The Christmas Joy Book Tag

On the twentieth day of Christmas, a book reviewer gave to me… the Christmas Joy Book Tag!

• Anticipation: The Christmas excitement is real, what book release(s) are you most anticipating?

Recently, I posted about my most anticipated book releases for 2023. On my list, one book that I was really excited for was Happy Place byEmily Henry. I absolutely loved The People We Meet on Vacation and Book Lovers, so I’m hoping to enjoy Happy Place just as much as those books. Happy Place is about a couple who broke up months ago, but never told their friends. As a result, they decide to pretend to be a couple at an annual summer trip. I mentioned in my post how I don’t typically like books where the couple was previously together because I really enjoy reading about a couple falling in love for the first time. However, if any author can convince me to change my mind, it would be Emily Henry.

• Christmas Songs & Carols: What book or author can you not help but want to sing about?

During my annual Brittany Awards, I talked about some of my favorite books/authors of the year. One book that I mentioned was A Very Merry Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams. The Bromance Book Club series has been hit-or-miss for me, but A Very Merry Bromance is easily my favorite of the lot. I love when romance book scenes build upon each other where every interaction between the main characters makes them question their ideas of love as opposed to a collection of cute scenes/situations throughout the novel. A Very Merry Bromance excelled in creating love interests who were equally interesting and well-matched.

• Gingerbread Houses: What book or series has wonderful world building?

Christmas Trees & Decorations: Favorite Book Cover, Birds of California by Katie Cotugno

One book that I read this year with excellent world-building is Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas. Typically in series by Maas, there is a lot of world building in the first book. While this can make it difficult to get through the first hundred pages or so, it is helpful into understanding the world. However, the best part of the world-building of this book comes at the end of the second book in this series, House of Sky and Breath. I won’t say it here because it is a major spoiler, but all I will say is that if you don’t know how it ends, you will be shocked when you read it!

• A Christmas Carol: Favorite classic or one that you want to read

To be honest, I.am not a huge fan of classic books! If I was going to pick a classic book, I would probably opt for a “modern classic.”

• Christmas Sweets: What book would you love to receive for Christmas

I will not be receiving this book for Christmas (it doesn’t ship out until next year), but I am eagerly anticipating my package in the mail. Recently, FairyLoot released exclusive editions of the Crescent City series. These books features exclusive covers and artwork inside. I cannot wait to receive my copies in the mail!

• Candles in the Window: What book gives you that warm fuzzy feeling

One book that gave me a warm and fuzzy feeling this year was Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood. I didn’t go into this book expecting to love it as much as I did, but I really enjoyed reading this book. Before I read this book, I was in a huge reading slump and I needed a fun book with likable characters and this book was exactly what I needed at that time.

• Christmas Trees & Decorations: What are some of your favorite book covers?

This year for my Brittany Awards, I talked about some of my favorite covers of the year. One cover that I really liked was Birds of California by Katie Cotugno. I think it has bright, fun colors. I really like the lettering used, which looks like a neon hotel sign. That being said, I do not think that this cover really matches the story inside. Birds of California is a very somber story, so some readers may feel tricked by the cover.

• Christmas Joy: What are some of your favorite things about Christmas and/or some of your favorite Christmas memories?

One of my favorite things about Christmas is buying presents for other people! I like finding things that remind me of someone and giving it to them as a gift. I have a few cousins are are young, so I love getting to see Christmas through their eyes as well.

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