Are you ready for Jolabokaflod? That’s the Icelandic book flood. Every Christmas Eve the Icelandic people celebrate with a new book on Christmas Eve, tucked up with a cup of hot cocoa and maybe some chocolates. I’m all set! I have new books, cocoa and chocolates (from See’s!).
So, how are you this Christmas Eve? That’s the first question. The second is, what are you reading this holiday week? Do you have time to read? I’m tucked up at home, quite content with what I have. I have two good books. I’m reading a mystery.
I bought a copy of Murder at an Irish Christmas by Carlene O’Connor. I love the cover. I enjoy O’Connor’s stories about the O’Sullivan family of six, and the oldest sister, Siobhan, who is a Garda. This year, the family intended to have a week’s vacation visiting with brother James’ fiance’s family, but a murder in West Cork interferes with Siobhan’s plans.
I’m also reading a book that was a gift from a friend who knows how much I love Broadway, Singular Sensation: The Triumph of Broadway by Michael Riedel. The theater columnist for the New York Post submitted his manuscript for the book just before Broadway went dark due to COVID-19. It’s about the 1990s on Broadway, a fascinating gossipy book about that decade.
My readings right now feed my passions, Ireland and live theatre. I’m very happy with what I’m reading.
How about you? What are you reading, or what did you read this week?
If you don’t stop in tomorrow for my Christmas piece, I wish all of you peace and hope for the year ahead. Take care of yourselves!
End of the year note: I’m going to run my Favorites of 2020 list on Wednesday, Dec. 30 next week, so we can all talk about what we’re reading on New Year’s Eve, if you’re around. Friday, Jan. 1 will be my Treasures in My Closet post.
But, I wanted to, once again, ask if any of you would like to write a post about your favorite books of 2020. It might have been a lousy year overall, but I think it was one of the best years for books in quite a while. As in other years, I’ll spread out the posts. But, if you’d like to write a post of 2020 favorites, let me know. You can let me know here, or email me at Lesa.Holstine@gmail.com
Merry Christmas, Lesa (and all your readers)! We’re doing OK. Looking forward to getting the vaccine as soon as NYU Langone lets us know we can. Also to January 20 (big time).
As far as books go, I’m still in the short stories and non fiction mode, though I did pick up a book at the library yesterday – Eddie’s Boy by Thomas Perry, the latest in his occasional series that started with The Butcher’s Boy in 1982.
I did read and enjoy Jerry Seinfeld’s Is This Anything?, a 450 page collection of short comedy bits he has been writing and collecting since the ’80s. Also finished up Alice Munro’s Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage with “The Bear Came Over the Mountain,” a very good story about a long-married professor who has had affairs throughout his marriage having to deal with his wife’s Alzheimers. She forgets who he is and is attracted to another man in the nursing home. This was filmed as Away From Her with Julie Christie as the wife.
I’m still reading the two Mike Ashley collections mentioned previously.
I hope everyone stays safe (stay home!) over the holidays and that next year is much better for all of us, but then it has to be, right?
It does have to be better, Jeff, and, like you, I’m looking forward to Jan. 20. And, I hope everyone stays home and has a safe Christmas and New Year’s! Lucky! I have no idea when I’ll be able to get the vaccine, but I will as soon as I have the opportunity.
“The Bear Came Over the Mountain” sounds interesting. Turnabout is fair play, hmmm?
Happy Holidays to both you and Jackie!
Merry Christmas one and all. It is planned to be a very quiet one here as normal. The only difference this year is nobody is coming over or calling and trying to get me to cheer up by kidnapping me and forcing me to attend something somewhere.
Finished WITHIN PLAIN SIGHT by Bruce Robert Coffin late yesterday. Got the alert from the library and Scott died the magic and I now have the new Michael Connelly book here on the iPad. .
Merry Christmas to you and Scott, Kevin! Scott gets to eat for another week for doing his magic, so he, at least, should have a merry Christmas. And, you should if Michael Connelly’s new book is good. Actually, I understand. I’m usually much happier staying home than going to something I won’t enjoy. Theater? That’s a different matter. Enjoy your quiet time at home! Sending hugs and good wishes to both of you!
Yes, I now have to feed mini me for another week. lol People usually want to drag me to the party they are having or a family get together. They mean well and are worried about me, but when I do not know anyone expect for the host or the person who dragged me to it, being there just feels super awkward. As always, thank you for everything.
