As you can see, my reading time jumped back up once my own book was turned in! Of course some of these are novellas, so much shorter than a novel. However, some are novella collections, which can be longer than a novel! So I guess it all evens out. I had so much fun Christmas reading this year!
The Wish Book Christmas by Lynn Austin
Such a precious story of what it means to both give and receive. Loved it!
Christmas in Mistletoe Square: novella collection
All of the novellas are set in a fictional North Carolina town which as embraced Christmas year round. All great stories, though I think my favorites were the first one and the last one. I love when the novellas all involve the same little town.
The Clause in Christmas by Rachael Bloome
This was my surprise read fo the season. I had never heard of this book or author but it was free to borrow on Prime Reading, so I did. And oh! What a fun and romantic read! I absolutely adored it! It’s the first in the Poppy Creek series, so know I’ll have to read those, too! I love finding new books/authors.
Finding Father Christmas & Engaging Father Christmas by Robin Jones Gunn
These are older novellas which have been on my list to read for a long time. I knew Hallmark had long ago made them into movies, but I wanted to read before I watched. And now that I’ve read them, I can’t wait to watch! Such sweet books of love and faith, both set at Christmas time in a small English village. How can you not love that?
It’s a Wonderful Christmas: novella collection
These 5 novellas are all “inspired by” classic Christmas movies. While I enjoyed them all, my favorites were the 3rd and 5th ones, both set in small Texas towns and both such fun stories. Even more fun? One of them was inspired by an old Christmas movie I’ve never before seen with Barbara Stanwyk and Fred MacMurray! I can’t wait to get this one!
What Child is This by Rhys Bowen
Technically, this is simply a short story set in WWII London. Very sweet story of people coming together to help one another.
A Sugar Creek Christmas by Jenny B. Jones
I’d forgotten how much I love Jenny’s stories! They are funny and romantic and overall delightful. This was no exception. And since it’s #1 in the Sugar Creek series, there will be more to read in the coming year!
Twelve Days of Christmas by Debbie Macomber
A sweet Christmas romance. Usually I’m not crazy about the “we don’t like each other, then we love each other” trope, but this one worked for me. It’s all about one neighbor killing the other with kindness—and both of them changing toward the other.
A Yuletide Regency: novella collection
Regency era at Christmas. Sigh. Each of these stories were unique and enjoyable. A very fun read.
Coming Home to Glendale Hall by Victoria Walters
I have no idea where the recommendation for this one came from, but I’m so glad it did! A wonderful contemporary story set at Christmas in Scotland with characters you cheer for! And apparently the first in a series of Glendale Hall books, so there are more to look forward to!
I also read two non-fiction titles this month:
Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman
This book, written in the 1980s, is even more true today. He discusses our move from a print-based, thinking society to a picture-based society who desires entertainment over thoughtfulness. His basic premise is that we need to understand the medium of television—how we got there and how it has changed public discourse (politics, news, education, religion). What he writes about forty years ago has only intensified.
Come, Let Us Adore Him by Paul David Tripp
This advent devotional takes you from Dec 1 to Dec 31. His focus is to challenge you to rediscover the real meaning behind Christmas—God in His mercy keeping His promise to offer redemption to a sin-soaked people. Each day was such a good rooting in why we celebrate the baby in the manager, and why that should cause us to celebrate every moment of our lives.
Onward into 2022! Happy reading!