What a way to wrap up the year. I had a tough time this fall getting focused to sit down and read but once the holiday reading time started I was all in and ready for the seasonal books. Hoping to be able to get back into the groove of reading more in the new year but for now I’ll leave you with my last book stack of reviews for 2023.

“Six Women of Salem: The Untold Story of the Accused and Their Accusers in the Salem Witch Trials” by Marilynne K. Roach

“Six Women of Salem is the first work to use the lives of a select number of representative women as a microcosm to illuminate the larger crisis of the Salem witch trials. By the end of the trials, beyond the twenty who were executed and the five who perished in prison, 207 individuals had been accused, 74 had been “afflicted”, 32 had officially accused their fellow neighbors, and 255 ordinary people had been inexorably drawn into that ruinous and murderous vortex, and this doesn’t include the religious, judicial, and governmental leaders.” “By examining the lives of six specific women, Marilynne Roach shows readers what it was like to be present throughout this horrific time and how it was impossible to live through it unchanged.” I have read several books on the topic of the Salem Witch Trials and living very close to Salem have done the tourist visits several times. I found Marilynne Roach’s take on these events in “Six Women of Salem” to be some of the best. The clearly well researched material in this book gave me insight to things I haven’t heard before. Even if you think you have learned all there is to know about this tragic time in New England’s history I highly recommend giving this book a try.

“The Moon, the Stars and Madame Burova” by Ruth Hogan

After losing both of her parents a life altering secret is revealed to Billie, one that shifts everything she ever knew to be true. Now Billie is on a mission to discover answers about an identity she never knew she had. A mission that leads her to the beachside town of Brighton and to a little booth on the pier run by tarot reader, palmist and clairvoyant Madame Burova. Long ago, Imelda Burova inherited her gift and her booth from her mother but is now on the verge of retirement herself. Madame Burova has one last thing tying her to the past that she must resolve before she can step away. A long held secret and a promise she made decades ago must be put right only then can she put away her cards and step into a life of her own. I really enjoy Ruth Hogan’s style of writing. It’s hard to explain but it almost feels calming to read one of her stories. There are a lot of characters to keep track of in this book and I wish that there had been more time to hear more and go deeper into some of the side stories. I really enjoyed the first title I read by Hogan and will be adding her others to my TBR list.

“The Woman in Me” by Britney Spears

“In June 2021, the whole world was listening as Britney Spears spoke in open court. The impact of sharing her voice—her truth—was undeniable, and it changed the course of her life and the lives of countless others. The Woman in Me reveals for the first time her incredible journey—and the strength at the core of one of the greatest performers in pop music history.” You would have to live on another planet to not know who Britney Spears is and her explosive path to fame. The hold on the early 00’s that Britney had with her iconic performances was undeniable but what was happening when she stepped off stage was nothing short of torture. Britney takes her reader from her early beginnings in Louisiana, to exploding onto the music scene and her rise to the top of the pop charts all while becoming one of our generation’s most iconic artists. Spears shares an insight with the world into the behind-the-scenes trauma she endured at the hands of the people in her life that should have been her biggest protectors. The ins and outs of her conservatorship is nothing short of jaw-dropping honestly it’s a wonder she made it through. “The Woman in Me” really feels like a scratch on the surface of Spears’ life and is a short audiobook that could easily be tackled in one afternoon. Is the writing stellar, no, but the story Britney vulnerably shares is told in her voice making it authentic and real. The book is masterfully narrated by Oscar nominated actress Michelle Williams making the audio version a must listen. Fans, don’t miss this.

“No. 23 Burlington Square” by Jenni Keer

Twenty-three Burlington Square has a vacancy and it’s up to Agnes who shall take over the room. Three candidates have inquired and each of them would bring something to the home but Agnes is torn. The widow, Mercy seemed so desperately in need of a helping hand, the banker Stephen would cause her no worries and then there was her niece Clara who may be more work to manage than running the household. As much as she would love to say yes to all three, Agnes must make a decision. Told in a “Sliding Doors-esque” manner through alternate timelines we get to see what each of the choices would mean for Agnes, the other residents of No. 23 and how one small choice in life can pivot your whole world in another direction. I love the concept in this book, the idea that one small step on another path could change your life’s journey but I struggled to settle into this book. The pacing was very slow and some of the characters were hard to love, including Agnes herself. As the book progressed on I was more invested to know the characters paths and where their No. 23 journey brought them it just took me a while to invest. Great concept and well-written. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

