A Baker's Dozen: Favorite Christmas Reads for the Season

Christmas is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to break out the mistletoe, cozy up with a soft blanket, grab your favorite beverage, and dive into some romantic Christmas reads or series. A quick warning: you might want to keep some tissues handy—these stories are sure to tug at your heartstrings!

Without further ado, here are thirteen (or a "baker’s dozen") of my favorite and most memorable Christmas reads.

1. THE CHRISTMAS SHOES SERIES 

Author Donna VanLiere has an eleven book Christmas Hope series which is wonderful. I've read them all and thoroughly enjoyed them. Six of the eleven books made my list. You could read each book as a standalone, but you'll enjoy the series more of you read them in order.

You can read my review of The Christmas Shoes (Christmas Hope Book #1) here

The Christmas Blessing (Christmas Hope Book #2)

The Christmas Secret (Christmas Hope Book #5)

The Christmas Town (Christmas Hope Book #9)

The Christmas Star (Christmas Hope Book #10)

You can read my review of The Christmas Table (Christmas Hope Book #11) here

2. BOOKS BY AUTHOR COURTNEY WALSH

Christmas wouldn't be complete without a couple of author Courtney Walsh's books. 

You can read my review of Cross-Country Christmas here

You can read my review of A Match Made at Christmas here

3. BOOKS BY AUTHOR RICHARD PAUL EVANS

A Christmas reading list should have some books by the King of Christmas Mr. Richard Paul Evans. Here are two of my favorites.  Warning: You may need some Kleenex while reading these.

The Mistletoe Promise

The Noel Diary 

4. BOOK BY AUTHOR TERRI BLACKSTOCK

Best-selling suspense author Terri Blackstock wrote a charming page-turning Christmas novel that still lives in my memory. 

Catching Christmas

5. BOOK BY AUTHOR SARAH MONZON

Sarah Monzon is a new-to-me author, and I found this holiday read delightful. 

You can read my review of All's Fair in Love and Christmas here

6. BOOK BY AUTHOR ROSEANNA M. WHITE

For all my historical lovers I didn't forget about you. Roseanna M. White's new Christmas novella Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor is romantic and charming.

You can read my review of Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor here

Did any of my Christmas reads make your list? Any I missed? I'd love to know. 

Reading is an adventure,

Emilee

Christmas Books for Readers: Christian Fiction Edition

Looking for the perfect Christmas read? Whether you're cozying up by the fire or searching for a thoughtful gift, this list of Christian fiction books offers heartfelt stories filled with faith and hope—perfect additions to anyone’s TBR pile. Discover new titles and revisit beloved favorites to make your or a loved one's holiday season even brighter.

1. GABRIELLE MEYERS TIMELESS SERIES 

Author Gabrielle Meyer's Timeless series is fantastic for the reader who loves historical with a twist. Gabe currently has four books out in the series with a planned seven books total.

You can read my review of When the Day Comes here

You can read my review of In This Moment here

You can read my review of For a Lifetime here

Across the Ages

2. KAREN WITEMEYER'S TEXAS EVER AFTER SERIES

If your reader loves spunky heroines and swoon-worthy cowboys, you need to add Karen Witemeyer's books to their collection. Her newest collection is her Texas Ever After series and not to be missed. Although you can't go wrong with ANY of Karen's books. 

You can read my review of Fairest of Heart here

You can read my review of If the Boot Fits here

Cloaked in Beauty (Releasing December 16th, 2024)

3. OF LOVE AND TREASON

Debut author Jamie Ogle's Of Love and Treason was one of my favorite books of 2024. Ms. Ogle won a Christy Award for her book.

You can read my review Of Love and Treason here

4.  BOOKS BY AUTHOR AMANDA COX

If your reader prefers dual time stories of healing, hope, and family you NEED to read Amada Cox's books. She's become an automatic pre-order for me.

You can read my review of The Edge of Belonging here

The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery

You can read my review of He Should Have Told the Bees here

You can read my review of Between the Sound and Sea here

5. BOOKS BY AUTHOR SARA BRUNSVOLD

Author Sara Brunsvold's books will touch your heart and stay with you long after you close the book.

You can read my review of The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip here

You can read my review of The Divine Proverb of Streusel here

6. BOOKS BY AUTHOR MOLLIE RUSHMEYER

If your reader prefers contemporary with a little history thrown in you should check out Mollie Rushmeyer's books. 

