It’s nearly Christmas, so here are some Festive books that are new for your delectation as you settle on the sofa ahead of the big day. I’m working on Christmas Day this year, so raise a glass to me if you’re at home – as I’ll be raising a glass to all the people who are working and doing much more vital and lifesaving things than just sitting in a newsroom.
Holiday Wishes by Jill Shalvis
This is the Christmas novella in the Heartbreaker Bay series. I enjoyed it – but I think I would have benefited from having read more than just one other book in the series. This is a Christmas-set story that isn’t too massively into the Festive details as well – which I always enjoy.
How the Finch Stole Christmas by Donna Andrews
The things I do for this blog. Because I read this for this post, I’m now up to date in the Meg Langslow series, which means I’m going to have to wait for the next ones like everyone else. This sees Michael putting on A Christmas Carol with a full cast – including the twins. the trouble is that the leading man is somewhat difficult and it’s all they can do to get him to turn up to the theatre on time. This is as fun and Christmassy as you could wish for. I think it would work stand alone, but if you’ve read some Meg already so much the better.
A Maigret Christmas by Georges Simenon
I got this through NetGalley, and although my proof only had one of the three stories I’m still going to recommend it, because although the story was a little melancholy, it was very good and very readable. If like me you haven’t read a lot of Maigret, now is an ideal time to start – especially as he’s back on TV this Christmas with Maigret in Montmatre. Plus what’s not to like about 1950s Paris.
Christmas at the Grange by TE Kinsey
I’ve written about the Lady Hardcastle series before, but there’s a Kindle Short out for Christmas and it’s a lot of fun. I can’t say why without giving too much away, but Emily and Florence are invited to spend Christmas with their neighbours and a mystery ensues.
I still have a few Christmas books waiting to be read – including Heidi Swain’s Sleigh Rides and Silver Bells at the Christmas Fair and Christmas on the Little Cornish Isles by Philippa Ashley. If you’re a Chronicles of St Mary’s fan, there’s a new novella out on Christmas Day (and there’s a string of previous Christmas short stories too). If you’re not a St Mary’s fan, the first book is 99p on Kindle just don’t expect it to be Christmasy!
Also worth considering this Christmas, even if it’s not a Christmas book is Hester Browne’s The Little Lady Agency – which is only 99p on Kindle at time of writing. I’m on the record as having some issues with the last book in this triology, but if all you read is the first one, you can’t go wrong.
It’s all been a bit hectic here for various real life reasons and even this list is shorter than I was hoping it would be, but I think this is my lot for Christmas reading recommendations. But never fear, Week in Books continues as usual and if you’re all really good, there might be a bonus post or two between now and New Year too. But no promises.
Happy Christmas everyone and Happy Reading!
Verity Reads Books (lots of them) 
THANK YOU for all your lovely suggestions and loans of wonderful books through the year. Your ideas have always seemed to match my rather variable 2017 mood.
Don’t forget our tradition, to raise that (non-alcoholic in your case) glass at 9pm on Christmas Day and drink to “absent friends” (wherever they may be). Happy reading in 2018!