If you've been around this blog for a while, you probably know by now that I'm an avid reader. Seasonal novels are part of the celebration in both fall and winter for me. As soon as November hits, all I want to do is curl up on the couch with a blanket and some tea, and dive deep into a story filled with snowflakes, Christmas lights and family dinners.
Sadly, Christmas is also the busiest time of the year for me, both at work and because of Fox & Spice. This means that I don't have as much free time as I would like to, but I still do my best to read at least two or three novels during the season.
This year, I've perused the list of brand new releases and came up with a wishlist of five novels (just in case someone invents a machine that increases the hours in the day to 30):
Title: The Christmas Company by Alys Murray
Synopsis: The small town of Miller’s Point is known across the country for their annual Dickensian Christmas festival. When the celebration is threatened by Clark Woodward, a miserly, big-city businessman, Kate Buckner steps up to save her hometown, their traditions, and her favorite holiday. But, along the way, she realizes that the man she’s trying to protect her town from might need some rescuing of his own.
Why this book: This is the first original Hallmark Publishing Christmas book, one that isn't a movie yet, and I've had my eye on it ever since they announced it. I'm currently reading it and GUYS. IT'S SO GOOD. GET IT!
Synopsis: The small town of Miller’s Point is known across the country for their annual Dickensian Christmas festival. When the celebration is threatened by Clark Woodward, a miserly, big-city businessman, Kate Buckner steps up to save her hometown, their traditions, and her favorite holiday. But, along the way, she realizes that the man she’s trying to protect her town from might need some rescuing of his own.
Why this book: This is the first original Hallmark Publishing Christmas book, one that isn't a movie yet, and I've had my eye on it ever since they announced it. I'm currently reading it and GUYS. IT'S SO GOOD. GET IT!
Title: The Christmas Sisters by Sarah Morgan
Synopsis: The McBride sisters all have different reasons for finding the holiday season challenging, but their adoptive mother is determined this year will be different. As the countdown to Christmas Day begins, arguments, connections and secrets start bubbling. The McBride family was made, not born—but will they be able to make this the magical family Christmas their mother has always dreamed of?
Why this book: I love a good family drama, and I'm very drawn to the idea of following three sisters as they prepare for the holidays, arguments and all. Feels relatable, doesn't it?
Synopsis: The McBride sisters all have different reasons for finding the holiday season challenging, but their adoptive mother is determined this year will be different. As the countdown to Christmas Day begins, arguments, connections and secrets start bubbling. The McBride family was made, not born—but will they be able to make this the magical family Christmas their mother has always dreamed of?
Why this book: I love a good family drama, and I'm very drawn to the idea of following three sisters as they prepare for the holidays, arguments and all. Feels relatable, doesn't it?
Title: The Adults by Caroline Hulse
Synopsis: A couple (now separated), plus their daughter, plus their new partners, all on an epic Christmas vacation. What could go wrong? This razor-sharp novel puts a darkly comic twist on seasonal favorites like Love Actually and The Holiday.
Why this book: A Christmas vacation with the exes? A story similar to Love Actually and The Holiday? Sounds like things are about to go crazy. Sign me up!
Synopsis: A couple (now separated), plus their daughter, plus their new partners, all on an epic Christmas vacation. What could go wrong? This razor-sharp novel puts a darkly comic twist on seasonal favorites like Love Actually and The Holiday.
Why this book: A Christmas vacation with the exes? A story similar to Love Actually and The Holiday? Sounds like things are about to go crazy. Sign me up!
Title: Christmas With You by Sheila O'Flanagan
Synopsis: Tucked away in the Irish countryside, the Sugar Loaf Lodge is opening its door for the festive season. With snow falling on the mountains outside and warm fires roaring inside, it's the perfect place for guests to celebrate the happiest time of the year. But for some of the guests arriving at the Sugar Loaf Lodge, Christmas is looking far from tranquil. But can they find the magic and romance of the season within the walls of this beautiful hotel?
Why this book: I always enjoy bite-size stories during the holidays when things get too hectic, so this collection of short stories will be perfect when I'm in the thick of things.
Synopsis: Tucked away in the Irish countryside, the Sugar Loaf Lodge is opening its door for the festive season. With snow falling on the mountains outside and warm fires roaring inside, it's the perfect place for guests to celebrate the happiest time of the year. But for some of the guests arriving at the Sugar Loaf Lodge, Christmas is looking far from tranquil. But can they find the magic and romance of the season within the walls of this beautiful hotel?
Why this book: I always enjoy bite-size stories during the holidays when things get too hectic, so this collection of short stories will be perfect when I'm in the thick of things.
Title: A Town Divided by Christmas by Orson Scott Card
Synopsis: It began with a quarrel over which newborn should be the baby Jesus in the town’s Christmas pageant. Decades later, two scientists arrive to study small-town genetic patterns, only to run up against the invisible walls that split the leading citizens into two congregations that can only be joined by love and forgiveness. And maybe a little deception, because there might be some things that people just don’t need to know.
Why this book: I'm a big fan of Ender's Game from Orson Scott Card, but that series was science fiction. I'm honestly just curious to see how an author like Orson Scott Card can write a sweet Christmas novel.
Synopsis: It began with a quarrel over which newborn should be the baby Jesus in the town’s Christmas pageant. Decades later, two scientists arrive to study small-town genetic patterns, only to run up against the invisible walls that split the leading citizens into two congregations that can only be joined by love and forgiveness. And maybe a little deception, because there might be some things that people just don’t need to know.
Why this book: I'm a big fan of Ender's Game from Orson Scott Card, but that series was science fiction. I'm honestly just curious to see how an author like Orson Scott Card can write a sweet Christmas novel.
These are the five novels I'd love to read during November and December. If you have any recommendations for Christmas-y novels, make sure to throw them my way!
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