#Feature: My 2022 Christmas reading list – and a few books you might like to add to yours! #Christmasreads #RespectRomFic

I promised to return and share my pre-Christmas reading list for this year – but I’ll admit that this post didn’t turn out quite the way I planned! Because when I counted up, I had 32 Christmassy books that I’d bought and were waiting on my kindle to be read (what can I say – I love them!), and I really must make some time this weekend for a trip to the Knaresborough Victorian fair and to put up my own decorations. So, very reluctantly (and with apologies to all those wonderful authors I’ve had to leave out…) I’ve selected a dozen that I should at least have an outside chance of getting round to reading.

For a much more comprehensive list of Christmas reads, do take a look at the wonderful Fabulous Festive Reads post by Jill at Jill’s Book Cafe – I have no idea quite where she finds the energy to pull a post like this together every year, but I’m so glad she does (although I might have had rather fewer books on my kindle if she didn’t!).

But here’s my personal list, the twelve I really hope I’ll be able to read and review – if you click on the title it’ll take you to the Amazon page for the kindle version…

A Christmas Celebration by Heidi Swain (just 99p for kindle – and, to my shame, I’ve never read one of Heidi’s books before!)

 

When Paige turns up unannounced at Wynthorpe Hall, she discovers the place she knew when she was growing up has changed beyond all recognition. She’s only planning to stay for a short time, but is quickly pulled into local life.

 

One night while driving home after delivering library books and shopping to residents she stumbles across an isolated cottage and meets Albert, its elderly and rather grumpy owner. She quickly realises there’s more to Albert than meets the eye and the same can be said for the other man she can’t seem to help running into, handsome but brooding Brodie.

 

All three of them have a secret and a desire to hide away from the world, but with Christmas on the horizon, is that really the best way to celebrate the season?

 

“Grab a hot chocolate and lose yourself in this heart-warming story of romance, community and secrets. The perfect story to read by the fire!” Phillipa Ashley

Coming Home to Mistletoe Cottage by Celia Anderson (just 99p for kindle, on a limited time deal)

 

Could a sprinkling of magic save Christmas this year?

 

Amid the salt marshes and rolling fields of Periwinkle Bay, Magda Conway is enjoying her retirement in ivy-clad Mistletoe Cottage.

 

Yet with three weeks to go until Christmas, as the fairy lights twinkle and the trees go up around the village, her peace is disrupted when she’s left in sole charge of her two mischievous grandchildren.

 

Before long, she’s at her wit’s end – but high on a kitchen shelf lies her mother’s handwritten recipe book. And as she turns to it for advice, she finds more than just recipes between its tattered covers: there’s a pinch of magic too, and maybe even a sprinkling of love…

 

“Light the fire, pour yourself a glass of mulled wine and settle down with this gorgeous festive treat. A delightful Christmas read about family, loss and the magic of old recipe books. It’s as comforting and delicious as a batch of freshly baked mince pies” Annie Lyons

 

The Christmas Holiday by Phillipa Ashley (just 99p for kindle, on a limited time deal – and, would you believe it, another author I’ve NEVER read!)

 

Krystle didn’t have a normal childhood and longed for warm family Christmases with presents under the tree. Now she makes sure everyone else has the perfect Christmas she never had, bringing beautiful decorations to cheer as many people as possible.

 

With her festive business booming, she decides to celebrate by renting a secluded house in the Lakes, with a plan to make this the ultimate yuletide getaway.

 

But fate immediately throws a spanner in the works in the form of a broken-down car, a flooded river and Max; a man who despises Christmas.

 

Krystle becomes determined to show Max the joys of the holiday. She won’t take no for an answer.

 

Can she melt Max’s Grinch-like heart? And can he show her that life doesn’t need to go to plan to take you somewhere magical…

 

“Wow, just the most perfect fabulous festive read, heart-warming, charming, a real tonic to add cheer and love to your day!… I really didn’t want it to end” NetGalley review

 

Merrily Ever After by Cathy Bramley (£2.99 for kindle – and ANOTHER author I haven’t read before!)

 

In a picturesque town in Derbyshire, Merry has always wanted a family to spend Christmas with, and this year her dream comes true as she says ‘I do’ to father-of-two Cole. But as she juggles worries about her business, last-minute wedding planning and the two new children in her life, Merry is stretched to breaking point.

 

Meanwhile, only a few miles away, Emily is desperately waiting for the New Year to begin. Her father Ray’s dementia is worsening, and she’s struggling to care for him alone while holding down a job. When Ray moves into a residential home, she discovers a photograph in his belongings that has the potential to change everything .

 

As shocking secrets from Ray’s past finally come to light, will this Christmas make or break Emily and Merry?

 

“Heartwarming and uplifting – a gorgeous festive treat” Sarah Morgan

 

Snowed in for Christmas by Sarah Morgan (just 99p for kindle, on a limited time deal – and I have listened to and enjoyed Sarah’s books before, but never shared a review)

 

She’s snowed in with the family. The only problem? They’re not her family.