I have had Bruce’s latest book on my Kindle since the spring but it became a victim of my lost reading schedule and was put on the backburner as new ARCs and titles came up in the fall. I enjoyed the previous 3 Byron books so I hope that WITHIN PLAIN SIGHT will make it back to the top of my TBR pile in early 2021.
I lose track of things in eBook all the time on the old iPad. It is a good read.
Merry Christmas!
This week I read A WINDOW OPENS by Elisabeth Egan. When Alice’s husband doesn’t make partner at his law firm, she has to go back to work full time plus juggle three kids. I really enjoyed job storyline with the tech bookstore start-up where she was out of her league. I also was touched by her storyline with her Dad and his cancer. Overall, I enjoyed it.
Next I read SNOWDAY by B. R. Maycock from Kindle Unlimited. It was a quick read under 200 pages. Another book about a harried Mom in Ireland over the Christmas holidays. This one was only okay.
Now I am reading A SPRINKLING OF MURDER by Daryl Wood Garber on Margie’s recommendation. So far so good.
Happy Reading!
Merry Christmas, Sharon! I love that we all pick up books based on recommendations here. I hope A Sprinkling of Murder works for you. Darn about Snowday. I would have read a book set in Ireland, but not with it only be okay. Thanks for pre-reading for me! I hope you have a safe Christmas!
I’ll be starting Rebecca Taylor’s Her Perfect Life later today and I have a nice stack of mysteries to choose from after that. I hope you have a healthy and happy Christmas, Lesa. Thanks for all the wonderful reviews you do for those of us who love books.
Thank you, Patricia! I hope you enjoy your books, and have a safe, happy Christmas as well. Oh, it’s my pleasure to talk about books with all of you!
Merry Christmas to everyone and to you, Lesa. Your blog has been a bright spot this year and I am grateful for you.
Oh, Jennifer. Thank you! Merry Christmas to you. Happy New Year. I hope 2021 is kinder to all of us.
Merry Christmas, Lesa and readers!
I was on a deliberate digital detox since September and was not visiting or posting on any of my fave blogs or FB.
But I am slowly making my way back on-line, just not everyday.
I had to revise my 2020 Goodreads challenge from 180 books to 110 since COVID caused me to lose my reading mojo from mid-March-August. I reached lowered goal in late November and have pretty much slowed down in my reading this month to take advantage of some unseasonably warm weather here in Ottawa. Going on group walks/hikes without wearing a heavy parka and winter boots is a rare opportunity to not miss.
I am also embracing the Icelandic book flood tradition. Most of my Cyber Monday book orders have finally arrived (60+ books) so without these and over 50 ARCs, I have plenty of new reads to choose from. Instead of snow, we are under a rainfall//flood warning with heavy rain starting this morning in Ottawa and falling all day and into Christmas morning. So I will hunker down with some chocolate, herbal tea and some holiday-themed reads tonight (Craig Johnson’s Spirit of Steamboat (re-read) and A Garland of Bones by Carolyn Haines.
Happy reading, Merry Christmas and see you online in the New Year!
Grace, I’m glad you’re making your way back online, but I understand. However, I’m really happy that you made your way back here so we can read more about your walks (sorry about the new lockdown). And, of course, so we can find out what you’re reading. I hope you settle in today, avoid the rain you’ll be getting, and enjoy the hot cocoa and the books! Happy Book Flood, Grace!
Lesa, thank you. I am home now after going out to pick up my library holds before the rain comes. And with the new lockdown starting on Dec 26, the libraries will be CLOSED again except for curbside pickup of holds and returns by appointment for at least 1 month.
Our libraries are back to curbside only, too, Grace. I’d hate that if I was a library user. As staff, I can browse the shelves or look for my own books. I’d hate curbside.
Merry Christmas everyone. I agree with a Kevin. I’d rather stay home than be dragged to a party just because it’s a holiday. We stood in a line down the block for a half hour at the bakery this morning since they are only letting two people in at a time. We’ve never gone there on Christmas Eve before but we wanted Challah bread for French toast.
This week I read all mysteries.
DESIGNS FOR MURDER by Gayle Leeson. I don’t usually read mysteries based on fashion but I liked the ghost Max and the other characters enough to overlook that.
RISKY BISQUENESS by Elizabeth Rain. A woman’s inheritance is a restaurant from an uncle she never knew about. She also finds out that she’s a soup witch and has to investigate her uncle’s death.
WITHOUT A BREW by Ellie Alexander. The latest in her brewing mystery series. I like the brewery parts but her main character Sloan’s search into her past seems to be taking over the storyline.
