December 2023
Vol. 261
Dear ones,
Goodness, it’s that time again! We’re deep in the holidays, and 2024 is breathing down our necks. I, for one, am glad. 2023 was an epically difficult year, with too many highs and lows for my comfort. They say may you live in interesting times, and 2023 was...interesting, for sure. I’d like a non-interesting year from the upcoming 2024, wouldn’t you? Something calm and cozy. (Huh. I’m searching for my thematic word of 2024, and darn if “Cozy” doesn’t sound like something I need to pursue. I’m only two weeks away from starting my annual review, and I know this year’s theme is going to focus on self-care, so thank you for helping me find what I needed!)
December is not always my cheeriest month. But this year, things feel different. Lighter. Happier. There’s been more sunshine time, and a lot less stress. I’m done with major travel events, all my deadlines are met, and I’m writing a new book. The act of creation is paramount to my state of happiness, undoubtedly. If I’m not writing, I’m a grumpy bugger. I hadn’t planned to start the book before the new year, but you know how it is, sometimes, what you want doesn’t happen.
And there is another joy-making thing: I’m writing about writing again. Specifically, I’ve started a series live writing my 32nd novel called 22 Steps. (In hindsight, I might have been smart to title it 32 Steps, but I wasn’t thinking that far ahead. Ahem.) I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my blogging, nor with my Substack, but as you can read in that post, something clicked as I began prepping for this new novel. I spent a decade writing about writing on Murderati; this is a synthesis of that with a bunch more experience under the belt. We’re only a few steps in, so don’t hesitate to join up. The free part of my Substack will always remain so, and that includes Friday Reads. It’s a bit like the Smatterings of old, just with more books.
Many of you heard that our area was rocked by a couple of tornadoes last week. We weren’t affected outside of a scary warning that never materialized, but there were terrible storms that did, and too many of my Tennessee neighbors are hurting. If you’re so inclined, the Community Foundation is doing disaster relief, as well as the Humane Society of Sumner County and the Humane Society of Clarksville-Montgomery County. We have a hashtag, which is wrong on too many levels to count, to reflect the spirit of this city and the people who live here. We are #tennesseestrong. But help is never turned away.
🚨Book News
I have a wee holiday present for you. The audiobook of THE WOLVES COME AT NIGHT, read by the amazing Saskia Maarleveld, is out December 26! Preorder Here!
And here’s something fun that popped up while I was prepping this newsletter: You can now preorder my next standalone novel A VERY BAD THING. It releases next September… so not long at all.
I’ve had an early glimpse at the cover, and it’s gonna be a doozy! I’m so excited to start talking about this book… soon!
Also, the 4th Jayne Thorne, CIA Librarian novel was released two weeks ago. Grab your copy here.
And over on Facebook, there is a Literati holiday contest.
📊 Last month's results and a holiday-themed poll
You lot are braver than I am. Lots of votes for Stephen King and Dean Koontz. Anne Rice was a favorite, too. I like Anne Rice, a lot. And Halloween remains a perennial favorite holiday. Good job.
📚 What I'm Reading
Lisa Unger CHRISTMAS PRESENTS
Nuanced and complex and reads more like a full-length novel. I’m always in awe of Lisa’s finely drawn characters, and Maddie, Badger, Evan, and Harley are no exception. Great stuff.
Ariel Lawhon THE FROZEN RIVER
This book, people. It’s received just about every accolade there is already, including the GMA pick and an NPOR Book of the Year, and I’m sure there are more to come. On the surface, it’s a story about a midwife in 1789 Maine who’s never lost a mother. That’s how Ariel pitched it to me a decade ago. It is so much more. Martha Ballard is a bonafide badass, and Ariel has created a heroine as compelling as Claire Fraser from Outlander. You will love it.
Nora Roberts INHERITANCE
I’m not quite finished, but after I saw Nora commenting on and defending the cliffhanger. Remarkable, really, that anyone questions the Queen’s storytelling devices, but now I must see for myself.
Rebecca Yarros IN THE LIKELY EVENT
I’d been saving for a moment when I wasn’t about to get on a plane. (I’m weird about plane books.) I’ll admit, I’m entranced with Yarros right now, both her writing and her personal journey, which is hitting closer to home than you can possibly imagine.
👩🍳 December Recipes: Basque Cheesecake, Reindeer Balls, and Grandma’s Christmas Cookies
We discovered this delight at our favorite local restaurant, and I searched for a recipe straightaway because it was too good not to try making at home. Having a signature dessert you can serve or bring to a party is always a great plan. It’s a very easy recipe, which I love. I found a recipe that’s gluten-free, but the first result was a bit too soft in the middle, so I’ve amended it to be firmer and creamier, and cook a tad longer so the top burns appropriately. It’s delicious either way, and adorable served in small cast iron skillets for an individual treat. Enjoy!
You can find all of my recipes here, and if you want some wine to go with the meals, The Wine Vixen has you covered.
🎉 Contest
Every month, I draw a name from those of you who open the newsletter and send that lovely person a $30 gift card to the bookstore of their choice. It’s my way of saying thanks for being here. Enter below!
Last month's winner: Congratulations to glendamartillotti! Check your email...
That’s it from me. I’m going to go make some cookies, and stuff Jordan’s stocking full of catnip mice. Be well, read good books, and smile at a stranger. You just might make their day.
Happiest of holidays to you, my friends. Merry Everything!
xo,
J.T.
Are you still here?
Here’s a holiday kitten for your troubles!
I'm 74 and don't have unlimited time anymore. Been waiting over 10 years for the finale of the Samantha Owens series. Is it ever coming?