Seasonal reading is a topic of debate in the reading community. Some people really like to let the time of year guide their reading lists, while others like to feel free to choose whatever they want, when they want it. There is no right or wrong method, it’s simply a matter of personal preference. I typically fall somewhere in the middle, gravitating towards books set in a similar season or temperature to what I am currently experiencing, but I will definitely read a beach book in January if it catches my attention. But one time of year that I almost always make seasonal reading choices is Christmas time.
Since I became a book blogger my Christmas reading has changed a little bit. Even though I strongly believe in making Christmas wait until Thanksgiving is over, I make an exception for books and start reading Christmas novels around August or September in order to be able to make this list for you all to enjoy during December. That seems like plenty of time, but since I try to read every single book that I recommend all the way through, I always wish I had started earlier because there are so many books that I wanted to include but just couldn’t make it to in time.
Nevertheless, I do have eight books to recommend to you today. There is a good variety of novels and novellas and a pretty even split between historical and contemporary settings. If you want even more suggestions for your Christmas reading list, you can also take a peek at last year’s list and the first Christmas list I ever did in 2016. And don’t forget to read all the way to the end of this post for a bonus suggestion for kids. Merry Christmas reading, everybody!
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8 Books to Put on Your Christmas Reading List
I couldn’t put it better than the Amazon description: “Amid war and the fading dream of the Confederacy, a wounded soldier and a destitute widow discover the true meaning of Christmas – and of sacrificial love.” This is such a poignant story full of grief, faith, hope, and healing. I’m a big fan of Tamera Alexander’s writing and this Christmas novella did not disappoint. There were several turns in the story that I wasn’t expecting and I really enjoyed this beautiful story.
This novella riffs off the Lonestar series by Colleen Coble. Brandon Waddell returns to Bluebird Ranch to heal from war wounds, both physical and spiritual. He is drawn to the beautiful but secretive Lauren Everman, who spent time at Bluebird Ranch during her youth as well. Witness to a murder, Lauren just wants to lay low, but once Brandon hears her story he decides to get to the bottom of the mystery and bring the killer to justice – before he gets to Lauren. Sparks fly and danger abounds in this Christmas on the ranch story.
When someone begins to threaten his daughter, widowed father Slade Caulder does what any wealthy business might do – he hires a bodyguard to stay with Abbey day and night. Elizabeth Walker is used to people doubting her abilities as a female bodyguard, but she is out to prove to Slade that she is more than capable of protecting his unwilling teenage daughter. What she wasn’t counting on was developing an attraction to her new employer. As the threats escalate, Elizabeth does all she can to help the family have as normal a Christmas as possible while trying to guard her heart in the process.
This book is at the top of my Christmas reading list this year. I really enjoyed this story of five near strangers who find themselves trapped together in Dottie Morgan’s home over Christmas. When a blizzard causes them all to seek shelter in ‘the storm house’, old hurts must be dealt with, grief must be confronted, and romances kindle as they make the most of the little they have in the house this Christmas. This is a post World War II novel and if you enjoy strong, independent female characters you will really like Dottie and Violet. This is truly a story of redemption and love conquering all.
Technically this is not a Christmas novel, but it is solidly a winter time story. Three U.S. Marshals are charged with investigating a potential threat to someone in the witness protection program. Mercy Brennan takes on the assignment with her best friend Tally and ex-boyfriend Mark, but there is more to this assignment than meets the eye. Mercy is unaware of a threat to her own life, and none of them realize how deep the corruption in their department runs until they get trapped in the witness’s home during a whiteout snowstorm. Soon the marshals begin to put together the pieces linking the death of Mercy’s father with a nation-wide gang conspiracy that is gaining momentum. Bullets and sparks fly as Mark and Mercy are forced to confront the issues of faith and trust that caused their relationship to fail, while trying to stay alive as they wait for backup.
Clara Chapman fell from the grace of society when her fiancé left her at the alter and stole her family’s fortune. Now she is the caretaker for her ill aunt with no prospects before her – until a strange invitation arrives. She finds herself at Bleakly Manor with a ragtag group of others who have been promised different rewards for staying at the mysterious old manor for the entire twelve days of Christmas. Much to Clara’s dismay, included on the guest list is Benjamin Lane, the man who jilted her. But his side of the story is much different than what she had always believed, and she is forced to reevaluate her past and her future, while keeping an eye on the strange and dangerous incidents that seem to be eliminating the manor’s guests one at a time. Another favorite of mine, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor was a 2018 Christy Award winner in the short form category and it lived up to the hype. Very good!
Hannah Calhoun doesn’t have time for romance or mistakes, and Benjamin Townsend represents both. Right now she is focused on proving to her mother that she is ready to strike out with her branch of the wedding planning business they share. When the venue for the big wedding her mother handed over to her falls through, Hannah turns to Ben to host the event at his restaurant on Edisto Island. Ever the entrepreneur, Ben jumps at the chance to get into the wedding venue market, especially since it puts him in close proximity to Hannah. Will the two of them be able to keep their relationship strictly business or will Christmas on the island bring them together? This book is available exclusively through BookFunnel. Sign up for Lindsey P. Brackett’s mailing list to get your downloadable copy for free! I really enjoyed this novella, and the cover is possibly my favorite one on this whole list.
This is a set of novellas by mystery writer Colleen Coble. One is set in snowy Rock Harbor, Michigan and follows Bree and her rescue dog Sampson as they search for a missing parachuter just days before Christmas. But something strange is going on with Bree’s sister-in-law, and the search for the parachuter reveals clues that may lead to another missing person. The second story takes place in sunny Hawaii, where Leia and Bane are preparing for a long-awaited Christmas wedding. Their plans are derailed when Leia’s sister is kidnapped, followed by a sinister phone call warning her that if she doesn’t call off the wedding her sister will die, and Bane can’t know the reason the wedding is cancelled. Who will she turn to for help? These stories have vastly different settings, but both share elements of mystery, romance, and danger during Christmas.
Bonus Kid Pick: Franklin’s Christmas Gift
My girls have been loving Franklin and we all really enjoyed this story about Franklin picking just the right toy to donate to the toy drive. At first everything he has seems to special to part with, but a change in perspective then makes him feel like nothing is special enough. His Great Aunt Harriet helps him decide which one is just the right gift.
Oh my goodness, I love this list! Adding to my cart now!
Hope you enjoy!
I haven’t read any of these. I typically don’t match my reading list to the season (unless you count adding books that correspond to the places I’m traveling)! But that’s a fun idea.
I love the idea of reading books based on your travels!
I have read any of those books, so I definitely add them to my list! Thank you for sharing such great recommendations.
You’re welcome, hope you enjoy!
Great list! Thank you so much for sharing!
My pleasure, thanks for reading!
I love the idea of a great Christmas book. Adding Baby, It’s Cold Outside to my reading list!
Good choice! That was one of my favorites!
Thanks so much for including Magnolia Mistletoe!
My pleasure, thanks for writing a great story!