 

A family gathering

 

This Christmas the Miller siblings have one goal – to avoid their family’s well-meaning questions. Ross, Alice and Clemmie have secrets that they don’t intend to share, and they are relying on each other to deflect attention.

 

An uninvited guest

 

Lucy Clarke is facing a Christmas alone, and the prospect of losing her job – unless she can win a major piece of business from Ross Miller. She’ll deliver her proposal to his family home in the Scottish Highlands and then leave. After all, she wouldn’t want to intrude on the Miller’s perfect family Christmas.

 

A Christmas to remember

 

When Lucy appears on the Miller’s snow-covered doorstep, she is mistaken for Ross’s girlfriend. But by the time the confusion is cleared up, a storm has hit and Lucy is stuck. As everyone settles in for a snowed-in Christmas, tensions bubble to the surface and suddenly Lucy finds herself facing a big family fallout with a family that isn’t hers…

 

“Unputdownable and gorgeous, I adored Snowed in for Christmas. It’s the ultimate feel-good festive novel” Phillipa Ashley

 

On the First Day of Christmas by Faith Hogan (just 99p for kindle, free via Kindle Unlimited)

 

This Christmas, everything will change…

 

When Liv Latimer says goodbye to her fellow nurses and finishes work for the holidays, she’s looking forward to a Christmas to remember with her boyfriend Eddie.

 

But as she leaves the hospital, tragedy strikes and Liv is faced with a choice. Will she ignore her instincts and go home as planned? Or will she stay, and potentially change the course of her life as she knows it?

 

Whatever choice she makes, Liv is about to discover that fate finds a way…

 

From the bestselling Irish author of The Ladies’ Midnight Swimming Club comes an emotional and uplifting festive story about love, family and how a split-second decision can change your life. (No need for an endorsement on this one – I’ve read everything Faith has ever written, and already know how much I love her writing!)

 

Keeping a Christmas Promise by Jo Thomas (just 99p for kindle, and – rather unbelievably – another author I’ve never read before!)

 

One Icelandic Christmas holiday. One snowstorm. An adventure they’ll never forget!

 

Twenty-five years ago, Freya and her three best friends created a bucket list. The future seemed bright and full of hope . . . But now they are travelling to Iceland in memory of the friend they’ve lost, determined to fulfil her dream of seeing the Northern Lights at Christmas.

 

They didn’t count on an avalanche leaving them stranded! Handsome local, Pétur, comes to the rescue, showing them how the community survives the hard winter. With Christmas approaching, Freya and her friends throw themselves into the festivities, decorating and cooking for the villagers using delicious local ingredients.

 

But will they manage to see the Northern Lights? And can Freya’s own dreams come true, this Christmas?

 

“Heart-warming, moving and romantic, with a beautiful setting – what could be better?” Katie Fforde

 

The Christmas Tree Cottage by Holly Martin (just 99p for kindle, free via Kindle Unlimited – and yet another author I’ve never read!)

 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Wishing Wood, where the forest sparkles with fairy lights, the snow is falling, the fire is crackling and love is in the air. From the bestselling author of The Wisteria Tree Cottage comes the perfect romance to warm your heart this Christmas.

 

Evergreen Winter lives an unconventional life. Her home is a ramshackle red caravan and her Clydesdale horse Thunder is her only companion. She’s never anywhere long enough to put down roots, and that’s just the way she likes it. Until she arrives at beautiful Wishing Wood eight days before Christmas…

 

When Evergreen accepted the job to play the role of Mrs Christmas at the magical treehouse resort nestled within lush forest she never expected her Santa Claus to be the very gorgeous Heath Brookfield. From the moment they meet their connection is electric, and each day they play husband and wife Evergreen gets a glimpse of how incredible her life could be if she stayed in Wishing Wood for good.

 

But the last time Evergreen opened her heart to love she lost everything and she swore she’d never rely on anyone ever again. Heath believes he’s the one person who can change her mind. But with Evergreen set to leave on Christmas Eve, Heath doesn’t have long. Can he convince her to stay or will she ride away forever in her little red caravan taking his heart with her?

 

Christmas at the Village Sewing Shop by Helen Rolfe (£2.99 for kindle – just out in paperback, I missed this one on kindle release last year, and I do love it in Butterbury!)

 

Can three sisters stitch their family back together?

 

Loretta loves running the little village sewing shop in Butterbury. Some of her most precious memories are sitting with her three daughters Daisy, Ginny and Fern, stitching together pieces of material – and their hopes and dreams.

 

But this Christmas the family is coming apart at the seams: Fern feels like she’s failing at motherhood and marriage, Ginny’s passion for her job as a midwife is fading, Daisy is desperate to prove she ‘ s changed since her wild younger years – and most of all, Loretta seems to be hiding something…

 

As they come together to create a new festive quilt, the bond between the sisters begins to heal. But when Loretta reveals the real reason she’s brought them all home, can the sisters mend the quilt, and their family, in time for Christmas?

