THE CHRISTMAS period is typically the time when people are in the mood to settle down with a good book.
But when the Christmas lights are on and snow is falling outside, you’d rather not be reading about holidaying in sunnier climes or true crime.
So here are five books to get you in the festive mood.
One day In December by Josie Silver.
Since it’s release in 2018, One Day in December has been number one on everyone’s Christmas book list.
Through a misted-up bus window one freezing day, our protagonist, Laurie, sees a man she knows instantly is the one. Their eyes meet, there’s a moment of pure magic… and then her bus drives away.
Laurie thinks she’ll never see the boy from the bus again. But at a party later that year, her best friend Sarah introduces Laurie to to her new boyfriend.
Who is, of course, the boy from the bus. Set over ten years, the book follows Laurie as she navigates love, heartbreak and friendship.
Truly a heartwarming festive read, this book takes the reader from laughing to crying in just one chapter.
A must have for any bibliophile this Christmas.
Seven Days Of Us by Francesca Hornak.
Many readers might have been put off by this book as it’s based around a family in quarantine. But thankfully there is no mention of the dreaded C word.
For the first time in years the entire Birch family will be under one roof for Christmas.
Olivia, the eldest daughter is returning home after treating an epidemic abroad and has to quarantine for seven days.
Her mum has decided is the perfect opportunity for the Birch’s to spend some quality time together.
Her younger sister wholeheartedly disagrees and her dad isn’t allowed an opinion.
Told from the perspective of each family member, Seven Days of Us has something for everyone.
Dickens At Christmas by Charles Dickens.
A round up of festive books wouldn’t be complete without a mention of the man himself, Charles Dickens.
This Vintage Classic version includes not only A Christmas Carol but less well known stories.
Titled a selection of seasonal writings, the book includes stories from the Pickwick Papers, Household Words, A Round of Stories by the Christmas Fire and five of Dickens Christmas books.
For fans of Dickens this bumper selection is a must read, and a great festive addition to everyone’s bookshelf.
‘Twas The Nightshift Before Christmas by Adam Kay.
You don’t often think hospitals are places where you can find humour, never mind some of the most humorous Christmas stories I’ve ever read.
But then you read Adam Kay’s ‘Twas The Nightshift Before Christmas and you understand amongst the heartache, surgeries and illnesses you can find a morsel of comedy.
Told in Kay’s typical dry style, he recounts spending his Christmas Eve’s dealing with vomit, understaffed wards, removing festive items from people’s bottoms and much more.
This book, a follow up from his debut best-selling book This Is Going To Hurt, proves once again that all manner of events take place on hospital wards, especially at Christmas.
‘Twas The Nightshift Before Christmas is the perfect stocking filler and reminds us all, no matter how you spend your Christmas, there is always laughter to be found.
I’ll Be Home For Christmas edited together by Ruth Bennett.
This young adult novel is a collection of Christmas stories edited together by Ruth Bennett.
Not only does it celebrate the best of the UK’s young adult authors, but at least £1 from every book sold is donated to Crisis, a homelessness charity.
Contributors include: Tom Becker, Holly Bourne, Sita Brahmachari, Kevin Brooks, Melvin Burgess, Katy Cannon , Cat Clarke, Juno Dawson, Tracy Darnton, Julie Mayhew, Non Pratt, Marcus Sedgwick, Lisa Williamson and Benjamin Zephaniah.
These short stories are based around the theme of home, and how that varies from person to person.
A beautiful but sometimes heartbreaking read, this book deals with the the uncomfortable themes of homelessness, family fallouts and alcoholism.
A gritty reality in a sea of festive fun, this book is a must read for everyone, regardless of age.
I’ll Be Home for Christmas shows the reader that behind the carols and presents, Christmas can be a tough time for some, and kindness can go a long way.
