November and December were both slow reading months for me, with only two books each (hence the combined post). While it's slightly disappointing, it's not surprising, because I typically devote much most of my free time to Christmas movies during that timeframe. Anyway, here's what I got into!
📊Reading Stats
Books Read: 4
Genres:
Fiction (3): YA (1) ◦ Contemporary (1) ◦ Romance (1)
Nonfiction (1): Memoir
Formats: Print (4)
Sources: Library (4)
Average Rating: 3.5 stars
Yearly Goal: 52 / 100
📖Book Reviews
📘Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice
Author: Katie Cicatelli-Kuc
Genre: Fiction ◦ YA
Publication: 2024
Format & Source: Print ◦ Library
Rating: ★★★☆☆
In the cozy New England town of Briar Glen, fall is everything — tourists, lattes, and leaf-peeping galore. Sixteen-year-old Lucy Kane isn’t a fan of pumpkin spice, but she’s fiercely loyal to her mom’s struggling café. When a flashy coffee chain opens across the street, and the owner’s son happens to be her crush, Lucy must fight to save the family shop and her favorite season.
In a word, this book was adorable. It’s a quintessential YA rom-com that leans more cozy than romantic, filled with small-town charm, fall vibes, and heartwarming friendships. I loved the mother-daughter bond and the gentle, slice-of-life storytelling that perfectly suited the season. While it didn’t blow me away or break new ground, it was a fun, comforting read that left me smiling.
⚡ Quick Take: A sweet, pumpkin-scented comfort read for when you want cozy over complicated.
📘Sister Wife
Author: Christine Brown Woolley
Genre: Nonfiction ◦ Memoir
Publication: 2025
Format & Source: Print ◦ Library
Rating: ★★★★☆
In this candid memoir, Sister Wives star Christine Brown Woolley reflects on her upbringing in polygamy, her marriage to Kody Brown, and the reality of life behind the cameras. She shares how the family structure she once defended slowly unraveled, ultimately leading her to question everything and choose a new life on her own terms.
I went into this as a very casual Sister Wives viewer, with only surface-level knowledge of Christine or the show. That actually worked in the book’s favor, because it does a solid job laying out the background and history without assuming the reader already knows everything. I found it eye-opening and surprisingly engaging, with a conversational tone that made it easy to read. Despite her unusual life, Christine comes across as grounded, warm, and very likable, and it definitely made me more interested in watching the series from the beginning.
⚡ Quick Take: An accessible, revealing memoir that made me far more interested in the story behind Sister Wives than I expected.
📘The Christmas Angel Project
Author: Melody Carlson
Genre: Fiction ◦ Contemporary
Publication: 2016
Format & Source: Print ◦ Library
Rating: ★★★☆☆
After the sudden loss of their book club leader just before Christmas, four close friends discover she left them each a handmade angel ornament and a personal note. Inspired by her final gift, they commit to becoming “Christmas Angels,” using their own talents and circumstances to help others during the holiday season.
I was looking for a light, quick Christmas read, and while the premise of this one is sad, the story itself was warm and comforting. I knew going in that the author leans Christian, which I don’t mind, though the religious elements were heavier than I usually prefer. The focus on friendship and kindness was sweet, but the short length meant the characters didn’t get much depth or backstory. Overall, it was enjoyable for the season, just not especially memorable.
⚡ Quick Take: A gentle, faith-forward Christmas story that’s sweet and cozy, but a bit surface-level.
📘Battle of the Bookstores
Author: Ali Brady
Genre: Fiction ◦ Romance
Publication: 2025
Format & Source: Print ◦ Library
Rating: ★★★★☆
When two very different bookstores are set to merge, rival managers Josie and Ryan find themselves competing for the same job. As professional tensions rise, an anonymous online friendship begins to blur the line between rivalry and romance.
I love a good enemies-to-lovers story, and this one delivered, especially with such strong bookish vibes. I enjoyed all the commentary on reading and book culture, along with the many relatable lines about why books matter so much. The characters were easy to root for, particularly watching Josie slowly warm up over the course of the story. This was pure fun to read: light, feel-good, and refreshing. I’ll definitely reach for more from Ali Brady when I’m in the mood for something easy and cozy.
⚡ Quick Take: A fun, bookish enemies-to-lovers romance that’s perfect when you want something light and smile-inducing.
🎖️Favorite Book of the Month
Battle of the Bookstores by Ali Brady
That’s a wrap on this month’s reads — here’s to another great chapter! 📚
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