Christmas Book Haul 2021

 Another year, another bookish haul for Christmas! 

I'm honestly so lucky to have friends and family who spoil me with so many books, and Christmas 2021 gave me some absolutely beautiful books.

Read on to hear my thoughts about all the new books I received, and which I'm most excited for! 

Murder Isn't Easy - Carla Valentine

As a huge Agatha Christie fan, I was so excited to receive this book! It's non-fiction, which isn't usually something I would be into, but it's such a beautiful book. It's such a comprehensive collection of information about the different devices Christie uses, and I'm keen to expand my knowledge!

A Line to Kill - Anthony Horowitz

I actually don't know much about this book, but I've read most of Anthony Horowitz' crime fiction of recent years and absolutely loved it, so I'm really keen to get to this one too. I've heard it's part of the series with The Word Is Murder and The Sentence Is Death, and, although they aren't my favourites of his books, I'd like to delve back into those characters and see what else I can discover about them.

King of Scars and Rule of Wolves - Leigh Bardugo

As someone who only discovered Leigh Bardugo's stories last year, I am very much looking forward to this duology! I liked Shadow and Bone, loved Six of Crows, and saw all the potential of following Nikolai's story. I think I might just have to do a full Grishaverse re-read before I get to them, though.

Israel Rank - Roy Horniman

I've been trying over the last couple of years to collect some classic crime fiction. Israel Rank is the latest addition to my collection. Although it's not one I'm familiar with, I'm looking forward to reading more from some earlier crime fiction!

Once There Was a Bear - Jane Riordan

Okay, I'll admit this is a little left-field. I love Winnie the Pooh, and that means this was a clear choice. Solid.

Sweet Thing - Renee Carlino

I'm really really excited for this one. I discovered Carlino's novels a few years ago, and think they are absolutely beautiful. I cannot see how they are not more well known or popular, because they're true gems of the new adult genre. They all absolutely break my heart in the best way, and I cannot wait for this book. It was recommended to me as the next one to go for, and I just know it will be beautiful. 

The Betrayed - Kiera Cass

I'm a big fan of The Selection series, but I wasn't too sure about The Betrothed. It just felt a bit disappointing. However, I'm prepared to soldier on, and give The Betrayed a go. Maybe it will surprise me!

A Murder is Announced - Agatha Christie

I've read the majority of Christie's novels, but I'm still making my way through the rest. One o my dad's favourites is A Murder Is Announced, s when he found out I hadn't read this one he gave it to me for Christmas. I've heard amazing things, so I'm hoping it's going to be one of the great ones! 

The Hating Game - Sally Thorne

This is actually the book I'm reading at the moment! I've seen so many positive things about this story o social media over the past few months, and I knew I had to try it myself! I'm about halfway through and it hasn't quite clicked for me yet. I like it but I don't *love* it. I'm hoping that changes though!

Gilded - Marissa Meyer

I was actually given an advance e-book of Gilded by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. However, I'm a huge fan of Marissa Meyer, and I knew I wanted my own physical copy of the story. I'm sure I'll pick it up again soon, and I already can't wait for the next instalment!

Home Body - Rupi Kaur

I don't profess to be a big poetry fan, but I think there's something magical about Rupi Kaur's work. I've got her previous poetry collections, and am planning on enjoying this one just as much. I know it's going to be just as beautiful. 

You'll Be the Death of Me - Karen M. McManus

Karen M. McManus is an author I've discovered in the last year (I feel like I've said that a few times during this post, but it's true!). As soon as I heard she was releasing a new book, I knew it had to be on my Christmas list. I'm hoping it lives up to my expectations!

The Night Circus - Erin Morgenstern

This was the first book I read from my Christmas haul, and it was absolutely magical. An absolute must for fantasy fans, and I already know it will be one of my favourite books of 2022 - even if it is only January,

Crown of Midnight - Sarah J. Maas

Okay, so the Throne of Glass series is seriously long! I've had the first for a few years, but now it's time to start collecting the rest. I can't afford to get them all in one go, but I'm hoping to pick them up one by one until I've got the full set. And then? A binge read.

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I'm just hoping now that I'll be able to get through all these books this year. I've already got full shelves of reading material just waiting for me, so I'll have to get a shift on! 

But nonetheless, I'm very grateful for each one.