A Look Back at 2023

by Donna Huber

Here we are on the last day of 2023. It's Waltz Day - 123123! I don't plan on any dancing tonight. I plan to spend the day reading and will probably be asleep by 9:30 pm. Whether you are looking for something to read tonight or want to see what books you might have missed, here is a look back at 2023 at Girl Who Reads.

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Looking Forward to 2024 Books

by Donna Huber

Have you started building your 2024 to-be-read list? I have! I have advance review copies lined up for the first 5 months of 2024. Here is the list of my most anticipated read for January - May.

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2 Christmas Books You Don't Want to Miss

by Donna Huber

On Christmas Day, I posted about the 3 Christmas books in my TBR pile that I hoped to get to before the clock struck midnight on December 31. I've been able to read 2 of them. I still have 3 days, so hopefully I will get the 3rd one read too. If you haven't had your fill of Christmas novels yet, be sure to pick up these two.

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All the Days of Summer by Nancy Thayer ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

Heather Willette has a good life in Concord, Massachusetts--complete with a husband who runs his own business and a son to take up his mantle one day. But now that her marriage has fizzled out and Ross, her only child, is graduating from college and getting serious with his girlfriend, Heather wonders if that life is the one she really wants. Ready to seek out her own happiness and discover herself again, Heather decides to leave her husband and rent a cottage on Nantucket. And her plan is going perfectly--until Ross announces he's moving to Nantucket to work at his girlfriend's family's construction business instead of going back home to work with his own father, like he'd promised. Worst of all for Heather, this means having to get along with her.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

Coconut Drop Dead by Olivia Matthews ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

Brooklyn’s annual Caribbean American Heritage Festival is finally here, and Spice Isle Bakery is thrilled to be one of the event’s food vendors. After all, the Murrays have been attending the festival for years. Co-owner Lyndsay Murray hopes their West Indian pastries and finger foods draw people back to the bakery in Little Caribbean. She’s looking forward to having fun, connecting with customers, and celebrating with her family. The day's festivities are cut short when Camille, lead singer of an up-and-coming reggae band, dies. The police think it may be a tragic accident. But Lyndsay’s cousin Manny was close to Camille, and he believes someone cut her life short. Now Manny needs Lyndsay’s help to make sure a killer faces the music.

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Second Duke's the Charm by Kate Bateman ~ a Review

by MK French

Tess Townsend is the Dowager Duchess of Wansford after her much older husband died on their wedding night. She and her two best friends investigate London’s most scandalous crimes, and Tess loves the independence her widowhood brings her. Justin Thornton never expected to inherit a dukedom, or to kiss the Dowager Duchess at a party. A marriage of convenience would suit them both, though there's unexpected passion between them. Tess has secrets she can't tell Justin, making him question everything about her.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

3 Christmas Books I Still Hope to Read this Holiday

by Donna Huber

Merry Christmas! It's Day 25 of our 25 Days of Christmas Reading. I hope you found something good to read. I'm still hoping to squeeze in 3 more holiday reads before the bell strikes midnight on New Year's Eve. I've been busy with holiday prep and reading the last few new releases of 2023. I'm ready to binge read Chrsitmas books. In case, you are in the same boat, here are the 3 Christmas books I'm still hoping to read this holiday.

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Winning Lady Jane by Isabella Thorne

Happy Christmas Eve! Does your family have a tradition of reading on Christmas Eve? If not, why not start tonight? Here's a free Christmas Regency romance, but we've featured plenty of Christmas reads in the past 24 days that are in different genres (even a horror short story!). If you need more recommendations, check out all of our 25 Days of Christmas Reading. 

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An Inconvenient Earl by Julia London ~ a Review

by MK French

Emma Clark's husband left on an expedition over a year ago, and people are starting to assume that the Earl of Dearborn is dead. This doesn't suit her at all, as his family will swoop in and kick her out if he's declared dead. The Earl of Marlaine has traveled to England from Egypt to give the countess her dead husband's watch, and feels there's more to her than her party girl exterior. He is then drawn into her ruse.

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Dachshund Through the Snow by Rosie A. Point

It's Day 23 of our 25 Days of Christmas Reading and we have a free Christmas cozy mystery for you. Are Christmas books not your thing? We've also been reviewing other books this month, so check them out if you are looking for a non-holiday read. But if Christmas books are your thing, we have offered up plenty of reading recommendations and free ebooks during our 25 Days of Christmas Reading. 

