The Christmas books that I’ve read this year have been a little bit different than usual. I usually read a couple of Christmas Crime books, but this year there was no crime that interested me. I would classify the following Christmas books that I read as Cosy Christmas novels.
My favourite Christmas book of all time is A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. I didn’t, however, read it this year, as I have done in previous years. I can’t remember how many times I’ve read it, but can just say that it is many, many times.
The Christmas Postcards by Karen Swan
⭐️⭐️⭐️
What drew me to this book, was this beautiful cover, and also the author. I’ve read a couple of books written by this author, and thoroughly enjoyed them. I very much enjoyed The Christmas Postcards, except that I did have one issue with it. The story, though enjoyable, was not a Christmas story, and in fact, Christmas was not mentioned, until the last sentence on the last page. At the end, I felt a little bit ripped off, as my intention was to read a Christmas book. This is the reason for the lower star rating.
Christmas at Fountains Hall by Joanne Tracey – Brookford #2
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“A Christmas-themed television special is coming to the Cotswolds. And it could change everything…
Tallis Harlow is reeling from the discovery of her husband’s infidelity, but thankfully she has her job as an assistant on a reality baking show to keep her busy. At least that was the case until charismatic London chef Ziggy Giudici is cast on the Christmas special. Now the mutual attraction she’d previously dismissed with the younger man is proving impossible to ignore.
Gail Longmuir can’t help from feeling that her life is growing smaller compared to her friends in the cookbook club, especially since her daughter has just left for university. She knows she should be elated when the gorgeous vet from their village asks her out, but it only makes the feelings she has for her boss Liam more complicated.
At a time when Tallis and Gail need each other the most, events in their lives suddenly seem to be driving a wedge between them. With the entire production at Fountains Hall in doubt, will they be able to save their friendship before Christmas comes?” – Goodreads
Christmas at Fountain’s Hall is the second in the Brookford series. I fell in love with these characters in the first book, and have been looking forward to connecting with them again. I wasn’t disappointed.
My fingers are crossed that there will be a third book in this wonderful series.
The Christmas Cafe by Amanda Prowse – No Greater Strength #2
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
This Christmas, USA Today bestselling author Sarah Morgan returns with another heartfelt exploration of change, the power of books to heal, and the enduring strength of female friendship. Perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Jennifer Weiner.
With its historic charm and picture-perfect library, the Maple Sugar Inn is considered the winter destination. As the holidays approach, the inn is fully booked with guests looking for their dream vacation. But widowed far too young, and exhausted from juggling the hotel with being a dedicated single mom, Hattie Coleman dreams only of making it through the festive season.
But when Erica, Claudia and Anna—lifelong friends who seem to have it all—check in for a girlfriends’ book club holiday, it changes everything. Their close friendship and shared love of books have carried them through life’s ups and downs. But Hattie can see they’re also packing some major emotional baggage, and nothing prepares her for how deeply her own story is about to become entwined in theirs. In the span of a week over the most enchanting time of the year, can these four women come together to improve each other’s lives and make this the start of a whole new chapter?
The Book Club Hotel is a lovely story of female friendship, and the strength that women can gain from each other. It was very predictable but also very cute and cosy, with lovely, likeable characters. For me, that is exactly what I like in a Christmas novel.
Book Club Hotel by Karen Swan
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Below is the Goodreads summary for this book. I won’t give my opinion here, as it’s a bookclub book and members are still reading it. All I would say is that The Book Club Hotel has everything you would want in a cosy Christmas novel.
“With its historic charm and picture-perfect library, the Maple Sugar Inn is considered the winter destination. As the holidays approach, the inn is fully booked with guests looking for their dream vacation. But widowed far too young, and exhausted from juggling the hotel with being a dedicated single mom, Hattie Coleman dreams only of making it through the festive season.
But when Erica, Claudia and Anna—lifelong friends who seem to have it all—check in for a girlfriends’ book club holiday, it changes everything. Their close friendship and shared love of books have carried them through life’s ups and downs. But Hattie can see they’re also packing some major emotional baggage, and nothing prepares her for how deeply her own story is about to become entwined in theirs. In the span of a week over the most enchanting time of the year, can these four women come together to improve each other’s lives and make this the start of a whole new chapter?” – Goodreads
The Worst Noelle and Holly Ever After by Anna Foxkirk
I won two novellas written by Anna Foxkirk, on Instagram, by just liking and sharing a post. They were both little surprise packets and lots of fun.