I wanted to read all the Christmas books this month, I have so many to get through!!! Unfortunately, I just ran out of time. Life got really busy and I went about two weeks without reading anything at all, which is rare for me. Here are the books I did read though, one of which definitely makes my list for top 10 books I read this year. Spoiler alert, it was Remarkably Bright Creatures.

The Rewind by Allison Winn Scotch

This is supposed to be a second chance romance, a trope I enjoy. I was expecting this to be a fun nostalgic romance….but it was missing the nostalgia. And the romance. I felt like this book dragged at times. It weaved back and forth between current time and Ezra and Frankie’s past. It was almost like Hangover as they tried to piece together what happened the night before, but without all the laughs. I liked trying to figure out what happened, but the banter between the two wasn’t all that fun. And they argued so much, I didn’t really ever feel their connection. They were not the most likeable characters. I guess part of the books charm is that they are imperfect, and therefore a little more relatable? Still, I found myself not really caring what happened to them.

I listened to this on audiobook and Julia Whelan was amazing as always. I also really enjoyed the male narrator.

Bottom Line: I really enjoyed the narration of audio for this book. I am undecided about how much I actually liked the story. Maybe 2.5-3 stars? Like I said, I didn’t love the characters and the book dragged at times.

I’ll Start Again Monday by Lysa Terkeurst

When I saw this book on the shelf, I knew I had to read it. Who hasn’t said “I’ll start again Monday, and then continued to indulge as much as possible until then?” I really liked how Lysa talked about her own struggles with weight and how she applied verses from the bible to turn to when you are struggling.

My favorite verse is: You have circled this mountain long enough. Now turn north. – Deuteronomy 2:3 It just really clicked for me.

I saw a lot of negative reviews for this book, people talking about toxic diet culture and such. Here is the bottom line. The Bible tells us to treat our body as a temple for the Holy Spirit. Many of us turn to food for comfort and fulfillment and it will never truly fill a void in our lives. I don’t feel like Lysa is telling us to go on some mega strict diet and be miserable. She is giving us some truths to turn to when we want to focus on diet and lifestyle and are struggling. Diet and lifestyle is a major part of taking care of our bodies and staying healthy, so you can do the physical things you want to do. Live long enough to meet your grandkids, etc. There is nothing wrong with that.

Her strict approach to dieting isn’t for me, and it probably isn’t for most. But it is what works for her, You have to approach it however is best for you.

Bottom Line: Read it!

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

I loved this book so much. It is hard to believe that this is this author’s debut, as the characters are so loveable and well thought out. I listened to this on audiobook and the narrators are so good. My absolutely favorite character was  Marcellus. His chapters are my favorite, and I wanted more! I loved Tova’s devotion to her cleaning job at the aquarium. Her relationship with Cameron. And we can’t forget Ethan! Such amazing characters. I didn’t know much about this book before I read it, and I think that is the best way to approach it. So you can be utterly consumed by it as well.

Bottom Line: Read it!

One Last Gift by Emily Stone

Overall, I enjoyed this story. I liked Cassie and Sam and reading about the clues that lead Cassie to her last gift from her brother. It was sweet and heart warming. I felt like Cassie and Sam were super immature in the beginning of the book, and all their misunderstandings and miscommunications were frustrating at times, but I liked the way the book ended. I enjoyed Always December more.

Bottom Line: Read it.

**I received a copy of One Last Gift from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are of my own.**

I always love doing a Christmas wish list each year. They are so fun to look back on. Plus, I love getting ideas from wish lists.

This last year I have been working on cleaning up our food, cleaning/home products, body products, and now I am switching over all my makeup and beauty things. I am not perfect by any means, just trying to reduce my toxic load as much as possible. I have been switching things out as we run out. It is less overwhelming like that. So I have a lot of clean beauty I want to try out! Plus a few other fun things to throw in as well.

Stanley Cup // Kosas Ready in 5 Set // Tower 28 Lip Gloss // Henry Rose Perfume Set

Organizational Cart // Setting Powder – Shade Sheer Light // Olive & June Mani System -coupon

code MANI30 right now to save 30% //Sperry Boots (Dove color 10)

Linking up with Tanya for our Amazon purchases for November. Several Christmas decor items, some restocks and a little something fun for me. I am sure we will all see the Amazon guy more as we remember things we forgot to grab at the store over the next few weeks. And then all the organization stuff in January!

