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. 💋
 |
| Picture credit: amazon.com |
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.
 |
| Picture credit: amazon.com |
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...
 |
| Picture credit: amazon.com |
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.
 |
| Picture credit: amazon.com |
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.
 |
| Picture credit: amazon.com |
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.
 |
| Picture credit: amazon.com |
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.
 |
| Picture credit: amazon.com |
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!
 |
| Picture credit: amazon.com |
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. 😍
 |
| Picture credit: amazon.com |
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.)
 |
| Picture credit: amazon.com |
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... 💝
 |
| Picture credit: amazon.com |
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:
 |
| Picture credit: amazon.com |
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:
 |
| Picture credit: amazon.com |
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.
 |
| Picture credit: amazon.com |
 |
| Picture credit: amazon.com |
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.
Hi Miranda, wow! What a list! 😍 I’ve read a few of these and the rest are now going on my list ❤️ Huge shout out of thanks for featuring Love & Fireworks! It was such fun to write so I’m glad you enjoyed it 😍
ReplyDeleteXx
Jayne, thanks for popping by! Love & Fireworks was such a fun anthology, and so 'New Year' in flavour, just fab. I think we should all celebrate NY 2021 by reading it. :) Enjoy your Christmas reading, and let me know if you find some gems - which I'm sure you will!
DeleteThank you so much for including 'One Snowy Week in Springhollow,' & for your sweet words about it! This is such an awesome list. A few I have read & loved & now I have to add more to my TBR pile! :) Lucy xx
ReplyDeleteLucy, a thousand thanks for stopping by! Wow, what an honour. One Snowy Week in Springhollow was great to read, very emotional, with some total absolutely fun parts. I didn't know where it was going to end. I adored your geeky H&H, they were truly terrific to read. Glad you've read a few, we must be on the same wavelength. Happy Christmas to you and yours. x
DeleteHi Miranda. Thank you for including Love and Fireworks in your list. I loved writing this anthology with my talented writing crew, but more than that, I loved reading their great stories! Thanks for your Christmas list, I will definitely be adding these to my TBR pile. I was going to hold off until December to start reading festive stories but you're list has tempted me to dive in now. I hope you have a Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteMarinanne, delighted to have you swing by! Happy day! Love & Fireworks was such great fun to read, big congratulations! I never hold off until Christmas for my Christmas reading... I even confess to reading the first one in October. Still, that's always a good thing, right? Hope you get some good reading in, and happy Christmas!
DeleteWhat a wonderful Festive Season list of treats. Thank you Anne Gracie. I loved the Chance Sisters & look forward to reading about them again.
ReplyDeleteHello there, I think we ALL love Anne Gracie's Chance Sisters! You're in excellent company. Thanks for checking in, and enjoy your festive reading.
DeleteWow Miranda! Such a great collection of Christmas reading goodies. Great to see so many Aussie authors in the list, and I love the idea of a From the Vault segment for next year on the blog.
ReplyDeleteThanks Marilyn! From the Vault it is. Well done on reading so far down the list. I might glut myself over the holidays and begin my first new year blog From the Vault then. Sounds like a plan to me. :)
DeleteOh dear, I'm a sucker for Christmas stories and I'm off to buy several of these. (Credit card, you can take it! ) And thanks so much for including my Christmas Bride in your list.
ReplyDeleteAnne, such a pleasure to have you pop in, and SO MANY THANKS for the offer of your wonderful novella to some lucky reader! I'm glad you've gotten some suggestions - there is so many Christmas books out now, the variety never ceases to amaze me, but always such a delight to pick and choose. Enjoy!
DeleteI've been rereading some old favorites and had planned a post on my own blog on fave Christmas books, but now I'll have to wait until I've read these ones :)
DeleteI look forward to it, Anne!
DeleteWhat a fantastic list - definitely a few more Christmas reads to add to my TBR pile. Thank you for including Christmas at Kissing Point. I adore Christmas and was so pleased to be able to add my own Aussie beach Christmas love story.
