We are coming to the end of the year, which means the end of my Book Nerd Reading Challenge for 2024 but… That’s OK! Do you know why? I finished! I finished the book challenge from my local library AND another challenge that I started halfway through the year. So far I have read 105 books this year! That has to be a record lol it is for me anyways! I am so thankful that on days when my body is too exhausted to move or when my MS is flaring and I can’t get out of bed, that I have books. I can escape to anywhere and everywhere! Over the last few weeks, I have been reading some fantastic books that I think will be perfect to read this winter! I read romances, biographies, Christmas books, historical fiction, speculative fiction, books about the Holocaust, wars, and natural disasters. Check out my winter reading recommendations below and click on the title to shop for any of the suggestions on my affiliatted Amazon page!
Parking the Moose by Dave Hill
I bought this book for my husband a few years ago because he loves comedy and we love “Canadianity”. This book reminded me of the Taggart and Torrens book, which I loved. This is an honest and funny telling of how an American comes to Canada and views us and our country. It was interesting that the idea for the book emerged from the 2016 election of Donald Trump, I wonder if he will put out a second book now? Lol. I especially loved the Winnipeg chapter. I used to live in Osborne Village and reading about my hometown was hilarious. Wild Planet and the Toad! Lol
A Home for the Holidays by Taylor Hahn
Grief is hard. Grief at Christmas time is even harder. This book set during Christmastime focusses on Mel and her path of grief after she loses her mother a few weeks before Christmas. Barb is a great character. She reminded me of my Mom, who I miss so much during this time of year. So, Barb really made me smile. This book also made me cry, a lot. The review on the front of the book was perfect. “honest, emotionally generous, and just so funny. I couldn’t love it more! “– Jenny Close.
Kiss Me At Christmas by Valerie Bowman
OK so to be honest I needed to read a book where someone had lost their clothes on the cover, so I found a historical romance that fit the challenge and the season! Paperback historical romances are my comfort food lol. This is part of the Playful Bride series and the two main characters obviously met prior, but it’s all explained so I didn’t feel in the dark. Cute banter, a good mystery and fun characters.
The Book of Form and Emptiness by Ruth Ozeki
This is a big book and it doesn’t have suspense or a hook. It has questions and big thoughts. It is about mental illness, addiction, depression and it is heartbreaking in the most hopeful way. It won’t keep you in the edge of your seat but it will make you question how you view what is real.
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
What. A. Cast. Of. Characters. At first, it’s hard to get into this book because it’s narrated in all stream of consciousness. Until the characters start tugging at your heart. This book is not an American melting pot story but a beautiful mosaic of humanity. This book would make a great TV show.
Comfort & Joy by Kristin Hannah
This is not your typical Christmas rom com! In fact, there may be more tears than laughs in this holiday novel. Within the first 30 pages you will be hooked! Joy is a character you root for and this story will have you believing in Christmas magic.
Wreck the Halls by Tessa Bailey
This book may be set during December but it is HOT! Obviously with 2 people named Melody & Beat who were blessed by Stevie Nicks as Baby Bumps in the Rock Goddess Mom’s bellies, their chemistry is off the charts! Love the live steam story line, all the fun characters and the spicy relationship between these soul mates.
The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young
This is a beautiful book about time travel, love and family secrets. I couldn’t put this book down! The story was so interesting and the mystery kept my attention the whole way through. I was worried that we wouldn’t get answers or it would be super convoluted because time travel can be like that but the ending is very satisfying and everything made sense. Very good read.
Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan Henry
When I was a kid, my best friend bought me The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe series. It was my first fantasy series, and I fell in love with it. Both of my Kids loved the series as well, but especially my youngest. This was a beautiful book that is the fictional telling of where Narnia came from. I love books about books and imagination and this one was beautiful and heartbreaking and hopeful.
A Column of Fire by Ken Follett
The 3rd in the Kingsbury series was just as good as the first 2 books. His attention to historical detail is amazing. This book spanned over 50 years during the Catholic and Protestant wars in the late 16th century. The political intrigue, the romance and all the twists keep you on the edge of your seat as you get lost in the history of Queen Elizabeth’s royal court.
The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel
This is a book about Jewish Holocaust survivors. Groups of men and women that were driven into the forest to survive the Nazis. This is a story about courage, family, and strength. I had no idea, thousands of Jewish people survived by living in a forest for years, while hiding from the Germans. This book was eye-opening, heartbreaking, and full of hope. Another amazing novel by this thoughtful author.
The Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton
Although the concept is fascinating, it took me a while to get into this book. It didn’t have my full attention until page 143. While there are elements of mystery, dystopia and suspense, I was left wondering what I had just read?
This book starts with a musical playlist! This was a funny and spicy read that had two of my favourite things in it, romance and hockey! I loved all of the Canadianisms, both of the main characters, and the supporting characters were adorable.
Eruption by Michael Crichton & James Patterson This was an epic disaster book written by 2 epic authors. This will probably get made into a movie and it will keep people on the edge of their seats. I didn’t know much about volcanoes but I learned a lot from this detailed book. The characters were likeable and relatable.
