It's never too early to say Happy Christmas in November, is it, darling ones? Particularly when this is my last post of 2020. Christmas brings such joy to me, and this terrible year is no exception. It's still something special to look forward to, even if things are madly different. We can find small blessings in the chaos, I'm sure.
I have heaps of exciting Christmas reading for you! Some already read by moi, and some saved TBR in December. I swear the festive books seem to mount in number every year, so obviously I'm not the only one loving it. A lot of these are new-to-me authors, so I'm delighted to share them with you. Pssst! This is a looong list, so feel free to scroll through and at least look at the pretty pics. Worth it. 💋
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The first Christmas book I read was The Winter We Met by Samantha Tonge, a new to me author - and I fell in love with it. Nik and Jess meet on a plane coming home from a toy fair, but the romance here is - hmm, maybe not what you think it might be. I loved the whole community in this book, including Jess' work colleagues, her Gran and the other people at Gran's care home, and her gorgeous and reliable flat mate Oliver. A little sprinkle of Christmas magic makes this book an absolute charmer.
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Christmas at the Island Hotel by Jenny Colgan was another winner! To my delight, this is about book 5 in an ongoing series, which means - more joy in the catching up with the back stories! Jenny Colgan is such a skilful author I just went with the flow and enjoyed every festive moment on the amazing island of Mure. I can't wait to read the rest now. Oh golly, and the food! I wanted to be in the hotel kitchen or the cafe, all the time. I think I put on weight just reading this...
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I love Debbie Macomber's annual Christmas book, and Jingle All the Way was no exception. A workaholic gets booked on an Amazon (as in the Amazon River) cruise - where she can't escape (heh) - then goes home for Christmas. But she can't get a certain someone from the cruise out of her head, and he can't get her out of his head. Lots of re-prioritizing has to go on before this unusual couple can be joyful. I must say, the unexpected Amazon cruise was fascinating, armchair travel at its best.
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In A Holidaze by Christina Lauren was absolutely fabulous to read! It was Christmas meets Groundhog Day meets Romance - until Maelyn gets it right and can move into a happy future. Friends, this was novel and unusual, but so smart and superbly funny, you can't help feeling terrific and (mostly) optimistic as you read it. All the characters are endearing and wonderful, especially Andrew (swoon). Super highly recommended! Christina Lauren, meet your new fan. Happy sigh.
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One Snowy Week in Springhollow was written by another new-to-me author, Lucy Knott. And let's face it, who doesn't want a wonderful childhood-friends-to-lovers story? Tender and amusing, with lots of issues from the past rearing their head before we get to the HEA. And ooh, he's a fab super-hero movie star (as in a cape and everything), but underneath it all a geek. Too adorable.
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The Christmas Swap by inspirational author Melody Carlson is another tender story. Musician Emma wants a white Christmas, so when the family she usually celebrates Christmas with does a house swap to get to the snow, Emma's thrilled. Little does she know the owner of the house is so intrigued by her, he stays around as 'caretaker'. The heat rating here is sweet kisses. Much to enjoy in this one, and much to think about.
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Missing Christmas is a quick-read novella from Kate Clayborn, author of the acclaimed Love Lettering (also worth a read!). It's a reprint from last year, when it was first published in the anthology A Snowy Little Christmas. It's a lovely, snowy, 'cabin' romance, where two work colleagues get (sort of) stranded over Christmas and take the time to talk about what's in their hearts - at last!
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Where are the Aussies, I hear you say? Here they are, and definitely on the beach in Christmas at Kissing Point by Peta Crake, Jacqueline Hayley, Clare Miles, Tanya Nellestein, and Kerrie Starbuck. Ladies, you are a welcome addition to my Christmas list, so pleased to meet you! Five wonderful chances at romance. Just the thing for a quick read between hectic shopping and preparations for Christmas. I'm saving this for December as the weather heats up. 😍
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Drumroll! Breaking news and I'm so excited about this - look who's released a Christmas novella? Anne Gracie, that's who, with her brand new The Christmas Bride! And, ooh... As soon as I started I was back in the beloved world of Blake Ashton, and those glorious Chance sisters. The joy! And so poignant: it's about forgiveness, redemption - and love. Yes, there were a few tears. Fear not if you haven't read the Chance sisters, Anne is such a skilful writer you'll get the gist, and you'll end up wanting to read them anyway. And truly, why wouldn't you? Consider that hint my Christmas gift to you. 💕
In the spirit of things and because she is a wonderful person, Anne has offered a free e-copy of The Christmas Bride to one lucky reader who comments on this blog. I will draw the results at the end of the week starting 23.11.20. Go comment, you lucky ducks! Thankyou Anne, you are such a treasure!
