Christmas is done. Santa has made his list, checked it twice and is now on a beach vacation sipping strawberry daiquiris with Mrs. Claus, who we all know is the real person running the show.
Once the holiday chaos has died down, many of us turn our sights on the new year. That “new” comes with a lot of meanings. New me. New body. New goals. New everything.
I’ve set goals for myself in the past. I’ve made resolutions that lasted a few months. I’ve also made resolutions that have lasted less than a week. The whole giving up sugar was a stupid idea. I’m a big believer in making resolutions that won’t want to make everyone avoid you because you are so crabby.
Looking ahead at this year, I think I’ll just hang on for the ride instead. The year 2026 will be a rollercoaster for sure.
We are expanding our business. Ben will graduate high school and move to college in the fall. That college is not a short trip away for mom.
Natalie will graduate from Holy Redeemer School and move onto the high school. She’ll go from a class of 19 to one of over 200.
Brady will finish his sophomore year of college and start his junior year. He’s looking at internships, and I wonder every break that he’s home if this will be his last appearance.
Life is moving fast and I’m just trying to keep up. So I’m not going to worry about a list of resolutions this year.
However, I am making one list. Growing up, I loved to read. I still do but don’t make it a priority as I should.
With our expansion, I’ll be on the road more. While holding a book is my preference, being busy has made me appreciate audio books. I love putting on a good audio book when I’m on the road, so instead of making a list of resolutions, I’m making a list of books to read or to listen to in 2026.
I can read pretty much anything. I love thrillers. If an author keeps me guessing until the end and after the book ends, I need to stop and let myself process a true gem.
Currently, I am starting 2026 with “She’s Not Sorry” by Mary Kubica. I have also read several by Freida McFadden and Lisa Jewel. I have read more than once all 24 books in the Women’s Murder Club series by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro. I have read the first five of the Blake Wilder series by Ella Gray. I have looked at a few titles by John Marrs, but I’ve only read one.
I also like a good romance, if there is a great plot. I have read the Virgin River series but can’t stand the TV show because it’s so far from the books. I’ve never read a book that the movie has been better. I’m planning on trying to hit 30 books in 2026. I have two on my list so far: “She’s Not Sorry” by Mary Kubica and “Keep it in the Family” by John Marrs. Both are thrillers.
So I’m looking for your help. Send me an email with your “couldn’t put down books” from the last year. Or just send me your absolute favorite. Even if it’s not something I normally would try. I’m hoping to hit my goal by either reading the physical book or listening to the audio version. By the end of the this year, hopefully I am giving you my top 10.
The best part of this New Year’s resolution is it is something I already enjoy, it allows me to shut off the craziness of the world around me and thanks to local libraries, it’s free!
So join me on an adventure (because every book is one), read a new book and if you enjoy it, send me the title so I can add it to my list. We’ll see how many I can finish this year.