“You, Again” by Kate Goldbeck

You know when you meet someone and they just completely rub you the wrong way immediately? Ari and Josh had one of these meet-cutes. Complete opposites and yet connected by the same love interest the two instantly hate each other. When their paths cross again years later they are both nursing broken hearts, each cutting the other a little slack they find themselves stumbling into unfamiliar territory…friendship. Deciding that platonic friends-without-benefits is better than hating each other entirely Josh and Ari bond over dating profiles and Netflix binges while trying to help mend each other. But even with all of their best intentions Josh and Ari can’t hide from their undeniable chemistry forever. Everyone else in their lives can see it, why can’t they? “You, Again” doesn’t fall into my normal genre of reading (lots of spice in this one) but I did enjoy this quick read that helped get me over a slow reading slump. This book won’t be for everyone and though I can’t say it was a favorite of mine for the right audience and the right reader this will be a hit. Also, NYC as its own character in this book was enough to make me say yes, please. Who doesn’t love a festive NYC setting?

“UFO: The Inside Story of the U.S. Government’s Search for Alien Life Here – and Out There” by Garrett M. Graff

“A thrilling story of science, the Cold War, Nazi research, atomic anxieties, secret spy planes, and the space race, UFO traces the real-life history of the U.S. government’s hunt for “unidentified aerial phenomena” here on Earth, from Roswell to Rendlesham Forest, as well as the story of the small group of forward-thinking scientists—astronomers like J. Allen Hynek, Frank Drake, Carl Sagan, and Jill Tarter—who launched the search for extraterrestrial intelligence far from Earth. Drawing on original archival research, declassified documents, and interviews with senior intelligence and military officials, Graff’s book traces the long history of our quest to understand one of the most profound and popular questions of all time: whether or not aliens exist.” I was really hoping for more of a deep-dive with more evidence into the famous encounter stories and the more recent claims that we are not alone in the universe. “UFO” reads more like a history book explaining how we got to where we currently are starting back in the 50s/60s with the scientists who pushed for more exploration. If a history lesson into the U.S. government’s intelligence on UFOs is what you are looking for then this is the book for you. If you were hoping for bombshells and conspiracies maybe try something else. Thank you to NetGalley and Avid Reader Press for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

“A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…I love the Audible Originals takes on the classics. This time I treated myself to Tim Curry narrating “A Christmas Carol”. Though I do prefer when they use a full cast of actors this was really entertaining and well narrated. If you are looking to get into the season give this one a try on Audible and while you are there check out the other Originals titles offered…especially my favorites “Oliver Twist” and “Little Women”.

“The 12 Days of Christmas” by Poppy Alexander

For some the holidays are a magical time of year but for Freya she’s just been dealt with an incredibly difficult hand. Losing her mother and her job on the same day she is stuck back at her childhood home having to pick up the pieces her mom left behind. Having no real direction, a handsome friend from long ago sweeps Freya under his wing and helps her get back on solid ground. To repay him, in only the way a former chef would, Freya decides to cook Finn the 12 Days of Christmas. Meaning to only be in Middlemass for a short while Freya is finding the idea of leaving more and more difficult by the day but with nothing left for her here why would she ever stay? As far as Christmas reads go “The 12 Days of Christmas” definitely deals with some darker themes you wouldn’t expect. If you are looking for a holiday escape, know that this might not be the ideal book for that. However, if you need a little more substance Alexander has written a holiday read filled with complex and real life issues.

“The Christmas Cupid” by Jennifer Joyce

For someone who is surrounded by Christmas all day, every day Zoey Beake is having the worst one yet. Zoey is stuck working as a department store elf, just cut her bangs way too short and to top it all off her boyfriend just walked out on her. So when her boss comes to her saying that the store is in need of a replacement for the Christmas parade and Zoey best figure out how to use stilts fast, she wonders if she has finally hit rock bottom in the luck department. But then just when she thought things couldn’t get any worse an accident mid-parade ends Zoey’s life…almost. She’s given a second chance on life – return to the start of December and help six couples find true love by Christmas Eve and she can have her life back. Thinking this is the perfect opportunity to go back and fix things with her boyfriend Zoey sets off on her mission to put things right and help those she loves the most find love for themselves. My first main take away from “The Christmas Cupid” is where is this Christmas market and how do I get my hands on all of these amazing hot chocolates? Also, is The Bake House real? If so, Jennifer Joyce give me the address! If you are looking for an easy, feel-good holiday read. Give “The Christmas Cupid” a try.

