Dec 19, 2024

OUABC Current Reading List - What the OUABC Team is Currently Reading

by Sydney Suliot

December reading list graphic with book covers of The Lost Bookshop, Dirty Diana, A Jingle Bell Mingle, Beautiful Ugly, A Deadly Education, Spring of Ruin, and Blood of Hercules.

At Once Upon a Book Club (OUABC), we live, breathe, and (obviously) read books. Our team is constantly devouring new stories, whether it’s thrillers that keep us up at night, swoon-worthy romances, or magical adventures. Curious about what we’re currently flipping through? Here’s the inside scoop—straight from our team’s reading nooks.

Logan smiling in front of a bookshelf with text that reads: "Logan is currently reading The Lost Bookshop."

Logan — The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods

“I love magical realism; I love historical fiction. Combine the two, toss in a bookshop and three timelines, and I'm absolutely sold.”

If you love the feeling of escaping into a story, The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods is pure magic. This novel blends magical realism, historical fiction, and romance into a tale that will leave you completely enchanted. Set in both Paris and Dublin, the story follows three strangers who stumble upon a mysterious vanishing bookshop and discover their own lives are as extraordinary as any fictional tale.

Beautifully written and brimming with secrets, it’s a love letter to book lovers everywhere. Think The Lost Apothecary meets The Keeper of Stories. Prepare to get swept away in a world where books hold power, and anything can happen—even the unimaginable.

Tiffany smiling in front of a bookshelf with text that reads: "Tiffany is currently reading Dirty Diana."

Tiffany — Dirty Diana by Jen Besser and Shana Feste

“So good! Gives me Magnolia Parks vibes, which is my favorite book ever!!!!!”

If Magnolia Parks stole your heart, Dirty Diana by Jen Besser and Shana Feste will completely own it. This story dives into all the emotional highs and lows we crave—passion, heartbreak, and that glorious push-pull romance that leaves you hooked from the start. It’s messy, dramatic, and absolutely irresistible.

With addictive storytelling and complex relationships, this book captures the chaos of love and longing. It’s perfect for fans of angsty romances with beautifully flawed characters. Trust Tiffany—if you haven’t already picked this one up, you need it on your reading list ASAP.

Teri smiling in front of a bookshelf with text that reads: "Teri is currently reading A Jingle Bell Mingle."

Teri — A Jingle Bell Mingle by Sierra Simone and Julie Murphy.

“This is the third book in the series, and they have all been so fun and laugh-out-loud funny. I love all the characters and the banter they have. Also, this book has a funny cat character, which I can't wait to see more of.”

The holiday season isn’t complete without a festive rom-com, and A Jingle Bell Mingle delivers in every way. From Sierra Simone and Julie Murphy, the duo who gave us A Merry Little Meet Cute, this story is packed with Christmas cheer, laugh-out-loud moments, and the kind of banter we all dream about.

Set in the snowy magic of Christmas Notch, Vermont, this book features an unexpected romance between Sunny, a quirky screenwriter with writer’s block, and Isaac, a grumpy former boy band star. Add in a mischievous cat and a sprinkle of chaos, and you’ve got the ultimate holiday escape. Teri promises it’s as heartwarming as it is hilarious.

Sydney holding a book and smiling in front of a bookshelf with text that reads: "Sydney is currently reading Beautiful Ugly."

Sydney — Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney.

“During this busy holiday season, I need a fast-paced thriller to keep me reading and so far, this one is perfect for that! I love how twisty Alice Feeney's books are; they always keep me guessing.”

If you need a page-turner that refuses to let you go, Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney is it. Grady Green’s wife disappears under chillingly mysterious circumstances, and a year later, Grady escapes to a remote Scottish island to heal… only to stumble into an even bigger mystery. What’s worse? He sees a woman who looks exactly like his missing wife.

With a haunting atmosphere, razor-sharp twists, and Feeney’s signature suspense, this thriller is perfect for fans of jaw-dropping reveals and mind-bending mysteries. It’s impossible to stop turning the pages—you’ll want to devour this one in a single sitting.

Nicole smiling in front of a bookshelf with text that reads: "Nicole is currently reading A Deadly Education."

Nicole — A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik.

“A magical world where your wizard education is taught by a sentient school that is trying to kill you as much as teach you! This book has been amazing so far; the main character is super funny, and I can't wait to read the rest of the trilogy!”

If you like your magical schools a little darker, A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik is a must-read. Set in the Scholomance—a school where survival is anything but guaranteed—this book follows El Higgins, a witty, sharp-tongued student who’s just trying to graduate without dying.

Packed with dark humor, powerful magic, and deadly danger lurking around every corner, this story is an unforgettable start to Novik’s The Scholomance trilogy. With a protagonist you can’t help but root for and an unconventional take on magic schools, it’s a wildly fun and clever read.

Tristan smiling in front of a bookshelf with text that reads: "Tristan is currently reading Spring of Ruin."

Tristan — Spring of Ruin by J.L. Vampa.

“This is book 3 in a really cool witch series that I'm loving! I ordered the annotated copies of this from the author's website and absolutely love her comments as I read. It takes the reading experience to a whole new level when I can read the author's thoughts on certain scenes!”

Witches, dark magic, and morally complex characters? Sign us up! Spring of Ruin is the third book in J.L. Vampa’s thrilling fantasy series, and it delivers all the drama, suspense, and magic you could hope for.

In this installment, the Joubert sisters must navigate a world on the brink of war, untangle deadly prophecies, and uncover long-buried secrets. With fierce heroines and intricate world-building, this book will sweep you away. If you love epic fantasy with high stakes, dark themes, and strong female leads, you’ll want to dive into this series immediately.

Ryan smiling in front of a bookshelf with text that reads: "Ryan is currently reading Blood of Hercules."

Ryan — Blood of Hercules by Jasmine Mas.

“I haven't started this yet, but from everything I have seen on it, it seems really funny and has a new take on Greek Mythology. A foster kid finds out that she is actually Hercules and is forced to attend the Spartan War Academy.”

Greek mythology lovers, rejoice! Blood of Hercules by Jasmine Mas takes a fresh and exciting spin on the tale of Hercules, throwing us into a world of Titans, Spartans, and elite immortals. The protagonist—a foster kid with nothing to lose—discovers she’s actually Hercules, and her life will never be the same.

With sassy humor, strong heroines, and edge-of-your-seat action, this book has everything you need for a thrilling adventure. Ryan’s pick promises to deliver wit, mythological mayhem, and an empowering journey of self-discovery.

Ready to Build Your TBR?

Whether you’re in the mood for romance, mystery, fantasy, or fast-paced thrillers, our team’s current reads have you covered. There’s something for everyone on this list—and maybe your next favorite book is waiting right here.

What are you currently reading? Drop your recommendations in the comments below—we’re always looking for new stories to add to our shelves!