Reading Fiction with a Christmas Theme

On By Carole @ From My Carolina HomeIn Books and Reading

December is a great time for reading novels with a Christmas theme. I had several on the shelves saved for this time of year, so began reading these right after Thanksgiving. I enjoyed all of them. I’ve linked the titles to Amazon for you to see the whole synopsis of the story if you’d like.

The Christmas Boutique by Jennifer Chiaverini – Grab a quilt, and settle in for another visit to Elm Creek Quilts. Like a warm cup of cocoa, this novel of friendship and holiday cheer is the perfect getaway for the Christmas season. The novel can stand alone, as it reviews some of the history of the women involved, so the reader can understand the present situation. But the conflicts are resolved, the Boutique is saved, and all is well. A perfect holiday read!

Lakeshore Christmas by Susan Wiggs – Formulaic romance novel, with two opposite personality people thrown together to produce the Christmas pageant, while also trying to save the local library. Predictable, but if you enjoy romance novels, you’ll probably like it.

I had two cozy mysteries on the shelf, both standard fare, easy reading, murder mysteries in two fairly good series. First, Let It Sew by Elizabeth Lynn Casey, the holiday theme novel in the Southern Sewing Circle series where our heroine is drafted to the Christmas Decorating Committee. Then, Holiday Buzz by Cleo Coyle is another visit to the Village Blend Coffeehouse where Fa-La-La-Lattes lead to the discovery of the body of a baking assistant.

An Irish Country Christmas by Patrick Taylor – Funny and heartwarming, spending a bit of holiday time in Ballybucklebo is a treat for the season. Quirky characters are the hallmark of the Irish Country Doctor series. You’ll enjoy the ride with a funny but sad situation as a young child trying to be helpful creates a bigger problem than he can understand. The creative way the community finds to help is just fun.

Also fun were two Christmas theme books I’ve read before some time ago, but worth a mention here. First, The Christmas Train by David Baldacci was a nice holiday read with a surprise ending you will not see coming. Although I could have done without the stupid decision towards the end concerning skiing to find help, the rest of the book was enjoyable especially for the holidays. Skipping Christmas by John Grisham is just plain fun for the holidays. It is the novel that the movie ‘Christmas with the Kranks’ was based on.

Do you have a favorite Christmas theme novel to recommend? Have you read any of these?

17 thoughts on “Reading Fiction with a Christmas Theme”

  1. Sandi Scarlett

    I use to always read Christmas novels starting around Thanksgiving. I haven’t done that in a few years and should get back to doing that as I always enjoyed it. Now I watch a lot of Hallmark movies.

    1. Julie

      I do too, Sandi. I only like the Christmas movies during December. I can ‘watch’ movies while I’m sewing. Sometimes I listen to audio books, but it’s not the same experience as cozying up with a book in hand. And with these reviews, now I’m in the mood to do just that!

  4. karenfae

    I loved Christmas with the Kranks and read the book. I read some Xmas books and watch some Xmas movies – a lot of times they are too sappy for me – but sometimes you can be surprised at how fun or funny they can be and give you a warm gooey feeling 🙂

  5. My book club read The Christmas Train for December last year, and I thought it was a good story. I agree about the skiing for help storyline, though! I love Jennifer Chiaverini and enjoyed that book, too. My favorite of her books are always the ones set in Elm Creek. Susan Wiggs is a favorite author, too, but I’m not sure I’ve read that one. I’ll have to put it on my list.

  6. Jennifer Rauch

    LOVED both Skipping Christmas – movie wasn’t as funny as the book. Bought two – on purpose – one to share! And Christmas Boutique was delightful too! Now I have to add your Irish Country Christmas to the pile I’m reading. A little Christmas something every day. It sure is the year to read & read & read!

  7. The year Skipping Christmas came out, I read it out loud to my husband. I was laughing til I had tears running down my face from watching him laughing at the book. It still is up there as one of the best books we’ve read together. The movie is a must watch too, but the book will always be considered a classic here.

  9. Jannette Binder

    I haven’t read any of these books, so I’ve ordered “The Christmas Boutique”. I thought that I’d read all of the Elm Creek novels – not sure how I missed this one!

  11. I usually read a few Christmas theme novels during the holiday season, but have yet to pick any up for this year. Thanks for the reviews. I’m looking forward to reading these asap. I’ll check out my library and then place an order on Amazon for some.

  12. Diane

    One book I enjoy reading at Christmas is not very long but it is special. A Cup of Christmas Tea by Tom Hegg. You , most likely, have read it. I wish it was longer,sometimes.
    Blessings.
    Diane

  15. Joan Sheppard

    We used to drive from Chicago to Pittsburgh for Christmas and spent a week with the in-laws. Lots of time to read and I would save some fav boos for the trip. I recently read “Christmas Quilt” even though I’ve read them all before. They are like old friends. I just ordered the “Irish Country Christmas” from the library and I’m #68 in line! Seems everyone likes it too. I always trust you to find the very best books. Thanks for sharing them.
    j

  16. I don’t tend to read Christmas themed books but I’m surprised I haven’t read the Jennifer Chiaverini one as I enjoy the Elm Creek series. I’ve read The Christmas Train but I think the promise of the early chapters were not borne out by the end of the book.

Comments are closed.