella, spanning 260 pages, I devoured it in a single sitting. Christmas Presents embodies everything I seek in my holiday reading and undoubtedly deserves a spot on your own holiday reading list.

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

(2023, 89)

What is your favorite holiday tradition? For me, decorating, enjoying festive music, and savoring delicious holiday dishes are a few of my most cherished traditions, ones that I absolutely must partake in every year to capture that true Christmas spirit. Recently, I've developed a deep affection for reading holiday-themed books. They provide me with a means to momentarily escape the hustle and bustle of the season, offering a quiet sanctuary amidst the joyful chaos. I savor the opportunity to carve out some personal time each year, immersing myself in the enchantment of a holiday-themed read. This year, I was thrilled to discover that Peter Swanson, one of my favorite thriller authors, had published a short Christmas novella. Naturally, I set aside some time to sit down and immerse myself in it.

The book's beginning unfolds with the charming setup of a Hallmark holiday movie. Ashley Smith, a college student initially planning to spend Christmas in solitude, receives an invitation from her friend Emma Chapman to join the Chapman family at their country residence, Starvewood Hall. The grandeur of Starvewood Hall, adorned with pine boughs and bustling with Christmas week guests, epitomizes a fantasy Christmas setting. Ashley finds herself captivated by the warm, firelit atmosphere of the house, the lively family, and the picturesque village of Clevemoor. Her heart flutters even more at the sight of Adam Chapman, Emma's enigmatic and handsome brother, hinting at the possibility of a romantic fairy tale Christmas.

The enchanting scene takes an unexpected twist as Adam becomes the subject of a local police investigation into the recent brutal murder of a village girl. In the world of Peter Swanson's thriller, one can't help but expect the unexpected! Toss in an enigmatic stranger who lurks along the woodland path between Starvewood Hall and the local pub, and an air of mystery begins to overshadow the idyllic romance that Ashley initially envisioned. Will this Christmas prove to be a dream or a nightmare? The answers lie within the pages, waiting to be discovered.

I've always had a soft spot for Christmas stories that bring an element of mystery or darkness into the mix. The tale of Scrooge and his encounters with ghosts always captivated me more than the typical joyful and heartwarming narratives that define the holiday season. Peter Swanson's The Christmas Guest is an intriguing departure from the norm. It cleverly straddles the line between wish-fulfillment fantasy and murder mystery, blending these two contrasting elements in a way that keeps readers on their toes.

Spanning under 100 pages, this novella is designed to be devoured in a single sitting. While it may not allow for extensive character development or the intricate twists characteristic of Swanson's longer works, it is a perfect diversional read amid the bustling holiday season.  I recommend trying it as you cozy up by the fireplace with a cup of cocoa in hand. It's a snug and manageable read that I easily devoured in one go.

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

(2023, 88)

I know what you're thinking. What is a Christmas story doing here in the middle of spooky season? While October typically revolves around tales of ghouls, ghosts, and chilling narratives, it also marks the beginning of the holiday season in the publishing world. Many authors release their festive stories early, hoping to capture readers' attention before the holiday rush.  When my friends at Atria Books presented me with the chance to read Janice Hallett's holiday-themed follow-up to her book The Appeal, I couldn't help but get swept up by the holiday spirit. It provides a gentle introduction to the season, one tinged with a touch of mystery that I couldn't resist. 

Lower Lockwood is embracing the Christmas season, with the Fairway Players fervently rehearsing their holiday production of "Jack and the Beanstalk" to raise funds for a new church roof. However, goodwill is in short supply among amateur theater enthusiasts, with petty rivalries, concerns about asbestos in the beanstalk, and persistent absenteeism among the cast.

On the night of their production, a dead body is discovered onstage. Who could have harbored ill intentions toward the victim during this festive season? Lawyers Femi and Charlotte embark on an investigation that involves analyzing Christmas letters, scrutinizing emails, and delving into police transcripts to unmask both the victim and the killer before the final curtain falls on the holiday production. 

The Christmas Appeal provided a much-needed respite from my spooky reading. Hallett presents the story through firsthand correspondence, offering insights into the lives and motivations of the Fairway Players members. I couldn't help but become engrossed in the petty drama that permeates this community theater organization, reminiscent of my own experiences with church music groups. Everyone is a volunteer, and everyone believes they're in charge. While the murder mystery itself may be somewhat ordinary, the vividly portrayed characters and their interpersonal conflicts make the narrative incredibly engaging. The added stress of the holiday season heightens the tension. The Christmas Appeal is a delightful and brisk read, offering an escape into the holiday spirit ahead of the bustling season.

