With the winter winds picking up and the holidays in view, the season can become busy and stressful. When looking for a good distraction, a nice book can help to pass the time and relax. Whether you cozy up with a fuzzy blanket, near a warm fireplace, or even at a local coffee shop, these five books will help you get into the Christmas spirit.
All I Want is You
Falon Ballard’s short and sweet novel follows two romance writers, Jessica Carrington and Nick Matthews, five years post-breakup. Writing for the same publishing company reunites the pair for a holiday work event. Having declared Nick her enemy, Jessica finds herself in the unfortunate situation of being snowed in at a small inn with him. With the beautiful holiday decorations and Christmas-themed details, this is the perfect book to cozy up with by the fireplace.
I’ll Be Gone for Christmas
Georgia K. Boone’s fun novel will remind readers of the Christmas rom-com “The Holiday.” It follows two women, Bee Tyler and Clover Mills, from opposite sides of the country as they swap houses for the holidays. Headed to San Francisco for the first time, Clover leaves behind traditions in search of something new, while Bee spends her time in the small town Salem, partaking in close-knit Christmas events. This book captures the energy of the Christmas spirit as both women make new friends and celebrate the holidays differently.
The Christmas Countdown
Holly Cassidy’s “The Christmas Countdown” follows a girl, Callie Meyer, who wants nothing to do with Christmas. After discovering her ex — who ended their relationship just a few months prior — has recently gotten engaged, she wants to stay far from home. While lounging around in her feelings, her older sister Anita creates an advent calendar that forces her to get back out into the world. Along the way, she participates in several winter events that bring in the holiday spirit. This entertaining book feels like reading the perfect Christmas Hallmark book.
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Along Came Holly
Codi Hall’s “Along Came Holly” immediately brings out the Christmas spirit, describing the main character Holly Winters as she decorates her holiday shop for the new season. Unfortunately, the owner of the store next door Declan Gallagher is the biggest hater of the holiday. When Holly’s plans to win their town’s Festival of Lights go awry, her only option is to ask the grumpy man next door for help. He begrudgingly agrees, thus starting their Christmas rom-com story. In a town named Mistletoe, this novel could not do better at evoking the feeling of the season.
The Christmas Swap
In Talia Samuels’ novel “The Christmas Swap,” the main character Margot Murray finds herself acting as a fake girlfriend for a man named Ben Gibson. After her recent breakup, she needs to get away. There is no better place for her to go than a mansion away from the bustling city of London with this mystery man. Along the way, she finds it more difficult to ignore her pull toward Ben’s sister, Ellie. Readers can easily enjoy this book as it follows the days leading up to a cliché Christmas.