You can read my review of The Bookshop of Secrets here

You can read my review of The Lost Manuscript here

This is just a small glimpse of the incredible Christian fiction books available today. As someone who has been reading and loving Christian fiction since the '90s, I’ve witnessed how much the genre has evolved. In my opinion, the quality of writing has only improved over time. Along with that, publishers now create stunningly beautiful covers that draw readers in and perfectly complement the stories within.

Looking for more recommendations? I’d love to help you discover your next favorite read—feel free to reach out and connect with me!

Reading is an adventure,

Emilee

 

Christmas Books for the Young Readers in Your Life: Classic Edition

 As a bookworm there's no better present than a book or books for Christmas. With so many options of books it can be hard to narrow down what you'd think the reader in your life might like.

There's classics, contemporary, and historical to name a few. Because a picture is worth a thousand words here are a few of my favorite books. 

For the voracious reader in your life, L.M. Montgomery's 8-book Anne of Green Gables series is a timeless classic. 

If you're reader loved author L.M Montogomery her 3 book Emily of New Moon series is wonderful. Emily is a different character than Anne, but just as memorable.

If you have a fantasy reader, C.S. Lewis' 7 book Chronicles of Naria series still transports readers. 

If your bookworm loves books that have animals in them E.B. White's books are terrific. 

 

Frances Hodgson Burnett's A Little Princess and The Secret Garden are classics still loved and read.

What are some of your favorite classic books? Any I might have missed?

Reading is an adventure,

Emilee

The Blooming of Delphinium is a Heart-Warming Read

Holly Varni is a new-to-me author, and her beautifully romantic cover for The Blooming of Delphinium immediately caught my attention—even before I knew what the book was about. Who doesn’t love flowers?

Delphinium Hayes, the story's protagonist, has a unique gift: with just one whiff, she can detect people’s scents, giving her insight into their strengths and weaknesses. As the owner of Delphinium's Flora Emporium, she not only has a passion for understanding the meaning behind flowers but also a talent for crafting gorgeous bouquets.

One of my favorite aspects of the story was the zany antics of the quirky seniors who preferred playing poker in Delphinium’s flower cooler over living at the Gardens, Moonberry Lake’s senior center. Delphinium’s deep love for her town and its people, especially the elderly, really stood out. While she indulged some of their more whimsical requests, she wasn’t a total pushover. She truly cared for them, understood who they were, and wanted the best for them. In turn, these seniors became like "adoptive" grandparents, showering her with the affection and care of family.

The introduction of Elliot Sturges, the director of the Gardens, added a compelling dynamic. Delphinium struggled to reconcile his strict demeanor with his scent of violets—a fragrance symbolizing love and loyalty. As she discovered his softer side, the sparks between them began to fly. (Not a spoiler, but chapter 15 might just be my favorite part of the story!)

The Blooming of Delphinium reminded me to find joy in the little things and to trust in God’s ability to place the right people in our lives at the right time. These heartfelt themes were woven beautifully throughout the book.

If I were to rate this book, I’d give it a solid 4 out of 5. My only critique is that the ending felt a bit rushed. However, the story as a whole was thought-provoking and delightful, and I look forward to reading more from Holly Varni.

Reading is an adventure,

Emilee

 

~~The Blooming of Delphinium was provided to me by the publisher in return for my honest review.  I was not required to write a positive review. All viewpoints expressed are my own. ~

Top 10 Favorite Childhood Books

 "When you read a book as a child it becomes part of your identity in a way no other reading in your whole life does." (Kathleen Kelly, You've Got Mail)

I've done several top 5 and top 10 lists, but never a posted about favorite childhood books. These books made my list as "favorites" because years later after reading them they still impact me, and I still think of them. 

The power of a great story is timeless. In no particular order here is my top 10 list. (Sorry, Mom I know I Can Fly isn't a classic per se, but it did make me fall in love with reading. Thank you for wearing out three copies of this book and reading it to me countless times!)

I Can Fly was a Little Golden book that my long-suffering parents wore out 3 copies of and I'd take it everywhere we went. It didn't matter what my mom was doing I always wanted her to read this book to me. I guess you could say I Can Fly was the book that started my love of reading. 

Anne Shirley is probably one of the most well-known and beloved heroines in fiction 116 years later since her Anne of Green Gables publishing debut in 1908. Author L.M. Montgomery published a total of 8 Anne books. Readers have often been drawn red-headed Anne's spunky and optimistic nature. C.S. Lewis said, "No book is worth reading at the age of ten which is not equally (and far more often) worth reading at the age of fifty."