KILLER COMFORT FOOD by Lynn Cahoon is the latest in her farm to fork series. I didn’t really connect with this one.
Merry Christmas, Sandy! Oh, I agree with both you and Kevin. There’s nothing more uncomfortable than a party where you don’t know people. I’d much rather stay home! You’re right about Without a Brew. As much as I like the series, Sloan’s search is taking over. You’re the second person here to make that comment about Killer Comfort Food. I’m sorry. I hope your reading in the next week is a little better. Stay safe!
Hello, everyone! My son and daughter-in-law decided to have a day of skiing in South Lake Tahoe yesterday, so I had the fun of having my 4- and 2-year-old grandchildren over for the day. Since my other son arrived in the afternoon to spend the weekend, I had some help. But it was wonderful–a memorable day for all. Tonight it’s Christmas Eve dinner at my house (my late husband’s “famous” New Mexico enchiladas, if we can successfully recreate them), then Christmas tomorrow at my son’s house (ham and the trimmings). We consider ourselves one household even though we live in three houses. Here’s what I read this week:
I’ve been wanting to read Kim Powers’ RULES FOR BEING DEAD for a while and finally got it with an interlibrary loan (not from my county). Creola is a middle-aged mother of two boys who suddenly finds herself dead but can’t remember how it happened. She is able to look down and see her family and even see a bit into the future, but she feels she will never transition to heaven until she finds out how she died. Some of the chapters are in Creola’s first-person voice, while many others focus on her 10-year-old son Clarke, some on Creola’s husband, and some on his new girlfriend. Clarke is greatly influenced by the movies of the mid-1960s (when the story is set) that he attends almost weekly with his younger brother Corey. And he is determined to find out how and why his beloved mother was so cruelly taken away from the family. It sounds like a bleak story, and yes, it is a heartbreaking one. But it is told so beautifully that I couldn’t put it down, and I somehow didn’t find it depressing. This is so different from the author’s earlier Dig Two Graves, a more traditional murder mystery which I also loved, and I felt the author excelled in both kinds of stories.
MURDER IN THE BAYOU BONEYARD by Ellen Byron, the 6th in the Cajun Country Mystery series seemed the weakest to me, but it was still entertaining. The B&Bs of Pelican, LA are offering themed Halloween events to attract tourists, but multiple sightings of a “rougarou” (a combination werewolf/vampire) are scaring some of them away. When a distant cousin of Maggie Crozat stumbles onstage dressed like a rougarou and dies of strychnine poisoning at a play staged in a historic cemetery, it launches an investigation into what really has attracted the victim to the town, along with her husband and stepchildren. At the same time, the B&B owners are struggling to survive when a competitor comes up with a scheme to steal their business. And why did someone steal Maggie’s ancestral wedding gown, which she plans to wear at her New Year’s wedding? There is a strong sense of place in this series.
I’m about halfway through WINTER SOLSTICE, an oldie-but-goodie from Rosamunde Pilcher–timely, since it was the winter solstice a few days ago. It’s a long book, but a satisfying one. Next I’m looking forward to reading Ernest Cline’s READY PLAYER TWO since I currently have it out of the library and I’m also gifting a copy to my son. I can’t wait to compare notes. Both of us have read the first in the series more than once.
Happy holidays to all!
Merry Christmas, Margie! I love your eclectic taste in books. You have suggestions for everyone here! I was curious about the book Rules for Being Dead. I’ll probably never get around to it, but it sounds very good. Oh, Winter Solstice! So many of Rosamunde Pilcher’s books were satisfying. I don’t know that anyone has really taken her place. Thank you for always providing us with interesting titles. Happy Holidays and hugs!
Merry Christmas! We got an inch of snow last night and it is the only snow on the ground. This is unusual for us in Wisconsin. So we will have a white Christmas for those who like that kind of thing.
I have been reading a book my sister gave to me this week. For as long as I can remember she has read romances and she gifted me a copy of a book by her favorite author. The book contains two novels by Betty Neel; A Christmas Wish and A Winter Love Story. I don’t read much from the romance genre, but I thoroughly enjoyed both of these stories. The author’s writing reminds me of Rosamunde Pilcher. It is very descriptive of place with interesting characters.
Last night I started The 39 Steps by John Buchan. This is a thriller, or as the author called it – a “shocker”, written in 1915. Richard Hannay is thoroughly bored with his life in London. When his neighbor approaches him asking for somewhere to hide from pursurers, his life suddenly becomes extremely exciting. I am enjoying it so far.
Have a blessed and safe holiday!
