Tonight is the first night of Hanukkah!
Get ready, we’re going into the new year with candles and jelly donuts and latkes and it’s going to be a party!
Like last year, I’ve put together eight care packages designed to make your winter more fun, mellow, warm, and entertaining.
Just in time for the beginning of 2026!
First: my Hanukkah wishes for you tonight and for the next eight: may each candle lit lead to another and another, until we have all connected to bathe the world in light and warmth. May there be peace in our lifetime.
Now, let’s talk about what’s in the care packages. I used to be super great at care packages because my kids went to sleepaway camp – not the type of camp where the care packages included Gucci bags and Loro Piana slippers wrapped in an Hermes scarf or anything – and I LOVED putting them together.
I still sort of send care packages now that they’re in college because I have to send them things pretty regularly, but that’s a small item in a bubble mailer. This is a whole ass box.
So what’s in the care package?
I’m not telling!
Well, I’ll share some details so you know what to expect, but some of it will be a surprise. It might rhyme with “schmeggo.”
In keeping with my wishes for all of you to have a cozy and warm 2026, the care packages will include:
- things that are fuzzy
- things that are warm
- things that are soothing
- things that are fizzy
- things that are indulgent
- things that are fun!
And, like last year, I reached out to folks I know in publishing, and have assorted books, of course! There will be several books in each package, including some major titles from this year. And maybe an ARC or two (shhh!).
This is a way for me to thank you for being part of yet another lovely year here at SBTB. We are still here, and it’s because of you hanging out with us each day. It’s been a big year, and we’re looking forward to more mayhem and silliness in 2026!
SO, ready to enter to win?
To enter, please comment and tell us what book (or recommendation of any sort!) that you found at SBTB that you most enjoyed?
It doesn’t have to be a 2024 book, of course. Any book that you haven’t read is a new book! But what did you discover this year at SBTB that you really liked?
Standard disclaimers apply: We are not being compensated for this giveaway. Void where prohibited. Open to international residents where permitted by applicable law. Must be over 18 and ready to be warm and cozy. May cause increased feelings of security, warmth, and delight.
Comments will close 21 December 2025 at or near 11:59am ET, and winners will be announced shortly afterward. Packages will be shipped out in January 2026.
Thank you to the indefatigable Kristen Dwyer of LeoPR for their generosity!
Good luck, Happy Hanukkah, and thank you for being part of Smart Bitches! May you have a lovely holiday, and for everyone, a peaceful new year.
Happy Hanukkah. Found Rachel Hawkins’ The Villa on a sale post a few months back and I really enjoyed the thriller.
Happy Hanukkah! For me this year it’s definitely Jaysea Lynn’s For Whom the Belle Tolls, which I see is making a regular appearance in the end-of-year episodes!
Found The King of Diamonds by Rena Pederson thanks to SBTB.
Happy Hanukkah!
SBTB is where I learned about Murderbot. So many recommendations for it here.
Happy Hanukkah! My immediate thought was Jennifer Crusie, who was the first author I tried based on SBTB recs, but that was a decade or two ago. For this year… This year I would go with The Rook series by Daniel O’Malley.
Happy Hanukkah!! My perennial answer will always be Murderbot, which I love fiercely. Thank you!!
Happy Hanukkah! SBTB was where I first heard about Serial Killer Games by Kate Posey–which still sits as the number one read for me this year. I’m also glad that I heeded the warning not to look at any further reviews so that I wouldn’t be spoiled!!!
I couldn’t even begin to guess how many books I’ve read because of recommendations from the Bitchery. I always open Smart Bitches with my trusty pen & pad close by because I almost always come across something that I want to add to my tbr. Other commenters—particularly flchen1, kareni, BigK, DonnaMarie, VicSolo, and others whose names I apologize for forgetting right now—seem to share my “angsty with a splash of melancholy” romance-reading sensibilities, and I know I’ve grabbed recommendations from each of them this year.
The Murderbot diaries
Happy Hanukkah! I find a lot of books from recommendations here and appreciate all the commentary. To pick a book, I found Wooing the Witch Queen by Stephanie Burgis from SBTB.
This year, I’ve been delighted to find Alexandra Vasti, of course from here. I have ADORED every single one of her novellas and books I’ve read. A rare hit rate for me. I’ve shared with others who now also enjoy her work. What a treasure she is!
Ashley Poston! I forget which specific title I first saw recommended here, but I discovered all of her books are my jam, particularly A Novel Love Story. They give me such a cozy, mystery vibe but in kind of a paranormal/ supernatural way.