Merry Christmas! Well, almost Christmas. Thank you so much for sticking with me this year. I greatly appreciate all of you!
Like most of you, I'm still preparing for the holidays so of course I have to get some bookish gifts for my family. Luckily, my 11 year old daughter loves to read.
Her current favorites are the Warriors series by Erin Hunter and Wings of Fire by Tui T. Sutherland.
So if you have a pre-teen who loves to read, check those books out. My kiddo loves them!
Now on to the books!
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BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
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FREE for a limited time! FBI Special Agent Elizabeth Ward seeks refuge on a remote Montana ranch after her undercover work dismantles a mobster’s empire, leaving her marked for revenge. Battling betrayal and living on the run, she meets Nat Sullivan, a struggling rancher trying to protect his family’s legacy. Their shared vulnerabilities spark an unexpected connection, leading to a passionate bond.
However, Elizabeth’s dangerous past catches up with her, threatening their newfound peace. To survive, she must reveal secrets that could upend their lives and destroy their love. This romantic suspense story blends themes of healing, trust, and the resilience needed to overcome adversity.
FREE for a limited time! Jack Mars’s new political thriller introduces Jake Mercer, a former Marine sniper turned Secret Service agent tasked with protecting the President of the United States and his family. When a lethal militia targets the Commander-in-Chief, Mercer must confront a dangerous assassination plot with ties to his own shadowy past.
The series combines high-stakes action with psychological depth, as Mercer navigates both professional and personal challenges to safeguard the nation’s leadership. With over 10,000 five-star reviews for Mars’s previous works, this series promises intense, character-driven suspense for fans of political thrillers.
FREE for a limited time! Morgan Rice’s OATHBORNE series debuts with Kaela Reign, a street urchin whose life changes when she is invited to Stonegarden, a secretive institute for espionage and ancient magic. At Stonegarden, Kaela forges alliances, confronts rivals, and discovers powers beyond her imagination. Alongside mastering her newfound abilities, Kaela navigates a love triangle involving the charismatic Erik Emberflame and the enigmatic Valerin Frost.
Set in a captivating world brimming with romance, danger, and magic, OATHBORNE offers a unique twist on the fantasy genre, appealing to both young adult and adult audiences. With unpredictable twists and richly woven narratives, the series promises to deliver thrilling adventures across its future installments.
FREE for a limited time! In 1881 Sussex, Lady Helena Whitcombe, reeling from the loss of her second husband, finds herself thrust into an unexpected role as a reluctant investigator. Burdened by grief, a domineering family, and the weight of her estate, her mourning period is disrupted when the enigmatic French physician Armand Fortier suggests her husband’s death was no accident.
As Lady Helena reluctantly delves into the mystery, her investigation leads her back to her abandoned herbalist studies and unearths dark secrets within her own family. Alongside grappling with her siblings’ control and the societal expectations of a widow, she navigates her growing connection with the unconventional Fortier.
Are you a romance reader? Then you're in luck! Lovestruck Books, a new romance-focused bookstore in Harvard Square, is the first of its kind in the Boston area. Owned by Rachel Kanter, the store offers a curated collection of 10,000 romance books, including subgenres like romantasies, sports romance, historical fiction, and dark romance. It also features items to complement the reading experience, such as tea, cozy essentials, and craft activities.
Kanter envisions the store as more than just a bookstore—it’s a community hub aimed at offering readers an escape from the difficulties of the world and fostering a sense of optimism and hope. She dreams of hosting events like weddings and first dates, inspiring both love and creativity among visitors.
Lovestruck Books strives to be a place where readers can feel a sense of belonging and be inspired to pursue their own stories, whether in books or in life.
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BOOKISH GIFTS
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READING PILLOW
If you know someone who loves reading in bed or while sitting on the couch, this could be the perfect gift. This reading pillow has a flat surface for a physical book and an arm to attach a tablet or ereader. Currently on sale for $45.98 with a $6 coupon for additional savings. If my math is correct, that'll bring it to just under 40 bucks.
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BOOK STAMPS
Are you serious about your books? Of course you are! And look, I get it. I used to lend books out to people all the time and never get them back. Well now you can stamp all of your books with your own personalized book stamps. You can custom-order them so they stamp or emboss "From the library of..." on your treasured copies. Unfortunately, due to each stamp needing to be custom-made, they likely won't arrive until after Christmas. These are currently selling for $19.95 on the 'Zon.
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KINDLE REMOTE
I'm not gonna lie. I really want one of these. Hint hint. Anyway, this remote control page turner allows you to turn pages with no Bluetooth or WiFi required. Just click it to the ereader of your choice and start clicking! Did I mention that I really want one. HINT HINT. Currently on sale for $15.99.
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BOOK BITS
Did You Know?: Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol in just six weeks, and it was published on December 19, 1843—selling out by Christmas Eve.
Fun Fact: Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! was published in 1957, and the Grinch was originally drawn in black and white before being given his iconic green color for the TV special.
Book Trivia: The poem ’Twas the Night Before Christmas (1823) by Clement Clarke Moore is credited with popularizing many modern Santa Claus traditions, including his reindeer and sleigh.
Literary Fact: Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, a Christmas classic, was originally written at the request of her publisher, even though Alcott initially didn’t want to write a "girls’ story."
Interesting Tidbit: J.R.R. Tolkien wrote annual Letters from Father Christmas to his children, complete with detailed illustrations and stories about life at the North Pole.
Whether you’re diving into a new book or working on your next big writing idea, remember that every page is progress. Keep nurturing your creativity, and never stop reading and learning. As always, thanks for being a part of MY journey as I continue to write books and work to build this newsletter into something that will hopefully help and inspire people. See you next week!
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