December Reads: Six Books That Defined My Month

December always feels like a split personality kind of reading month. Part of me wants festive, comforting stories that feel like a warm drink by the tree. The other part wants something sharp, insightful, or motivating as I reflect on the year and start thinking ahead. This month, my reading list managed to capture both sides.

Here are the six books I read in December—and what each one brought to my end-of-year reading stack.

The Bright Side of Christmas by Jill Morgan Elizabeth

This was the definition of a feel-good holiday read. Sweet, charming, and full of cozy Christmas energy, it reminded me why seasonal romances are so comforting. It’s light without being forgettable and perfect for reading when you want something festive that doesn’t demand too much emotional heavy lifting.

Best for: Fans of Hallmark-style holiday romances and cozy December nights.

Better Not Pout by Maren Moore

Another holiday romance, but with a little more tension and sass. This one leaned into playful banter and chemistry, making it feel modern and fun rather than overly sentimental. It balanced festive vibes with just enough edge to keep things interesting.

Best for: Readers who like their Christmas stories with humor and spark.

Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino

This was a standout for me. Darkly funny, painfully relatable, and uncomfortably real, Best Offer Wins explores obsession, ambition, and the emotional toll of chasing “success”—specifically through the lens of a brutally competitive housing market. It’s smart, sharp, and lingers with you long after you finish.

Best for: Readers who enjoy literary fiction with social commentary and a slightly unhinged edge.

Snow Place Like Home by Laura Pavlov

Warm, emotional, and heart-forward, this book felt like coming home—literally and figuratively. It had all the small-town charm you want in a winter romance, with strong characters and just enough emotional depth to make it more than a fluffy seasonal read.

Best for: Cozy romance lovers who enjoy found family and hometown vibes.

Workhorse by Caroline Palmer

This novel hit differently. Thoughtful and introspective, Workhorse explores identity, ambition, and burnout in a way that felt especially fitting for December. It’s quieter than some of the other reads but deeply reflective, making it a great book for end-of-year contemplation.

Best for: Readers who like character-driven stories and themes around work, purpose, and self-worth.

Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell

I ended the month with a practical, motivating nonfiction pick—and this one delivered. Buy Back Your Time is all about reclaiming your hours, focusing on what actually matters, and building systems that support your life instead of consuming it. It felt like a mindset reset heading into the new year.

Best for: Anyone feeling stretched thin and craving more intentional time management.

Final Thoughts

This month’s reading list perfectly matched December energy: festive romances, introspective fiction, and one strong push toward a more intentional new year. If you’re someone who likes to balance cozy escapism with books that make you think, this stack really delivered.

Here’s to closing the year with good stories—and starting the next one with even better ones. 📚✨