Tag: Christmas Presents

Holidays

Rethinking gifts: The joy of shared experiences and simple moments

Mandy Webster

The best gifts aren’t always wrapped. Sometimes they’re shared afternoons, small adventures, or quiet hours spent together doing something you both love. When my son was younger, his favorite “gift” wasn’t anything from a department store — it was a day of visiting thrift shops together, me buying whatever treasures he discovered (within reason). One of his favorite shirts came from one of those holiday thrifting trips, and he still wears it more than anything I could’ve chosen for him. That shirt isn’t just fabric; it’s a memory of time spent together, laughter, and the thrill of finding something unexpected.

This season, consider giving experiences instead of physical things. Here are some ideas to get you started:

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Find Your Next Read

Seasonal reads: Books to dive into this busy time of year

Mandy Webster

The end of the year is often a time for reflection, connection, and a little cozy escape — whether that’s in a favorite chair with a cup of tea or curled up under a blanket while the world rushes by. This season, I’ve rounded up a mix of books I’ve reviewed that are perfect for December reading, from thought-provoking literary stories to chills that aren’t just from the winter air.

Stories that make you think about family and connection

Beautyland by Marie-Helene Bertino — A story that delves deeply into family dynamics, with a narrative that lingers long after you finish it. Beautyland is a winner of the American Book Award and a Finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award, making it a standout choice for thoughtful seasonal reading.

Do Not Follow by Surbhi Bansal — A story that will leave readers reflecting on the ties that bind us, both the ones we’re born into and the ones we create.

Joy Moody is Out of Time by Kerryn Mayne — Explores how sometimes found family can mean more than biological family, reminding us of the importance of chosen connections.

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Book Reviews, Find Your Next Read

Book Review: Christmas Presents by Lisa Unger

Mandy Webster

Lisa Unger’s novel, Christmas Presents, is the perfect blend of cozy holiday charm and chilling suspense. Set against the backdrop of a quaint bookshop in a snow-dusted small town, the novel invites readers to unravel a decade-old mystery alongside Madeline Martin, the sole survivor of a brutal attack. 

Christmas Presents by Lisa Unger is an excellent holiday gift choice for the thriller reader on your shopping list!

The story begins when Harley Granger, a notorious true crime podcaster, arrives in Madeline’s bookstore just days before Christmas. Known as much for his fame and wealth as for his controversial tactics, Granger is on a mission to reexamine the horrific events that forever altered Madeline’s life. 

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