The cold nights are drawing in, and it is the perfect time to curl up by the fire and read a feel-good book or three. We have collected ten of our favourite festive reads- some for mum and dad, and some for the kids. We hope you find something that piques your interest, or will make an excellent gift for a loved one.
Grab a cup of something warming and explore these ten festive books for your favourite time of year…
“In Christmas: A Biography, acclaimed social historian and best-selling author Judith Flanders casts a sharp and revealing eye on the myths, legends and history of the season, from the origins of the holiday in the Roman empire to the emergence of Christmas trees in central Europe, to what might just possibly be the first appearance of Santa Claus – in Switzerland! – to draw a picture of the season as it has never been seen before.”
“In the Cornish coastal village of Mount Polbearne, the Christmas season has arrived. It’s a joyous time for family, friends, and feasting, as decorations sparkle along the town’s winding streets and shop windows glow with festive displays. And in Polly’s Little Beach Street Bakery, the aroma of gingerbread cookies and other treats tempts people in from the cold. But holiday bliss soon gives way to panic when a storm cuts the village off from the mainland. Now it will take all of the villagers to work together in order to ensure everyone has a happy holiday.”
“Festive Christmas is a colouring book by author and artist De-ann Black. The book contains 30 of her original illustrations, patterns and designs, hand drawn in pen and ink. The flower and Christmas theme of this colouring book is based on several of her books including Christmas Romance in Paris, Christmas Romance in Scotland and The Christmas Knitting Bee. The pictures are printed on one side of each page. Further details about De-ann’s art, illustrations, fabric designs and books are available from her website.”
James Nash brings you 14 sonnets for the festive period. Read alone or with your family, with a sip of port or a spiced hot chocolate.
“The iconic and gorgeously poetic Candlestick Press have published six titles for the Christmas season. Four of them poetry, Christmas Garland, Christmas Crackers, Fourteen Festive Sonnets and Christmas Stocking. I was lucky enough to have edited the sonnet collection and what a joy it was to choose the poems, and help launch the title in Leeds and Nottingham. I tried to include poetry that felt wintry, had thoughts of home and loss, might make the reader smile, but finishing with a sonnet that is full of hope.” ~JN~
“It is Christmas Eve and all is not well. Amelia Wishart is trapped in Mr Creeper’s workhouse and Christmas is in jeopardy. Magic is fading. If Christmas is to happen, Father Christmas knows he must find her.
With the help of some elves, eight reindeer, the Queen and a man called Charles Dickens, the search for Amelia – and the secret of Christmas – begins…”
“Curl up by the fire this Christmas with the ebook bestseller Catherine Ferguson. When Poppy’s boyfriend Harrison proposes the week before Christmas and gives her twelve days to decide, she doesn’t know what to do. With the festive season in full swing, it’s make or break time for the couple and the clock is ticking… Lose yourself this Christmas in the new novel from the brilliant Catherine Ferguson, perfect for cosying up with by the fire.”
“This charming gift set includes the much-loved, touchy-feely book That’s not my reindeer… and an adorable reindeer soft toy. There are five reindeer to meet in the book, with velvety ears, fuzzy necks and shiny red noses, and a plush reindeer for little ones to cuddle as they listen to the book being read.”
“Christmas Eve. While the world sleeps, snow falls gently from the sky, presents await under the tree … and murder is afoot. In this collection of ten classic murder mysteries from the best crime writers in history, death and mayhem take many festive forms, from the inventive to the unexpected.
From a Santa Claus with a grudge to a cat who knows who killed its owner on Christmas Eve, these are stories to enjoy – and be mystified by – in front of a roaring fire, mince pie to hand.”
“Christmas is a time when families come together. This unique combination of storybook and cookbook, with all recipes and stories devised and written by Nadiya herself, brings families into the kitchen to share this special time of year through cooking and stories. Go on an adventure to the Snow Queen’s palace, then make her treacle ice cream. Make and decorate cheesy-feet biscuits, then read the story about where all the odd socks go at Christmas time. Combining playful photography of Nadiya and her children with vibrant illustrations by Clair Rossiter, this glorious celebration of the joy of sharing food and stories is the perfect Christmas gift.”
“The Christmas Chronicles is the story of Nigel Slater’s love for winter, the scent of fir and spruce, ghost stories read with a glass of sloe gin, and beeswax candles with shadows dancing on the ceiling. With recipes, decorations, fables and quick fireside suppers, Nigel guides you through the essential preparations for Christmas and the New Year, with everything you need to enjoy the winter months. Packed with feasts, folktales, myths and memoir and all told in Nigel’s warm and intimate signature style, The Christmas Chronicles is the only book you’ll ever need for winter.”
Jurgis Bielinis and the Day of the Book Smugglers
Word of the Day – Nonpareil
10 Hot New Releases for May 2022
