Great Christmas Reads

 As most of you have figured out by now, I love Christmas, anything to do with the holiday, but especially Christmas books.  I have several favorites.  One of my favorite adult holiday books is by Truman Capote, A Christmas Memory.   It tells the story of when Capote was a child living with relatives and the Christmas tradition they had of making fruitcakes for "special" people.  This is a wonderful heartwarming book, not very long at all. 

Another of my favorites is Clay's Quilt Silas House.  I didn't think I could do justice to the summary so I borrowed from Amazon. 

After his mother is killed, four-year-old Clay   Sizemore finds himself alone in a small Appalachian mining town. At first, unsure of Free Creek, he slowly learns to lean on its residents as family. There’s Aunt Easter, who is always filled with a sense of foreboding, bound to her faith above all; quiltmaking Uncle Paul; untamable Evangeline; and Alma, the fiddler whose song wends it way into Clay’s heart. Together, they help Clay fashion a quilt of a life from what treasured pieces surround him. . .

One of my favorite books to read to little ones is Auntie Claus.  Each year Sophie tries to figure out why her Aunt disappears to in October and doesn't return until March.  It must have something to do with her favorie saying, "No matter what the holiday, remember it is better to give than receive."  Will Sophie solve the mystery before Christmas?

I don't do this one justice when reading  but I try really hard, a Cajun version of the classic Night Before Christmas.

You can't go wrong with Olivia helping out in the kitchen for the holidays.

The Polar Express, no need for words.

Olive, the Other Reindeer.  What dog hasn't wanted to be a reindeer.

Christmas Reading

 Two of my favorite things are reading and quilting.  Some days I would put quilting first, other days I would list reading first.  Today is one of those reading days.  I read a variety of books and at this time I year I just can't help but read sentimental holiday books.  I love Debbie Macomber's books and enjoy her holiday books.  The latest one, Call Me Mrs. Miracle, is a heartwarming story of the true meaning of Christmas.  It also reminds us that unfortunately not everyone has wonderful childhood Christmas memories.  Would definitely recommend this one, it is a very quick read.

Mary Kay Andrews is a local Atlanta author and writes extremely amusing books.  Blue Christmas is no exception.  Weezie is up to her neck in decorating for Christmas and at the same time trying to instill a little bit of Christmas cheer in her boyfriend.  Things don't turn out so well when she invites his family over for Christmas Eve dinner. 

 

This is only the second in the Domestic Diva series by Krista Davis that I have read.  They are basic mysteries with recipe and organizational tips.  This one, The Diva Cooked a Goose involves a Boxing Day murder of a wanna be Domestic Diva.  Sophie is called on to prove that her sister-in-law's sister didn't commit murder.  The characters are believable and it is a quick amusing holiday read. 
I am always looking for good holiday books, so if you have some suggestions leave them for me. 

Holiday Reading

I love holiday books, actually I love any kind of book, but especially holiday ones. I even have a collection of children's holiday books. I discovered a new one this year, The True Gift by Patricia MacLachlan. She is the author of one of my all time favorite children's books, Sarah Plain and Tall, when I saw this one at our book fair I had to get a copy of it. It is a very quick read, but very good, all about the true meaning of Christmas. The Christmas Cookie Club is another new holiday book this year. I can definitely see a sequel to it. I enjoyed the characters and would definitely like to know more about them.

I never know if I am going to like the Elm Creek Quilter's books or not, to me they are real hit or miss. This one I really enjoyed, you were able to finally get to know the new characters and revisit some of the older characters. It is also a very quick read.

All of these books are good, none will probably win a prize but they are entertaining and definitely in keeping with the holiday season. My favorite holiday book of all time is The Christmas Memory by Truman Capote. It is the first book I read every year at the beginning of the holiday season. I am usually not one to re-read books but I make an exception for that one. What is your favorite Christmas or holiday book?