December Book Haul

I took advantage of Indigo‘s Black Friday sale and treated myself to some books. Because some of the best presents are the ones you buy for yourself! And what better way to get into the Holiday Spirit than some holiday themed books?

In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren

“One Christmas wish, two brothers, and a lifetime of hope are on the line for hapless Maelyn Jones in In a Holidaze, the quintessential holiday romantic novel by Christina Lauren, the New York Times bestselling author of The Unhoneymooners.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…but not for Maelyn Jones. She’s living with her parents, hates her going-nowhere job, and has just made a romantic error of epic proportions.”

Genre: Romance
I’m excited to read this book, it received rave reviews and is already a New York Times Bestseller. I’ve never read a book from this writing duo before, but they’re books are supposed to be funny, so I’m looking forward to a good laugh and some romance.

One Day in December: A Novel by Josie Silver

“Two people. Ten chances. One unforgettable love story.

Laurie is pretty sure love at first sight doesn’t exist anywhere but the movies. But then, through a misted-up bus window one snowy December day, she sees a man who she knows instantly is the one. Their eyes meet, there’s a moment of pure magic…and then her bus drives away.

Certain they’re fated to find each other again, Laurie spends a year scanning every bus stop and cafe in London for him. But she doesn’t find him, not when it matters anyway. Instead they “reunite” at a Christmas party, when her best friend Sarah giddily introduces her new boyfriend to Laurie. It’s Jack, the man from the bus. It would be.”

Genre: Romance
This book has been on my list since its release two years ago, and the only reason I didn’t purchase it then is because I was busy with school. Thank God that’s over, I get to read for fun now.

I’m a sucker for a good love story, and the plot reminds me of the movie Serendipity, which is a holiday film in case you’re interested.

Love Your Life: A Novel by Sophie Kinsella

“Call Ava romantic, but she thinks love should be found in the real world, not on apps that filter men by height, job, or astrological sign. She believes in feelings, not algorithms. So after a recent breakup and dating app debacle, she decides to put love on hold and escapes to a remote writers’ retreat in coastal Italy. She’s determined to finish writing the novel she’s been fantasizing about, even though it means leaving her close-knit group of friends and her precious dog, Harold, behind.

At the retreat, she’s not allowed to use her real name or reveal any personal information. When the neighboring martial arts retreat is canceled and a few of its attendees join their small writing community, Ava, now going by “Aria,” meets “Dutch,” a man who seems too good to be true. The two embark on a baggage-free, whirlwind love affair, cliff-jumping into gem-colored Mediterranean waters and exploring the splendor of the Italian coast. Things seem to be perfect for Aria and Dutch.

But then their real identities—Ava and Matt—must return to London. As their fantasy starts to fade, they discover just how different their personal worlds are. From food choices to annoying habits to sauna etiquette . . . are they compatible in anything? And then there’s the prickly situation with Matt’s ex-girlfriend, who isn’t too eager to let him go. As one mishap follows another, it seems while they love each other, they just can’t love each other’s lives. Can they reconcile their differences to find one life together?”

Sophie Kinsella is one of my favourite authors. Her protagonists always find themselves in some kind of predicament with a few kerfuffles along the way, and they always have me laughing out loud. Kinsella never disappoints.

Although this is not a festive themed holiday novel, the protagonist does go on holiday to a writer’s retreat… so I get to travel to Italy again via Ava.

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I’m really looking forward to curling up with these books.