“Meet Me Under the Mistletoe” by Jenny Bayliss

Spending a week in a castle should be fun right? Nory, however, is dreading it. Summoned to a week’s stay with her oldest friends leading up to a wedding of two of them, Nory is tossed into difficult situations and emotions from all directions. The group’s reunion feels incomplete with one of them missing not to mention the fling-heard-round-the-world from their last meet up that must not be mentioned ever again. In between wedding preparations Nory unexpectedly bumps into an old familiar face and the years old spark between them still lingers. As the week progresses Nory finds herself spending more and more time with Isaac reminding her of who she used to be and helping her dream about who she may yet become. Jenny Bayliss can write herself a holiday book. I have loved all of her titles I’ve read so far and “Meet Me Under the Mistletoe” is for sure added to that list. This would make the absolute perfect holiday rom-com movie. If you like your holiday reads with a bit more substance to them give one of Bayliss’ titles a try.

“The Christmas Wager” by Holly Cassidy

Bella Ross is in dire need of a break and her chance might have finally arrived. Her boss has just shipped her off to a tiny town in Colorado to close on a real estate deal with the owner of a failing Christmas shop. Get this deal done and Bella lands herself a major promotion and a life changing new start. Determined that nothing will get in her way Bella takes on Maple Falls only problem is she will have to get through Jesse Harrison, the owner’s grandson, first. When the two sides are unable to reach an agreement a wager is proposed. Maple Falls annual Holiday Games is just days away if Bella can beat Jesse in the competition the store is hers for her asking price. If Jesse wins however all of Bella’s dreams for her future could go up in flames. Is “The Christmas Wager” completely predictable…you bet but it is absolutely holiday perfection. How this hasn’t been snatched up and made into a movie for a certain seasonal channel is beyond me. If you are looking for a feel-good Christmas book that checks all of the rom-com boxes then give “The Christmas Wager” a try. Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam Books for a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

“Kiss Her Once for Me” by Alison Cochrun

On a miserable Christmas Eve Ellie met Jack. All alone in a new city while crying in an aisle of a bookstore Jack reached for the same book as Ellie and sparks flew. With snow falling fast around Portland Jack and Ellie decide to make the most of the magic in the air and by nights end Ellie had fallen hard but by the next morning she realized that Jack wasn’t honest about who she was and Ellie fled. Always dreaming of what could have been if she had stayed. A year later, her life in pieces, no job, and an eviction looming Ellie is handed a proposition from a friend – fake marry him for a year so he can collect his inheritance and her financial worries will be solved. Not left with too many other options, Ellie agrees. Step one in pulling off their plan – spend the holidays with Andrew’s family but when it’s time to meet his sister…there is Jack, just as Ellie remembered her from that magical Christmas Eve one year ago. With her dire financial situation always hanging over her head Ellie must stay focused as to why she’s here but can’t help the pull of her heart challenging her to risk it all. To me…a rom-com read shouldn’t be stressful and that’s exactly what this book was. It was just a little too angsty for me to settle into as a holiday read, let alone a romance. I get it real life is messy and not all stories are smooth but in my Christmas reads I’d like them to be. “Kiss Her Once for Me” just missed the mark for me.

“A December to Remember” by Jenny Bayliss

Apart from four magical weeks in the summer when they were children, sisters Maggie, Star and Simone rarely saw one another. Their time together with their father in the village of Rowan Thorpe was always too short and soon enough the girls would be sent back to their lives each to their own mother. Then as they grew older their visits became fewer and their connection as the North sisters faded away. Now, the trio has been called to gather in Rowan Thorpe to hear the reading of their late father’s will. Always one for the dramatics, Augustus North has a scheme in mind for his daughters. In order to collect their inheritance the sisters must rebuild their bond and work together through a series of tasks left behind for them by a father they always wanted more from. The roots of the North family run through the woods of Rowan Thorpe laid out by strong North women hundreds of years ago and now Star, Maggie and Simone must embrace the village that once created magic for them and remember the love they have for one another given to them by a man they hardly knew. It wouldn’t be the holidays without a Jenny Bayliss book. I have read (and loved) everything Bayliss has written and “A December to Remember” is no exception. I love the worlds she creates, the characters in them and the way you never want her stories to end. I highly recommend picking up any Bayliss title to cozy up with this holiday season.

til next time,

The Booked Mama

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