December 2020 Reading List

Note: This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Something Good.

So when I thought my November Reading List was so much shorter, it was actually because I missed three books….whoops! But I won’t make that mistake with my December 2020 Reading List. I hope. I also added those three books on to the end of this list so you would have them here. Let’s go!

Simmer Down by Sarah Smith

When I first started reading this book, I thought I was going to put it down pretty and walk away. I thought the book had hit it’s peak too soon and I was really confused. I’m so happy I kept ready though because the book was still only building up to the peak. This book just kept getting better though and I ended up loving it.

Pretending by Holly Bourne

Note: I received an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

If you’ve been a victim of multiple bad dates, insensitive men, men who have lied on their profile, men with no feelings, men in general, this book is for you. If you’re ready to give up on dating, this book is for you. After years of bad dating experiences, April finally decides that she’s no longer going to be herself on dates. Instead, she’s going to embrace the “perfect girl” persona she’s created, Gretel. After all, Gretel is relaxed, she’ll watch sports with you and the guys, and she knows exactly what to wear.

What could go wrong, right?

Capturing the Devil by Kerri Maniscalco

I have no idea how I ended up loving this series, but I love that it’s a female that’s doing the hard work and kicking butt. There’s also enough of a fantasy aspect that you can separate it mentally from some modern day murder stories. This one deals with the same murderer who was the focus of “The Devil in the White City” novel, but personally, I think this book was far more fun.

In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren

Groundhog’s Day, but with a Christmas twist! This was one of those books that I could see myself re-reading in the future. It was a quicker read that just made me happy. I highly suggest it if you need some holiday cheer.

Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

I’m normally a big Backman fan, but this book took a while for me to get into. I don’t know if it’s because I normally do his books over audio and I read this one or if it was the subject matter though. However, I did eventually get into it. I loved seeing how everyone’s story intertwined and how all of the pieces ended up fitting together. Backman does a wonderful job of developing all of his characters and this book was no exception.

Vanessa Yu’s Magical Paris Tea Shop by Roselle Lim

This book was another one of those books that just made you happy to read it. It had a little magic, family drama, and Paris. Do you need more? I couldn’t put it down and I just wanted to tell more people to read it.

Snapped by Alexa Martin

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue had a slower start, but once I got into it, I couldn’t put it down. It’s such a fascinating story with beautiful writing, I just wanted to tell everyone to read it. The writing really reminded me of the first time I read The Night Circus. It managed to incorporate some history with fantasy but also be completely grounded in modern day reality. It’s a must read for me.

I’ll Be the One by Lyla Lee

For some reason I kept putting off starting this book and that was a huge mistake on my part. Once I started it, I couldn’t put it down! It’s about a girl who decides to enter an American competition to find the next K-Pop star. She’s an amazing singer and an amazing dancer, but she faces the issue of society telling her she’s “too big” to be a K-Pop star. The author does an amazing job of tackling this issue head on and I didn’t want to stop reading. I’ve been having a few issues with YA lately, but this was one I was all in for.

The Bookshop of Second Chances by Jackie Fraser

Check out my review here!

Life and Other Inconveniences by Kristan Higgins

Honestly, the name and the cover of this book don’t do justice to the book itself. I read this book since it was recommended for people who love Gilmore Girls and it fit the bill perfectly. If I try to get into the plot too much, I’ll probably confuse you, but it’s a good read and I definitely suggest it.

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

I’m all about cozy mysteries and this one fit the bill perfectly. How could a bunch of senior citzens in a retirement home solving mysteries not? Also, yes, you read that correctly. The Thursday Murder Club is not only the name of the group, it’s the name of group at this retirement club who likes to gather together every Thursday to try to solve unsolved police cases. REAL unsolved police cases. Which means things get even juicier when a real murder essentially drops in their laps. This is the perfect cozy mystery for December.

Well Played by Jen DeLuca

The sequel to “Well Met” and don’t worry, we’re back at the Renaissance Festival. This time we get to follow Stacey as she’s looking for love. I think I liked this book just as much, if not a little bit more to Well Met. So if you liked the first, then you’ll definitely like the sequel!