Merry Christmas Sign

We ordered these for our front porch. They look so cute and are so easy to hang. (I twisted mine into our garland.)

Reindeer

I got this reindeer for a sleigh that I am going to redo for our front yard.

Christmas Projector

Ordered this projector light for outside too! Love all the festive Christmas things.

Shirt

Love this shirt! Good quality for the price. It is especially nice for those of us in the south where it is December but is getting into the 70s a few days this week. Look the season without being hot! It fits true to size, maybe even a little big.

Hemp Hearts

Love hemp hearts for extra protein in smoothies, yogurt, acai bowls, etc. Easily adds 10 grams and delicious!

Unbleached Parchment Paper

I have the hardest time finding unbleached parchment paper in stores around here. Why have extra chemicals and garbage in your parchment paper when you don’t have to? I prefer the look of unbleached too. I love lining my cheeseboards with it for easy clean up!

Honest Antibacterial Spray

I don’t like using super harsh antibacterial products. For one, I have dry skin that cracks easily…and that stuff can burn!!! Also, less garbage in this one. No Triclosan, parabens, synthetic fragrances, or benzalkonium chloride. Win win. I love how easy it is to spray on Zoe too.

Tights

Zoe needed new tights for dance. I like this brand because they tend to last longer than others we have tried. We also love their ballet shoes the best.

Tshirts

Zoe’s class dyed and painted tshirts for Thanksgiving. This was a great value, I purchased two packages to cover the entire class.

Book review time! Getting ready for all the holiday books. I have a few in this post, December will definitely be full of them! What are you reading?

The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston

When I started reading this one, I didn’t realize there was going to be a supernatural aspect to it. I usually stay away from those books. But wow, I am so glad I stuck with it. This book was like a warm hug. I just loved all the characters, and especially Florence and Ben. I loved the dynamics of Florence’s family. Her relationship with her siblings was so realistic. I laughed, I cried, I figured out one major plot point of the book early on (or at least I was hoping I was right, and I was!!!) but there was still a twist I didn’t see coming and I loved it. While it is love story, it is more about loss, grief, family dynamics, finding yourself again, and a little love. Such a beautiful story that I think will stick with me for awhile. Maybe on my list of my favorites for the year.

Bottom Line: Read it! Seriously, so good.

Hook, Line and Sinker by Tessa Bailey

I was so excited to read Fox and Hannah’s story, after learning a bit about them in the first book of the series. I really loved watching it unfold in this book, but I have to say, it was quite repetitive. I felt like over and over we are reminded of Fox’s reputation and his insecurities. I am glad to see that both characters had development and growth throughout the book. I enjoyed it overall, especially the epilogue. Oh that epilogue!!!

Bottom Line: Read it!

Forbidden French by R. S. Grey

I feel like I have been waiting forever for a new R. S. Grey book to come out! I abandoned the book I was reading to get to this the second it was sent to my Kindle! I love how she writes her characters, they are always so interesting to me. I will say for the first time though, I wished she had developed them a little more? We get teases of Lainey’s relationship with her grandmother, and we know that Emmett has a half sister…but I wanted more from that. Also a little more of Emmett’s dad. This is sort of a modern day regency romance, I think? Regency romance is not something I normally read, but I found the plot very intriguing and it kept me wanting to know what was going to happen.

Bottom Line: If you are an R. S. Grey fan, read it!

**I received a copy of Forbidden French from R.S. Grey in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are of my own.**

Every Summer After by Carley Fortune

This one had me hooked instantly. The long slow burn, as we switch from current to summers past. I felt like you really got the chance to know Percy and Sam and got to see them grow and change since the story starts out so young. I really enjoyed the writing of this book, and had a hard time putting it down. I will not share any spoilers, but I didn’t love the plot twist. I understand why and how, but still didn’t love it. I just loved the rest of the book so much, than I suppose it didn’t change my overall feelings for it. I felt like it made the book more realistic.

Bottom Line: Read it!

