Comforting Holiday Reads to Fill You with Joy

While I’ve shared some holiday reads and wintery middle grade read recommendation articles in the past three years of this blog’s existence, I though it was time to update it a bit. Problem being, some of those stories are still the cream of crop, so there will be some duplicates! But in case you’re new, or need a reminder, here are my pick for some excellent Holiday Reads to pick up this season!

A Wallflower Christmas

Written by Lisa Kleypas

Published by St. Martin’s Press

Calling all you steamy romance lovers – especially those with a soft spot for regency romances! – this is the best of the best. While technically this is one in a series, you do not have to have read the others to pick this one up. (But you will want to read the Wallflowers series afterwards, just forewarning). When a crass, wild, handsome American bachelor crosses paths with the beautiful, proper, high-brow daughter of a Lord and Lady under the mistletoe of a Victorian Christmas … what could possibly happen?

You can find it here: Bookshop.org

The Holiday Swap

Written by Maggie Knox

Published by G.P. Putnam’s Sons

For the less-steamy, Hallmark-Romance, foodie loving crowd who want to dive into a new release this Christmas, grab this one, stat! My current December book of the month recommendation, The Holiday Swap has a little bit for everyone. From a holiday competition baking show in LA to a snowy small town bakery, the food descriptions in this story are tantalizingly delicious. Two cute romances, Parent Trap twin swapping machinations and sourdough … it has all you need to escape the hectic-ness of this pandemic Christmas we find ourselves in once again.

Full review HERE. Book of the month HERE.

You can find it here: Bookshop.org

Astrid the Unstoppable

Written by Maria Parr

Published by Candlewick Press

Every reader needs a little middle grade in their life to charm the cockles of their bookworm heart, and Astrid is here to do just that. Or rather, her cantankerous octogenarian best friend Gunvald will. Not technically a Christmas novel, this read-it-in-one-sitting cozy novel is set in a snowy hamlet in Norway. Full of skiing, hot chocolate, and a truly beautiful friendship, this itty bitty novel is simply wonderful and packed with emotion, friendship, and forgiveness. It will warm you from the inside out.

You can find it here: Bookshop.org

Mr. Dickens and His Carol

Written by Samantha Silva

Published by Flatiron Books

I know what you’re thinking, not another Christmas Carol story. But I seriously enjoyed my time following along inside the mind of Dickens as he writes his infamous, change the way we all see Christmas, iconic story. While you as the reader know he will have a happy ending, the very real financial peril and pressure he was in to write this hit story, makes for excellent narrative tension, and adds a new element to the classic.

Book of the month pick HERE.

You can find it here: Bookshop.org

Snow & Rose

Written by Emily Winfred Martin

Published by Yearling Books

While I recommended this illustrated fairytale story for fall, it works just as perfectly for winter … maybe even more so. Starting in late fall, the story progresses on through the winter and a charming, simple, woodland Christmastime. While at first this premise will sound sad, trust me, you will come away with a smile on your face. Snow and Rose’s father has disappeared, they and their mother have been forced out of their beautiful home and must now reside in a small cabin in the harsh woods. Relying on their sisterly bond, a fierce spirit for exploration, new friendships, and an enchanted wood, the girls refuse to give up that one day they will find their beloved father.

You can find it here: Bookshop.org

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