This year I've been trying to read more seasonally by cramming in as many holiday themed reads as I can. Here are a few I read this December.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens - I've always been a fan of the basic story of A Christmas Carol. I can't even count the number of times I've seen it in play form or watched a version of the movie. I also really enjoyed the
Doctor Who version. But somehow I'd never read the book. I've always thought that Dickens' books were looooonnnnnggggg and a bit ponderous so I never felt the urge. This year I decided it was time and I'm so glad I read it. It's absolutely wonderful. It's a short read and a fast one but that doesn't take away from the wonder of the read. I was swept up into Dickens' world and even though I know the story by heart it was a read I didn't want to put down. My only complaint is that I didn't think the ending was as drawn out as it is in the plays I've seen but I like my endings on the over the top happy side so that's probably a personal issue. If you've ever thought about reading this story than stop thinking about it and pick up a copy. I don't think you'll be disappointed. I think I'll be making this an annual read.
Rating: Loved It
Christmas at Whisper Beach by Shelley Noble - Noble was a recent discovery for me this year. I loved
The Beach at Painter's Cove and really wanted to spend some more time in Noble's worlds. However, I think I made a misstep with this one. Since I hadn't read the first book in the series it was a bit like walking into a party where you don't know anyone. Everyone seemed very nice but since I didn't have a connection with any of the characters it took me awhile to have any investment in what they were talking about or what was happening. However, while this book wasn't my favorite it did make me want to really get to know these characters in the first Whisper Beach book. I'm anxious to get started on that one. I suspect after I read that one I'll be anxious for a reread of this novella.
Rating: Not a good standalone.
Ginger Snapped (A Spice Shop Mystery #5) by Gail Oust - So the ginger in the title and the gingerbread man on the cover fooled me a bit. This isn't a Christmas themed mystery at all. However, it was a fun read with a good mystery. I love a "team" of investigators - especially when there's a law enforcement officer turned suspect involved and Osut does the setup incredible well. This book works fine as a stand alone and while there are a lot of characters I had no trouble keeping up with who was who and their relationships. The mystery was well done and while I wasn't surprised by the reveal I did enjoy watching Piper figure everything out. This was a light and entertaining cozy and it's a series I'm very much looking forward to continuing.
Rating: Good
Hmm I accepted Christmas at Whisper Beach to read and review but didn't because it didn't have the Kindle format. I too liked the Painter's Cove book but of course this book was from a different series which I didn't realise at the time and so would have been completely lost like yourself.
ReplyDeleteI remember learning somewhere that Dickens was paid by the page so he has parts in his books that "kill time."
ReplyDeleteI've never read The Christmas Carol although the idea of a Dr. Who version sounds fun. :) And Ginger Snapped looks fun, although I would have thought it was Christmas- themed as well.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you enjoyed A Christmas Carol - I've always loved it and think some of the descriptions of food and Dickens' own voice a plain delight. I love the look of Ginger Snapped, too. Thank you for sharing these, Katherine and best of luck with those Christmas preparations:)
ReplyDeleteI've been reading quite a few Christmas reads this year, too, and loving it. I have a few more I'm hoping to read. I haven't read any of these before, though. I'm glad to hear you really liked A Christmas Carol. It's really not a story I love, but I know so many people who do.
ReplyDeleteYou've convinced me to read A Christmas Carol. Somehow I've read no Christmas books this year. I did join in HoHoHo readathon but failed miserably. And it doesn't feel like Christmas without a Christmas themed book.
ReplyDeleteI had to look up my review of the first Whisper Beach book because I couldn't remember the plot. I gave it 4 stars over two years ago. I want to read the novella but didn't snag a copy. I will at some point, I'm sure. Anyway, I hope you get a chance to read the first book. It was good!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed A Christmas Carol and like you was surprised to find it such a short read. :)
ReplyDeleteI was on a mission to find a cheap audiobook of A Christmas Carol and then realized that is how I read it two years ago. Ha ha. I already have it andit is narrated by Tim Curry. I think it was a super cheap added narration for the free Kindle Classics ebook. Anyway... I plan to listen to it on Christmas Eve and make it an annual thing as well! :)
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