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Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Top Ten Tuesday Wednesday: Winter TBR List


The closer it gets to Christmas and to my family's departure for our Holy Land trip on December 26, the crazier life becomes! So much to do, so little time. BUT, I didn't want to miss participating in Top Ten Tuesday this week, so here I am. (I started this post yesterday, but finished today, so I'm actually a day late. Oops!) This week's topic is Top Ten Books On My Winter TBR list. To be honest, I have no idea what I'm going to be reading this season, but I've come up with ten possibilities to share with you. 

As always, Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the lovely Jana over at That Artsy Reader Girl.



Also, be sure to scroll down on my blog and check out my posts about the two reading challenges I'm hosting this year: the Bookish Books Reading Challenge and the Cover Lovers Reading Challenge. They're both laidback and fun. Please consider joining me on these reading adventures! 

Top Ten Books On My Winter TBR


1. The Escape Game by Marissa Meyer and Tamara Moss (available April 7, 2026)—I have an e-ARC of this forthcoming YA murder mystery that takes place during the filming of an escape room-themed game show. Contestants on the newest season include the sister of a contestant who died during the last season and she's not just out to win, she wants justice. Sounds intriguing!


2. Pearls and Poison by Erin Lindsey—This is the fourth installment in the always entertaining Rose Gallagher series. Rose is a former housemaid who works with a team of investigators with special abilities to solve mysteries of the supernatural kind in Gilded Age New York City. Now a legit Pinkerton agent, Rose is on her own to investigate a case of missing jewels and a mysterious murder.


3. Atomic Habits by James Clear—I reread this inspirational book every January to motivate myself to set and achieve personal goals. 


4. Nosy Neighbors by Freya Sampson—On a visit to my local indie bookstore, Changing Hands, yesterday, I picked up this mystery novel. It's about two warring, cantankerous residents of a dilapidated apartment building. When they're informed their home will be demolished and another resident is subsequently being harrassed, the two join forces to find out who is behind the attacks and save their home.


5. The Dark Library by Mary Anna Evans—Estella Ecker never intended to return to Rockfall House, but now that her father has died and her mother has disappeared, she feels she has little choice. As Estella begins unearthing Rockfall's secrets, she discovers shocking truths that throw into question everything she thought she knew about her parents and herself.

6. Coach by Jason Reynolds—I have really enjoyed Reynolds' middle-grade series about an inner-city track team. Each novel is told from the perspective of a different member of the group. As indicated by this book's title, it is the story of the team's leader, Coach. 

If you decide to give this series a go (and you really should), try it on audio. Actor and singer Guy Lockard, who is a close personal friend of Reynolds, does an excellent job narrating the books.


7. We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter—This is the first book in a new mystery series. It's about a small, close-knit town that is rocked to its core when two local teenage girls disappear. As the police investigate, it soon becomes clear that they were both hiding terrible secrets. Did those secrets lead to their deaths? I've never read anything by Slaughter, so I'm excited to check her out.


8. An American in Scotland by Lucy Connelly—In this series opener, an American medical doctor trades in her chaotic existence in Seattle for the quiet life of a country doctor in a quaint Scottish town. She gets more than she bargains for when she discovers a dead body—and then finds out that in addition to being the town's doctor, she's also its coroner! Determined to find out what happened to the victim, she begins digging into the town's secrets, stirring up all kinds of trouble among its residents.


9. The Star Society by Gabriella Saab (available January 6, 2026)—After fighting the Nazis with the Dutch Resistance during World War II, Ada Worthington-Fox fled to the United States and has reinvented herself as a rising Hollywood starlet. When the sister she thought was dead turns up in California, Ada fears all the secrets from her past will be exposed, especially as it becomes clear that her sister has her own secrets and a mission that could destroy the new life Ada has worked so hard to build for herself. 


10. Bluebird by Sharon Cameron—Like #9, this YA historical novel deals with World War II refugees grappling with the aftermath of the atrocities of war. Eva, who knows the truth behind Project Bluebird, a monstrous experiment conducted in the concentration camps, has come to the United States seeking one thing: justice. She will stop at nothing to hunt down the Nazi behind it all. 

I've already read—and loved—Bluebird, but my book club just chose it as our January pick, so I'm going to reread it sometime in the next month. 

How about you? What's on your Winter TBR? I'd truly love to know. Leave me a comment on this post and I will gladly return the favor on your blog.

Happy TTT (on a Wednesday)!

74 comments:

  1. Nice selection of books. I want to add a few of those to my TBR. Enjoy them when you get to them.

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    1. I hope you enjoy the ones you choose to read. Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Yvonne!

      Delete
  2. May you have a marvellous trip!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm really looking forward to it. There will be so much to see and to learn!

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Lydia!

