The Sleeper and the Spindle by Neil Gaiman

A little Snow White, a little Sleeping Beauty wrapped up with some fantastic illustrations make this a great and quick read. At less than 80 pages and many of those illustrations, this is at two-cups-of-tea length. The Sleeper and the Spindle strays enough away from the classic fairytales it is based on to make it a fresh, interesting read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and see why it was on a YouTuber’s list of best things she read in 2020, even though it was written in 2014. 

72 Pages

Because of Bethlehem by Max Lucado

We used Because of Bethlehem: Love Is Born, Hope Is Near by Max Lucado as our advent book/video study option. The series encouraged us to step back from the busy-ness of the season and the challenges of the pandemic to reflect on Christ's birth and what it means for us. It comes complete with an advent devotional/study guide. (224 pages)

This video-based series encouraged us to:

• Revive our wonder that the One who made everything chose to make himself nothing for us.
• Rekindle our connection to the Christ of Christmas who offers lasting hope.
• Lay down our endless Christmas to-do list and receive what Jesus has already done.
• Heal our heartache by embracing the God who is always near us, always for us, and always in us.

The Advent devotional guide content focused on:

• Week 1: Hope
• Week 2: Peace
• Week 3: Joy
• Week 4: Love
• Christmas Eve / Christmas Day

If you haven't read anything by Lucado, I highly recommend him!! 

Christmas Cozies Plus a Couple More

Some people watch Hallmark movies during December; I enjoy cozy mysteries with a Christmas theme. Some were good; some were not so good. Here's the list:

Inn at Holiday Bay: Cookies in the Cottage by Kati Daley

A man is found dead at the Rosewood Estate where Shelby, Sage, and Sierra, are staying for the holiday. Officer Colt Wilder is out of town visiting family, so of course part-time innkeeper, part-time author Abby must investigate. A light-hearted read with enjoyable characters. 133 pages.

Christmas at The Grange: A Lady Hardcastle Mystery by T.E. Kinsey

Lady Emily Hardcastle and her maid, Florence Armstrong are retired spies, planning to enjoy a cozy Christmas at The Grange, when a thief makes off with a pearl necklace. Lady H. and Flo are asked to discreetly investigate. There is a fun O. Henry ending on this one.  I highly recommend this series. You can always expect strong characters and a good plot. 66 pages.

The Fatal Flying Affair: A Lady Hardcastle Mystery by T. E. Kinsey

OK. Not a Christmas-themed cozy, but when I found out a new book in this series was available, I couldn't resist. Lady Emily and Florence are asked to go undercover at an airplane manufacturing plant to find out why a pilot plummeted to his death and if there might be other nefarious activities going on as well.  315 pages.

Merry Christmas Murder: A Roland Bean Cozy Mystery by Rachel Woods

Oh, no! Someone has attacked Santa while he was on break from taking pictures with children. Reporter Roland Bean and his children are eye witnesses to the traumatic event. Bean writes about Santa and his good deeds, eliciting plenty of well-wishes for restored health from fans. But then Bean gets a tip that Santa should be on the naughty list. Is Santa naughty or nice? You'll have to read this book to find out! 340 pages.

Gingerbread to Die For: Dunbarton Christmas Mysteries by Valerie Tate

The residents of Dunbarton are abuzz with excitement. Famed chef Davina Dove has chosen Dunbarton to be the location of one of her special event cooking shows. The mayor decides it would also be the perfect time to host a Christmas cooking contest, with the Divine Dove as the judge. When Dove winds up dead after declaring the winners, there turns out to be plenty of suspects willing and able to commit the crime.  220 pages.

Miz Scarlet and the Holiday Houseguests: A Scarlet Wilson Mystery by Sara Barton

The Four Acorn Inn is closed to general guests for the holiday, but open to a good friend and her family, homicide investigator Laurencia “Larry” Rivera. Innkeeper Scarlet Wilson does her best to soothe the family squabbles while Larry investigates a new murder. To me, the character of Larry didn't quite work, but the others were fine and I am willing to try a second title in the series if one comes my way. 145 pages.

Christmas Cupcakes and a Caper: A Humorous Culinary Cozy Mystery by D.E. Haggerty 

A dead elf is found on the doorstep of Callie's Cakes and it soon becomes apparent he was murdered! Callie and friends decide they must investigate to solve the crime and save Christmas. This was my least favorite of the Christmas cozies. The characters are one-dimensional and the plot was simple. An OK read if you are looking for something light, quick and not too challenging. 108 pages.

Aloe and Goodbye: Southwestern Small Town Cozy Mystery by Janice Peacock

Ruby Shaw and her daughter are placed in witness protection in Paradise, Arizona, a former ghost town. From day one, Ruby is unable to stay under the radar when a murder takes place right next door the day she moves in and Ruby is the number one suspect. Can she clear her name? Time will tell. I liked this title enough to start following the author.  223 pages.

Oblivion by Jennifer Armentrout

...yeah it's three books in one... all from Dameon's perspective... I'm here for it.

Book 1: Obsidian (411 Pages)
What we learned: Dameon is thirsty for Kat and for milk. Dameon really likes red.

