What I Read in December

I can’t believe I’ve been reading for 6 months straight! For awhile, I always had the excuse that I didn’t have time to read. But to be honest, once I got started, there were ways to add reading into my routine and I hope to continue this trend in the new year. Usually, I read right before bed (which helps me sleep), during long plane rides, or during my commute on the train.

Every book I read this month is from the holiday reading list. They really helped me get immersed in the holiday season. I didn’t get a chance to read every book on that list, but that just means it is something to look forward to for the next holiday season!

What I Read in December

Christmas Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella 

This book is exactly what you would expect from the Shopaholic series. Becky has to host Christmas this year and during her planning there’s chaos and drama. She has to deal with her sister’s demands of everything being ethical, sustainable, and vegan, her parents living a very trendy lifestyle, managing friendships, and of course being there for her daughter and husband. Of course, Becky is constantly shopping and buying unnecessary things because she has to have it or ‘it’s perfect’. Ultimately, she just wants the perfect Christmas for everyone.

Honestly, this book is not my favorite but I still enjoyed it. Becky is such an unrelatable character. I had a hard time understanding how someone can lack common sense. She’s one of those characters that wants to fix everything but then gets her self into deeper trouble than she was already in. However, this book definitely had moments I was giggly or literally laughing out loud – like I couldn’t stop! It is rare for me to literally laugh out loud from reading.

25 Days ‘Til Christmas by Poppy Alexander

Kate lost her husband 4 years ago. At that time, their son Jack was only 2 years old. She was told she was allowed to stay in the military base for as long as she could, until one day her time was up. She had to start over – find a job, support her son, and make sure there was enough money every day to pay for Jack’s needs or meals. Kate and her husband loved Christmas and had all these traditions. Ever since he passed away, Kate lost the motivation to get excited for Christmas. After all, it was another expense she didn’t have money for. But this year, she wanted to change that. She wanted Jack to have amazing memories of Christmas.

Wow. I could not put this book down! First of all, I love that each chapter is a countdown to Christmas. If I knew that going into it, it would have been fun to start it on December 1st and read a chapter a night leading up to Christmas. What I didn’t expect from this book was how serious it was. This goes book goes over grief, financial issues, work issues, feeling not good enough, and managing to be a good mom. It has all of life’s challenges in this book. It’s sweet and sad and lots of compassion. You can’t help (at least I can’t help) but want to root for the characters.

Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory

Vivian Forest’s daughter Maddie, was asked to be the stylist for England’s royal family and Maddie asked Vivian to go with her. Vivian is always working, dedicating her life to her family, and rarely does anything for herself and her happiness. When Vivian and Maddie arrived at the Royal Family’s property, Vivian meets Malcolm. Malcolm is the Queen’s private secretary. She was immediately drawn to Malcolm. Malcolm is usually very private and conservative. This all changed when he laid his eyes on Vivian. Malcolm gives Vivian a private tour of the royal family’s property and shows her around town and London. This leads to a fun fling that they both needed. But pretty soon they realize their fling has to end. Vivian lives in America and Malcolm works for the Queen.

This book is SO adorable! Very easy to read because I was so intrigued with Vivian and Malcolm’s adventures together. I love that this romantic fling is between two people who are in their 50’s. It gives a different perspective on how they think and approach things. Most romantic books I’ve read are people in their 20s and 30s. Every page was exciting for me haha. Now I am enticed to read more books by Jasmine Guillory. So I’m thinking of reading The Proposal next. After all, it is one of Reese Witherspoon’s book picks. If you are looking for a book to take you through adventures, laughs, and make you feel good, I highly recommend this one!

Overall, I’m pretty impressed with what I read in December.

Especially since there were so much stuff going on. Even though these books are based around the holidays, I still think they’re great books to read all year round. They’re all feel-good books that can help reflect what is really important in life!

Outfit Details
Chunky Knit Sweater: c/o Happy x Nature (runs large- I went 2 sizes down)
Jeans: Madewell, also love it in this denim wash
Headband: bought at a local boutique, but found similar ones on Amazon ($12.99)
Monogram Necklace: Anthropologie

xo RD