2026 Holiday Reading Challenge | The Running Bibliophile

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Who doesn’t love a good challenge, especially when it pushes you to read outside your comfort zone or discover a new author? I’ve always wanted to join a reading challenge or reading bingo, but so many of them feel repetitive. So, I decided to create something a little different. It doesn’t mean a challenge like this isn’t out there; I just haven’t come across one myself. Introducing The Running Bibliophile’s 2026 Holiday Reading Challenge, a fun and unique way to expand your reading list while celebrating the spirit of the year. This challenge features 14 books of your choice, with one key twist: each book’s plot must revolve around the specific holiday mentioned. The challenge runs for January 1 through January 31, 2026. To keep things exciting, you may not duplicate any books on the list. By the time you've completed the challenge, you will have read 14 new books to diversify your reading list. To kick things off, the first prompt is simple: choose any holiday-themed book as l...
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Book Review: Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop (Beacon Bakeshop, #1) by Darci Hannah

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The Running Bibliophile's Book Review of Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop (Beacon Bakeshop, #1) by Darci Hannah
Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop (Beacon Bakeshop, #1) by Darci Hannah is the first book in the Beacon Bakeshop book series. It opens with the main character, Lindsey Bakeswell, moving to Michigan to open a bakery after she found her fiance Jeffrey Plank in a compromising position with Mia Wong. When opening day finally arrives, it's all going well until Mia dies from sampling one of Lindsey's products. Can Lindsey prove her innocence and be able to reopen her bakery?

I loved reading this book and finding out how this series started. It gave me plenty of backstory on each character and how each of them met. Of course, Lindsey is one of my favorite characters along with her dog Wellington. I especially like the love interest named Rory Campbell. Boy is he h-o-t in every way! I want a man in my life that is as cool, calm, and collected as he is, and not to mention super understanding!! *swoon*

Lindsey going from being a big wig on Wall Street to deciding to be a baker and owner of a bakery is a tad bit unbelievable. However, it totally works in this story and that is because of the reason behind the change ... a cheating fiance! Another element that many people might find hard to believe is that there is a paranormal element that includes a ghost captain that haunts the lighthouse and interacts with characters. I am all about paranormal elements if they're done well, and Darci Hannah does a fantastic job with it. Trust me!

Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop was just what I needed in a book, and I am hopelessly in love with this series. Five out of five stars.

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