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

(2023, 70)

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 Antonio. I remember walking the streets of the city, weaving amidst the riverwalk as we made our way into the elegant theater. Once the show began, I was transported by Tchaikovsky's music, mesmerized by the sheer fantasy unfolding upon the stage. That year, I opened the gift of my very own nutcracker, a single emblem that would begin a collection that grew throughout my childhood. My brother and I would play with the toy soldiers, reenacting the story as it was told in the ballet. Years later I would find myself in the serendipitous position as a music teacher for the Houston Ballet Academy, a role that gave me the opportunity to work with students who performed in the very work that had enchanted me as a child. It is safe to say that the endearing story of The Nutcracker has been an ever-present part of my holiday traditions. 

In Hiddensee: A Tale of the Once and Future Nutcracker, author Gregory Maguire attempts to capture the origins of the endearing classic. There's probably no author better suited in tackling such a monumental story. Maguire has delved into the worlds of Alice in Wonderland, Snow White, Cinderella, and most famously The Wizard of Oz. If you've heard of the hit musical Wicked, then you are at least tangentially aware of his work. This novel imagines the origins of the mysterious Drosselmeier, the eye-patched godfather of Klara, the girl transported to the land of the sugar plum fairies. As we first encounter the famed toymaker, he is but an orphaned boy, living in the woods with an elderly couple. He learns the art of storytelling from the old woman who tells fanciful tales of fantastic worlds. The old man is more practical, teaching the boy the value of hard work and living off of the land. A tragedy at the start of this tale sets into motion a coming-of-age journey twinged with ever-growing magic, one that sees the boy grow into the famed man of the classic Christmas narrative. 

For a novel based in the same world as the spectacular Nutcracker, Hiddensee is a surprisingly subdued affair. Sure, there are glimmers of the same magic and wonder that permeate the classic story, but Maguire's take on the tale is much more firmly planted in reality. Much of the drama and action that takes up the pages of the book is built around a young man growing up without the benefit of someone guiding him through adolescence. His coming to terms with religion, art, and love would be perfectly fine if they were combined with the dazzling mystical elements of the original story. Absent these moments, the story reads as much more ordinary than it should. This combined with Maguire's penchant for classically formal language makes the short novel drag on endlessly. By the time the timeline of this origin story intersects with the tale we've come to know, it is simply too little too late. Simply put, Hiddensee is a valiant effort at an origin story that never truly lives up to the magic of the story it attempts to precede. 

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

(2021, 52)

"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 everything that puts me in the holiday spirit. Christmas was a much more subdued affair last year due to the ongoing pandemic, but this year (thanks in large part to vaccinations) I'm making up for the lost time. The house is fully decorated, I've made Christmas cookies, cocktails, and I've finished with all of my holiday shopping. As I settle into the season and try to embrace the spirit of this time as much as possible, I've been drawn to reading books that do the same. Enter Andrew Klavan's novella When Christmas Comes, a holiday-themed mystery that seemed like just the book to bring the festivities into my reading. 

The setup is simple enough. A local teacher has been murdered and her boyfriend has confessed to the crime. The only problem is that no one wants to believe that he is the culprit. You see, he is a decorated soldier who the entire town has embraced as a hero, a symbol of the best things to come out of the city. Moreso, the couple seemed to have had the perfect relationship. Something simply isn't adding up. The town's authorities seem hesitant to investigate the crime, especially when all the evidence points to someone they revere. It is up to Cameron Winter, an English professor of all things, to step in and ensure that justice is served. As he takes on the unenviable task of investigating a war hero, he must also face the demons of his past. 

Some of the best Christmas stories have seeped in the things that haunt us. From Krampus to Dicken's ghosts, connecting with the spirit of the holiday often requires us to face the things that we fear. Klavan draws on this literary tradition by haunting his own characters. Each person we encounter in the short work is grappling with the implications of their pasts while working to embrace a brighter future. The mystery at the center of the narrative helps to drive the plot through each of the character beats, never letting the pace slow. The writing is at times a bit saccharine, a characteristic that I'd normally scoff at. Here, amongst the idyllic setting and Christmas theme, it gets a pass. When Christmas Comes concludes with an emotional swell that delivers on each of the moments that precede it while promising more for the characters even beyond the final page. 

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

(2021, 51)