Gretchen, I hope you have a beautiful, safe holiday as well. Thank you! I’ve never read The 39 Steps, but I’ve seen it as a play several times. It’s very unusual as a play – not a thriller or shocker, but actually quite funny. When I’ve seen it, just 4 people played every part in the play, and it’s fun. It was done differently each time, but always fun. Someday, I may have to try the book. Merry Christmas!
Hi Lesa, and a happy Christmas to everyone!
I’ve just come back from a long walk. This morning we woke up to snow, and although there isn’t a huge amount, it does make a change from rainy, wet Christmases. Now, as I walked back to the house, I could feel things starting to freeze. I don’t like that part, so I hope it melts off tomorrow.
Yesterday I went into our little local library. I didn’t even need any books, I just wanted to browse and also to find a booklet that I knew they had about the gravestones in our Kirk yard. Needless to say I came away with not only the booklet but 5 other books. I can’t help myself. It was so very lovely to be in the library, the staff seemed so pleased to see anyone – there was only one other visitor apart from me, and she was using the computers on the other side of the room, so it all felt very calm and safe. I was in there so long my husband texted me to see if I was OK! Unfortunately the whole of mainland Scotland is entering another almost-lockdown from 26th December so the library is now closed again – it had only been open for 2 weeks! They are still able to offer click and collect, but this means you specify a genre such as crime, and the staff choose 5 books for you – you can’t choose individual titles. I am not sure why. I do appreciate that it is better than nothing, especially for the many older people in the village who rely on the library for all of their reading matter, and don’t ‘do’ Amazon. The very kind library lady did put a reservation in for me for one book – it is Martin Edwards’ new book about the authors of the ‘Golden Age of crime’, and my friend says it is excellent. The librarian said if the reservation is already in, they will still let me have the actual book, but from tonight the reservation system will be suspended and it will just be them choosing the books.
We had originally planned to visit my mother tomorrow, just for a very brief time in the visiting room of her sheltered housing. Yesterday I started to feel more and more uncomfortable about the idea – numbers in England in particular are rising again, and although we are in Scotland our health advisers are saying the only way to stop that happening here is to be super-vigilant. I would be horrified if we inadvertently introduced the virus to the house, so we decided not to go. I explained this to my mother and I’m glad to say she was fine about it – luckily she does at least have company, and the housekeepers are great at making it more fun for them. I am hoping they will all be vaccinated before too long – people over 90 are supposed to be a priority but they have had no notification so far – I think they are doing the front line workers and care home staff first, which makes sense.
Our son and daughter-in-law are staying at home in the Highlands. Our middle daughter was going to go to stay with her partner’s parents in Wales but (i) Wales started an early lock-down a few days ago and no-one is allowed to enter Wales without ‘good reason’, and (ii) she ended up not being able to go anyway, as on Monday one of her flatmates received a positive test for Covid! So now all 4 of them have to isolate. Luckily they all get on, and they have plenty of food/drink/books. Anna is currently the only one with no symptoms, the other 3 all have the cough, but thankfully that is all, and none of them feels ill. What it is to be young!
So tomorrow we will drive to Dundee (only an hour or so away) to have a very distanced outdoor meet-up with our youngest daughter. We will probably walk beside the Tay and round the outside of the new V & A. Then we will come home and make our dinner. I am very happy to have a quiet time, and although I would of course not wish the past year on anyone, I must admit I am enjoying not having to do all the usual stuff, and especially not having to be socially ‘on’ for day upon day! I like my personal time and space. My husband is already in full-on house decorating mode, so that will keep him busy.
I have been very slow with my reading these last few days, but I have nearly finished Caldicott Place by Noel Streatfeild, I have worked out a theme for my 2021 reading – it is going to be books with food or food related things in their titles. And I have already sorted out about 40 books that fit my plan, so I’m quite excited. Of course I will read other books as well, but I find a theme of some sort really does help to keep me on track.
We’ve just last night finished watching the BBC adaptation of Dickens’ Bleak House, which was great. And this morning someone on Twitter alerted me to the fact that the Talking Pictures channel was showing the David Lean 1946 adaptation of Oliver Twist, so I recorded that. We have more than enough to read, watch, eat and drink, and I’m looking forward to it.
Gretchen – I read The 39 Steps years ago, and recently I listened to the audiobook on BBC Sounds. It is of course very much of its time, so there’s plenty of racism, snobbery, etc, but it’s still a great story and I enjoyed it.
Lesa – I have already done a blog post about my favourite fiction reads this year – would that be any good, or would you prefer something fresh? Just let me know!
