7 Books To Read As You Wrap Up 2024

Posted December 26, 2024 by Prairie Wife - 1 comment

Many of us are blessed with some extra leisure time as we near the end of 2024. If you want to fill that time snuggled up with a good book, here are 7 books to read as you wrap up the year! Per usual, just click on the books or their title to purchase them.

The Story Collector by Evie Woods

This book is a tale that bounces back and forth between the story of Anna in 1911 and Sarah Harper, who lives in New York 100 years later. Anna is a young woman who has experienced all the hardships living in Ireland in 1911 brings. To add to the difficulties…local fairies have cursed the Manor and its inhabitants, and perhaps several villagers too. Anna signs up to help a historian write down the stories of the “good people,” and as she and Harold travel the local area, they become friends. The dark local lore soon captivates both of them, and they can no longer tell what is real and what is simply a tale. Sarah comes to Ireland purely by accident, yet another bad decision made while drinking. But, she learns through people of the present and stories of the past that she can find a way to heal and move forward. This book is well-written, great for those familiar with or new to fairie lore, and tackles some tough subjects with dignity and compassion.

The House at Watch Hill by Karen Marie Moning

Warning…this book is part of a trilogy, and the second and third books have not been published yet. This means you will be in agony when you finish “The House at Watch Hill” and have to wait months to learn what happens next! This dark fantasy novel is about Zo, a young woman whose entire life has been spent running and hiding with her mother, though from what she never knew. When her mother passes away, it’s not entirely a surprise. She HAS been sick for many years. However, the well-timed message that Zo had inherited a property in a town called Divinity WAS a surprise. Zo had no idea she had any relatives, and to learn that she has an insanely rich MAGICAL aunt (and that she was magical herself) was a shock. Throw in some otherworldly creatures, an elusive narrator, and a generations-old battle between magical families, and you can see why this book was one I couldn’t get enough of.

Inheritance by Nora Roberts

1. Reading a Nora Roberts novel is one of my favorite ways to relax. I know it will have a happy ending, and it’s pretty easy to figure out the plot, yet the characters and the writing are engaging enough to keep me interested. “Inheritance” is the first book in the “The Lost Bride Trilogy” series (book two has already been published) and is about Sonya McTavish. Sonya recently ended her engagement in a rather dramatic way, and during this tumultuous time, she also learned that her dad had a twin brother. She inherits a home (I just now noticed there are some similarities between this book and “The House at Watch Hill” lol) that comes with generations of ghosts as well as a curse. I enjoyed the creativity that Roberts put into the evil witch and how she haunts the family. I found the descriptions of the town and its endearing characters enjoyable to read!

The Astrology House by Carinn Jade

This psychological thriller will have you staying up way past your bedtime to get to the end. Revenge, adultery, drama, and incredibly wealthy and selfish Mannhatinites…what more do you need for a gripping story? “The Astrology House” tells the tale of a group of friends (some related) who go to an Astrology Hotel for a weekend getaway. The hope is that the time away from their regular lives will offer them both relaxation and insight into their personal struggles. Instead, their secrets begin to unravel, and seemingly supernatural forces lead them to a sinister and unavoidable ending. This is the rare thriller that has, in my opinion, a conclusion that you won’t be able to predict!

The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow

This fantasy novel left me thinking about it for weeks afterward. After all, the idea of doors located all around the world that lead to other worlds captivates the imagination! January is a young girl who lives in the home of her ward, the wealthy Mr. Locke. While not an orphan (her mother is dead, but her father is alive), her father’s lengthy travels mean that her childhood is spent with nannies and her one “friend,” the son of the local grocer. This book takes place in the early 1900s, adding to the story’s intrigue. One year, for her birthday, January is gifted a book that tells the story of magical doors and a love story of a man and woman. As she reads the book, she learns that the life she knew is not what it seems, and she is thrown into her own story of heartbreak and evil men, as well as fighting for what she wants most in life: love.

From Here to the Great Unknown by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough

I do not often tell people they HAVE to listen to a book rather than read it, but I think it’s a must for this one. Julia Roberts reads the parts for Lisa Marie Presley, and Riley (Elvis’ granddaughter) reads her own thoughts. This memoir is poignant and heartbreaking, and for those of us who remember the tabloid drama that was Lisa Marie Presley, you’ll also find it insightful. While I don’t consider myself an Elvis fanatic, I am very familiar with his music and personal story…or so I thought. I found this book gave insight into not only Lisa Marie Presley’s personal struggles but also into the man behind the famous Elvis we all knew. Generational trauma and addiction are themes that run strong through this memoir, but so do the themes of love for your family and the importance of forgiveness.

Open House by Jill Mansell

Jill Mansell is another feel-good author for me! I know I can escape into her books and that when I finish reading them, I’ll have a smile on my face. Nell O’Driscoll has known Marcus Kilburton her entire life; after all, they live in the same small British village. Nell comes from a family of gypsys that are known for their unique talents, and Marcus is the Lord of the Manor. Nell’s mother was Marcus’ father’s mistress…and while he was alive, she lived rent-free in an estate property. When her mother’s lover dies, Nell goes to work for Marcus so her family can stay in their home. The story of how they learn to get along and eventually become close is predictable but still entertaining. The side story of Nell’s friend Hetty is refreshing and delightful! This is another excellent book to sit and read when it’s too cold to do anything else but snuggle on the couch with a book.

Looking for another list of books to read? Try these!

Categories: Book Reviews, Reviews

Tags: , Book Reviews, books, books about elvis, books to read, elivs, memoir, nora roberts, open house, ten thousand doors, the astrology house, the house on watch hill, the story collector