Embraced by Lysa Terkeurst

This is the first devotional book I have done in a long time. I started implementing quiet time with God early this year. While I did not do this devotional 100 days straight, but rather over several months, every time I picked it up from a break….it seemed the devotion for that next devotion was just the thing I needed to hear. I connected with so many of them that I started a prayer journal that I wrote in along with many of the passages. Highly recommend if you crave that quiet time, just a few minutes with God each day. It was definitely a starting place for me that has turned into a 90 day commitment to read the New Testament. This book is also gorgeous, and I have enjoyed it sitting on my desk with my bible and now Advent reading.

Bottom Line: Read it!

Just like Magic by Sarah Hogle

I wasn’t sure if I was going to stick to this book when I first started it. The main character was very unlikeable. I loved Twice Shy and You Deserve Each Other, so I wanted to stick with it. It was chaotic so much of the time. I was sitting there like what am I even reading?! Listen, I love a Christmas book. Cheesy, heartfelt, funny, whatever, I love it. With that said, this one was a bit much for meee. I found myself not wanting to pick it up, and so at about half way through, I straight up quit. I have never quit a Christmas book. Ever.

Bottom Line: Unfortunately, I am going to have to say pass. This book is chaotic and ridiculous.

**I received a copy of Just like Magic from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are of my own.**

Christmas After All by Cece Louise

This was such a cute, fast read. I love an enemy to lovers. While the story is set over Christmas, it didn’t feel overly Christmas-y, if Christmas isn’t your thing, you could still enjoy this. I enjoyed Tucker and Melissa’s story. It was really sweet. The writing was smooth and I felt like even though it was short, we had some well-developed characters. I really loved Tucker’s mom too!

Bottom Line: Read it!

** I received a copy of Christmas After All from Book Sirens in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are of my own.**

Currently Reading

The Rewind by Allison WInn Scotch

Coming in late with some Amazon finds! I have a few repurchases, a few new products, a new hobby I am obsessed with, and the Christmas shopping begins! Have you started on your Christmas purchases yet? Linking up with Tanya for Prime and also for the Friday Favorites.

Peppermint Body Wash

I am really enjoying this body wash. Just Ingredients and a few other clean people I follow recommend it all the time. There are no parabens, no sulfates, no harmful chemicals or fake fragrances. This particular one has peppermint and tea tree oil in it, which is a neutral scent and great for problematic skin. It kind of gives a little tingle sensation which is perfect in the mornings when I am trying to wake up! Love this and will purchase again.

Biotin Gummies

This is a repurchase, as I am trying to get my hair to grow and be healthier after a lot of loss the last few months. While this brand isn’t perfect, it is better than most and these are actually working. I like that it has zinc as well, as I had to stop taking a multivitamin because of the iron content…it is nice to have zinc daily for my immune system through this.

Protein Powder

Another repurchase, I love this protein powder! It is grass fed and minimal ingredients. Taste great in smoothies, our whole family loves it. It is one of the only ones that doesn’t bother my stomach.

Cold Eye/Face Patch

I ordered this for Zoe, as she had the flu last week and was having some bad headaches with it. This helped her so much! We keep it in the freezer for anything she isn’t feeling well, had a headache, allergies or a fever. It is nice that it adjusts in the back, so you can really keep it in place if you are wanting to lay down and watch TV with it.

Diamond Art

Y’all! I am obsessed with diamond art!!! This is even more soothing to me than coloring. Basically you pick up diamonds with a little tool and place them on the canvas. Eventually you have a beautiful picture to frame. I already have several more in my cart for different holidays. I want to always have one if these going. Highly recommend as a gift. Even Zoe loves getting in on the action. This particular picture comes with everything you need and is so inexpensive!

Disney Store Mini Brands

We have been hitting the Christmas shopping a little more seriously as we get closer to the holidays! Crazy it is next month, right? Zoe loves the Shopkins and Mini Brand toys and she asked for this Disney Store to display some of hers. She plays with these things alone, with her Barbies and with the American Girl dolls…so they get used a lot. This is on sale right now, so scoop it up!

Kid Bible

I ordered this Bible for Zoe to take to church with her. It is the perfect size for her, not too big or bulky. It has the sweetest cover and illustrations throughout. She absolutely loves this and will be a great keepsake for her.