Five Star Friday - December 2024

Five Star Friday is my version of the monthly wrap-up. On the first Friday of each month, I will share my five-star reads from the previous month. Fingers crossed, I have lots of books to tell you about.

Last month, I was able to read 28 books, and I had  7 five-star reads. I really finished the year with a bang!

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Pictures of You by Emma Grey
Published by Zibby Books on November 12, 2024
Age/Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense 

Goodreads

If you knew then what you know now, would you make the same choices? Imagine having a second chance with the one you never forgot.

From the author of the global breakout bestseller The Last Love Note comes the story of a young woman struggling to piece her life back together in the wake of a tragic accident, and the man who gives up everything to help her.

When Evie Hudson wakes in an unfamiliar hospital room, she thinks she’s fresh out of a teenage party with her best friend, Bree. Except, Bree isn’t around anymore and high school was years ago. Evie had just survived the crash that killed her husband, Oliver—whom she can't remember either. After suffering a traumatic loss of memory, she’s left to connect the dots. But how?

Drew, a promising photographer whose chance encounter with Evie unravels the elusive details of her marriage and her husband’s death. As Drew watches Evie stitch the story of her life together, secrets emerge that might shatter both of their worlds.

This tangled second-chance romance leads Evie to question every decision she ever made. This time around, she’s seeing all the things she missed–and the life she gets to choose...again.

This book was so emotional! I patiently waited for Evie's memories to be restored, and as I waited, I learned about how she ended up where she was. It was rather sad seeing something wonderful fall apart, but this was Evie's second chance to have the life she wanted and deserved.  

[review]

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Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood
Published by Ace on September 17, 2024
Age/Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Fiction

Goodreads

Belladonna Blackthorn hasn’t lost her magical spark . . . but she hasn’t seen it in a while, either.

Balancing work at her beloved Lunar Books with protecting it from her toxic boss, who’s running it into the ground, and all the while concealing her witchcraft from the non-wicches around her – Belle is burnt out. Perfecting the potential of her magic is the last thing on her mind.

But when her 30th birthday brings a summons from her coven, and a trial that tests her worthiness as a witch, Belle risks losing her magic forever. With the month of October to fix things, and signs that dark forces may be working against her, Belle will need all the help she can get – from the women in her life, from an unlikely mentor figure, and even an (infuriatingly handsome) watchman who’s sworn to protect her . . .

With found family, slow burn romance and an uplifting message about self-love, this is the cosy, autumnal read that you've been waiting for.

I loved this cozy fantasy about a witch who must fight to keep her powers. Belle's training did more than help build up her magical arsenal, it helped her accept herself and find her place in the magical world. There was lots of action and interesting magic which was laced with humor and warmth. I am eager to see what the next installment brings us. 

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How to Save a Life by Kristin Harmel
Published by Pocket Star on April 25, 2016
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Fiction

Goodreads

Groundhog Day meets Grey’s Anatomy in this heartfelt novella with a hint of magic from the internationally bestselling author of The Sweetness of Forgetting and The Life Intended, in which a woman with only a short time to live discovers she can repeat the same day over and over until her life feels complete.

When a pediatric oncology nurse receives a devastating prognosis—she has just weeks left to live—she finds unexpected comfort from a patient. Her young friend shares a life- and death-changing secret: it is possible to live the same day over and over again until she’s experienced a truly full life. Thus begins a heartbreaking and joyful journey of love, friendship, and self-discovery, as the brave nurse only truly learns how to live in the face of death. Kristin Harmel, whose work has been called “immersive and evocative” (Publishers Weekly), “absorbing…well-paced and warmhearted” (Kirkus Reviews), and “absolutely enthralling” (Fresh Fiction), infuses her poignant, uplifting novella with a dash of magic and a hefty dose of heart.

Another very emotional story which tugged at my heartstrings and carried a rather uplifting message. This is one of those "thoughtful" stories, the kind that make you reflect on your own life and what's important to you. The found family and romantic elements were rather wonderful, but it was that ending that moved me to tears. I really didn't expect it, but I LOVED it. 

[review]

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Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
Published by Grove Press on November 30, 2021
Age/Genres: Adult, Fiction

Goodreads

"A hypnotic and electrifying Irish tale that transcends country, transcends time." —Lily King, New York Times bestselling author of Writers & Lovers

Small Things Like These is award-winning author Claire Keegan's landmark new novel, a tale of one man's courage and a remarkable portrait of love and family

It is 1985 in a small Irish town. During the weeks leading up to Christmas, Bill Furlong, a coal merchant and family man faces into his busiest season. Early one morning, while delivering an order to the local convent, Bill makes a discovery which forces him to confront both his past and the complicit silences of a town controlled by the church.

An international bestseller, Small Things Like These is a deeply affecting story of hope, quiet heroism, and empathy from one of our most critically lauded and iconic writers.

This is a rather short and quiet story that was very powerful. Bill was a rather incredible and complex man who silently did many good deeds. He usually kept under the radar and struggled with what to do after what his witnessed up at the convent. This one made me cry too, but more because of how human Bill was. 