 

I first discovered The Blue Castle when I was 17 and have since read it 8 or 9 times. The Blue Castle has been one of those books I've read at various stages in my life and what I've come to appreciate over time is how the heroine Valancy is becoming who she was meant to be.

I remember junior year of high school staying up till 2 AM reading this story with a flashlight under the covers. Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird was an instant success. Image that...publishing one book in your life and it's a bestseller and a renowned classic.  

Keeper of the Bees is author and naturalist Gene Stratton-Porter's last book written before her death. The author's love of nature shines through in Keeper of the Bees, but also it has kindness, wisdom and healing. I liked that the romance had a mysterious element to it with Jamie (the hero) not knowing who the "Storm Woman" was right away. If you're a fan of Stratton-Porter, I urge you to check out Keeper of the Bees. 

The March sisters- Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy. I think what I remember/am drawn to most in Little Women is the love of family. the bond of sisters had with one another and their mother Marmee's words of wisdom to her daughters. 

Stepping Heavenward stuck with me as being a very wise and prudent book about a young women's journey in Christ through her journal. Page one of her journal is her sixteenth birthday, and she bemoans at how "dreadfully old" she's getting. You see her grow in maturity and grace. 

The Princess is a modern-day arranged marriage between commoner Shelby Parker and widower Prince Nikolai Markham. Nikolai and Shelby's love story is magical, and you'll want to re-live it again and again.

As a bookworm who was reading Austen at age fourteen it's no surprise, I was an English major in college.  Are you even a legitimate English major if you don't like Jane Austen? I feel like Emma is a regency era romantic comedy ahead of its time.

Dee Henderson's O'Malley series taught me that family isn't always blood. Sometimes it's the people you choose as your family. Siblings who chose one another and took on the last name O'Malley: Kate, Marcus, Lisa, Jack, Rachel, Stephen and Jennifer.  I read and re-read their stories multiple times. Now I want to go back and re-read this whole series. 

Did any of these books make your list of favorite childhood books? What were your favorite childhood books to read? 

Reading is an adventure,

Emilee

The Color of Home is a Moving Debut Novel

 

Author Kit Tosello's debut novel, The Color of Home is a moving 1st person point of view story. When I first saw this cover, I wanted to live in the adorable white house. I'd probably change the door color to green, but I digress. I loved the lyrical cadence of her writing. 

Interior designer Audrey Needham returns to her Charity Falls, Oregon where she spent summers during her childhood to help her great-aunt and uncle move into assisted living. Going back brings up long dormant memories for Audrey about her father's passing.

The relationship between Audrey and her great-aunt Daisy was so sweet. They had a real love for one another. It was a beautifully crafted portrayal of a genuine, nurturing bond.

I used to want romance in ALL my stories. As I've gotten older, I'd like to think I've matured enough as a reader to not need romance in all my stories. Don't get me wrong, I still want (and enjoy) romance, but it's no longer a necessity. While there is some romance in The Color of Home it isn't the main plot of the story. 

I loved the cozy small-town community the author created with Charity Falls. I didn't want to leave this charming place and its delightful characters. I hope the author writes more stories set in Charity Falls.

I think I could have lived happily in the Sweet Reads bookstore the way the author describes it.  

The English major part of me was sighing in happiness at the multiple Jane Austen references. If you're a fan of Austen's work, you know Jane created memorable characters authors have been trying to emulate and unrealistic expectations of fictional men since 1811.

The story’s central theme is God’s redemption of brokenness, guiding us toward the life we were always meant to discover.

Overall, The Color of Home is a solid first novel by Kit Tosello. I'd give this book 4 stars. My deduction of a star is because I thought the ending was rushed and unsatisfactory. The melodic rhythm carries throughout the whole novel will have you engrossed in the story however the ending fell flat in my opinion. Has this ever happened to you? 

 

Because of the high caliber of Ms. Tosello's writing, I do want to read more stories by this author. I just hope the ending will be a little more enjoyable overall. 

Reading is an adventure,

Emilee

 

~~The Color of Home was provided to me by the publisher in return for my honest review.  I was not required to write a positive review. All viewpoints expressed are my own. ~

Joni: An Inspiration To All

I first read Joni Eareackson Tada's biography Joni at age 17. I vividly remember thinking after I closed the book that I had not a single thing to complain about ever again. I'm sorry to say my spirit of contentment didn't last long before I was back to whining. 

