Countdown to Christmas Day 24: My favourite Christmas book(s) by Jody

My final Countdown to Christmas feature is from fellow blogger Jody talking about her favourite Christmas books. 

Christmas is without a doubt one of my favourite times of the year. Not just because of all the 
gorgeous decorations, the sparkly lights, the delicious food, and the entertaining TV specials, but also because of all the amazing novels that focus on this particular festive time of the year! Within the chick lit genre there are many lovely Christmas novels, simply too many to mention here today, but I’ve tried to come up with 10 that you don’t want to miss out on! 

Lisa Dickenson – ‘The Twelve Dates of Christmas' (2013)

This is, without a doubt, my favourite 2013 Christmas release. The novel tells the story of Claudia, who suddenly finds herself alone and unhappy the weeks before Christmas, which eventually leads to her going on twelve special dates in order to find the spark back in her life. Lisa Dickenson is an incredibly funny and amazing author, and if this book doesn’t get you into the holiday spirit, I seriously don’t know what will!

Carole Matthews – ‘Calling Mrs. Christmas’ (2013)

Carole Matthews is without a doubt one of the queens of chick lit. She has written various Christmas novels, but my favourite so far has to be ‘Calling Mrs. Christmas’, which was released this year. The novel focuses on Cassie Smith who has started her own business: ‘Calling Mrs. Christmas’. The business is getting more and more successful, bringing Cassie on a trip to Lapland with the gorgeous Carter... Christmas won’t be Christmas without a lovely festive Carole Matthews story to enjoy!

Countdown to Christmas Day 20: My Favourite Christmas Book(s) by Liz Harris

Something a little different for you tonight as part of an extra Countdown to Christmas feature, author Liz Harris is here to talk about Christmas books.

When I told Shaz that I’d like to write about a Christmas book for her blog I’d intended to write about that definite Christmas novella, A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, published 1843 (useful quiz knowledge!). But when it came to it, I had second thoughts. I decided that most people already knew the story of Scrooge, and it would be much more fun to find a novel that was new to me, and perhaps to Shaz’s readers, too.

So, interpreting ‘Christmas book’ to mean book set at Christmas, I began to search for a contemporary novel with a story line that was tied up with Christmas.

What I wanted: a romance; a Christmas setting; a fairly modern tone; strong characters; a 
story line that made me want to turn the page.

Countdown to Christmas Day 15: My Favourite Christmas Book(s) by Caroline Finnerty

This evening's Countdown to Christmas feature is a guest post by Irish author Caroline Finnerty talking about her top picks for Christmas reads.

Christmas is my all time favourite time of year. All those lazy days of catching up on your to-be-read pile by the fire, the only thing you need to move is your hand to turn the page or to fish a sweet out from the tin of Roses. Here are a few of my picks if you’re looking for a warm read to cosy up with over the Christmas. I hope you enjoy them!

The Gift by Cecilia Ahern

Lou Suffern wishes he could be in two places at once. His constant battle with the clock is a sensitive issue with his wife and family. When Lou invites Gabe, a homeless man who sits outside his office, into the building nd into his life, Lou’s world is changed beyond all measure…

Cecilia Ahern is queen of the modern day fairytale and this book is exactly that, with all of the magic of Christmas thrown in. There is a message about what really is important in life at its heart. Think ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ for the modern day.

Countdown to Christmas Day 11: My Favourite Christmas Book(s) by Victoria

As an extra treat for you I've an additional Countdown to Christmas feature by fellow blogger Victoria, who reviews at Vikz Reads and Writes, who has written a guest post about her favourite Christmas book(s).

For some, Christmas is about food, Telly, and family. For others, it’s about religion. For me, however, Christmas is about books. As a Child, every year, my sack would include at least one book. As the years progressed, the number of books increased. As I got older, I would spend more and more of my vacation actually reading those books. During the holiday season, I find a few minutes to; leave the chaos of the family, spend time quietly reading, taking a few moments in my own space, and giving myself chance to breathe. I find that when I do this I become calmer and enjoy the season more. So, I suggest that, this year, you do the same; find a quiet place, pour yourself a glass of wine, and read a book. 

Countdown to Christmas Day 4: My Favourite Christmas Book(s) by Sue Moorcroft

As an extra treat for today I have an additional Countdown to Christmas feature for you, a guest post by Sue Moorcroft talking about her favourite Christmas book(s). 

I’ve adopted a deliberately liberal interpretation of the phrase ‘favourite Christmas book(s)’. I’m not choosing books that are set over Christmas – but books that I’m likely to read during that period.

I usually take some time between Christmas and New Year to see friends and relatives and entertain. But I also make certain I get two or three days to veg out in front of the fire and read. Chocolate and whisky is usually to hand, because you have to make an effort to join in the festivities, don’t you?

As Christmas is traditionally a time of indulgence, I read my favourite authors. This year, I have saved for the occasion The Gilded Fan by Christina Courtenay. Christina is my friend and gave me the book, signed. I’ve enjoyed everything else of hers that I’ve read so I’m looking forward to wallowing in historical detail, a sharply drawn heroine and a fanciable hero.