Merry Christmas, GraceBought family!
It’s December! We’ve made it to the end of the year! And, boy what a year!
May you have a most wonderful Christmas with those you love – and maybe even get in a little Christmas reading? I know I’ve sure enjoyed pausing my normal TBR to spend some time with some Christmas books.
This season can be crazy and chaotic, but I’ve countered that with a few shorter reads and a lot more audiobooks than normal since I’ve been in my car a lot more lately. I’m thankful for a full year of reading and for all of you!
Stay tuned over the next few weeks for the annual GraceBought 2025 Wrap-Up post and Reading Recap for even more fun details on all things GraceBought and a more comprehensive reading review.
But what about you? How was your month? I’d love to know what you’ve read lately! If there was something particularly good or a book you’re excited about, do tell! Leave a comment below to let me know what you’re reading this month!
If you’re new to WWWednesdays, you can learn more about how it works here!
What are you Currently Reading?
Just a day or two ago, I started The Nutcracker by Alexandre Dumas.
To no one’s surprise, I am a huge fan of The Nutcracker ballet, and have been since I was a little girl. I blame the Little Golden Book and it’s stunning illustrations from my childhood. Plus, the Tchaikovsky music is imbedded in my heart.
But, I never knew it was based on a real fairy tale, a written work. Last year, I found this gorgeous copy at a Barns and Noble and I’ve been looking forward to reading this in December all year!
I’m only a few pages in, so holding my thoughts til I finish, but I can say, The Nutcracker story is still something that makes me feel the wonder and magic of Christmas like a kid. I am so hoping this rendition of the tale holds true to the same!
What did you recently Finish Reading?
The last book I finished was Before Christmas by Bill Crowder.
In line with our Christmas theme here, this was my advent read of the season.
A good advent read should move our hearts to focus on the joy and wonder of Christ coming into His creation because of His great love for us. I really appreciated how this book zoomed out to look at the context leading up to the manger story, rather than just looking at the same nativity story from a different angle again. This little read reminded me of the character and love of God, of His almighty plan from the beginning of time to save us, and of the sacrifice Christ made just to become the infant in Mary’s womb – before the cross.
Plus, isn’t that such a pretty cover! You can find my full review of the little book here!
What do you think you’ll read next?
There are a few more little Christmas reads I’m hoping to get in, such as a few childhood favorite picture books like the Little Golden Book’s 12 Days of Christmas and the classic The Night Before Christmas, but I thought I’d do one I don’t normally do this year and squeeze in the Mary Pope Osborne Merlin Mission, Christmas in Camelot.
Again, most of you know I’m obsessed with Arthurian legends and literature. I loved the Magic Tree House series as a kid and when this Merlin Mission came out, it was the coolest thing ever. I haven’t read it in so long I remember nothing about it, but in the spirit of Christmas reading, why not?! Looking forward to this little gem and all it’s nostaliga!
Favorite Read of the Month
Man, it’s hard to choose a favorite – and the month isn’t over yet! But in keeping with our Christmas theme, I’ll go with The Nutcracker by the Little Golden Books.
See above for my gushing over The Nutcracker, but know that this absolutely stunningly illustrated book makes my little heart feel more magical than anything else. This is quite possibly my favorite little picture book in the world (although Dance Tanya may be a super close second). This is such a delightful little read every time I pick it up. I cherish this copy from my childhood and am so thankful to still have it. I adore this book.
~*~
And that it for this WWWednesday!
Have you read any of the these books? I’d love to hear what books are you currently reading, looking forward to, and what have you recently finished reading!
Until next time! And until next year! The Merriest of Christmases to you and, as always, happy reading, friends!
I recently got into Edgar Rise Burroughs’ Barsoom/John Carter of Mars series which I found in auduibook format on YouTube. It was an entertaining read/listen with imagination to the Martian society. Currently undecided about book 2.
I’ve only read Burroughs’s Tarzan of the Apes, but I really enjoyed it. I imagine his audiobooks would be great! I’ll have to check those out. Love a good Martian story! In fact, one of my top reads of the year was a MG Martian book!
I recently got into Edgar Rise Burroughs’ Barsoom/John Carter of Mars series which I found in auduibook format on YouTube. It was an entertaining read/listen with imagination to the Martian society. Currently undecided about book 2.