This year on October 15th marks Joni's 75ht birthday and I wanted to re-read her biography in honor of this milestone birthday. Now, 23 years later at 40, my perspective has changed as I've faced various trials and heartaches along the way.

It is amazing and beautiful to see how God has worked in Joni's life to be a witness for Him and exalt His Kingdom. In every interview I've seen with Joni, she is a wonderfully gracious woman, filled with gratitude for what God has done in her life, despite living as a quadriplegic for 58 years. I was inspired by her courage to overcome insurmountable obstacles, challenged by her deep and abiding faith in Jesus, and humbled by her gracious demeanor and amazed at how she can write and draw using her mouth. It's truly remarkable how God designed the human body to function and compensate when presented with trials and difficulties. It brings tears to my eyes and shame in my heart at my often-ungrateful spirit and ungracious attitude. We can all learn from Joni. 

Joni and Friends is an organization she founded in 1979 to bring Christian ministry to the disabled community. She has also authored 48 books on disability and Christianity.

Joni's incredible story can be summed up in the last line of her biography. "For Jesus is ecstasy beyond compare, and no matter your age, it is worth anything to be His friend." (Tada, 205).  This dear reader is what it's all about! If you only ever read my review of Joni, I want you to glean this morsel of truth. 

My hope and prayer is that you will not only read Joni for yourself, but that you'll also be encouraged and challenged in your own faith. 

Reading is an adventure,

Emilee

Celebrating 10 Years of Blonde Classic

It's been 120 months, 3,652 days and 5,259,600 minutes since I started my blog. A decade! 10 years! Not sure I can quite wrap my mind around the fact that my blog is celebrating this milestone anniversary. 

On October 6th, 2014, my Blonde Classic blog was born!

I'm not sure I'd have believed you if you told me I'd still be blogging (and loving it) a decade later. 

Before I delve into a look back, first I want to say a big, heart-felt, "Thank you," to everyone that has read, commented, liked, encouraged and helped me along the way. 

Thank you to my parents and siblings for always being there for me, but also your steadfast support and encouragement. I can't imagine my life without you. 

To my best friend of 30 years, Jennifer Klotz. Thank you doesn't seem like enough. Not only did you motivate me to start a blog, but you inspired the name Blonde Classic. Your constant friendship, encouragement and support mean the world to me and I'm not sure I'd have gotten as far as I did without your continued cheerleading and inspiration.  From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.  

Thank you to all the incredibly gifted Christian fiction writers whose influencer teams I'm privileged to be a part of. Thank you for entrusting your books to me to read and review. Even after all these years, it's still a tremendous honor and one I don't take lightly. 

Lastly, thank you to all who read and comment on my blog. It means more than words can express. Hopefully, I'll be able to continue writing and blogging and touching your hearts the way you've touched mine. 

Beyond my blog, I have expanded to monthly newsletters - sharing book reviews, books I want to read, and what's going on in my little corner of the world.  I've been able to share my writing as I find my author voice. All of you are helping me to be a better writer, and I'm so grateful. 

I have to chuckle looking back at my first blog post...what a newbie I was. Hopefully, I've grown as a writer. What hasn't changed is I still love finding adventure between the pages of a book or getting swept away by a film. 

Thank you for 10 amazing years. Hoping for many more!

Reading is an adventure,

Emilee

The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley is a Ray of Sunshine

The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley is the ray of sunshine and humor you need in your life and not to be missed. 

Isadora Bentley is an introverted university researcher who is comfortable living her quiet, minimal interactions with others until her 30th birthday. Never one to do things "on a whim" she buys a magazine advertising 31 ways to be happy. Her intent is to prove the author of the article wrong.

What she finds is so much more than she ever imagined. 

I loved so many aspects of this story. The endearing and memorable characters, engaging storyline and the timely theme of being who God made you to be. 

Last year, I listened to the audiobook version and the narrator does a phenomenal job capturing the essence of the story.  This month, I re-read The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley for my book club and loved it again the 2nd time. To me the mark of a good story is one you can read multiple times and still glean enjoyment, depth and insight from it.

Do yourself a favor my friends, if you have not read any books by Courtney Walsh run to the nearest bookstore or library and get her books. You won't regret it.

Reading is an adventure,

Emilee