That’s it. 2022 is no more. The mad rush to the shops, with people on the phone to their partners describing emergency presents have hung up (no this wasn’t me, I sent text instead…). The turkey has finally been finished and there’s only about a week’s worth of picky bits for tea left. Oh and my birthday has passed for another year (we can all agree mid forties doesn’t start until 48, yes, so I’m still in my early forties…).

Now December did start out as a quiet month for books. I was on track for nearly balancing incomings and outgoings. And then Bonnier Zaffre sent a frankly fabulous surprise parcel and those sneaky people at Waterstones did their half price hardback sale (though technically books bought with vouchers don’t count towards the TBR pile. The rules are the rules).

So what arrived in time to see in the New Year?

1.  Chopin in Kentucky by Elizabeth Heichelbech, sent for review by Bluemoose.
2. Angelika Frankenstein Makes Her Match by Sally Thorne, sent for review by Piatkus.
3. The Haunting Season by various authors, sent for review by Sphere.
4. This Could Be Everything by Eva Rice, sent for review by Simon & Schuster.
5. The Company by J M Varese, sent for review by Baskerville.
6. The Cuckoo’s Wife by Alison Stockham, sent for review by Alison.
7. Atalanta by Jennifer Saint, sent for review by Wildfire.
8. The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho by Paterson Joseph, part of my LoveMyRead subscription.
9. A Most Intriguing Lady by Sarah Ferguson, sent for review by Mills and Boon.
10. Animal Life by Audur Ava Olafsdottir, sent as part of my NB Magazine subscription.
11. Fair Rosaline by Natasha Solomons.
12. Late Light by Michael Malay.
13. The Witches of Vardo by Anya Bergman.
14. The Walled Garden by Sarah Hardy. These and a copy of The Launch Party by Lauren Forry, which I’m already fortunate to have, were sent as a wonderful surprise by Bonnier Zaffre.
15. The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins.
16. The Skeleton Key by Erin Kelly. These two were presents (which I bought myself and handed over to be wrapped up. I practised my surprised face.
17. Her Sweet Revenge by Sarah Bonner, sent for review by Hodder & Stoughton.
18. The Quiet Tenant by Clemence Michallon, sent for review by Abacus.
19. Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin.
20. A Lady’s Guide to Fortune-Hunting by Sophie Irwin.
21. Babel by R F Kuang.
22. The Clockwork Girl by Anna Mazzola. These four were sales purchases.

Here’s what I read:

1. The Thirty-One Doors by Kate Hulme.
2. Stories for the Christmas and the Festive Season by various authors.
3. The White Priory Murders by Carter Dickson.
4. The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett.

I also gave two books away to a friend. So that’s 22 in and 6 out. Ending the year as I began with more incoming. At least I’m consistent.

What about you? Did you receive any book shaped presents under the tree? I hope you had a happy holiday period, however you spent it. May 2023 bring you happiness, good health and peace.