[review]

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Unromance by Erin Connor
Published by Forever on January 14, 2025
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Goodreads

A recently dumped TV heartthrob enlists a jaded romance novelist to ruin romance for him—one rom-com trope at a time—so he never gets swept off his feet again . . .

Sawyer Greene knows romance. She’s a bestselling author of the genre—or she was, until her ex left her with nothing but writer’s block and a broken heart. But when she gets stuck in the elevator with a handsome stranger, she sees their meet cute for what it is: just a one-night stand. It might have worked, too, if they could stop running into each other.

Actor Mason West sees Sawyer’s reappearance in his life as a sign. Obviously, they’re meant to cure each other. Him of the hopeless romanticism that only ends in heartbreak—and tabloid trainwrecks—and Sawyer of her writer’s block. Their agreement is simple: 1. No (more) sex, and 2. No matter how swoony the circumstances, absolutely no falling in love.

It’s a foolproof plan–until Sawyer and Mason find that, once set in motion, some plots can't be stopped—and that they might be hurtling towards a happy ending...

This book celebrated all the romance tropes and I LOVED it! After getting trapped in an elevator and engaging in a one-night stand, Sawyer and Mason decide to help each other. Sawyer will ruin romance for Mason while he gives her inspiration for her next book. I adored everything about this book. It was so much fun, but also, heartfelt and swoony and everything I want in a romance. 

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On Second Thought by Kristan Higgins
Published by HQN on January 31, 2017
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Fiction

Goodreads

From the New York Times bestselling author of Good Luck With That , If You Only Knew and Now That You Mention It comes an irresistible look at the affection and the acrimony that bind sisters together

Ainsley O’Leary is so ready to get married—she’s even found the engagement ring her boyfriend has stashed away. What she doesn’t anticipate is being blindsided by a breakup he chronicles in a blog…which (of course) goes viral. Devastated and humiliated, Ainsley turns to her older half sister, Kate, who’s struggling with a sudden loss of her own.

Kate’s always been the poised, self-assured sister, but becoming a newlywed—and a widow—in the space of four months overwhelms her. Though the sisters were never close, she starts to confide in Ainsley, especially when she learns her late husband was keeping a secret from her.

Despite the murky blended-family dynamic that’s always separated them, Ainsley’s and Kate’s heartaches bind their summer together when they come to terms with the inevitable imperfection of relationships and family—and the possibility of one day finding love again.

Higgins' books are always so good, but there was something extra special about this one. I really enjoyed seeing the relationship between these two sisters grow as they grew. Kate had to deal with her husband's untimely death and her life without him while Ainsley had to figure out life without her long term boyfriend. It was a roller coaster, but both landed on their feet. Wonderful and touching, this story made me smile, laugh, and filled me with joy. 

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Give Me Butterflies by Jillian Meadows
Published by Avon on January 21, 2025
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Goodreads

A swoony, steamy, STEM romance in which two curators at a science museum—a handsome but grumpy astronomer and an anxious but sunshine-y entomologist—realize they are the perfect match. Equal parts nerdy banter and fiery tension, it’s perfect for fans of Ali Hazelwood and Tessa Bailey.

Millie was never one to take the expected path. She's an entomologist who loves her job as a natural science curator, inspiring museum visitors every day. It's her dream to take a larger role in the planning of her department, so when a director position opens up, she is determined not to let anything distract her from her goals. Especially her grumpy coworker with his permanent scowl, electric blue eyes, and nerdy astronomy ties.

. . . Not that she’s spent much time noticing any of those things.

Finn doesn’t mean to glare at everyone, but he’s juggling his role at the museum, navigating the grief of losing his sister, attempting to make his nieces smile, and trying not to ruin dinner for the fifth night in a row. He can't afford to let anything slip, and certainly doesn't need anything more on his plate. Millie literally stumbling into him with her bright smile and sunny optimism, is the last thing he needs.

They want nothing to do with each other. But with Finn on the interview committee, avoidance is impossible. And Millie soon realizes it's one thing when a job is on the line. It's quite another when it's her heart.

I don't know why I didn't see this book around when it was first released, but I am glad it found me because it was fabulous. I always love me a great STEM couple, and these two did not disappoint. There was so much nerdy goodness, but there was also a lot of lovely family moments. Finn was a single dad raising his nieces, and their little family had such a great dynamic which I am glad to say only got better when Millie came along. It was wonderful seeing her fit so well after she had endured a toxic relationship. Millie recovered well from that because she had been raised by such a loving family. They were so amazing, and the family group chat was hilarious. I am looking forward to more Oak Sisters books. 

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Honorable Mention

December was packed with great reading. Here are my honorable mention books. All earned 4.5 stars.

• Games Untold by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
• Temple of Swoon by Jo Segura
• The Lantern of Lost Memories by Sanaka Hisragi
• The Lodge by Kayla Olson
• If You Only Knew by Kristan Higgins
• Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
• Better Than Friends by Jill Shalvis

What were the best books you read last month?
Let us know in the comments!