      Delete
  3. Nice list! I've got the Sampson, Slaughter, and Evans books on my list already. That YA escape room book looks fun. Hope you guys have a wonderful trip, Susan!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm excited for all of these. We'll see what we think of them. I'll be able to get lots of reading done on those looonnnggg plane rides!

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Kay!

      Delete
  4. Nosy Neighbors was good. I hope you enjoy it.

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    1. I'm listening to it very slowly on audio, but I like what I've heard so far!

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Sam!

      Delete
  5. Ooh nice! Lots of new to me ones here! Although I am excited for Marissa Meyer and Tamara Moss' book! But I'm likely waiting until book 2 is out to read it back to back! I've learned with duology thriller/mysteries that there is always a killer cliffhanger! Lol.

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    Replies
    1. That's SO smart! I always end up having to reread the previous books in series because I forget who's who and what's what between books. It's much smarter to wait; we'll see how patient I can be. Ha ha.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Jessica!

      Delete
  6. Atomic Habits is one I have been wanting to read. You are right, it sounds like January is a great time to do it!

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    1. January is when I'm feeling most motivated, and reading ATOMIC HABITS just reinforces that. Although, maybe I should reread it in, like, June, when I've left my motivation WAY behind in the dust...ha ha.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Cindy!

      Delete
  7. Replies
    1. It's still very surreal to me that I will be in Israel by the end of this week. I'm excited!

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Stephen!

      Delete
  8. The Freya Sampson book is fabulous - enjoy! 📚❄️

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    1. I usually listen to audiobooks while I cross-stitch, but I've been waching Christmas movies instead, so I haven't made it very far with Nosy Neighbors...ha ha. I'm enjoying it so far, though.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Joanne!

      Delete
  9. I've been wanting to read Atomic Habits!

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    Replies
    1. It's a quick, easy read, but one I've found really motivating. It makes goal-achieving seem doable. I hope you enjoy it when you read it.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Bree!

      Delete
  10. I remember hearing good things about Nosy Neighbors! I hope you enjoy whichever of these you end up reading!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's a good read so far. Funny and compelling. I'm enjoying it.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Lisa!

      Delete
  11. I need to read The Escape Game now! It sounds so good! Everything on your list sounds good, actually!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree! It's a good round up of books. We'll see which ones I actually end up reading, LOL.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Karis!

      Delete
  12. I recently reread Atomic Habits! ~Carol @ ReadingLadies

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    Replies
    1. Nice! I usually read my hard copy of the book, but I also have it on audio so I can change it up if I want to.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Carol!

      Delete
  13. You get to go to the Holy Land this winter break? Awesome! I hope you have an amazing time. :D

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    Replies
    1. Yes! My husband has been wanting to tour the Holy Land for forever, and when he saw that a tour was being offered that was led by a scholar he knows and really likes, he decided we needed to go, even though it meant leaving the day after Christmas. We kept thinking the trip would be cancelled, but it's a go, so we're off on an adventure! I'm excited.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Lark!

      Delete
  14. Jason Reynolds never lets me down. Enjoy your books.

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    Replies
    1. Right? He's amazing!

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Cheri!

      Delete
  15. I hope you have a fantastic trip! I look forward to hearing all about it when you return. And I'm a huge Jason Reynolds fan.

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    1. I'm sure I'll have lots to report upon my return! And, yes, isn't Jason Reynolds fantastic? I've enjoyed all the books I've read by him so far.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Deb!

      Delete
  16. So great choices, thanks for sharing.
    Have a wonderful trip!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you! It's going to be an amazing trip. And thank you, as always, for coming by and commenting, Shelleyrae!

      Delete
  17. A Meyer that isn't a fairytale retelling! Wow! I would want to read that for sure. Thanks for dropping by my post!

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    Replies
    1. Funny enough, I just read another one by Meyer (well, co-authored) by her that wasn't a fairy tale retelling. It's a children's Christmas book called LET IT GLOW. Very cute and festive.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Athena!

      Delete
  18. I read Atomic Habits a couple of years ago, and it was gave me an extremely motivating jumpstart on the next year. I still follow some of its principles (stacking habits etc.). Highly recommend it!

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    Replies
    1. Yes! I've read a fair few books about goal-setting and achieving, and ATOMIC HABITS is the one that has resonated most with me. It makes goal-achieving seem doable.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Nish!

      Delete
  19. This is a great list, Susan. They all intrigue me in some way. I am going to check out several, but especially the Rose Gallagher series. I hope you have a good trip, but be careful and stay safe!

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    Replies
    1. I think you'll like the Rose Gallagher series, although I actually enjoyed the second book more than the first. At any rate, it's an engaging series!

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Carla!

      Delete
  20. Replies
    1. It sounds fun, doesn't it? I hope we both enjoy it.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Louise!

