Have a Holly-Jolly Book-mas

It comes as no surprise when I say there’s nothing better than curling up with a good book. Especially a Christmas book. Especially at Christmas time. Especially in the evening, with the fire on, the snow falling outside, a glass of wine, and a mince pie or two…..sorry where was I? Ah yes, where I always am – BOOKS!

I love Christmas books of all genres, and I have read some very good ones in my time. We’re talking children’s books, romance, classics, picture books, cookbooks, thrillers – they all have their place around my Christmas tree.

So as an early Christmas present, I’ve decided to share my favourite festive reads from over the years. Please feel free to suggest your favourite festive books on this post or over on my social media!!

*Please note that this isn’t an exhaustive list of authors or their books, but simply a taste of some of my favourites in the hope that it whets your appetite for more*

Classic

They’re called ‘classics’ for a reason. These festive tales, some written many years ago and others more recently, have stood up to the test of the time, and are still enjoyed by children and adults across the world. It wouldn’t be my Christmas blog if I didn’t mention the great A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, but there are plenty of other festive tales to get you into the festive season.

Children

Christmas is for kids really isn’t it? That joy they get from seeing that Santa came, it’s a joy that us adults have forgotten. For us, Christmas is a time for money, and stress, and visiting – potentially difficult – relatives. It’s such a busy time that we often forget to sit down and appreciate the moment. Any of these books will help you find that lost innocence.

As well as these fabulous standalone novels, there are a number of authors who have produced several festive offerings, and I’ve picked three of them here:

Thriller

I must admit that when I’m looking for a festive book to read, I don’t often think of thrillers. I want happiness and love and the perfect festive celebration. I don’t always want murder and crime. Having said that, there are two authors in my mind who have perfected the art of the Christmas whodunnit. The first being the iconic Agatha Christie, and the second, more recent, is Alexandra Benedict, a very worthy successor of the genre in my opinion.

Cookbooks

A big part of the festivities is, of course, the Christmas dinner. Tables heaving with turkey, beef and ham, Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes and parsnips, carrots, sprouts, cabbage, stuffing, pigs in blankets, gravy, cranberry sauce, bread sauce, nut roast, pudding, cake, trifle, jelly, glace fruits – you name it, there’s a dish for every guest. But perfecting that most famous of dinners can be stressful. Especially if you’re hosting for the very first time. But don’t worry. There are plenty of chefs out there ready to guide you through every step. So not only can you present a delicious feast, but you can enjoy the day too, instead of slaving in the kitchen.

Romance

It may not be surprising to hear that the most prolific genre of Christmas books is that of the romance, or the “happily-ever-after” genre as I call it. These are perfect when you just want to curl up in the evening and read something light, moving, warm and cosy, and just full-on unapologetically festive. There are many, many authors out there that provide this kind of thing, but here are just a handful that I go to every December.

Donna Ashcroft

Heidi Swain

Jenny Bayliss

Sue Moorcroft

Jo Thomas

Jessica Redland

Kiley Dunbar

Jill Steeples

There’s also Lucy Coleman, Linn B. Halton, Anita Faulkner, Jenny Colgan, Sarah Morgan, Lindsey Kelk, Josie Silver, Ceri Houlbrook – there really is something for everyone this Christmas season.

So there you have it. By no means is this a complete list of authors offering festive tales, nor is it a complete list of Christmas books written by the authors chosen. As I said at the start, I’ve read a lot of Christmas books over the years and I couldn’t possibly add them all or you’d still be reading this by the time New Year came! I hope it has given you some ideas as to what you want to read this festive season.

All together now……🎵We Wish You A Merry Christmas🎵