ReplyDeleteTanya, welcome to the blog! Great to have you swing by. I'm saving the wonderful Christmas at Kissing Point for December - although it's edging up my TBR and is so tempting, it might not last that long. So glad you're another Christmas fan - and Aussie Christmas author! Yay!
DeleteAmazing list of Christmas goodness. No excuse to have nothing to read.
ReplyDeleteThankyou Cassandra! No excuses indeed, but sometimes at this time of year we're simply time poor - so many exciting end of year activities taking place. Still, we can try and read even just a little bit, I'm sure it makes for a better festive time. x
DeleteThank you for this great list! I'm currently shivering my way through Ann Agguire's Bitterburn, as it's set in a keep cursed with what seems like eternal winter.
ReplyDeleteJulie, that is a book I don't know - heading off to check it out, can't resist. Sometimes it's nice to read 'cold' books when it's getting hot outside, they might help us feel cooler. Glad you enjoyed the list!
DeleteWhat a fantastic list! Thanks for including Love and Fireworks - it was such a joy to write. I always love a bit of Christmas reading but after such a hectic and challenging year, I'm really ready for it. Can't wait to dive into some of your suggestions! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGlad you could join us today! Love & Fireworks was fun to read, I never knew what was coming next. I think everyone deserves a little bit of reading time now, don't you? Enjoy!
DeleteOh my goodness. My TBR pile is about to grow taller than my Christmas tree (and I have a large Christmas tree). What a fabulous list. Honoured to have Christmas At Kissing Point mentioned in such good company.
ReplyDeleteWow, I'm not the only one with a large Christmas tree. I did suggest 'downsizing' it a little while ago, but the suggestion was roundly rejected. And rightly so! Glad you could join us, Peta, and I look forward to reading your story in Christmas at Kissing Point! So lovely to have something special to look forward to.
DeleteEeee, how wonderful to be featured on such an amazing list! I hope you enjoy Christmas At Kissing Point - perfect for reading in bite-sized chunks ;) Now, to add all these other stories to my Christmas list... put in a good word with Santa for me, will you?
ReplyDelete*Taps side of nose*, your good word to Santa from me has just winged away. :) I hope your stocking is full of loads of good books to enjoy! Maybe some chocolate as well. Thanks for joining us, Kerrie, lovely to have you here. I'm really looking forward to Christmas at Kissing Point.
DeleteTruly fabulous list, Miranda. So many great choices. Love that you included Anne Gracie's The Christmas Bride. I'd,be read it, really loved it. Now, which one of your recommendationsto read next? Hard to choose.
ReplyDeleteEnisa, I know everyone here from Breathless in the Bush loves Anne Gracie, so I'm thrilled you've already enjoyed The Christmas Bride! Impossible not to, really. I'm glad you're looking at more recommendations from the list - have fun choosing! Let me know what you do read.
DeleteThank you for including the three Harrington Park Hotel Christmas romances. It was great fun working with Liz Fielding and Kandy Shepard and of course I loved writing CHRISTMAS KISS WITH HER BILLIONAIRE BOSS!
ReplyDeleteSusan Meier
Susan, I'm SO delighted you dropped by, welcome to the blog! I can't imagine how much fun you had with Kandy Shepherd and Liz Fielding writing Bk #3, Stolen Kiss With Her Billionaire Boss! I loved Hugo's story, he was so heroic and yet so vulnerable. And all that wonderful Christmas bling was such a treat. Thankyou!
