December is always my busiest month, what with my birthday, Christmas and all, and I never seem to have enough time for reading; but I did manage to read a solid 4 books this month!

Okay, three and a half....

Caraval by Stephanie Garber

WELCOME TO CARAVAL, WHERE NOTHING IS QUITE WHAT IT SEEMS . . .

Scarlett has never left the tiny isle of Trisda, pining from afar for the wonder of Caraval, a once-a-year week-long performance where the audience participates in the show. Caraval is Magic. Mystery. Adventure. And for Scarlett and her beloved sister Tella it represents freedom and an escape from their ruthless, abusive father. When the sisters' long-awaited invitations to Caraval finally arrive, it seems their dreams have come true. But no sooner have they arrived than Tella vanishes, kidnapped by the show's mastermind organiser, Legend. Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But nonetheless she quickly becomes enmeshed in a dangerous game of love, magic and heartbreak. And real or not, she must find Tella before the game is over, and her sister disappears forever.

RATING: 4/5

The Peculiars by Jen Thorpe

Phobias abound at the Centre for Improved Living, where Nazma goes for help. She’s crazy about baking and desperately wants to become a pastry chef, but her fear of driving keeps her stuck working in a train-station kiosk, where she sells stale food to commuters while dreaming of butter croissants and fresh strudel.

The Centre is also a lifeline for Sam, who is scared to death of being robbed and spends his days in his pyjamas in front of his computer, his house alarm always armed.

Like the rest of the patients, Nazma and Sam want to face their fears, but will four weeks at the Centre be enough to change their lives? And will the two allow their budding romance to bloom without letting their phobias get in the way?

Meanwhile, the Centre risks losing its funding, a fear that Ruby, the Centre’s eccentric director, must face while she tries to manage the patients’ fears.

Find my full review here: https://mrpinkink.wordpress.com/2019/01/14/pinkreads-book-review-021-the-peculiars-by-jen-thorpe/

RATING: 4/5

Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick

Nora is more certain than ever that she is in love with Patch. Fallen angel or no, he is the one for her. Her heritage and destiny may mean that they will always be enemies, but there is no turning her back on him. But now they face their biggest challenge.

Can their love survive a seemingly insurmountable divide - and, in the end, will there be enough trust left to rebuild what has been broken? The lines are drawn - but which sides are they on...?

RATING: 4/5

The Ancient Sacred Tree by Dawnette Brenner

Joshua Creed receives disturbing news about his parents, but before he is able to process it, he is flung into a world of intrigue and danger where he must fight for his life and the lives of the inhabitants. He discovers he has secret powers, and the mystery of his eye is revealed, but it isn’t easy being bipolar and only nine years of age. His newly found friends and family help him through his adventure but not before he’s forced to change schools.

The action-packed, fun, and exciting adventures of Joshua begin in this first adventure of his destiny!

I did not finish (DNF) this book due to it being an uncorrected proof. Find my full review here: https://mrpinkink.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/pinkreads-book-review-020-the-ancient-sacred-tree-birthing-a-hero-by-dawnette-brenner/

RATING: 3/5

Have you read any of these? What was on your December list? Let me know in the comments. Until next time...

Keep smiling!