I know not everyone enjoys this time of year, and I totally get it. There are times of the year I find incredibly difficult, too. So if you’re not a fan of the holiday season or winter, absolutely swerve the rest of this article (and, more importantly, I hope you’re okay. Hang in there. Less than a month until the days start getting longer again - if you’re in the northern hemisphere, that is).
However, I know lots of you do like this time of year, so this one’s for you. Here are a selection of books, new and old, that I’ve enjoyed over the last few years, which you might want to check out. I’ve also sneaked one of my own Christmas reads in at the end. Cheeky, I know!
Merrily Ever After by Cathy Bramley
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?
Available from Amazon UK | Amazon US | Barnes & Noble | Apple | Kobo | Google Play and more.
A White Christmas on Winter Street by Sue Moorcroft
When Sky Terran returns to the village of Middledip after losing the job she loves, she anticipates a quiet Christmas getting used to her new life. However, the annual street decoration competition is coming up and this year, the residents of Winter Street are determined to win.
As she is pulled into the preparations, Sky quickly grows to love the quirky, tight-knit community she is now part of. Including the extremely handsome Daz, who soon becomes more than just a friendly neighbour.
But when Daz’s ex turns up determined to win him back and it seems he might not be the man Sky thought he was, she remembers how much allowing people into her life – and heart – can hurt. As the snow falls, will she and Daz find a way through – and help win a Christmas victory for Winter Street?
Available from Amazon UK | Amazon US | Barnes & Noble | Apple | Kobo | Google Play and more.
Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas by Adam Kay
Twas The Nightshift Before Christmas is the hilarious, poignant and entertaining story of the life of a junior doctor at the most challenging time of the year. With twenty-five tales of intriguing, shocking and incredible Christmas incidents, the British public will finally appreciate the sacrifices made and the challenges faced by the unsung heroes of the NHS.
Available from Amazon UK | Amazon US | Google Play and more.
This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens
Quinn and Minnie are born on New Year's Eve, in the same hospital, one minute apart.
Their lives may begin together, but their worlds couldn't be more different.
Thirty years later they find themselves together again in the same place, at the same time.
What if fate is trying to bring them together?
Maybe it's time to take a chance on love...
Available from Amazon UK | Amazon US | Barnes & Noble | Apple | Kobo | Google Play and more.
Eight Nights in December by Keira Andrews
An innocent orphan and experienced stranger are stuck together.
Orphaned Lucas figures spending the holidays with his obnoxious roommate’s family in New York City is better than staying alone on campus upstate. He ends up sharing a room again, this time with his roommate’s brother. Quiet photographer Nate isn’t at all what Lucas expects.
In fact, he’s incredibly sexy—especially when he invites Lucas into his darkroom...
They hide their attraction during Hanukkah celebrations, but behind closed doors, Lucas and Nate can’t keep their hands (or mouths) off each other. Nate’s only looking for a bit of holiday diversion, and introducing inexperienced Lucas to all the fun they can have definitely fits the bill. No feelings. No romance. No promises.
Yet they're falling for each other...
Eight Nights in December is a gay holiday romance from Keira Andrews features secret trysts, forced proximity, first times, spinning the dreidel, and of course a happy ending.
Available from Amazon UK | Amazon US | Barnes & Noble | Apple | Kobo | Google Play and more.
Moonstone by Lucy Felthouse
Christmas gifts aren’t the only surprises Ginny is going to get this year.
Moonstone Guinevere ‘Ginny’ Miles is in Silver Springs visiting her parents for the holidays. They moved to the town five years ago, and adore their new life here. Used to the hustle and bustle of London, England, Ginny isn’t convinced at first—what’s so great about a small town in Upstate New York, anyway? Despite her own opinions, it’s clear to Ginny the move has done her parents the world of good—they look years younger. There’s clearly something magical about this town.
Following some exploration of her own, Ginny discovers Silver Springs has its charms—Jewels Cafe is amazing, for starters, as is its pumpkin spice latte. Ginny’s drunk a lot of lattes in her thirty-three years, but nothing quite like this.
Her taste buds are still tingling from the tasty treat when she comes across a broken-down truck on the way back to her parents’ place. And when she spots the three gorgeous guys with the vehicle, it’s not just her taste buds that are tingling.
Is Ginny’s vacation in Silver Springs about to get a whole lot more interesting?
Universal link (click to see a list of retailers): https://books2read.com/moonstoneJC
For those of you celebrating, have a fun, safe and warm holiday season - and try not to get stressed out. It’s meant to be fun ;)
Everyone else, just in case you read this far anyway, you stay safe and warm, and have fun, whatever you’re up to.
Happy Reading,
Lucy x