Ready for reading that’s merry and bright? Great! Cuz what’s Christmas without some good books?
Fresh out of ideas for the season? We’ve gotcha covered!
Here are seven uplifting, engaging reads to help celebrate the season with faith, hope, and love. In no particular order:
1. The Christmas Box, by Richard Paul Evans
A perennial favorite from a master storyteller.
A young family moves in with a wealthy widow just before the holidays as caretakers. The father, Richard, is so engrossed in getting his fledgling business off the ground that he is unaware of his misplaced priorities. Sensing this, the widow Mary Parkin is determined to not let Richard make the same mistake that haunts her past. Can she reach him before it’s too late?
A rich, warm tale of family, faith, and the brevity of life. Beautifully written.
2. The Homecoming, by Earl Hamner, Jr.
It’s Christmas Eve in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia during the Depression. Clay Spencer, patriarch of a large family, is overdue. While the Spencer clan anxiously awaits Clay’s homecoming, the older son, Clay-boy, goes in search of his father.
The novel that launched The Waltons.
Like The Christmas Box, I read this story every Christmas season.
3. Homespun Christmas,Collected Authors
Can love be kindled in the seemingly dying embers of this small logging town? Can the Christmas wishes of one young boy once again ignite the fires of optimism in the inhabitants of Hope? Will one Christmas centennial celebration change an inevitable outcome?
Four multi-published, award-winning authors present a heart-warming story of people working together for a common cause and finding love. Just fun. I can almost hear the sleigh bells!
4. Shepherds Abiding, by Jan Karon
The eighth Mitford novel provides a glimpse of the best present of all: one’s heart.
Father Tim discovers an old nativity scene in need of repair. Even though he’s not exactly the “artsy” type like his wife, Cynthia, he decides to undertake its restoration because he knows how much she’ll love it. Through Father Tim’s journey, readers are treated to a seat at Mitford’s holiday table and a wonderful tale about the true Christmas spirit.
5. The Christmas Secret, by Donna VanLiere
A struggling young mother saves the life of a stranger and sets in motion a series of events that no one could’ve imagined as she navigates crushing defeat and disappointment on the way to hope, faith, and love. Warm, wonderful characters and a rich storyline.
Note: The timeline gets a little muddled as it skips back and forth between present and past. Also, the POV flips between first and third person and can get confusing. Still a cozy read for cold winter nights!
6. The Gift of the Magi, by O. Henry
One of O. Henry’s most poignant and best-loved short stories. It’s Christmas and neither Mr. nor Mrs. Jim Dillingham can afford to buy the other a gift. Selfless sacrifices and an O. Henry ending ensue. A lovely read.
7. The Greatest Sacrifice, Collected Authors
Because Easter begins with Christmas.
Honorable Mentions:
A Christmas Carol -Charles Dickens
How the Grinch Stole Christmas – Dr. Seuss
The Mistletoe Secret – Richard Paul Evans.
Twas the Night Before Christmas – Clement Moore
Pages & Paws 