Book 2: Onyx (392 Pages)
Dameon discovers that the best way to win women is in their natural habit with their favorite thing--snick snacks.
Me knowing things that'll happen.

.....Details Jennifer.... And the foreshadowing....ummmm

Goldenhand by Garth Nix

fdjlskajfkl;jaflj. sfjkldafgjkldl My ship. ;fkldsakjl;sadf
"They were old, perhaps even forty." ......

Guys send help. They're all too cute.
Oooooooooooh...that's why we needed that book...ok...Makes sense.
384 Pages

Clariel by Garth Nix

Me not reading the synopsis and hoping Touchstone will show up 
...Is that more ace rep?!?!
This one was harder to get into, I'm guessing because Sabriel wasn't really involved
416 Pages

The Cousins by Karen M. Mcmanus

I have all the theories.. Also....like...come on....dropped a hint in like...the third chapter...

I kind of need a marker board to get a good vibe for the family tree...
Ok so my theory was wrong. We cool.
Gomez yelling "Impostore" from the Addams Family
Oh look at the youngest sibling being the nice one. 
Megamind Revenge gif
...Wait did they....
What the frick.
336 Pages

The Gentleman's Guide to Getting Lucky by Mackenzi Lee

Oh Felicity, I love you.
.....someone is thirsty....
128 Pages

Opal by Jennifer Armentrout

....So we're all just collectively in pain. 
Dawson.
Yeah I kind of love this cover...Cause Dameon's smirk.
All of the high school things
Alexa play the Mission Impossible theme.
And we're in pain again...that's a Sarah J Maas cliffhanger...no wonder they're friends.
452 Pages

A Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee

I love her. 
Is this ace rep?!?!? YAAAAAAAAAAS
Felicity and her relationship with hugs..
480 Pages

Onyx by Jennifer Armentrout

D. T. R. ....like seriously. 
And I'm getting New Moon vibes....and it got better...I'm real glad that it didn't turn into New Moon.
When you read a crap ton of a series real close together and you can't remember when things happen. 
I am here for Kat growing and turning into a BA... (I mean she was already BA, but still). 
Also why am I smarter than the main character that reads a ton...Like come on... Be suspicious. 
Why does Jennifer have to hurt me like this. 
416 Pages

Obsidian by Jennifer Armentrout

WST VIRGINIA
Ok so the writing style took a hot sec to adjust to, but man...fast read.
...I'm really picky about covers...I just want the old one that's less sketch (and by less sketchy, I mean less likely for someone to judge me for...yes I know).
I love Dameon.

Obsidian honestly gave me some Twilight vibes, but like....it got better. 
400 Pages

Return of the Thief by Megan Whalen Turner

I love Pheris. I would die for him. I stan. I would protect him with my life and he is so smart.
Gen is iconic. He is up to his shenanigans and I, as always, am here for it.
Attolia... I love her. She is my queen and honestly I would let her step on me. I've missed them so much, and I just love watching Gen and Attolia take on the world. 
I'm not crying...you're crying. 
480 Pages

Abhorsen by Garth Nix

I love Touchstone, and Sabriel, and Lirael...I just love everyone. 
wHAT tHe FriCK that EPILOGUE
384 Pages

Midnight Jewel by Richelle Mead

Me completely forgetting what happened in the first book....
Grant's cool. I love boys who don't want to admit their feelings.
I just want to go re-read the first one now...
Mira is so fierce, and she deserves the world.
I love how the timelines intertwine and stuff. Also Cedric and Adelaide in the background. Heart eyes
416 Pages

Inferno by Julie Kagawa

#communication
saw that coming. saw that coming.
So I'm glad we addressed that in the epilogue
416 Pages

Legion by Julie Kagawa

My brain doing all the science things with the blood.
Whelp at least we're talking about our feelings.
I love Garret... I love him so much. I'm worried for him, but I love him.

Yes to free will.
416 Pages

A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas

All the smirking emojis.
I have opinions about a certain ship/love triangle...I don't know what they are yet, but I have them.
I love Cassian...I love him so much.
Azriel is such a Mom Friend, and I love him too. I would die for him.

Rhys' mom...crying emojis
Someone reminds me of Morticia and Gomez...smirking emojis pt. 2
I see you Sarah. I see how you're setting things up.
272 Pages

Soldier by Julie Kagawa

I'm just saying if we get a solider from St. George named Lawerence...it would be iconic...because Lawrence was martyred on hot coals and was like "Turn me over; I'm done on this side"....iconic for a dragon fighter....or tempting fate...

....I'm stressed.
.....How much money do these people have....like....when was this published (because I'm looking at gas prices)
Garret deserves the world, and no one can convince me otherwise....he's trying his best. 
384 Pages

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

...Do you ever look at someone and just want to strangle them....
Feyre is Feyrce... (Fierce)
So I love Cassian and Azriel, and I would die for both of them.
Amren is smol and I'm afraid of her. But she's cute.
Evil laughter. Evil laughter everywhere. 
So like...the 4:28 mark of Defying Gravity (and the music itself/climax of the song) was a mood for a certain scene.
I have a lot of feelings, and I read part of this after having a margarita....so I had even more feelings.
I was so stressed, y'all.. I just want my babies to be happy.
736 Pages