Day 7: Santa Hat or Elf Shoes

Meet Pierre, named after the main character in the tagged book, who is the boy, *not* the lion. Did you follow all that? Anyway, my Pierre is sporting my Santa hat, because, yes, I can be a little bit naughty. 😉

#WinterGames2021 #FestivePhotoChallenge #TeamGameSleighers

@StayCurious

Day 6: Wrap It Up

My emotional support snek, Milo the zen python, played along in our game by letting me wrap him up in this cozy snowflake fleece blanket before our cuddle time tonight. Milo (a 4-year-old Mojave ball python) is named after the main character in the tagged book, because my partner wouldn't allow me to name either of our human children Milo 20+ years ago.

#WinterGames2021 #FestivePhotoChallenge #TeamGameSleighers

@StayCurious

While I correctly guessed the killer‘s identity early on, I gave a tiny ratings boost for a surprise twist at the end. Overall, this mystery was lackluster. Read my full review here https://debbybrauer.org/#blackeyed-susans

This is from my December TBR list for #WinterGames2021 #TeamGameSleighers @StayCurious

#WrapItUpReadathon @keys_on_fire

Day 5: By Candlelight

Tonight is the last night of Chanukah, so I have a full menorah.

#WinterGames2021 #FestivePhotoChallenge #TeamGameSleighers

@StayCurious

This is me. Read my full review here https://debbybrauer.org/#a-child-of-books

This is from my December TBR list for #WinterGames2021

#TeamGameSleighers @StayCurious

#WrapItUpReadathon @keys_on_fire

Jerry Seinfeld‘s first book in 25 years is interesting and fun—just right for a holiday hustle break! Read my full review here https://debbybrauer.org/#is-this-anything

This is from my December TBR list for #WinterGames2021

#TeamGameSleighers @StayCurious

#WrapItUpReadathon @keys_on_fire

1. @carlthecattt @CaitZ @sebrittainclark

2. nobody 😔

3. @dainarmb @peanutnine @Magpiegem @audraelizabeth @CaitZ @Moll @BayouGirl85

4. @LibrarianRyan @TheSpineView @JenReadsAlot

5. @dainarmb @PageShifter @mrsmarch @Roary47 @LaughterHP @rjsthumbelina

6. @StayCurious @PuddleJumper @Hansarjohnson @Bookworm54 @LaughterHP @TheSpineView @carlthecattt @Magpiegem @Roary47 @mdm139 @vonnie862 @CaitZ

[MORE IN COMMENT] ⬇

Day 4: Book and Chill

Today is National Cookie Day. What better day is there to combine with “book and chill“?

[No books were harmed—I removed the cookie from the book's vicinity immediately after photographing. Also, the book pictured isn't the book tagged—I just wanted the extra points for connecting the photo to the book theme. 😉]

#WinterGames2021 #FestivePhotoChallenge #TeamGameSleighers @StayCurious

This debut novel about a dying billionaire matriarch and her clan might appeal to fans of dishy family dramas. Read my full review here https://debbybrauer.org/#dava-shastris-last-day

This is from my December TBR list for #WinterGames2021

#TeamGameSleighers @StayCurious

#WrapItUpReadathon @keys_on_fire

Day 3: Silver Bells

I have silver *chimes* on my drum set, and *multicolored* bells on a Christmas stocking, but the closest I can get to silver bells seems to be my partner's comfy-cozy flannel boxer shorts. They make me think of this Hershey's Kisses Christmas commercial:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pe4IZ7aGikw&ab_channel=E7than

#WinterGames2021 #FestivePhotoChallenge #TeamGameSleighers

@StayCurious

I borrowed Change Sings from my dear friend, Sharon. I loved it so much that I ordered my own copy immediately upon finishing it! Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#change-sings-a-childrens-anthem

This is from my December TBR list for #WinterGames2021

#TeamGameSleighers @StayCurious

#WrapItUpReadathon @keys_on_fire

November reading recap: Last month, 17 of 29 books read rated high enough to make the list. https://debbybrauer.org/#november-2021-recap

[Now that I've caught up with November (which was atypically high) I'm only a tiny bit behind on reviews. After today or tomorrow, my reading posts should settle down for a bit, fingers crossed!]

This mystery‘s ability to keep my interest was a bit of a rollercoaster, but the story was ultimately satisfying. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#an-ambush-of-widows

The mint M&Ms come in white, too! Today, I played with my food. [That's not as unusual an occurrence as you might expect from a grown-up. 🤣]

#WinterGames2021 #FestivePhotoChallenge #RedAndWhite #TeamGameSleighers

@StayCurious

I started out engaged by Abitha‘s plight . . . until the story took an irrecoverable turn. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#slewfoot-a-tale-of-bewitchery

Expected publication day for this supposed mystery/thriller is December 7. I didn‘t find it mysterious or thrilling. I‘ll give it creepy (in an icky—not scary—way). Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#the-hawthorne-school

#NetGalley #DreamscapeMedia #TheHawthorneSchool

After seeing his illustrations for The Day the Crayons Quit last week, I‘m on an Oliver Jeffers kick. In addition to this book, I have two more children‘s books both written and illustrated by Jeffers waiting near the top of my TBR list. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#here-we-are-notes-for-living-on-plan...

