I think it’s safe to say that Christmas time can be kind of hectic. The traffic is crazy, the lines are long, and your calendar can feel overwhelming. But even if you find yourself in the middle of the holiday craziness I highly recommend taking some time to sit down and relax. And the best way you can do that is by reading a really good book.
In this post I’m giving you some of my favorite book recommendations perfect to read at Christmas time. Honestly, you could probably read some of these books all year round, but there’s something about Christmas time that makes them extra special.
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Blame It On the Mistletoe by Beth Garrod
Genre: YA Fiction, Teen Romance
I am obsessed with the movie The Holiday. I think I’ve watched it at least 500 times. So you can imagine how excited I was when I picked up Beth Garrod’s Blame It on the Mistletoe. It’s about two girls – an American social media star named Elle and a British teen named Holly – who switch homes for the Christmas season. If you’re into YA fiction you will love this book. It’s a very light-hearted read – there’s some twists and turns and some teen romance thrown in for good fun – but nothing too serious, which makes it perfect to read during the holidays.
An Ivy Hill Christmas by Julie Klassen
Genre: Christian Fiction, Regency England, Romance
I finished this book on Christmas Eve last year. If you don’t want to read a long book over your Christmas break and you adore Regency England romances, definitely pick up this novella. Julie Klassen is the queen of Regency British stories and she doesn’t disappoint with this little book. It’s about a carefree man-about-town named Richard Brockwell who is forced to come home to Ivy Hill for Christmas when his mother threatens to cut him off financially. When he returns not only does he reconnect with his family and friends, he also connects with Arabella Awdry – a young lady he grew up with . . . and might be developing feelings for. This story will pull you into the warmth and romance of Regency England and will hold your attention until the very end.
Tess and the Highlander by May McGoldrick
Genre: Romance, Historical Fiction
Ok, so this book is not a Christmas book but the plot is so good that you’ll be glad you read it at Christmas time. It’s about a Scottish girl named Tess who’s been raised on a remote island by an elderly couple. When the couple dies Tess tries to survive alone until Colin MacPherson washes up on her shore after a terrible storm. With a little time the two become friends . . . and eventually something more. This is a quintessential love story but it’s a very good one. Tess is the kind of heroine you find yourself rooting for and Colin is just so darn lovable. Definitely, one to read.
A Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers
Genre: Biblical fiction, Christian fiction
There are five novellas in this series of books that are (in my opinion) must-reads. I think they’re especially perfect to dive into at Christmas time because each novella is about a woman who was of Jesus’ lineage: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and of course, Mary. Each novel focuses on each woman’s story and how they all come to play a central part in Jesus’ story. Not only are these books full of Biblical history, they’re full of heart. I found myself relating with these characters, cheering for them, and even understanding what they were facing a little better. Even though the books begin with the ladies from the Old Testament and then go into the New Testament, I think starting with Mary’s story is the best way to get to the true meaning of Christmas: the birth of Jesus Christ.
What’s your favorite book to read at Christmas time? I’m always up for recommendations. Let me know in the comments.
Verse of the Day: Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” – John 8:12
