I received complimentary copies of some of the books I mention here in exchange for honest reviews, which you’ll find in the posts I’ve linked to.
The time has again arrived! I share my Christmas Book Picks before Thanksgiving Day in the U.S. in case any of my dear blog readers would like to procure and read a title or two from the list during the holiday season, which I sincerely hope you will. 🙂 You’ll find them listed in a pretty eclectic order.
Zuzu’s Petals, A Dream of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ by Karolyn Grimes and Karen Deming
Fiction/Children’s Books
That’s right! It’s thee Zuzu from my all-time favorite Christmas film, It’s a Wonderful Life. This children’s picture book is by Zuzu herself–that is, the woman who played the role of Zuzu Bailey in the movie, actress and author Karolyn Grimes. It’s an inspiring story from Zuzu’s point of view, and it includes the Bailey family and the people of Bedford Falls as it draws a parallel to the movie’s message about the power of kindness. The illustrations by co-author and illustrator Karen Deming are just beautiful, and I highly recommend this book both to current and soon-to-be fans of the iconic and classic film.
Winter Light by Robin Maderich
Contemporary Romance
While Luke only suspects he’s met Allie before, she hasn’t forgotten their one moment on the ice… This small-town romance takes place in fictional Connor Falls, Pennsylvania. I particularly appreciated how the plot doesn’t always take the most predictable route. The book is an excellent example of solid storytelling in short fiction, and I’d recommend it to fans of sweet romance who’d enjoy a quick Christmas read with warmth, deep emotion, and memorable light.
The More the Merrier by Liwen Y. Ho
Contemporary Romance/Short Story
Blind dates don’t help Alyssa, but is a “fake date” with her guy-friend Barry any better? Having enjoyed other romances by this author, I just dove right into this one without knowing what it was about ahead of time. This read is short, sweet, romantic (even a little hot), Christmassy, and not just a straight shot to Happily Ever After without believable conflict. I even had some real giggles and a moment or two of eyebrow raising–in a very good way. I’d recommend this fun splash of Merry to any fans of sweet romance.
The Spinster’s Christmas by Camille Elliot
Christian Fiction/Regency Romantic Suspense
Yes, as sweet as its fitting cover is, don’t think this novel is all sweetness and holly and heart-flutters and nothing more. Miranda Belmoore and Captain Gerard Foremont are in for a Christmastide unlike anything they expected. What could easily have been a nice but flimsy Regency tale is instead a rather gritty and passionate holiday story of danger and longing, with dashes of humor and irresistible grace. Regency, suspense, and romance fans alike would do well to partake of this story, particularly at “Christmastide.”
Evergreen by Susan May Warren
Christian Fiction
In light of their empty nest, John has got big plans for himself and his wife, Ingrid–and she’s not ready for any of it. It’s refreshing to read about couples who’ve been married for a while, who are still navigating the ins and outs of living an ever-unfolding life together. There’s depth to this story, a distinct understanding of the human experience, and the age-old Christmas Story is woven into this one in a way that’s real and relatable. For those who are familiar with the Christiansen Family series and those who are not, I highly recommend this warm, poignant, wise, and uplifting holiday novella.
Hang Your Heart on Christmas by Heather Blanton
Christian Fiction/Historical Western Romance
Amy Tate, the town’s new schoolteacher, puts a hitch in the plans of Robert “Dent” Hernandez, a vengeful U.S. Marshal. Here’s a gritty holiday tale if there ever was one. It’s got the danger and rough-edged intrigue of the West, but it still manages to be warm and sweet when it needs to be. I was touched by the message central to the story, that there’s more to life than death. It makes the Christmas theme here all the more significant and beautiful. And, hey, that Amy and her spectacles–whoo hoo for girls with glasses!
A Royal Christmas Wedding by Rachel Hauck
Christian Fiction/Romance
So. A prince in Brighton Kingdom doesn’t plan on declaring his love for the American woman he once fell for, hmm? This novel is unashamedly a romance of fairytale proportions, one that I suspect fans of The Princess Diaries would enjoy. The story also makes way for some serious themes, including matters of faith and the tension between father/son respect and disagreement. Plus, the novel lays Christmas on thick, which I found absolutely delightful. How I’d relish being amid the festive sights and sounds of Brighton during the holiday season!
The Incense Road Trilogy by Tracy Higley
Christian Fiction/Historical, Biblical Fiction
The stars have heralded the coming of a new world ruler, and there’s a dangerous race through the sands of Arabia to secure power. When I started this series, I was unprepared for the stirring adventure the story becomes, something bringing Aladdin and Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark to my mind. There’s action, intrigue, and romance, but along the way, the focus of this journey naturally shifts as the ultimate search for a Savior takes precedence. I’d recommend this trilogy to anyone who’d like to experience the Christmas Story in a broader context, beyond a baby in a manger.
Those are my picks this year–and now Christmas is officially kicked-off! Entries for 2016’s Christmas Book Picks giveaway are now closed, but comments on the post are remaining open.
