Dear readers, it's never too early to start your Christmas reading, IMHO. And is it just me, or is there an absolute plethora of Christmas books flooding the market this year? When I first started doing the Christmas blog there were a few Christmassy books every December. Now, whoa, stand aside before the ho-ho-ho-ing sleighs you into oblivion! (See what I did there?) I made an enormous list of all the titles I wanted to tell you about, but you'd be in Yawnsville instead of the North Pole if I went down that path.
So now - and forgive me, I haven't read all of these books, but definitely will - I've narrowed my ridiculously long list down to my Top Picks. By the time you read this I've hopefully read over half, if not more. Okay, deep breath, hang on and here we ho-ho-go!
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I'll start with the Aussies, yes? Four beloved Aussie authors deliver festive fare in A Country Practice Christmas: a physio (and a cake war, yum), a vet, a psychologist and a nurse. Just, ooh. Take a bow, Stella Quinn, Penelope Janu, Pamela Cook and Renae Black. I love love love this!
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More Aussies! Fan favourites Fiona McArthur, Barbara Hannay and Kelly Hunter have teamed up in a terrific Outback Christmas trilogy. Pictured is Fiona's book The Midwife's Christmas Miracle. Barbara's is called One Starry Christmas Night, and Kelly has The Outback Cowboy's Christmas Baby. This powerhouse trio just keep delivering the best series ever - they are so swoonworthy and so, so tender. With babies. We do need babies at Christmas, don't we?
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I can't wait to read We Three Kings by Kristen Bailey, a new to me author. It sounds like a festive, feel-good, fun romance, with three geeky work buddies brightening up their IT department head's Christmas (which may or may not involve chasing a donkey on Christmas day). I'm told it's perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella and Beth O'Leary, two other fave authors of mine.
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I've loved Julia London for years (and years and years). While It Was Snowing looks rather special. Single mum Amy's trying to find time to paint for her new exhibition, but time demands on her by everyone (kids, her ex, parents) mean - wow, is she ever going to get everything done? She books into a holiday cottage to 'just' paint but a snafu occurs: professional golfer Harrison is also there recovering from an injury. And they get snowed in. Hmm. And there's a dog, always a plus.
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All Together For Christmas by Sarah Morgan is the Christmas romance you didn't know you needed, with a big dose of family festiveness, chaos and big ol' love. For those headed to US sites, the book retails as A Merry Little Lie. I do enjoy the way Sarah writes relationships. And there's another dog. It wouldn't be Christmas without a new Sarah Morgan!
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Ditto for a new Trisha Ashley! I cannot tell you how many happy hours I've spent with Trisha at Christmas, and I'm planning on setting aside plenty of time - 'retreating' - for The Christmas Retreat, whisked away to a writer and artist's retreat on a tiny English coastal village for Christmas. Sounds like heaven. If I know Trisha Ashley, there will also be amazing treats to eat, gorgeous people around, and definitely romance in the (freezing) air. Can't wait.
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Those of you who know me also know it wouldn't be Christmas without another Melody Carlson, who's so written so many books it's dizzying. Bravo! She writes books with a clear faith message that always touches the heart, and I'm expecting Once Upon A Christmas Carol to be full of this same inspiration. This book - excitingly - has Dickens' A Christmas Carol themes. Dear reader, I'm in.
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And speaking of A Christmas Carol themes, I've been sideswiped by Good Spirits by BK Borison. Look at that stunning cover! You all - you all - will fall in love with Nolan, the Ghost of Christmas Past. Including Harriet, an antique shop owner who, well, isn't exactly grumpy old Scrooge. This is a small-town warm fuzzy read that will totally get you into the Christmas spirit. Go on, indulge.
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Another bit of holiday magic happens in our dear friend Debbie Macomber's book A Ferry Merry Christmas. Quick enough to read in an afternoon, this is a story of two siblings unexpectedly counting their blessings when a ferry break-down almost halts their festivities. There is a Christmas miracle, and there is romance. Sigh.
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I read Love Story by Lindsey Kelk earlier this year, and was highly entertained by the snappy repartee and situations that were poignant but rom-com funny. When I saw Christmas Fling by her I could not resist. It's all about Laura being mistaken for a mystery girlfriend and swept off to the Scottish Highlands with Callum and his whole family (instead of a solo Christmas at home). What could possibly go wrong? Loads, actually. This was merry mayhem!
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Aussie Kandy Shepherd's new Christmas book Second Chance Under the Mistletoe is a stunning second chance at love story, and is absolutely drenched in the romance of London at Christmas. I loved walking the markets with Natalie and Jon (and got a few good tips about gifts, actually). Achingly tender, you'll definitely have high hopes these two find their way back together. And there is a Christmas baby!
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Another deliciously kissable baby. The Rancher's Mistletoe Baby by Jill Kemerer is perfect for those who enjoy an unexpected baby surprise (me) and a lovely message of faith (also me). Aww, look at that sweet little face. The book's the beginning of a new series set in Wyoming, so lots more specialness to come if (when) you get hooked!
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But wait, where's the Historicals, you say? Ta-da! Winter Rogue by Emma V Leech, a new to me author, looks such fun. Our intrepid heroine proposes a marriage of convenience to an infamous earl. One of my favourite tropes, a marriage of convenience! We all know Christmas will (probably?) work its romantic magic, but still. Sigh.
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The Christmas Book Flood by Roseanna M White (another new to me author) is set in Iceland, December 1944, towards the end of WWII. A publishing house extends itself in the Christmas rush for more books - anything to brighten up the bleakness and rationing of that year. In the middle of it all author Tatiana falls in love with kind editor Anders. This is the origin of Jolobokaflod, Iceland's Christmas book flood - which I totally wish happened here. I could cope with curling up with hot chocolate while I read (and gift) new books every Christmas Eve. I might have to sit under the air con in Oz, but - new books!
