Merry Christmas to Me.

I have been a very spoiled girl this Christmas. Books have finally taken a large part in my holiday celebrations. I have been well set up with things to read for the near future. Wanna hear what I got?

Santa brought me B.O.B. BOB (or the Big Orange Book) is one of Rachael Ray’s Cookbooks. Although not strictly a reading book, I am counting it in this list, and I am a huge fan. This will be well used in my home. My favorite part of this one is it’s quotes written by Rachael at the beginning of each recipe. She talks about where she got it or how she came up with it, and her personality really comes through.

The second is from my mother in law, and it’s called Free-Range Knitter by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee. I have read other books by this author, and love how she combines knitting with humor.

From the Christmas Turtle (I know it’s a little weird to have a Christmas turtle, but dh likes turtles. He brings us books to read on Christmas eve. That way we get something to open, and maybe do, and if it’s a year with no other books, we have books for Christmas, and something to do boxing day =D)

All 3 books the C.T. brought me are mysteries. The first is called One Hex of a Wedding by Yasmine Galenorn. Not an author I had heard of, but it looks very interesting. A single mom, psychic tarot- card reader who is planning her wedding. Interested to see how it compares to Victoria Laurie.

The second is Smart Casual by Niamh Shaw. Mystery/comedy that takes place in the workplace. Will be fun to see if she can get the guy AND the job.

The third is The Missing Ink by Karen E. Olsen. First in a series. Tattoo shop meets mystery. Another new to me author, but very original, and can’t wait to read this fun- looking book.

This year hubby and I took part in the LibraryThing SantaThing book exchange, for our second year. Basically you swap names (but not information) and play secret Santa to another reader. Half of the fun is trying to find the perfect book for a total stranger! I got 3 wonderful Young Adult books from my Santa this year.

The first is Frostbite by Richelle Mead. It is the sequel to a book I read last year that was good, but I wasn’t sure if I was going to read the sequel. About half a dozen people encouraged me to carry on and read the sequel. I had always intended to, but never got around to it. Now, I have no excuse ;). Vampires and boarding school. Can’t imagine what kind of angst are going to ensue.

The second is also a sequel (man, I love me a good sequel) called Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr. Very fascinating take on Faeries. And I love the intelligence of the main character. Excited to see where the author takes this series.

The third (yes, 3!) is another author I haven’t heard of (YAY, I love being exposed to new things, that is why this exchange is great!) named Claire Ray and the book is Snow in Love. looks like a cute, schmaltzy teen romance. Based in Alaska, looks to be set at a tourist resort and spa. I love it. I have read adult romances that are a little similar, but nothing in the teen genre. Very excited to see what the author does with it.

Thanks Guys for some really great looking reads!

So tell me, what great books did you get for Christmas? Have you read any of these? What did you think?

Now that I am done telling you all about my great books, I think I’ll got read something ;)

Happy Boxing Day! =D