The Daughter's December Reads

Welcome back friends! This lovely winter month brought a ton of reading for me...some great books, some absolutely awful books. Either way, I enjoyed reading so much this month and experimenting with different genres and authors that I don't usually go towards! Looking forward to more reading experimenting in the future! Any suggestions?

With an extended holiday leave (thank the good lord above for my honorable employer), I soaked up my relaxing winter holiday with a multitude of books and teas! Hope you had a lovely holiday!

Additionally any books mentioned below are available for purchase via the affiliate links below!

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The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson.

OBSESSED! Truly don't know why it took me this long to jump on this bandwagon but boy am I sure happy that I did! Loved it!

This book parallels stories of Daniel Burnham and Dr. H. H. Holmes - one being a architectural genius and the other being a prolific serial killer. Both of these men acting during the Chicago World's Fair. Full of amazing information and stories! I constantly questioned myself because how could I not know all of this incredible information?! The writing was absolutely divine and I tore through this book in two days. I absolutely could not praise this book enough and would highly, highly recommend!

The Idea of You by Robinne Lee

I heard such amazing reviews and feedback from many friends and others who have read this book...I was severely mislead and disappointed. Two thumbs down.

A 40 year old hooks up with a 20 year old pop star, boy band member.

That's the entire book. Yep. Nothing more.

I was aware of the premise of the book but because of all the glowing reviews I thought there would be more substance to it? Unfortunately, I could not have been more wrong! I sped read through the last half of this book because I could not get done with it fast enough. Would not recommend!!!

American Spy by Lauren Wilkinson

Captivating story about race, gender, suppression, politics, and family through the point of view of Marie Mitchell, a FBI spy during two timelines: 1970s and 1990s. The opening chapter is a mysterious man breaking into her home with her little children, and she has to murder him. I mean what a start, right?! I am always drawn to spy thrillers or anything dealing with FBI/CIA/government agencies so this book really gripped me from the beginning! I thoroughly enjoyed the dissection of sister relationships, as well as the familial ties that overlay all of Marie's action throughout the story. Loved it and would totally recommend!

(Can we just appreciate this book mural?!?)

A Sky Painted Gold by Laura Wood

I will be discussing this as my pick for December's book of the month...but let me just say this...oh my gaaaawwwwwddddd!

My life is forever changed by this book. I ripped through this in bed one night until midnight (much to my husband's chagrin) but I simply could not put this book down. Literally too good. I miss reading it already.

There are strong ties and similarities to The Great Gatsby which is one of my all time favorites and classics, so naturally I gravitated to this story. I loved this complex story and the writing enormously and would highly, highly recommend! A+ rating!

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

I had many recommendations for this one and I did enjoy it but I would not say I loved this read. However, it was unexpectedly heart-wrenching and fast paced. This story centers around Evelyn Hugo, a rising Hollywood icon, over decades of her career, while also exploring the themes of friendship, marriage, love (or lack thereof), betrayal, and what needs to be sacrificed or hidden in order to be who the world perceives you to be. Lots of unexpected twists, love affairs, and full of captivating glamour and fame! Author Taylor Jenkins Reid does it again with another great twisty love story (or multiple in this case)! All the Old Hollywood vibes!

American Royals by Katharine McGee

This is a book with a sequel following the storyline (and possibly a third?) and came to me highly suggested! I didn't hate it but I think I am veering farther away from a "series" type of book, if you know what I mean. The story follows four girls within the United States, two of which are in the American Royal Family. The story centers around America having a royal family and how that could have played out in realtime. Such an interesting prospect but I couldn't really get into the story...it was just a little flat and the characters' dialogue wasn't my fave.

I don't have any plans to read the sequel but if YA reads or content about royalty is your thing, you could give this fast read a try!

When No One Is Watching by Alyssa Cole

This thriller was a perfect way to end 2020! I'm always looking for thriller reads by black authors and this book fit the bill! I think this quote summed the book up well by saying "gentrification of a Brooklyn neighborhood takes on a sinister new meaning...". I was completely wrapped up the complex main characters Sydney and Theo, and the writing was filled with equal parts fear and paranoia, and history. The story really centers on the questions: where do people go when gentrification pushes them out? When does revitalization become more than previously advertised? I really loved this book and would rate it at an A level! I would definitely recommend!

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MMMM this was a lovely month for tea! I have been ordering from small businesses and have a few that I have been keenly enjoying. I will only list two below but if you want to know more about how to order teas from small businesses or which ones I recommend, I have a whole blog post on it! Check it out.

1) Jasmine Silver Needle (mini tin) by The Tea Spot. Now I'll preface this review with saying I ordered a mini tin of this to try, so I have not been drinking this routinely or frequently. However, this white tea is much softer and sweeter than my usual green or black tea. This tea has a lush and full flavor while maintaining a sweet aroma!

2) Lemongrass + Bay Leaf Herbal by Teatulia. This tea shop specializes in Indian teas and is located in Denver, CO. I am such a sucker for lemon anything and this tea delivered with its zest, creaminess, and biting edge! The bay leaf is super duper subtle.

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If you are wanting to purchase any of the books mentioned here, please use our Amazon affiliate links listed below here:

The Devil In the White City - https://amzn.to/322Rmr7

The Idea of You - https://amzn.to/3fYGkLD

American Spy - https://amzn.to/3a03CNu

A Sky Painted Gold - https://amzn.to/2OG0grt

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo - https://amzn.to/3g9Esj0

American Royals - https://amzn.to/2OFy7AN

When No One Is Watching - https://amzn.to/2QhoRDq