Stay warm and safe all, and enjoy your reading.
Rosemary
Happy Christmas, Rosemary! You just helped to make mine a happy one by writing this post. I appreciate knowing what’s happening in Scotland when you write about it, and Ottawa when Grace writes. We’re so lucky that both of you take the time to participate here. Thank you! I’m sorry your daughter is quaranteed, but you have all been so careful this year. I’m happy to see that your whole family takes it seriously, and that your mother understands as well. Yes, you’d hate to bring COVID home, and hate to take anything to her. I hope she’s able to get the vaccine soon!
I love the thought of your husband decorating while you enjoy the quiet time with just the two of you. It’s just special to be home, isn’t it? Someone commented yesterday on Louise Penny’s Facebook page. She’s now stuck in London, anxious to get home. Why? Just because it’s home. And, as LJ said, it’s just nice to be surrounded by your own things.
I do so much reading for Library Journal that it would be useless for me to come up with a theme, but I love your theme for 2021; food! I could handle that. And, as you said, you’ll be reading (I almost wrote eating!) other things as well.
Yes, the post you wrote about your favorite fiction reads will work just fine. Thank you. Margie already signed on, and now you. That’s great! Thank you.
Rosemary, I’m sending hugs from the distance. Enjoy your Christmas at home!
Speaking of The 39 Steps, we saw the off- and on-Broadway four actor parody version of the book/show in 2008 or 2009. It was a lot of fun.
I never saw the Broadway version, Jeff, but I have seen the play a couple times. Loved it!
We’re good. Tucked in at home and happy to be here.
I’ve been doing some cooking and there’s a yummy lasagna in the fridge waiting to go into the oven a little later today.
Margie, WINTER SOLSTICE is one of my favorite books. Rosamunde Pilcher was such a treasure.
During the past week I’ve read The Bookstore on the Beach by Brenda Novak (ARC), The Newcomer by Mary Kay Andrews (ARC), and The House of Dreams by Kate Lord Brown.
For Jolabokaflod I’ve been saving the newest Barack Obama bio, and looking forward to it.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
My copy of the Barack Obama book arrived today, Kaye! I may have to read it a chapter at a time. Enormous book!
I love you! Give hugs to everyone in your family and tell them I’m sending Christmas love! Enjoy that lasagna. Mmmmm. And stay cozy. Merry Christmas!
Kaye and Lesa,
I listened to an audiobook version of A PROMISED LAND last month and found it fascinating read. As a former federal public servant in the Canadian federal government for 27 years, I learned a lot about how our 2 governments differ in how they run a country. And how a few people can either help or hindle a President’s term. And frankly, it was also very soothing to listen to Obama’s voice for over 24 hours of reading.
P.S. I tried posting a version of this comment (3 times) yesterday but none of them were up.
Interesting, Grace. When I went on this morning, I only found one that I should approve, not three. And, I didn’t need to approve this one. I approved the other, but took it down because this one appeared here. I wonder if there’s a difference in your IP address at times, and that’s why I need to approve a new address. I shouldn’t have to approve your posts at all after I’ve done it once. I’m sorry this is happening.
I believe this is one book that would be soothing to listen to rather than read. I just have a hard time with audiobooks.
Lesa, I normally have a hard time with audiobooks, too, but those were the only types of books I could enjoy while the COVID symptoms were the worst.
And yes, I was surprised that I could post with no problems early yesterday but could not do so in the afternoon. I suspect it is my VPN that is causing the problem. My PC logs onto a randomly chosen secure server each time I logon.
After a couple of years without it, the fog is rolling in, and everybody around here has forgotten how to drive in it. The Governor extended the stay at home order, and then went skiing in Tahoe. I think he wants to be recalled. I’ll be eligible for the vaccine sometime after violent criminals in prison get their doses.
Strangely enough, I usually go to three or four holiday parties, and that’s something I’m really missing this year. The White Elephant Game is one of my favorite parts of the season.
I read some e-books I won from goodreads.
Ten Mad Cows and Livestock, Dead Stock; both stories about Mad Cow Disease. The first one is a psychodrama about a hostage situation. The second is the usual terrorist narrative.
Hunters for Hire: The Suck; A wannabe actor/model learns his roommate is a vampire, and becomes the usual vampire slayer, whining the whole time.
Portland Noir: I thought it was part of the Askahasic series, but was a police procedural set in Maine, and wasn’t really noir at all.
