On My List: December 20th

Aside from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (which I'll post in Weekend Films), there's not a lot that has caught my interest this week but here are the two things On My List.


Books

Book: Christmas Shopaholic (Shopaholic book #9) by Sophie Kinsella

Description:

’Tis the season for change and Becky Brandon (née Bloomwood) is embracing it, returning from the States to live in the charming village of Letherby and working with her best friend, Suze, in the gift shop of Suze’s stately home. Life is good, especially now that Becky takes time every day for mindfulness—even if that only means listening to a meditation tape while hunting down online bargains.

But Becky still adores the traditions of Christmas: Her parents hosting, carols playing on repeat, her mother pretending she made the Christmas pudding, and the neighbors coming ’round for sherry in their terrible holiday sweaters. Things are looking cheerier than ever, until Becky’s parents announce they’re moving to ultra-trendy Shoreditch—unable to resist the draw of craft beer and smashed avocados—and ask Becky if she’ll host this year. What could possibly go wrong?

Becky’s sister demands a vegan turkey, her husband insists that he just wants aftershave (again), and little Minnie needs a very specific picnic hamper: Surely Becky can manage all this, as well as the surprise appearance of an old boyfriend–turned–rock star and his pushy new girlfriend, whose motives are far from clear. But as the countdown to Christmas begins and her bighearted plans take an unexpected turn toward disaster, Becky wonders if chaos will ensue, or if she’ll manage to bring comfort and joy to Christmas after all.

Why it's On My List: I used to love reading the Shopaholic series but the seventh book "Shopaholic to the Stars" was such a disappointing read that I decided to take from the series. Now that I've returned to the series, I recently bought the eighth book "Shopaholic to the Rescue" and I want to get this new one that has Becky and her wacky family celebrating Christmas. I can only imagine what trouble she will get herself into in this story.




TV

The Witcher (Netflix)

Starring: Henry Cavill, Freya Allan, Anya Chalotra, Joey Batey, MyAnna Buring and more

Description:

Geralt of Rivia, a solitary monster hunter, struggles to find his place in a world where people often prove more wicked than beasts.

Why it's On My List: I love a good fantasy story and if this TV series is as exciting and interesting as the trailer is, then I found a new favorite show.