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. ~