All year, we look forward to mint M&Ms. Last year we had none (we also had no family celebration 😢). This year, we'll have both M&Ms in our stockings *and* family celebration! Happy, happy!

#WinterGames2021 #FestivePhotoChallenge #RedAndGreen #TeamGameSleighers

@StayCurious

The premise of this book shares some similarities with A Man Called Ove. It‘s a charming story with a varied cast of characters. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#all-the-lonely-people

Recommend for ages three to six years, this beautiful book could be enjoyed by thoughtful people of all ages. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#we-are-water-protectors

A widowed mother and her younger son are dissatisfied with their lives, keeping big secrets, and wondering what to do next in this family drama coming out on December 7. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#tell-me-how-to-be

#NetGalley #MacmillanAudio #FlatironBooks #TellMeHowToBe

Here's my #WinterGames2021 TBR list (in no particular order). Go, #TeamGameSleighers! 📚 🌟

@StayCurious

Were you crazy about Eggers‘ The Circle? Here‘s the next installment. Need a break from the state of society? Proceed with caution . . . or skip it. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#the-every

Here's a short, fun picture book for grown-ups of (or approaching) a certain age. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#i-am-why-do-i-need-venmo-years-old-a...

Expected publication day for this mystery/thriller is December 7. I think it‘s worth getting on the hold list now! Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#the-bone-cay

#NetGalley #DreamscapeMedia #TheBoneCay

While the story is cute, it‘s the illustrations that really make this children‘s picture book fun. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#the-day-the-crayons-quit

This gorgeous coffee-table book is an extension of the two close friends‘ podcast. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#renegades-born-in-the-usa

Stanley Tucci‘s memoir about his relationship with food is interesting, funny, and emotional. His narration is, itself, delicious. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#taste-my-life-through-food

This story is pretty silly and definitely predictable, but is still decent, light fare. As a “bonus,” in this review I step onto my soapbox to talk about two genres and their misuse (in my humble opinion). Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#roommaid

I didn't feel like the book quite lived up to the hype of the publisher description. Nonetheless, this was a slightly more interesting than average read. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#these-silent-woods

The end of this mystery/thriller made me smile with satisfaction. That‘s an accomplishment! Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#you-can-run

This log of the author‘s daily delights recorded from one birthday to the next was, as promised, delightful! Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#the-book-of-delights

Sophie Kinsella‘s latest is consistent fare—part rom-com, part family dramedy. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#the-party-crasher

Ruben and Zach are best friends who work together in a popular boy-band. As they become more than friends, they face challenges from within, their management company, their families, and the public. The story is written with depth and sensitivity. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#if-this-gets-out

#NetGalley #MacmillanAudio #WednesdayBooks #IfThisGetsOut

In this mystery fan‘s opinion, this was lackluster. Others rave. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#find-her-alive-detective-josie-quinn...

An immature woman in her mid–30s involuntarily time travels to “fix” her younger self. Does it work (is she successful *and* am I satisfied as a reader)? Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#the-girl-i-was

#NetGalley #DreamscapeMedia #TheGirlIWas

If you‘re willing to completely suspend your disbelief in a whirlwind love story with a meet-cute orchestrated by a dog, this book (along with others in the series) is a good candidate. I‘m not sorry. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#the-happy-ever-after-playlist-the-fr...

This compendium is for the most super of Douglas Adams superfans. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#dont-panic-douglas-adams-the-hitchhi...

The middle-aged me is still every bit as delighted by this science fiction comedy as the teen me was shortly after its publication. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#the-hitchhikers-guide-to-the-galaxy

Alan Cumming‘s latest memoir is a treat (mostly)! If you‘re his fan, or even just a movie/TV/theatre fan, give it a try. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#baggage-tales-from-a-fully-packed-li...

In the mood for an explosive family drama with a satisfying ending? Look no further! Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#malibu-rising

The tension remains high throughout this mystery/thriller about a Black woman corporate attorney keeping secrets, present and past. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#all-her-little-secrets

Series devotee or newbie, get ready for the new Stephanie Plum–led romp. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#game-on-tempting-twentyeight

My #UnpopularOpinion of the day: This is probably the dullest piece of Gothic fiction I‘ve ever read. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#the-lighthouse-witches

October reading recap: Last month, 10 of 16 books read rated high enough to make the list. https://debbybrauer.org/#october-2021-recap

This debut mystery thriller is set in Chicago (pro). The author has room to grow in her fiction writing (hopefully temporary con). I‘m not sorry I read this, but I expected to like it much more. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#as-the-wicked-watch-jordan-manning-1

This light mystery was pleasantly surprising—a nice mix of mystery and silliness. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#grave-reservations-the-booking-agent...

It's not a mystery masterpiece, but if one keeps expectations reasonable, it‘s a fine way to pass the time. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#a-line-to-kill-hawthorne-and-horowit...

This collection of speeches and essays fell far short of my expectations based on the publisher‘s description and in relation to other books of similar topic. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#entertaining-race-performing-blackne...

#NetGalley #MacmillanAudio #StMartinsPress

Nick Offerman communes with—and has adventures in—nature and lives to tell about it with humor and seriousness. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#where-the-deer-and-the-antelope-play...