The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley Speculative fiction is always a tough one for me. While the story was interesting, I didn’t enjoy the way it ended. Time travel is tricky and I have a hard time wrapping my head around it, but I really enjoyed the history aspect of this book. I especially liked, how it was written and the thought of looking at our world through the eyes of people from different eras made me think, a lot.
11/22/63 By Steven King This book was incredible! I was so hooked right off the bat! Stephen King was one of my favourite first authors, but his writing got predictable to me, this book was not predictable. This was Stephen King at his best! His descriptive writing style was perfect for this detail oriented story. I couldn’t put this book down and it’s a heavy book because it is long. I loved George/ Jake’s thinking and I couldn’t wait to see the future after the past has been changed. This book will stay with me for a long time.
It is officially soup season! I know I said that last month, but I really mean it this time! Lol Every time we make a new soup Ninja says “this one, this one is my favourite”. LOL These 3 new soup recipes are perfect additions to your soup rotation throughout the upcoming chilly months.
I love me a creamy soup. Creamy, cheesy, comforting soups are my absolute favourite! I mixed a creamy soup with pierogies and bacon to make this Creamy Pierogi Chicken Soup with Rosemary Bacon. I ate 2 bowls. In one sitting. This soup is everything I want in a bowl of yummy!
I actually had a different soup planned for this post but my family wanted a ditalini pasta, and a tomato based broth so this Pasta Fagioli Soup ticked off all the boxes and was 100% satisfying and delicious.
HBear likes all types of food. She is very adventurous and especially loves food from different countries. So, I thought we could try this. Winner! Winner winner winner! Lol the broth is so flavourful, the potstickers fill you up, and the bok choy was nutritious and satisfying. This Potsticker Soup is a really simple soup that we will make more often using whatever ingredients we have in the fridge. Ramen noodles instead of potstickers would’ve been amazing in this too!
Creamy Pierogi Chicken Soup with Rosemary Bacon
4-6
servings5
minutes45
minutesIngredients
6 slices bacon, chopped
1 tablespoon rosemary, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion, chopped
6 carrots, chopped
4 celery stalks, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 tablespoons thyme leaves
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
salt and pepper
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
6 cups chicken broth
2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
1 ½ cups heavy cream
½ cup grated cheddar cheese
1 package frozen mini potato pierogies
Directions
Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crisp, about 5 minutes. During the last minute of cooking, add the rosemary. Remove the bacon from the pot. If there's excess bacon grease, drain off all but 1 tablespoon.
Add the olive oil, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and thyme to the pot. Season with cayenne, salt and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, until fragrant.
Stir in the butter and flour, cook for 1 minute. Add the broth. Stir in the chicken. Simmer over medium heat for 20 minutes. At this point, the soup can simmer on low for up to 4-6 hours.
Stir in the cream/milk, and the cheddar. Bring to a gentle boil and stir in the pierogies. Cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pierogies float. If the soup is too thick, add additional broth.
Serve the soup topped with the rosemary bacon and shredded cheese.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup onion, cut finely
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup carrots, cut finely
2 cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
15 oz can tomato sauce
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
4 cups vegetable stock
2 cups water
1 cup ditalini pasta
Directions
In a large pot on the stove, heat olive oil. Sauté onions, garlic and carrots in olive oil over medium heat for about 5 minutes until onions are translucent and softened.
Add tomato sauce, spices, stock and water to the pot, bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
After the soup has cooked, add pasta and beans. Stir together and bring to a boil. Cook uncovered until pasta is al dente, about 4-6 minutes.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
8 ounces shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons ginger, grated
4 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups vegetable broth
2 tablespoons soy sauce
16 to 20 ounces frozen potstickers
5 green onions, thinly sliced and divided
3 baby bok choy, ends trimmed off and leaves separated
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
black pepper & toasted sesame seeds, garnish
Directions
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and sauté, stirring occasionally, until browned. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, garlic and ginger. Sauté for 1-2 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant.
Add the vegetable broth and soy sauce and stir to combine. Continue heating until the broth reaches a boil. Add the frozen potstickers, half of the green onions, bok choy and stir to combine.
Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the potstickers are cooked. Stir in the sesame oil and a few twists of freshly-ground black pepper.
Serve garnished with the remaining green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
Check out How Was Your Week, Honey? Episode #404 Emotional Support Canadians
This week, we get together to discuss, well…you know. Topics: the Golden Bachelor, Fireball Egg Nog, the election, Parking the Moose, Boy London, SOW, Pod Head Rod, and the blues.
This week was slow. I read a few books, SBean got her Soundstage photos done, I finished the Book Nerd Reading Challenge at my local library, and we went to SBean’s Remembrance Day Service. HBear spent the long weekend doing stage tech and getting ready for the musical her school is putting on later this month, SBean did errands with us, hiked Giant’s Head with her Bestie, and cheered on the Penticton Vees. We ended our week with a delicious dinner at Grandma and Grandpa’s.
