Cozy Up with a Christmas Book
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Today's Top Ten Tuesday topic, hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, is a holiday freebie. Some people love closing out their year with Christmas books. I'm not one of them, and it's only with my bestie's influence that I've started seeking out a few holiday reads every year. Most are just a little too sweet for me – the literary equivalent of a Hallmark movie, beloved by some and avoided by others. I tend to fall into the latter category, but I'm sharing six favorite reads today + four more on my TBR this year!
SIX HOLIDAY BOOKS I LOVE
1. A CHRISTMAS PROMISE BY MARY BALOGH
A historical romance with adorable holiday scenes and a realistic romance. Take two strangers marrying for convenience, add a dash of misunderstanding and active dislike, then mix in some irresistible Christmas spirit.
2. THE WINTER BRIDE BY ANNE GRACIE
My favorite historical romance, ever. This is more of a winter read, rather than specifically Christmas, but it feels like it was made to be read in December. A fake betrothal + a perfectly matched hero and heroine = all the feels.
3. HEADLINERS BY LUCY PARKER
Lucy Parker can do no wrong for me! When rival TV news anchors forced to try to revive a failing morning show, sparks fly because obviously there's chemistry beneath the animosity. Add in a little holiday cheer, and I'm sold.
4. SUGAR PINE TRAIL BY RAEANNE THAYNE
I've enjoyed most of the books in this series, but I think this one tops the list. It's the most like a Hallmark movie of all the books on my list, but something about this librarian and military pilot made my heart grow three sizes!
5. THE CHRISTMAS SISTERS BY SARAH MORGAN
A contemporary Scottish setting, complicated family dynamics, intriguing backstory, and several charming romances. There was depth to the story, without being too heavy, and the perfect amount of wintery goodness.
6. PRINCE IN DISGUISE BY STEPHANIE KATE STROHM
Scottish castles, reality TV, pop culture references, an adorable romance, and a little bit of family dysfunction. Yes, it's a little cheesy/fluffy, but I have more tolerance for that when the story involves teenagers.
FOUR HOLIDAY BOOKS I'M HOPING TO READ
7. THE TWELVE DATES OF CHRISTMAS BY JENNY BAYLISS
If a book is set in England and has a cute cover, chances are good that I'll want to read it. Add my bestie's stamp of approval, and I can't resist. I love a great contemporary that just happens to be set during Christmas.
8. THE VANDERBEEKERS OF 141ST STREET BY KARINA YAN GLASER
A holiday book in disguise! This is set five days before Christmas, so I'm glad someone told me to hold off on reading it until December. I can't wait for the middle grade cuteness, since it's not a genre I typically pick up.
9. IN A HOLIDAZE BY CHRISTINA LAUREN
My Book of the Month (referral link) for December! I'm nervous because the past two releases from this duo didn't really work for me, so I'm going in with lowered expectations and hoping the funny holiday feels will be a win.
10. A WEDDING IN DECEMBER BY SARAH MORGAN
After loving The Christmas Sisters, I had to buy this book last year... and then never read it! I'm determined to get to it before the end of 2020, especially since Morgan has another holiday book that just came out.
What's your favorite Christmas books?
Any on your TBR this year?
In a Holidaze was a great read!
ReplyDeleteI'm kind of like you in that this isn't what I'd normally choose to read. That being said, I think the crazy of this year has actually helped me want to read more comforting books. I won't read a bunch, but I'll definitely read a couple before the year is up.
ReplyDeleteIn a Holidaze has been on tons of lists this week. I hope you like it.
ReplyDeleteAnd I feel the same way about saccharine quality of the majority of holiday reads. You're not alone there.
My post.
I’ve never read a Christmas romance because I’m worried they’ll be too sappy, but I’ve seen some interesting ones on the TTT list this week. Thanks for the recommendations. I hope you enjoy the ones you haven’t read yet.
ReplyDeleteAj @ Read All The Things!
Headliners is such a great pick to highlight for this list! I adored that book :D And I ended up really liking The Twelve Dates of Christmas when I read it in December.
ReplyDelete