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Public Anchovy #1 by Mindy Quigley ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

While Geneva Bay’s upper crust gets ready to party down at a Prohibition-themed fundraiser, pizza chef Delilah O’Leary is focused on seeing her struggling restaurant through the winter slow season. The temperature outside is plummeting, but Delilah’s love life might finally be heating up, as hunky police detective Calvin Capone seems poised to (finally) make a move. When a man tumbles down the stairs to his death during the fundraiser, Delilah's hopes of a successful catering party take a plummet.

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A Mother for Christmas by Jackie Weger

It's the Friday before Christmas! Have you finished your shopping and looking for some downtime? For Day 22 of our 25 Days of Christmas Reading, we are highlighting a free holiday romance so that you can curl up next to the Christmas tree and enjoy a few minutes to yourself. Check out all of your 25 Days of Christmas Reading posts.

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Many Are Invited by Dennis Cuesta ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

A housewarming party ends in tragedy. . . Steve Galanos, a native Midwesterner, reflects on his time in and near Silicon Valley during the 1990s, a time when the two-digit year emerged as the Y2K problem, the burgeoning Internet fueled the expansion of the New Economy, the dot-com bubble created unseen prosperity and real estate frenzies. Yet it’s a housewarming party, held in late 1999, that affects him the most.

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The Christmas Curse by Tabitha Cross

We are coming down to the end of our 25 Days of Christmas Reading. Have you enjoyed our selections? If you are looking for more Christmas ghost stories after reading yesterday's post about A Christmas Carol, then for Day 21 we have a free Christmas horror short story for you today! If you are just starting your Christmas reading,  check out all of our 25 Days of Christmas Reading posts for free ebooks, recommendation lists, reviews, and discussions.

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The Cthulhu casebooks: Sherlock Holmes and the Highgate Horrors by James Lovegrove ~ a Review

by MK French

In the fourth volume of the Cthulu Casebooks, an aging Dr. Watson wants to outline the true story behind the famous cases that were previously published. There are reanimated corpses in Highgate cemetery, a variation of Irene Adler, organic machines, and madness in the frozen north. Each of the cases brings Sherlock and Watson closer to the truth of the aliens and Mi-Go.

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A Deep Dive into A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

by Donna Huber

One of the best-known Christmas stories is A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. There are stage productions and movies and many families read it together every year. I've read it a few times but I always find the story behind the story interesting. So for Day 20 of our 25 Days of Christmas Reading, we're going to do a deep dive into A Christmas Carol and discover why it is such a beloved tale.

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Secret Santa by Kay Lyons Stockham

So much to read and so little time - it's Day 19 of our 25 Days of Christmas Reading! Have you been enjoying our Christmas-themed posts? Have you found something to read? Well, in case you are in need of more Christmas books, check out today's free ebook! If you need more suggestions, be sure to check out all of our 25 Days of Christmas Reading posts.

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Loki: Journey Into Mystery by Katherine Locke ~ a Review

by MK French

The God of Lies has been reborn. Now, Loki must cross the realms to help Thor avoid Ragnarok. As he does so, Loki must outwit enemies, struggle to be heroic, and avoid falling in love. This is the prose novel adaptation of the "Journey Into Mystery" series of comics by Kieron Gillen.

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Mistletoe and Mayhem by Carly Winter

I don't want to alarm anyone but we are a week away from Christmas! Have you read all the Christmas books you wanted to? I know I haven't. If you are still looking for more Christmas books, then join us for Day 18 of our 25 Days of Christmas Reading which features a free Christmas cozy mystery. Be sure to check out all of our 25 Days of Christmas Reading posts.

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God Save Benedict Arnold by Jack Kelly ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

Benedict Arnold committed treason— for more than two centuries, that’s all that most Americans have known about him.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

The Christmas Cat by Peter Scottsdale

It's the last week before Christmas. How many Christmas parties do you still have to attend and gifts to purchase and wrap. Is school out and now you are having to keep the kids entertained? It might feel like you can't find a moment for yourself let alone enough time to read a novel. For Day 17 of our 25 Days of Christmas Reading, we are featuring a free short story. It's perfect for grabbing a few minutes for yourself during the busy holiday season.

