6 festive books to get you in the mood for Christmas
There’s no better way to get in the holiday mood than settling down with a Christmassy book. Here are six that are perfect to read over the yuletide season.
All I Want For Christmas by Karen Swan
Karen Swan offers the perfect wintry escape with this Copenhagen-set story with an art history themed twist. Instead of heading home for the holidays, newly single Freja is stuck finishing her PhD. Tasked with identifying the woman in an unknown portrait by Denmark’s greatest painter, Freja doesn’t have time for romance. But when her friend signs her up to a dating app and she’s matched with a sexy, arrogant lawyer with his own connection to Freja’s research, the lines of romance and work begin to blur. With drama, love and an intriguing art mystery, this isn’t a typically fluffy festive read and it’s all the better for it. (Pan)
A Recipe For Christmas by Jo Thomas
When her new boyfriend asks her to move to Switzerland, Clara takes a leap of faith and says yes. After all, what could be better than Christmas in the Alps? But when she arrives, the reality isn’t quite what she imagined. Signing up for a chocolate-making course that’s less for beginners and more like a bootcamp for experts, Clara makes it her mission to succeed. As she bonds with the aloof but intriguing master chocolatier Gabriel, Clara starts to discover what she really wants from her life. A heartening page-turner that’s easy to read in a few sittings. Just make sure you have a steady stream of chocolate at the ready, because the confectionary descriptions are delicious! (Penguin)
The Christmas Eve Murders by Noelle Albright
No Christmas reading list is complete without a fun and festive murder mystery. Noelle Albright’s novel invites readers to the Yorkshire Dales, where the Merry Monarch pub is hosting its annual scavenger hunt for its regulars. This year they’re interrupted by a journalist stranded by car failure, and when a snow storm closes in on the village, the unexpected Christmas companions find themselves trapped together. In true Agatha Christie style there’s a murderer amongst them and it’s up to the group – as well as readers – to work out who’s willing to kill, and why. A fun whodunnit with a Christmassy locked-room backdrop. (Quercus)
Escape For Christmas by Phillipa Ashley
Sophie used to adore everything about Christmas until the December her fiancé jilted her. Now running a quaint guesthouse in the Cumbrian countryside, she markets the hotel to those who wish to have a cosy stay without the traditional festivities. But what she doesn’t bank on is falling for her handsome neighbour, Brody, who might just be able to thaw Sophie’s heart and reignite her love of Christmas. If you’re looking for a cosy festive read full of heart-warming romance, loveable characters and a charming snowy setting, you’ll find all that and more with Escape For Christmas. (Penguin)
Home For Christmas by Heidi Swain
It really wouldn’t be the holidays without a Heidi Swain novel to curl up with. Home For Christmas whisks readers back to Wynbridge as cheerful, Christmas-loving Bella opens up her home to grumpy, yuletide-hating author Jude, who’s researching the history of Wynthorpe Hall for his book. As they spend more time together, the two opposites might just be able to learn something valuable from each other. It’s always a delight to visit Swain’s charming community-minded stories, which provide all the sweet, small-town romance vibes you could possibly ask for. (Simon & Schuster)
Happy Bloody Christmas by Jo Middleton
Waking up on Christmas Eve after her family’s annual party, Anna Johnson is exhausted, hungover and ready for the festive season to be over. But when she stumbles across a dead body in her larder, her day suddenly gets a lot more complicated. Adding body removal to her lengthy to-do list, Anna must contend with her family, her guests and two comical police officers as she plays detective to figure out who might have committed murder. Light-hearted and entertaining, Happy Bloody Christmas is just the antidote to the inevitable festive stress. (Avon)
