I don’t know about you, but to me, reading during the holidays is like wrapping myself in a cozy blanket of stories. Imagine sitting by the fire (except in PH, we feel like we’re already in it, I know), a hot coffee (or in my case, it’s always iced) in hand, and diving into a book that takes you on an adventure without leaving your comfy chair.
The holidays are all about magic and wonder, and books are the perfect way to experience that. Whether it’s a heartwarming romance, a thrilling mystery, or a fantastical journey, reading lets you escape the hustle and bustle and find a little peace and joy. You get to enjoy the break away from the usual day-to-day noise.
I ask my Bookish Bunch girlies their recommendations for a holiday read. Here are some:
A reco from May
Living in a year-round Christmas town is a nightmare for a grump like me. I avoid the caroling and decorations by hiding in my house. But then my nemesis, Storee Taylor, moves in next door and turns my life upside down. She’s determined to win the town’s Christmas Kringle contest, and there’s no way I’m letting that happen.
So, I enter the contest too, ready to beat her at her own game. But things get complicated when we start pretending to date, and sparks fly. One explosive night involving Christmas lights, the competition, and a ladder changes everything.
Who really stole Christmas? You’ll have to read to find out!
A reco from Mich
Maelyn Jones is having the worst Christmas ever. Living with her parents, stuck in a dead-end job, and fresh off a romantic disaster, she’s dreading her last holiday at the beloved Utah cabin. In a desperate plea, she asks the universe to show her what will make her happy.
Next thing she knows, she’s in a car crash and wakes up… on a plane back to Utah, reliving the same holiday over and over! With each hilarious mishap, Mae must figure out how to break the time loop and find her true love under the mistletoe.
Packed with festive fun, quirky characters, and Christina Lauren’s signature humor, this feel-good romance will make you believe in holiday magic!
A reco from Bree
Lesson one: Don’t ask a stranger for dating advice while drunk. Lesson two: Don’t fall for your dating coach. Lesson three: Oops.
After getting stood up at a bar, I end up asking the hot, brooding bartender, Mark, to be my dating coach. He’s grumpy, hates Christmas, and definitely not looking for a relationship. But what starts as “just friends” turns into ice skating, baking cookies, and late-night chats that make my heart flutter.
The more time we spend together, the more sparks fly. Maybe Mark is exactly what I’ve been looking for all along.
A reco from Bree
Kira North hates Christmas, which is a problem since she just bought a Christmas tree farm in the overly festive town of Dream Harbor. Bennett Ellis, escaping his disastrous dating life in California, has no plans to help the grumpy new farm owner.
But fate has other ideas. After a run-in with Kira, Ben finds himself back at her farm, swinging an ax and catching her eye. As Kira watches him work, she starts to wonder why she ever refused his help.
Can these two stubborn souls find holiday cheer—and maybe love—among the Christmas trees?
A reco from May
Snowflakes are falling, invitations are arriving, and holiday magic is swirling in the Meridian Empire. It’s Great Holiday Eve Eve, and Scarlett Dragna is planning a spectacular celebration. Donatella is on a mission to find the perfect gift, while Julian looks dashing in green. But Legend? He’s not a fan of the holiday.
Tella hopes her perfect gift will change Legend’s mind, but she hasn’t found it yet. With holiday magic in the air, anything is possible.
Join the Caraval crew for a festive adventure filled with clockwork boys, poisoned candy, mischievous snow globes, and—if Tella gets her way—love.
As you wrap up your holiday reading list, remember that each book is a little gift to yourself. Whether your holiday break is dedicated to solely to your reading, or you’ve more stuff on your plate, enjoy this gift of new experience and knowledge and bring them back to the real world (except those monsters in case you’re into holiday horrors, please).
What I personally love about reading is that time when you finish a book and those few minutes of reflection how it changed your life, if it in anyway did. Maybe I’ll talk more about that in another article, but for now, enjoy your holiday reads and happy reading!