DeleteThank you so much for including THEIR ROYAL BABY GIFT in your wonderful list, as part of the Christmas at the Harrington Park Hotel trilogy. I loved working with Liz Fielding and Susan Meier on this book. They are such wonderful writers and lovely people. As you would have noticed the plots of the three books play out over the same time frame so we had to be really sure the siblings were where they were meant to be! I really feel like some lighthearted Christmas reading and have taken note of your recommendations. Of course I already have Anne Gracie's story ready to read. I loved the Chance sisters books and how wonderful to be able to dive back into that world. All the best for Christmas Miranda. xx
ReplyDeleteKandy, lovely to have you swing by! And I have total and absolute admiration of your part in the Harrington trilogy! I don't know how you all managed to keep things straight, wow, and it is so well done. And it all came together in the end, which made my tender heart swoon. So glad you've already got the Anne Gracie newie, that is definitely a Must Read. All the best for Christmas and some happy reading ahead, Kandy.
DeleteWhat a fabulous list of Christmas stories and I'm thrilled to have Christmas at Kissing Point included. I'm off to do a happy dance around my Christmas Tree and then I'll be busy adding to my TBR pile. Many thanks to you Miranda
ReplyDeleteClare, delighted to add Christmas at Kissing Point! My December treat to come, although I think I'm going to bump it up the list. Can't wait much longer... So excited to have some new-to-me Aussie authors on my pile, and I'm absolutely delighted you dropped in to say hi. Congrats on your novella, and may there be many more. Happy Christmas!
DeleteSuch a fabulous selection of books, Miranda. And thank you so much for loving Chloe and James!
ReplyDeleteLiz, I'm absolutely thrilled you've popped by, thankyou! And I certainly did love Chloe and James. I found their story very emotional, very tentative, trembling with longing. Such a wonderful romance, and a fabulous start to the Harrington trilogy. Congratulations! And may your Christmas stocking overflow.
DeleteWhat a wonderful, enticing blog, huge amount of reading and research! How am I going to choose which 7 to put at the top of my list? Can't wait to get stuck into my Christmas reading!Thanks so much, Miranda, and a wonderful Christmas to you and yours!
ReplyDeleteThanks Helene! Would love you to get back to me and let me know which ones you choose. Or different ones! So much fabulous Christmas romance out there just waiting to be read. Have fun choosing.
DeleteMy TBR pile overfloweth... Great list, as always, Miranda, and great blog! And who says we can't have Christmas in November - I mean, everything else this year has been upside down and sideways!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree, Kristine! Christmas in November is very OK for this crazy year. Let's spread the joy and love all over for the next month! Glad you've maybe found something festive to read as well - we all need down time and it might as well be reading something lovely.
DeleteThanks for sharing so many fabulous Christmas books with us, Miranda. I loved "The Christmas Bride". I'm having fun at present reading "The Winter We Met". So many fantastic romance books, so little time. Bring on the Christmas break.
ReplyDeleteOh Sharon, so glad you're reading The Winter We Met. All is not what it seems in this lovely novel! It's a charmer. And the perfect segue towards an anticipated Christmas break. Enjoy.
DeleteOK (juggle, shuffle, moving bits of paper around) - HELENE! You've won the copy of Anne Gracie's book The Christmas Bride! I'll be in touch asap. Thanks everyone for a great week, and I hope you continue to pop into the blog. This week we've got Sharon Burke looking at books set in extreme weather - fabulous!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this wonderful list! I've already purchased Christmas at the Island Hotel... looking forward to that read ad well as many others on your list. The Christmas Bride looks esp awesome. 😊
ReplyDeleteMary, so lovely you've stopped by to read the blog. I hope Christmas at the Island Hotel as much as I did. I've just bought the first book in that series to start at the beginning, I enjoyed it so much. And yes, The Christmas Bride is such a charmer. All the best with your reading!
DeleteWhat a list! You've been super busy with your reading. Thanks for all the suggestions.
ReplyDeleteThanks Alyssa! Yes, I did have a bit of a marathon readathon, but to be honest it was blissfully worth it. Looking forward to reading even more before Christmas too, if I can squeeze it in. But then - January rolls around, with so many long blissful days just right to read and read and read. I hope you get some down time too. x
Delete