Top 5 Books To Read To Get In The Christmas Spirit

I have a bit of a confession to make. I think I’m a bit of a Scrooge! My friend asked me the other day what my favorite Christmas songs and movies were, and I didn’t really have an answer. I honestly dislike Christmas music a lot (it’s too repetitive for me), and I haven’t watched nearly enough cheesy Christmas movies in my lifetime. I think as I’ve gotten older, I’ve grown to appreciate the cheesy cheer and romantic plotlines, and I even have plans this weekend (with myself) to watch all the new Netflix originals including, but not limited to, The Princess Switch, but in the past, it’s never really been my cup of tea.The same goes for these books! I actually haven’t read any of these books, but I feel like a Christmas themed book is the equivalent of a Hallmark Christmas movie for bookworms, so I think it’s time I check some of these off my list! I’ve got five books to help get you in the Christmas spirit. Let’s get started!

Image from HarperCollins Publishers

1. Last Christmas in Paris by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb
This honestly made the list initially because I’ve seen it all over Instagram and one of my friends actually recommended it, but after reading the description, I’m sold! This is more than just a Christmas love story — it’s also a historical fiction novel about World War I. One of my goals of 2019 is to learn more about global conflicts of the past and present, and what better place to start than the Great War. The story unfolds between Thomas, who is on the front lines, and Evie, who is determined to do her part in the war despite being wealthy and female. The love between the pair flourishes through letters to one another, but neither expected the war to go on quite so long. Will their love last? I can’t wait to find out.

Image from Goodreads

2. Christmas at Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan
I’ve actually read Jenny Colgan’s work before (And reviewed it in 2015, wow!), and I really enjoyed it. It was a little cheesy for me, but I think that’s exactly what I need in a Christmas book! This book takes place in a coastal village where Polly, the main character, owns a charming bakery (of course). Polly is thrilled to be having a cozy Christmas Eve with her boyfriend, but when a freak snowstorm results in the town losing power, everyone has to band together to make the best of the holiday season. This book encompasses everything that makes a true Christmas Hallmark movie — humble boyfriends, baker girlfriends, and town unity. A bonus that comes with every Jenny Colgan book is a collection of recipes in the back that you can make for yourself at home!

Image from Amazon

3. Mr. Dickens and His Carol by Samantha Silva
Who better to read about at Christmastime than the man who wrote the most well know Christmas tale of all time? I love reading a creative history, so I knew Mr. Dickens and His Carol would have to be on my reading list for this season. Samantha Silver’s story follows Charles Dickens as he walks around the city of London trying desperately to come up with a story to save his family and publishers from utter financial ruin. Along the way, he meets a woman who challenges his beliefs about generosity, friendship, love, and what the true meaning of Christmas is. As someone who has recently come to realize she can be a bit of a Scrooge, this is definitely a must-read for me.

Image from Amazon

4. We’ll Always Have Christmas by Jenny Hale
Nothing screams “cheesy Christmas book” quite like the description of Jenny Hales’ We’ll Always Have Christmas. Similar to Jenny Colgan’s novel, Hale’s book features a bakery, but it also features a grumpy, old man, a mysterious-unexpected love interest, and the dire need to save an old family business. This has “Hallmark” written all over it — and I am so here for it!

Image from Amazon

5. Moonlight Over Manhattan by Sarah Morgan
I was drawn to this book when I learned that the main character, Harriet, is challenging herself to do one thing that scares her for every day of December. It’s honestly a challenge I’ve considered setting myself — maybe after I find out how it’s worked for Harriet, I’ll undertake it as well. During this challenge, Harriet obtains a new dog-walking client, and along with that, a surly temporary dog-sitter. (Does anyone in New York actually take care of their own dog?) Of course, she starts falling in love with him because what kind of Christmas book would this be without broody chemistry. This seems like the perfect book to cozy up with on Christmas Eve to fall in love with the possibility of Christmas.

So, there you have it! Five books to get you (and me) into the Christmas spirit. Do you have any favorite books to read around this time of year? Let me know in the comments below.

Happy reading,
Kimberly