I’m looking forward to starting the New Year. Despite reading loads last year, I let my book blogging and bookstagram slide. So I’m really hoping that a new year will be a fresh start. This month I’m starting off with three books that will be a good start to my new reading challenges.

Murder at the Theatre Royale by Ada Moncliffe.

I’m keeping my festive reading going into January with thu Christmas mystery. It also comes in at 247 pages so will fulfill the under 250 pages prompt.

What it’s about?

It’s Christmas at London’s Theatre Royale and journalist Daphne King is determined to solve an extraordinary mystery…

December 1935. Director Chester Harrison’s production of A Christmas Carol has had a troubled run on its tour of regional theatres. With tensions amongst the cast running high, the company reach their final stop – London’s Theatre Royale – a few days before Christmas.

Catastrophe, however, strikes on opening night: ‘Scrooge’ dies on stage, seemingly due to a heart attack. But the show must go on. Until, that is, an old rival of Chester’s is murdered in a dressing room. Are those associated with the production being picked off one by one? Journalist Daphne King is determined to reveal the truth…

The Tanglewood Bookshop by Lilac Mills

I love bookish books. Anything set in a cosy bookshop and I am there! This will tick of a career change prompt.

What it’s about?

A rural book shop. A chance to start over. But can she make her dream a reality?
Kazz used to love the excitement of her London life, but lately her passion for expensive city living has begun to wane. So when she’s given the opportunity to open a bookshop in picturesque Tanglewood, she jumps at the chance.

But village life is much quieter than she anticipated – is she actually suited for rural living? Resigned to a boring and uneventful Christmas, when she meets gorgeous Saul she is more than ready to have some fun and enjoy the festivities. If only Saul didn’t have a reputation for being a player…

Will Kazz become the heroine in her own Christmas romance, or will he love her and leave her under the mistletoe?

The Great Godden by Meg Rosoff

I was sent The Great Godden as part of the Christmas Jolabokaflod book swap. While I didn’t get around to reading it on Christmas Eve, I’ve added it to my January tbr.

What’s it about?

This is the story of one family, one dreamy summer – the summer when everything changes. In a holiday house by the sea, in a big, messy family, one teenager watches as brothers and sisters, parents and older cousins fill hot days with wine and games and planning a wedding.

Enter the Goddens – irresistible, charming, languidly sexy Kit and surly, silent Hugo. Suddenly there’s a serpent in this paradise – and the consequences will be devastating.

Have a great month of reading!