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The Top 6 Best Sellers in Holiday Fiction

It's Day 16 of our 25 Days of Christmas Reading. We're taking a peek at what is on Amazon's Holiday Fiction Best Seller's list. Many of them are free for Kindle Unlimited subscribers and/or Prime members. 

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A Special Kind of Advent by S.J. Crabb

It's Day 15 of our 25 Days of Christmas Reading. Since it is Friday, how about a freebie? Don't miss any of our 25 Days of Christmas Reading posts.

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Christmas Reading Recommendations from My Friends

by Donna Huber

What Christmas books are you reading? For Day 14 of our 25 Days of Christmas Reading, I'm sharing some of the Christmas books that my Goodreads friends are reading. I would love to know what you are reading.

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Mistletoe Malarkey by Stella Bixby

Day 13 of our 25 Days of Christmas Reading and we have a Christmas mystery for you!

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A Very Gothic Christmas by Christine Feehan and Melanie George

by Donna Huber

Last night I went to my library's Victorian Christmas Ghost Stories program. Telling ghost stories during the winter holidays was a popular pasttime but the stories weren't exactly Christmasy. So instead of sharing those ghosts stories with you, I found a Gothic Christmas book that has two gothic novellas for those wanting something a bit spooky this holiday season. Be sure to check out all of our Christmas book reviews, recommended Christmas reading lists, and free Christmas ebooks, you can find them all here: 25 Days of Christmas Reading.

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Nothing Makes a Christmas Merry Like a Murder - 9 Christmas Cozy Mysteries

by Donna Huber

Like the holiday romance novels we featured last week, Christmas cozy mysteries have been hitting shelves for months. I read a lot of cozy mysteries and this year it seemed that more of the series I regularly read had Christmas books than usual. And these aren't special "0.5" novellas that some series do but regular installments in the series. Whether you are wanting to try a new series or looking for something festive that isn't a romance, take a look at a few that came out this year.

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Mistletoe, Malice and Murder by Bruce Hammack

Not a fan of the Christmas romance novel? How about a Christmas crime novel? Check out this traditional detective novel for FREE on Day 10 of our 25 Days of Christmas Reading.

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2 Audiobooks for Young Readers

by Donna Huber

Books are always a quiet activity for kids but if you have a child that doesn't read well or doesn't really like to read it can be a challenge. Audiobooks are a great option. 

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A Christmas Series: Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge

Day 9 of our 25 Days of Christmas Reading and as it is the weekend it is the perfect for binging reading a whole series of Christmas stories. If you've missed any of our Christmas book reviews, recommended Christmas reading lists, and free ebooks this week, you can find them all here: 25 Days of Christmas Reading.

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Ginger Snapped to Death by Catherine Bruns

It's Day 8 of our 25 Days of Christmas Reading and we're back with a free ebook - a Christmas cozy mystery! Don't miss out on any of our Christmas book reviews, recommended Christmas reading lists, and free ebooks - find them all here: 25 Days of Christmas Reading.

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Beneath Dark Waters by Karen Rose ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

Public prosecutor J.P. "Kaj" Cardozo has only lived in New Orleans for six months, and he's already working on a high-profile celebrity sexual assault case that's made headlines all over the country. But when his son becomes the target of a kidnapping attempt as a threat to Kaj, he is desperate to keep him safe and turns to a private investigative firm famous for their protection services.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

5 Holiday Romances to Read Before Christmas

by Donna Huber

I don't know about you, but I sometimes can't remember books I've been wanting to read - particularly if it has been a few months. Christmas books have been coming out since the end of summer. So for Day 7 of the 25 Days of Christmas Reading, I've gathered a few Christmas romances we've reviewed this year that you will want to read this month.

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Mistletoe Wishes by Stina Lindenblatt

It's Day 6 of our 25 Days of Christmas Reading and we have a free steamy, but funny holiday romance for you. Don't miss out on our Christmas book reviews, recommended Christmas reading lists, free ebooks, and more - find them all here: 25 Days of Christmas Reading.

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Veil of Doubt by Sharon Virts ~ A Review

by Susan Roberts

When a mother is charged with murder in a town already convinced of her guilt, can defense attorney Powell Harrison find truth and justice in a legal system where innocence is not presumed? 

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Scrooge and the Girls Next Door by Melanie Jacobson

Day 5 of our 25 Days of Christmas Reading features a free romantic comedy, perfect for fans of Hallmark and Lifetime Holiday movies.