 

Full of kindness, community and festive magic, this is a treat to curl up with this Christmas!

 

“Full of festive spirit and intriguing family secrets!” Heidi Swain

 

Saving Christmas by Emily Harvale (just 99p for kindle, free via Kindle Unlimited – and it’s far too long since I read one of Emily’s lovely books…)

 

It’s not only Christmas that needs saving.

 

Katie’s life is turned upside down less than four weeks before Christmas leaving her unemployed, heartbroken and homeless. Luckily, her younger sister, Emma makes her an offer she can’t refuse. But spending the festive season in the quaint seaside town Katie left behind five years ago, is not at the top of her Christmas Wish List. Although it will give her time to heal and plan her future.

 

Firefighter, Aaron’s not a fan of Christmas which his new neighbour, Katie clearly is, judging by the blaring Christmas music. Sparks fly the moment they meet, and it seems they can’t agree on anything. But Aaron can’t concern himself with Katie. He’s got his own demons to fight and a ghost from a Christmas past he’s unable to lay to rest.

 

When a fire at Conqueror’s Court Care Home threatens to ruin the festive season for the elderly residents – one of whom is Katie’s meddlesome nan – Katie’s determined she’ll save their Christmas. Even if she must accept help from her grumpy but annoyingly attractive neighbour, Aaron … along with Ember, his rambunctious dog.

 

Setting aside their differences, Katie and Aaron pull together and things soon look promising. In more ways than one. But will painful memories from Aaron’s past and Katie’s recent heartbreak keep them apart? Or will Katie’s ex do that by arriving with the perfect present to make Katie’s dreams come true?

 

Katie and Aaron want to save Christmas. Will they save one another along the way? And will the magic of the season add a touch of sparkle to everyone’s lives?

 

The Gingerbread Café by Anita Faulkner (just 99p for kindle – and, like so many others, I really enjoyed A Colourful Country Escape…)

 

The Gingerbread Café is always full of Christmas magic. Come rain or shine (or even a July heatwave), there’s always a hot chocolate bursting with cinnamon and marshmallows waiting for you. For introverted Gretel, it’s been the perfect escape from ‘real life’. The owner, Nell, is Gretel’s last link to her late mum, and hiding out at the café feels so much safer than making new friends.

 

So when Nell suddenly passes, Gretel is left heartbroken. Then she discovers that Nell has left the café to her – but there’s a catch. Gretel has to share the running of The Gingerbread Café with the least festive person ever: Nell’s nephew, Lukas. Head chef at the local fancy restaurant, Lukas makes it clear he has no time for the café, Gretel or even Christmas itself, and Gretel’s too busy struggling to save her burnt batches of gingerbread to work out why.

 

Gretel is determined to keep Christmas alive and make the café a success before Lukas hands the keys over to the scrooge-like developers. But she can’t do it alone; besides an over friendly ferret and a waitress with a secret, the only person she has now is Lukas. Will it take a Christmas miracle to get the pair to finally see eye to eye, or could the ice already be melting?

 

Packed full of sugar and spice, The Gingerbread Café will tick all the wishes off your Christmas list this festive period.

 

“Don’t miss this enchanting sparkly Christmas read . . . grab it as soon as you can and devour, along with a steaming mug of hot chocolate, marshmallows and a gingerbread cookie!” Georgia Hill

 

A Snowflake in December by Kiltie Jackson (£2.49 for kindle, free via Kindle Unlimited – I’ve been meaning to try one of Kiltie’s books for ages, and doesn’t this one look just lovely?)

 

When Christmas is the time of year you hate the most, what does it take to make you love it?

 

Polly Snowflake hasn’t celebrated Christmas since her father died on Christmas Day when she was fifteen years old and, twenty years later, she has avoiding the festive season down to a fine art. That is until she meets Maxwell Watkins, a fully-fledged lover of Christmas, who vows to thaw out her frozen Christmas spirit.

 

Taking the idea of an advent calendar, Maxwell sets a different ADVENT-ure each day from the 1st to the 24th December, covering all manner of wonderful Christmas delights. As they spend time together, Polly begins to wonder if Christmas is the only thing she’ll be opening her heart to. That is, until Maxwell’s glamourous super-model ex-girlfriend arrives back on the scene…

 

Will this be a Christmas for Polly to remember or yet another she’ll want to forget?

 

“I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVED this stunning, unique feel good festive page turner. That good that this is actually the BEST festive book that I have ever read!!” Bookworm86

So, that’s my reading plan – and I’ll share my reviews as I finish the books, and I’ll get through as many as I possibly can. I’ve started well – I’m already half way through Heidi Swain’s lovely book! Right, must go,  off to put up the tree, and double-check that I have enough sparkly lights… and I know, you can never have too many, can you?!