Winter break is officially upon us which means no classes, no tests, and so much more time to do the things you enjoy. I love to read, hence the English major part of my background, but sometimes I have no idea what I am in the mood for. Here are a list of books I've read recently that I've absolutely loved and highly recommend (for yourself or to gift the reader in your life for Christmas.)

1. Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco

"Roses have both petals and thorns, my dark flower. You needn't believe something weak because it appears delicate. Show the world your bravery."

This series is amazing. It takes place in 1888 London during the Ripper murders and the main character is a female who is interested in forensics even though society frowns upon such things at this time. However, the main character doesn't really care. The murder mystery genre mixed with an amazing romance makes these books insanely addicting and I recently finished book two called Hunting Prince Dracula. It was even better than the first book!

2. A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J Maas

"What we think to be our greatest weakness can sometimes be our greatest strength."

This is one of my all time favorite series. This is book three but they are all good, especially the second one. This is a fantasy novel full of Fae, wings, and kick ass female (and male) characters who all come together to save the world. What else is new in fantasy? I absolutely love it, especially the romance between Feyre and Rhysand because its realistic and an amazing example of what a good relationship is.

3. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling

"If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals."

Do I really need to explain this one?

4. Gemina by Amie Kaufman and & Jay Kristoff

5. Tower of Dawn by Sarah J Maas

"He didn't understand how she could be so delicate, so small, when she had overturned his life entirely. Worked miracles with those hands and that soul, this woman who had crossed mountains and seas."

This is also an amazing series, and you know someone loves it when they are still reading book one when book six is recently published. So many amazing characters and humor and magical elements. I love Sarah J. Maas; she's an amazing author and this book was no different. It's a book of healing, as the story follows the events after Queen of Shadows but I will not spoil what happens. But essential this story has the characters going to see the best healers in the world, but its emotional and physical healing and its so good and inspiring.

6. Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake

"It would be sweet to be cared for despite her faults, and to be wanted for her person rather than the power she comes with."

This book follows three princesses; a poisoner, a naturalist, and an elemental. They were separated at a young age because of the fact that to become queen you must kill the other two sisters. It is a very dark story that ends with a twist I didn't see coming, and it follows the perspective of all three sisters and you have no idea who is going to be crowned queen.

7. The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan

"You must forge your own path for it to mean anything."

Demigods, Roman and Greek mythology, and a cast of amazing, hilarious characters. This may be a middle grade book but they are so amazingly good!

8. Heartless by Marissa Meyer

"Sometimes your heart is the only thing worth listening to."

This is an Alice in Wonderland retelling about how the Queen of Hearts became the Queen of Hearts in the traditional sense. You know how this is going to end but the how is what makes it so interesting and it was insanely well written.

9. The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson

"It's always a risk wherever there is great emotion because there is power in that. And few people handle power well."

A cute contemporary story about a politicians daughter and a writer. Oh and there's dogs. A lot of dogs. It's a super cute and quick read but amazing all the same.

10. Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia

"There is a small monster in my brain that controls my doubt. The doubt itself is a stupid thing, without sense or feeling, blind and straining at the end of a long chain. The monster though, is smart. It's always watching, and when I am completely sure of myself, it unchains the doubt and lets it run wild. Even when I know it's coming, I can't stop it."

A contemporary novel about the creator of an insanely popular web comic and a boy who is the top fanfiction writer for that web comic. The main character has anxiety as well and you follow her dealing with it and trying to navigate life and relationships with anxiety. It is so good.