Well hello, beautiful people! And how was your holiday? Was it filled with family and friends? Or was it relaxing and calm? Mine was great! I’m still not ready for it to be over, so I went on the interwebs and searched for a fun and festive book tag. I found this one on Meghan M Blogs but its original creator has removed it from their blog. Oh, bother.

On to the tag!

Father Christmas: Name a book you received as a child that you treasure to this day.

The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene

It’s all the Nancy Drew books I received as a child, really. This was just the first one. Plus, she was a 1930s feminist icon! I Loved, loved Nancy Drew.

The Ghost of Christmas Past: Is there a book or series you like to revisit each year at Christmas time?

The Autobiography of Santa Claus by Jeff Guinn

No one should be surprised by this. I may not be reading this particular book this year, but I am hoping to get to the sequel before the end of the year.

Christmas Tree: Name a series that reaches new heights with every entry.

The In Death Series by J.D. Robb

Yes. I will take all of this, always, all of the time. I love the rich character dynamics, the mysteries, the settings. It all makes for a spectacular 50 plus book series. I have already pre-ordered the next one!

Friends and Family: Name a book with fantastic characters.

The Left-Handed Booksellers of London by Garth Nix

While this book had great world-building and an amazing story, I was really blown away by the characters in it. I want to be friends with Susan and Merlin and Merlin’s crazy family!

Decorations: Name a book with a gorgeous cover you would proudly display on your shelves.

The Hobbit: Illustrated Edition by J.R.R. Tolkien

I do proudly display this. It’s a gorgeous edition with loads of beautiful illustrations inside. It’s also a souvenir from when the Hubs and I took our engagement photos many eons ago.

Christmas Cards: Name a book that carries a great message.

Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune

A story about it never being too late to change yourself for the better. There are also some other messages in this book, but you’ll just have to read it to find out for yourself.

Ice and Snow: Name a book that you were hoping to love but which ultimately left you feeling cold.

Lost in the Never Woods by Aiden Thomas

Sometimes, a book just doesn’t make you happy. This was one of those books.

Christmas Lunch: Name a book that was big and intimidating but oh so worth it in the end.

The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

I’m not sure if this was exactly worth it. I only gave it three stars, but I did find the size of it (864 pages!) intimidating. The Hubs laughed at me. He’s been reading Brandon Sanderson’s The Stormlight Archive. Zeesh.

Mince Pies: Name a book you found sweet and satisfying.

The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan

I just finished this one earlier this month. I found it was a cute and cozy holiday read that I very much enjoyed.

Presents: What book do you wish you could give everyone to read?

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

I want everyone to read this story. It’s so expertly told. And Addie’s life is fascinating. Just fascinating. And that ending! Oh, that ending!

Spreading the Festive Cheer: Tag some friends to help spread the festive bookish love.

You. I don’t usually tag people to do these things. But yeah. Why don’t you give it a try and let me know how it went!