Monthly rundown vol. 24
2024 highlights and an e-book sale!
Hello, hello! Happy in-between time. I don’t know about you, but this December has flown by. We had plenty of ordinary, mundane moments, some magical moments (my first trip to see the Houston Zoo Lights, and I am marking it on my calendar for next year. It was so fun and beautiful!), plenty of tissues and cough drops (hello, seasonal colds), and a lot of sweet family time and travel. I have one more full week off before I go back to work, and we’ll see if I manage to make a dent in my to-do list, or just enjoy lots of time to read and cook slow food.
Speaking of reading…the e-book of my novel With You is on sale this week for $.99. It’s a slow-burn, small-town romance about grief, friendship, and taking chances. It’s perfect for cozy, winter reading. But as Levar Burton once told a generation of children: “Don’t take my word for it!” —Cam Torrens said, “Amanda Waters’ With You blends the literary romance of David Nicholl’s One Day with the small-town romance of Emily Henry’s Book Lovers to deliver a poignant and unforgettable portrayal of the complexities of human relationships” and SuzyQ said she “fell in love with all the characters.” Check it out here!
Because I’m a joiner, I thought I’d be like everyone else on the internet and wrap up 2024 with some of my book, movie, and television highlights from the year. Instead of rehashing my thoughts on each one, I’ll link to the newsletter with my original review.
Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman
The Last Dragon by Sylvana de Mari
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
Bea Wolf by Zach Weinersmith
Wellness by Nathan Hill
Heavenbreaker by Sara Wolf
How to Stay Married: The Most Insane Love Story Ever Told by Harrison Scott Key
The Twyford Code by Janice Hallett. This is only best-of-the-year book that I haven’t mentioned yet in any newsletter, and it was an absolute delight. It’s a mystery novel for readers who love puzzles and cyphers with a unique structure (told entirely as a transcript of voice memos and recordings), an endearing narrator, and a twisty plot.
Authors I discovered (and loved) in 2024:
Television and movie highlights:
December movies:
Wicked. I’ll admit I was nervous about the film adaptation of one of my favorite musicals, but it was SO GOOD. And as an added bonus, I got to see it with my sister-in-law, brother, and niece, AND it was a sing-along! (my niece and SIL are incredibly talented singers).
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. I loved this book as a kid, and the movie exceeded all my hopes and expectations. Did I force both sides of my family to watch it with me? Yes. Did I cry both times. Again, yes. This heartwarming, charming, thoughtful Christmas story is going to be a new must-watch every year.
I always have a difficult time narrowing down “favorites” of nearly anything, but without too much overthinking, those were the definite stand-outs this year. Let’s do some sharing! I’d love to hear about some of the books, movies, or TV that made an impression on you in 2024.
That’s all for now! Happy reading, and we’ll talk again soon.