Glen, I’m sorry about the parties, and the governor. You seem to be having a lousy time out there. Take care of yourself so you can continue to write snarky book reviews for all of us, such as the vampire slayer who whines. I enjoy the White Elephant game, too, but, while my Mom always seems to get good gifts, I always seem to get stuck with something I’ll never use. Merry Christmas, Glen. Thank you for always being here to lighten the mood.
I just like the game. For many years, I didn’t get anything worth having. I’d put it up, and use it in next year’s games. Last year, I wound up with a Donna Karan scarf, and gave it to my girlfriend. I was going to have to actually buy something this year. Silver linings, I guess…
Oh, Glen. You make me laugh even with that.
Merry Christmas to you Lesa and to everyone here! My hubby and I are spending a lovely quiet day at home and plan to do the same again tomorrow. We have a stack of gifts for each other and our furry kids. I think we’re looking forward to their reactions most of all since we mostly got each other what the other requested. I may have to revise that statemen tho!
I managed to finally finish an audiobook I began weeks ago – Murder on the Girl’s Night out by Elizabeth George. What started a bit slow ended up with a bang-up funny ending. Two older sisters get closer after one invests in the Scoot’n’Boot bar and restaurant. I’m looking forward to reading more about these Southern sisters. Thankfully the author wrote a number of them.
My reading has dropped precipitously since I became a CNN junkie following the crazy news of the election and the pandemic. Hopefully things will get more peaceful after January 20th.
It’s going to get cold here in Florida for Christmas, dropping into the 30s for the next couple of nights. Thankfully it’s rain they’ve predicted and not snow! Merry Christmas to all, and to all, good books!
Anne George, not Elizabeth George, right Sandie? Very different authors! Anne George’s books were funny. She died way too young, my age. That’s funny. Some people became news junkies, and I could only watch it in brief snatches when everything looked like it was going wrong. I haven’t watched since the election was finally declared. I just didn’t want to watch more discussions of the shenanigans in D.C. I hope you’re right, that it’s more peaceful after Jan. 20.
We’ve had a little snow here today. That’s enough for me for the whole season. And, just so you know, Josh must know I’m writing to you. He’s sitting right on my arms.
Merry Christmas from all of us here!
Yes, of course I meant Anne. Her death is a sad story.
Be sure to scratch Josh’s head from me!
I’ve started Anthony Horowitz’ Moonflower Murders and in the wings is The Devil and the Dark Water by Stuart Turton. I thoroughly enjoyed Horowitz’ two previous titles, Magpie Murders and The Word Is Murder. As a spare, I’ve got Jerry Seinfeld’s Is This Anything?. Thankfully, all titles from my local library. Happy Holidays!
Ed, I really NEED to find the time to get to Anthony Horowitz’ books. Both of the earlier ones in this “series” sound good. I just have to find time. I wish time was easier to find!
I know Jeff really liked the Jerry Seinfeld book. Enjoy!
Happy Holidays!
Happy ending to the _______ year 2020 to all of you…I went Christmas themed today from the library and have just started The Spirit of Steamboat – a reread – and Robert Parker’s Silent Night.
We can fill in that blank however we’d like, right, Gram? I know what word I’d put in there. I love The Spirit of Steamboat, as I’ve said over and over. Tonight, I did a rewatch – The Muppets’ Christmas Carol. Last night it was a play that was streamed, All is Calm about the Christmas Truce of 1914. Just beautiful and tragic.
Merry Christmas, Gram!
My husband and son are I are fine, Lesa, and thanks for asking. We always spend a quiet Christmas at home. All of the relatives that remain are far enough away and we don’t travel much anyway.
I always have time to read. I finished THE QUEEN’S GAMBIT last night. My first book by Walter Tevis. A very good read.
I have not started a new book yet but I think it will be a Hercule Poirot mystery, SAD CYPRESS.
I wondered how the book was, Tracy. So many people have raved about the TV show, The Queen’s Gambit. I’m glad you liked the book
Ah, tried and true, Agatha Christie. Perfect.
Merry Christmas, Tracy. I’m glad you’re all safe at home.
Chiming in late. Christmas craziness (not work craziness) means I wasn’t paying attention to which day of the week it was.
I’m currently working on City of Schemes, the new Counterfeit Lady mystery/caper from Victoria Thompson. I’m loving it!
Hope everyone had a merry Christmas.
That’s okay, Mark. At least it was Christmas craziness. That’s so much better. It can be stressful, but probably not as stressful as work craziness. I hope you have a few days off to read!
Merry Christmas! Wishing you a better year ahead.