Unofficial Book Club: January Edition

Thirty-five books! That’s the goal I’ve made for this year and I’m proud to report that we’re off (for now) to a great start with four books read during the month of January.

Two Christmas romances, one fantasy, and one historical fiction. Let’s get started.

The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year

I originally picked up The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter via an influencer recommendation on Instagram. It was short, sweet, somewhat predictable, and a little *too* cheesy (the use of sweetie – or was it sweetheart – was used so much that I’ve now developed a distaste for either word). The book follows authors Maggie Chase and Ethan Wyatt as they’re invited to world-famous mystery writer Eleanor Ashley’s estate for Christmas. Chaos ensues almost immediately and Maggie and Ethan have to solve an unexpected mystery together. If you’re in the mood for a holiday read that’s quick and easy, I’d recommend this one!

Throne of Glass

I’ve done it again and embarked on another series! Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Mass (author of the ACOTAR series – you can read my thoughts on that one here) follows Celaena Sardothien’s search for freedom as a former assassin who has been enslaved in a land without magic. But to achieve her freedom she first needs to become the King’s Champion in a competition against 23 killers, thieves, and warriors.

This series (7 books total) was published by Sarah J. Mass three years before her ACOTAR series and though it’s good, it isn’t great. I couldn’t put the ACOTAR series down! In fact, I read all five of the books within 15 days. So I probably had high expectations set on this series based on the first one I read by Sarah. We’ll see how the rest of the series goes! I’m loosely committed at this point.

One Day in December

One Day in December by Josie Silver was on my list for a while and Libby sent it my way last month. Think Bridget Jones’s Diary (location is in London and the main character, Laurie, loves to set resolutions for the new year) but this time it’s love at first sight via a bus window on a snowy December day. Except, the guy she falls head over heels for and searched nearly a year for turns out to be the same one her best friend is now dating. The story follows their friendship and love triangle for a span of ten years and honestly? It was a great read. There was character growth, redemption, and forgiveness. There was also a lot of love and protection for best friends, and I really loved that.

Though this one also starts off (and ends) during Christmastime, I would recommend this read at any point of the year and especially if you’re sitting at the beach and need a touch of cold on a sweltering day.

The Women

Speaking of redemption, let’s talk about The Women by Kristin Hannah.

I shared last year that The Four Winds, also written by Kristin Hannah, was one of my worst reads of 2024 and I stand by it. But after a lot, and by a lot I mean, a lot of fellow readers recommended The Women, I decided to give Kristin Hannah a second chance.

Wow.

The Women taught me, destroyed me (emotionally), taught me some more, and then left me in tears. The Women, in short, is my first 5-star selection of the year. Add it to your list immediately.

This book centers around Frances “Frankie” McGrath, her service as a nurse during the Vietnam War, and her life in America after her tour ends. It was devastating, captivating, and gave me so much respect for veterans and especially for the women who have served or are serving our nation on the front lines.

Thank you, Kristin Hannah for this beautifully heartbreaking look into this difficult chapter of America’s history.

Next up on the list?

Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass, #2), Onyx Storm (The Empyrean, #3), and finally finishing up The Bullet That Missed (Thursday Murder Club, #3).

Have any must-reads for me?

I’m looking for more historical fiction and autobiographies if you have any I should consider!

Until next week, happy reading!