Now, why not start off your Christmas reading right away with a free copy of Star of Wonder from the Incense Road Trilogy by Tracy Higley? I got mine at Amazon.
Love the new cover of The “She” Stands Alone! As beautiful as it is sassy and fun!
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Oh, thank you kindly! I figured I’d wrap The “She” for Christmas, though I’m usually a bit of a klutz at gift wrapping. Santa’s Workshop would fire me. 😀
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Awesome list! Thanks for sharing your Christmas finds!
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Happy to do it, Diane!
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Honored to be a part of this list. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
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(Oh, gee, I’m late–the AutoBots sent your comment to the wrong box and I just found it.)
You’re very welcome, Heather, and thank YOU. 🙂
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Thanks so much Nadine!
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It’s my pleasure, Camy! 🙂
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Wow! Thank you for this list! I do try to read such books before Christmas! (and after!) I like both giveaway books mentioned, but the book that especially appeals to me is “A Royal Christmas Wedding.”Thank you!
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Great, Janice! Your name is in the hat. 🙂
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Thank you for sharing this wonderful list with us. I would love to read Evergreen by Susan May Warren.
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Awesome, Maryann, you’re entered for Evergreen!
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Amazing collection, lots of appeal! Thank you for all your efforts in bringing together such a wide variety of books and authors!
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Thank YOU, Mary. It’s the most wonderful time of the year for me, largely in part because I get to do this. 🙂
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Evergreen sounds great!
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Then that would be an accurate sound. 😀 You’re entered, Dawn!
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A great list! I love reading Christmas novels and novellas more and more each year. As I’ve listened to Rachel Hauck’s other royal wedding series books on audiobook, I’d love to read A Royal Christmas Wedding!
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Excellent, Carolyn! You’re entered. 🙂
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Wow! I love your Christmas list. I start reading Christmas books around the first of November. I have never read either author, so this is a hard choice. I heard great things about both… so I pick Royal Christmas Wedding.
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The authors were both first-time reads for me too, Pam! I’ll enter you for A Royal Christmas Wedding, though everyone is more than free to request both books. 🙂
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Great list! Thanks for sharing. Many are new authors for me. I would love to win either Susan May Warren’s Evergreen or Rachel Hauck’s A Royal Christmas Wedding. If I must pick one though, I’ll choose Evergreen since I’ve not started on Rachel Hauck’s Royal series yet.
Thanks for the chance!
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I’ll be happy to enter you for both, Annie!
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Very nice post. I always enjoy a good Christmas read during the holiday season. I would enjoy winning either book, but which one in particular? Tough call! How about the one with the fewest entries? No, that wouldn’t be fair. Ok, how about the wedding one. I would also like to receive your own Giveaway Bonus. Thanks!
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Hahahaha, funny! You’re entered, and you’ll receive the Bonus after the giveaway. 😀
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I love the idea of “Zuzu’s Petals, A Dream of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’” by Karolyn Grimes and Karen Deming. I just love “It’s a Wonderful Life” and watch it every year. I also have a game based on the movie. I love reading Christmas books each December. I will check and see if my library owns any of these so I can add them to my Christmas reading list.
I would love to be entered into the drawing for a paperback copy of A Royal Christmas Wedding by Rachel Hauck. It sounds Great!!
I hope I win, but I don’t have Internet access at home, only at work, so I wouldn’t be able to check my mail until Monday the 21st. Don’t know if you can make an accommodation for that or not. Thanks for the opportunity either way.
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An “It’s a Wonderful Life” game? That sounds fun, Debbie!
I realize I keep my giveaway winners’ response windows short, since the holiday rush could likely slow down the shipping times, but if you’re the winner for A Royal Christmas Wedding, I can absolutely make an accommodation. Thanks for asking!
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You can look at it here – https://www.amazon.com/Its-Wonderful-Life-Based-Americas/dp/B000PCNGBI
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Now that’s just precious–love it! 😀
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They look great books, I would like to add my self-published family history book called TURNER TREES by award winning author Keith Pott Turner, it may not be entirely about Christmas, but it includes biographies about Dickens and the Christmas Bull, plus it would be a lovely present for readers to discover they may have some famous ancestors.
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Thank you, Keith. 🙂
Because this is my annual awards post for my top Christmas book recommendations of the year, I must mention for my blog readers that this isn’t a book I’ve read or have recommended. Though I’ve added no official rules about it, I will have to ask that visitors refrain from posting self-promotional comments, as that isn’t quite what this event is designed for.
I appreciate your stopping by!
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Oh what an awesome posting of excellent book choices, You have excellent taste 🙂
Many are new to me authors. I would love to be in the drawing for A Royal Christmas Wedding. Thank you.
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Gee, thanks, Deanne. 🙂 You’re entered!
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I love Christmas stories. Please enter me in the giveaway for –
A Royal Christmas Wedding by Rachel Hauck
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Will do. 🙂 Thanks, Kim!
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