And with that, my 2023 reading challenge comes to an end. What a beautiful book to end my year. "I'm Dreaming of a Wyatt Christmas" is a fun filled book about grief, absent parents, ballet, skiing, and amazing parents. I was skeptical to read this book at first because Noelle was fourteen. But bit by bit, I fell in love with the story. Noelle is so cute and relatable struggling to balance ballet, babysitting, and her crush, Wyatt. I fell in love with the cute setting and even cuter characters. I also read the book on on time because the book took place at Christmas and close to New Year and there was a passage that stayed with me and will stay with me when 2024 arrives: "I don't have the answers yet. I don't know what challenges and triumphs this new year will hold, but I'm going into it with so many people on my side. [...] But instead of looking backwards, I'm keeping my eyes on the horizon. I'll find my spot, go en pointe, take a deep breath - and dance." - Noelle

Sometimes in this chaotic world we go day by day, we forget the simple lessons that Noelle learn. So I'm glad I got to read this book and have it be part of my 2023 Farwell and hopefully, just like Noelle, I'll step out of my comfort zone, speak instead of running away, and feel encourage to look forward to a new year.
(Listening to the "Lakes of Pontchartrain" by Celtic women)