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Lost Hours by Paige Shelton ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

A year after arriving in Benedict, Beth Rivers is feeling very at home in Alaska, even as outsiders are starting to return to enjoy the brief summer perfection. Beth feels like she’s finally let go of most of her demons. She’s even found her father, Eddy Rivers—or, rather, he found her—and she's trying to find the middle ground between anger and forgiveness.

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At the Scent of the Crime by Melrose McFadden

It's Day 4 of our 25 Days of Christmas Reading. If you are looking for something fun to read, check out today's free read. 

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This Cursed Light by Emily Thiede ~ a Review

by MK French

Six months after saving the island, Alessa wants her happily ever after with Dante. He's convinced the gods aren't finished with them, and a kiss from her could kill him now that he doesn't have powers. They plan to find the exiled ghiotte to restore his powers and create an army powerful enough to save them all. Alessa has her own secret, and the mysterious city of the banished could possibly be more dangerous than they thought. Dante must ultimately choose which side he is on.

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Montana Cowboy Christmas by Jane Porter

It's Day 3 of our 25 Days of Christmas Reading and it's time for a FREE READ! Be sure to check out Day 1's review of The Wishing Bridge by Viola Shipman and Day 2's review of Murder on the Cornish Cliffs by Verity Bright.

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The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt ~ A Review

by Susan Roberts

On a golden August morning in 1939, sisters Antonina and Helena Dąbrowska send their father off to defend Poland against the looming threat of German invasion. The next day, the first bombs fall on Warsaw, decimating their beloved city and shattering the world of their youth.

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Murder on the Cornish Cliffs by Verity Bright ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

A festive invitation from an old family friend, the promise of gingerbread at the village inn, snowy walks on the Cornish coast with Gladstone the bulldog… But wait, is that a body on the beach?

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The Wishing Bridge by Viola Shipman ~ A Review

by Susan Roberts

It seemed a bit strange to me to be reading a Christmas book in the midst of 90-degree weather but it was a Viola Shipman book and I don't pass those up. Plus it takes place in the beautiful state of Michigan, so it is definitely a great read no matter how hot it is outside.

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It Ends at Midnight by Harriet Tyce ~ a Review

by MK French

Sylvie and Tess committed a crime decades ago, but both buried it and kept the secret. Sylvie has a promising career and a chance at being a judge, as well as a loving relationship. Tess is diagnosed with cancer and her marriage is on the rocks, so she wants to make amends for past wrongs. She wants a New Year's Eve party to be the backdrop for her dramatic confessions, but someone doesn't want that midnight confession.

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Robotech: The Macross Saga by Jack McKinney ~ a Review

by MK French

Robotech was published originally in 1994, and Titan Books has reprinted it as a single volume. The Macross Saga comprises three books: Genesis, Battle Cry, and Homecoming.

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Her Secret Hope by Shelley Shepard Gray ~ A Review

by Susan Roberts

"A Season in Pinecraft" series is about three Amish girls who meet when they are all headed to Pinecraft, Florida for vacation and become best friends.  They all have different backgrounds and reasons for their trip but their friendship strengthens each other to try new things in their lives. Her Secret Hope is Lilly's story.

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Reading Books in a Series Out of Order

by Susan Roberts

The last two books that I read were part of a series - one was book three in the series and one was book four.  In both cases, I was not aware that the books were part of a series until I had read part of the books. Both books worked fine as a standalone but there were unanswered questions about the main character's past and motivations that would have been more clear if I  had read each series in order.  In both cases, the main characters intrigued me enough that I've ordered the earlier books in each series.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Free books were provided for honest reviews.

2 Fun Mysteries to Entertain You

by Donna Huber

This time of year I enjoy quick, fun reads but I sometimes overdo it on Christmas novels (I gobble them up like sugar cookies). If you are in need of a palate cleanser but still want something fun to read, then you definitely need to pick up these mysteries. One is from a series I eagerly anticipate the new book each year and the other is the start of a new series.

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Distant Sons by Tim Johnston ~ A Review

by Susan Roberts

The paths of two young men collide and spark unexpected violence in a Wisconsin town where three boys went missing in the 1970s.  

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

Holiday Buying Guide for 2023

by Donna Huber

Do you have a book lover on your list but aren't sure what to get them? Maybe you are loading up an eReader for yourself. I've read/listened to over 145 books this year and this is my list of the best I've read this year. They will make a great gift for the person on your list or yourself.

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