‘Tis the Season for Holiday Reading!

       Although December 25th has come and gone, for me, it is still Christmas! Anyone who knows me knows that I’ve been watching holiday movies on Hallmark, Lifetime, and Netflix since October (yes, I am that person). This Christmas, unlike during the Christmases of years past, many of us spent Christmas a little differently. Although Christmas looked a little different this year, it did not mean that it was any less special. One of the things I’ve been spending this holiday season doing (in between binging all of the holiday movies to ever be made) is curling up with some hot cocoa and a stack of Christmas themed books. These books have no doubt helped me to get into the spirit. Below are three of the most recent Christmas novels I have finished. You are going to want to keep your new Christmas favorites safe; so do not forget to head to Bookedbag to grab a few book protectors for yourself, and why not grab a few for your family and friends too. It's not too late to still give Christmas gifts... like I said it's still Christmas! Happy Holiday reading! 

 

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (1843) - I am sure I speak for everyone when I say there is no Christmas story quite like that of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. It is one of the most iconic Christmas stories of all time, and I felt that it was only right to re-read this classic tale right before Christmas. I’ve seen the play and watched numerous film adaptations of this story, but there is nothing quite like reading the original version of A Christmas Carol to get you into the holiday spirit. 2020 has been quite the adventure, and the message of a Christmas Carol could not be more relevant than it is this year. Appreciating what we have, being kind to others, and spending time with loved ones are all messages found in this story, and all messages I believe we should all remember this holiday season. 

 

Christmas in Vermont: A Novel by Anita Hughes (2019) - Lifetime actually just made a movie version of this novel starring the one and only Kyla Pratt. I highly recommend watching it, BUT only after you finish this novel! This is a beautiful story about a Christmas romance and what happens when fate steps in. Emma is reunited with her college sweetheart, Fletcher, years after they decided to go their separate ways as they both chased their professional dreams. On Christmas Eve, Emma finds the watch she gave to Fletcher, years earlier, in a pawn shop in NYC. As Emma’s best friend believes… it’s “the magic of synchronicity” and fate at work. As Emma and Fletcher are continually pushed together, the question becomes will they continue to fight fate or will this couple get a second chance at finding true love.

 

One Day in December by Josie Silver (2018) - One Day in December is a rollercoaster of emotions. This is a story of what happens when love at first sight, does not go as planned. Laurie sees the man of her dreams while her bus is stopped at a bus stop. As she stares at him, Jack looks up and locks eyes with Laurie. As Laurie tries to get off the bus, Jack tries to get on the bus, but both of their efforts are unsuccessful and the bus moves before they can ever meet. Laurie spends the next year searching for Jack in the faces of every man she sees in London; while unbeknownst to her, Jack is also searching for her. Fast forward a year later when Jack and Laurie finally meet, but it is when Laurie’s best friend introduces Jack as her boyfriend. What happens next will have you laughing, screaming from frustration, and crying tears of both sadness and joy… I did say this book was a rollercoaster of emotions. This book will also have you reflecting on your own friendships and romantic relationships, and as Laurie says at the end of the novel, “sometimes you meet the right person at the wrong time,” but what is meant to be will always be.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling (2001)  … part of this book takes place during December; so it does count as a Christmas story.