      Delete
  21. So much to unpack here!
    Love how you reread Atomic Habits every January - I love listening to this book while I'm out walking.
    Do you go to the Holy Land every year?
    I am definitely interested your two book challenges for 2026 - I'll be checking those out.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I listened to ATOMIC HABITS on audio last year, and I may use that format again in 2026. Good for you for listening and doing at the same time!

      This will be our first time in the Holy Land. It's a trip my husband has been wanting to take for forever. A scholar he really likes is giving the tour, so he went for it and finally booked the trip.

      Yay for reading challenges!

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Rebecca!

      Delete
  22. The Dark Library looks good!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree! I'm excited to give it a whirl.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Michelle!

      Delete
  23. Hello Susan, I hope you will enjoy these or anything you choose to read over the holiday. Also I hope you will have a wonderful time with your family in the Holy Land. Blessings, Jessica 💌

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    Replies
    1. Thank you! We're excited for our trip. There will be so many new things to see and learn and do.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Jessica!

      Delete
  24. Great list! I really enjoyed Nosy Neighbors and the Lucy Connolly series. The Dark Library looks so good as does the Marissa Meyers middle grade!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've been eyeing the Connolly series for forever, it seems. I really need to start reading it already!

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Katherine!

      Delete
  25. I hope you enjoy your winter reading. And don't worry--I'm a fellow reading event junkie!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm addicted to reading challenges! Seriously. I just love them for some reason. Glad I'm not the only one :)

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Lisa!

      Delete
  26. A very nice selection. Enjoy the trip.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Mystica, and thanks for coming by and commenting!

      Delete
  27. Looks like a fun line-up! Hope you enjoy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree. We'll see which ones I actually end up reading! LOL

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Nicky!

      Delete
  28. Looks like a fun list! I really want to try the Rose Gallagher series. I hope you enjoy whichever books you pick up this winter!

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    Replies
    1. I thought the first Rose Gallagher book was a little humdrum, but the series has really grown on me since then. I enjoy it and hope you will, too, if you read it.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Nicole!

      Delete
  29. I plan on reading We are All Guilty Here before the end of the year! I love Karin Slaughter! Hope we both enjoy it!

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    1. I've never read her before, but her books definitely seem like my kind of thing. I hope we both enjoy the book.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Rachel!

      Delete
  30. I might just need to add all your books to my list as well, Susan. So many of them sound amazing. I haven't read a Karin Slaughter book in so long. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Do it! LOL. I hope you enjoy the ones you end up reading.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Cheryl!

      Delete
  31. A trip to the Holy Land sounds wonderful! I’ve started Atomic Habits multiple times but can’t get through it. I recommend Redeeming Productivity. It’s about productivity from a Christian perspective. The Star Society sounds really good.

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    Replies
    1. Oh, really? Bummer. I've never heard of REDEEMING PRODUCTIVITY, but it sounds great. I'll check it out.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Carla!

      Delete
  32. Nice list, Pearls and Poison caught my eye. Have a wonderful trip!

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    Replies
    1. Unfortunately, neither of my local libraries has PEARLS AND POISON in their catalogs. I bought a Kindle copy because I just can't wait to read it! Patience isn't my strong suit...

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, the bookworm!

      Delete
  33. The Escape Game is one I have coming up! I hope we both enjoy it.

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    Replies
    1. Same! It sounds like a fun read.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Lindsi!

      Delete
    2. Of course! I also hope you enjoy your trip. I can't wait to hear about it. ❤️

      Delete
  34. So many things to do and so little time to do them is spot on! I feel the same way as I'm heading off on holiday on Christmas Day and I feel like it's coming up much too quickly. I'm not ready 😂 I've been seeing that new Maureen Johnson book around a lot lately. It looks fun! I also recently added the new Slaughter to my TBR and I'm keen to check it out. I hope you enjoy all of these books. Safe travels!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Right? Usually, I'm busy right up until Christmas and then I can relax, but we're leaving on our trip the day after Christmas, so we'll be trying to clean up from Christmas while we're packing and preparing to leave for two weeks...so stressful! I hope you have a wonderful trip and enjoy whatever you read.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Dini!

      Delete
  35. Great list! The Escape Game is one that I really want to read too!!

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    Replies
    1. It sounds intriguing, doesn't it? I hope we both enjoy it!

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Leslie!

      Delete
  36. Oh I am immediately IN on The Escape Game, that looks fantastic. Literally in the sense that the cover is gorgeous -- but it sounds genuinely thrilling.

    ReplyDelete
  37. I need to read up on Marissa's new book! That title and cover are both intriguing. Thanks so much for the introduction and for stopping by my list from last week. :) Safe travels!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Atomic Habits sounds really good. Thank you for visiting Long and Short Review’s TTT post back in December. I’m catching up on comments from it now. 😂

    ReplyDelete

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