a lifestyle blog for book lovers

Happy New Year, friends! We’re starting this year as we mean to go on, sharing an interesting and varied list of reads and finds to kick off the weekend—and in this case, the new year.

Around here we’re starting the day with a special brunch, with morning favorites like waffles, fruit, bacon, smoked salmon, and this favorite cranberry scone recipe. We often host friends on New Year’s Day, and even though that can’t happen this year, we decided to do it up right, just for us. I think I’m even going to dress up!

My favorite finds from around the web:

  • Age Your Cake. Do you do this? (I must confess at my house we rarely have the patience.)
  • We’ve enjoyed wonderful breakfasts ever since my daughter got this waffle maker for Christmas. (My husband Will is mixing up the batter for today’s breakfast as I type.)
  • I’m very excited to be in conversation with Jane Harper on January 13! Click here for more information and to register for this virtual event.
  • Have Yourself A Lonely Little Christmas. “For me, the secret to spending the holidays alone was to recognize that I wasn’t really alone. I had myself. Which might not seem like much…But if you invite the bravest, kindest, most fun version of yourself to your party, you might wind up falling in love with your weird and wonderful self.”

The 2021 Reading Challenge

Make good things happen in your 2021 reading life with our choose-your-own adventure Reading Challenge. Click here to find out more and sign up for our fun and free challenge.

We’ve heard such good things from readers so far. I’m excited to read with you in 2021!

Don’t miss these posts:

Have a great weekend!

10 comments

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  1. Laurel says:

    Hi, I have loved Jane Harpers books. One question about the event on the 13th…. do I need to buy a book from one of those bookstores listed or can I get it thru Amazon for my kindle reader? Thanks so much!

  2. Karen Lange says:

    Wishing you and your family a happy and HEALTHY 2022!
    The link to download the reading journal, which I need desperately, is not in this post. You mention in this post that you sent the link in the previous post but I believe this is not new so the previous post wouldn’t have itt. Could you please email me it or put it in the comments when you have time?

    • Megan says:

      We removed wallpaper and painted our bedroom the week of Thanksgiving this year. It actually worked well to have a project to distract us from missing our families.

  3. Leslie says:

    Thanks for the article about jigsaw puzzles. I usually pull my puzzle table out on Dec. 26 and leave it until I can get into my garden in the spring. This year it was never put away!
    We have found jigsaw puzzles to be helpful to me – while my husband cooks our dinners we usually listen to an audiobook but my mind tends to drift. Working on a puzzle helps me focus.

  4. Jennifer says:

    Happy New Year!! That article about alcohol being a carcinogen is maddening — the coverup, the power of money — just so infuriating. Thank you for sharing it.

  5. Heather says:

    Great links! I am learning over the past year as well that I need to take care of myself and my dreams, like my job. I also had already planned to reduce the amount of alcohol I drink this year and this kind of clinched it. Glad to know I’m on the right path!!!

  6. Elizabeth says:

    Thanks for the link regarding alcohol, the power of lobbies can be such a destructive force in our country. Upright Women Wanted was such a delightful surprise, thanks for the recommendation. I am adding Magic for Liars to my library holds list!

  7. Anna Pergola says:

    Thank you for consistently providing a wonderful blend of entertainment, inspiration, and intellectual stimulation. Your blog is a true haven for readers and thinkers alike.

    Looking forward to the next installment of “Links I Love”!

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