Hi everyone, I hope your Christmas was a happy one!! Mine was filled with food, family, and so much sunshine!! Mind you, I am working through this year, so I won’t be having any sleep-ins until mid-January when I do take a short break. You’re probably wondering what exactly my post is about on this last week of the year. Well, I thought I’d share with you the genre of adult books I prefer to read over the Christmas season.
Well… I suppose I should let you all in on a well-kept secret. I’m actually a big, soft romantic. There, it’s out there. I enjoy reading chick-lit and romance novels when I need downtime or unwinding, which is what I tend to do on holiday!! I’m sharing with you a few titles I found along with a Christmas-themed title by one of my all-time favourite chick-lit authors!!
So, one of my fave chick-lit authors is Katie Fforde!! Not just for the collection of novels she’s written but because I was lucky to see her at an author event here in Auckland!! Even though I only own three of her titles, my most treasured possession is the one she signed for me!! The Christmas short story collection, The Christmas stocking and other stories, is one of my go-to reads to relax over the holidays. Filled with a collection of Christmas-themed short stories set in the typical English countryside about families, friendship and some romance, it’s the perfect book to fill those lazy moments in between meals over the festive season!!
There’s something about a white Christmas somewhere in the English countryside, preferably in a small village where a young-ish woman either helps out some friends and finds love in the process!! Heidi Swain’s Mince Pies and Mistletoe at the Christmas Market is one such delightful book. Taking readers to the little country town of Wynbridge, they meet young Ruby as she navigates a future for the town’s Christmas market and her resurfacing feelings for her ex-boyfriend!! If you have read any of Heidi Swain’s other books, you’ll even find her other main cast of characters playing smaller roles in this one!
Historical novels and Christmas are also a lovely combination. I’ve read quite a few like this but the one that piqued my interest was Last Christmas in Paris by Hazel Gaynor & Heather Webb. If you enjoyed The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society and Letters from Skye, this would be a good title to sink into!! Set during the First World War and a Christmas in the late-1960’s, this epistolary novel will make you cry, laugh, and fall in love with both voices of Evie and Tom. The best part of this novel is the unique collaboration these two authors had in creating it!!
My last chick-lit read is one set in the US, somewhere in those middle states I think. There were so many authors to choose from but Jenny Hale’s Christmas wishes and Mistletoe kisses ticked most of my boxes. One single mother trying to build a new life doing interior design which is her passion – check. One drop-dead gorgeous millionaire who needs help decorating his mansion and healing his heart – check. An inspiring and heartwarming storyline and amazing supporting cast – double check!! If you can imagine a Hallmark movie, then this is one strong contender for your next holiday read!!
So there you have a short selection of chick-lit reads I’ve enjoyed. Do you have a tendency for light reads over the holidays? If you do, and they are set over the festive season, I’d love to hear of what you would read!!
Stay safe over the New Year and keep reading
Miss Mahee
Miss Mahee's Library of Reads 