Here's a 'new' segment I'm trialling for the blog: From the Vault (AKA from my TBR shelf). I could also call it Blast From the Past or something similar. What do you think? Which title do you prefer? (To be honest, I'm trying to read through my shelves and thought I might as well encourage myself this way. Then I get to share it with you lovely people. Win, win.)
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The first to feature from my 'Vault' is a book from 2004, A Visit From Sir Nicholas by fan favourite Victoria Alexander. It's got a little of the Dickensian A Christmas Carol theme about it, with references to the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future! I'll leave you to find out how. Rather a tender tale with a marvellously strong heroine. I was excited to read from the 'vault', and - well, Victoria Alexander... 💝
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Almost there, hang on, just a few more exciting books to tell you about! I've nearly finished a trilogy called Christmas at the Harrington Park Hotel, in the M&B Forever line (always emotional). The first book about the three siblings, Christmas Reunion in Paris by Liz Fielding is, wow, be still my trembling heart good. About long lost lovers who suddenly meet again - in Paris! Swooningly fab, the gorgeous chef hero is one of the above mentioned Harringtons, and the heroine has so! much! courage! Here's book 2:
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Their Royal Baby Gift by Kandy Shepherd, everyone's fave author. Kandy, how do you manage to keep giving us so many excellent reads? This time it's Sally Harrington meeting a tall, handsome someone special - ta da, an incognito prince! - on a trip to Singapore. First Paris, now Singapore... Too enticing this Christmas, when we live to travel in our armchairs! And finally book 3:
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Stolen Kiss With Her Billionaire Boss by Susan Meier. I've read several of Susan Meier's Christmas books and loved them. This one just slid into my Kindle, so I'm madly reading about Hugo Harrington (a few juicy/poignant secrets will come out, I'm sure...), and all the Christmassy bling taking shape at the Harrington Hotel. So much gorgeousness - loving it so far.
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Secondlast one, I promise.
Meet Me In London by
Georgia Toffolo, a popular British celebrity, took my eye. Here's another family London department store opening, with the owner and a clothes designer pretending to be a 'couple' for the opening. Described as a classic rom-com/Christmas lit. I'm in! Another read to enjoy in December!
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Of course, after Christmas comes New Year! As I write this, it's anyone's guess what sort of festivities NYE will bring, so why not add to your joy at seeing the new year in - and truly, it cannot come fast enough - with this smashing anthology, Love And Fireworks? Our own beloved Jayne Kingsley (kisses, Jayne) has teamed up with the wonderful Aussie writers who brought us Christmas on Hope Street last Christmas: Megan Mayfair, Stella Quinn, newie Anna Foxkirk and Marianne Bayliss. If you didn't catch it a couple of weeks ago, here's the link to read how they wrote it.
I loved it. The stories are related but so varied they're unputdownable. I was totally surprised by dinosaurs and singers, a cupboard rendezvous (I'm not making this up), twins, and more... There's total razzle dazzle when the story arc culminates in a Community Heroes Foundation cruise on Sydney Harbour. The new year gets fizzed in with fireworks and champagne and romance. We so need extra sparkles after 2020, so yes, yes, yes please! I did love the Golden Tickets given to some very deserving home grown Community Heroes. Such a lovely bookend to your Christmas reading.
Phew! Well done for staying with me through all the above, you wonderful people. Now, you tell me what you're reading!
Finally, I wish you a great booky Christmas and New Year! Take care of each other, do the right thing for Covid-19, hug your precious ones, and be kind. Until 2021!
Much love from Miranda xxx
Love to love: Christmas books, Christmas goodwill, Christmas everything. 🎅
Love to laugh: at the long Christmas lists from certain young people I know. But pleased to report they're getting more thoughtful every year. Bless.
Love to learn: what you're reading. Always! Fire your list back to me. And don't forget one commenter will win Anne Gracie's ravishing new novella.
