I usually read quite a few books in December since I’m reading holiday books. They are usually upbeat, have happy endings and are shorter than the typical novel. I enjoyed several fun holiday books this year. Christmas in Bethel and An Amish Christmas were my favorites. Here is what I read in December:
The Once and Future King by T.H. White
The Once and Future King is a retelling of the Arthurian legends. Written in the 1950s, it gives updated language and references to the classic story. I have never read the original, but I did enjoy this version. I learned some new details that aren’t usually presented on the screen versions of the story.
The Confessions of Marie Antoinette by Juliet Grey
The Confessions of Marie Antoinette is the third book in the series. While this book summarizes the last few months of Marie Antoinette’s life, it’s not as engaging as the other two books were. I felt it lacked the depth considering the circumstances the royals were facing. It’s still a decent read to learn the details of her life.
Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska
I started reading the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska in February when I would go to church for adoration hour. As I slowly read through this book, I found so many amazing encounters Saint Maria had with Jesus. She had visions and heard him speaking to her. I learned a lot about her life and her faith. While it’s long, it’s a great book to read through slowly.
The Christmas Wish by Richard Siddoway
The Christmas Wish is a cute holiday romance where Will is trying to find a family secret as a gift for the grandmother who raised him. As he searches, he actually finds out more and more wonderful things about his grandfather. In the end, learning about who his grandfather was at work shows Will what true love really should look like.
The Christmas Cottage by Davis Bunn
The Christmas Cottage is a little scattered as it goes back and forth between two characters – Olivia and Dillon. They were high school sweethearts who had a bad breakup. Now, they meet up in their hometown after both getting down on their luck. However, the town just suffered a severe flood and they both have to find a way to help the town but move on past their past.
Christmas in Bethel by Richard Paul Evans
One of my favorite things about the holiday season is reading Richard Paul Evans’ newest holiday book. Christmas in Bethel was a great story about showing people who we truly are and finding those who will love us without pretenses. Leigh has hard a really hard life and has given up on romance. Then, while waiting to see her favorite author at a book signing, she has a connection with a man at the coffee shop. And, I can’t tell you any more. I highly recommend it, though. (The book does deal with physical and sexual abuse, though.)
The Christmas Countdown by Holly Cassidy
In The Christmas Countdown, Callie is living with her sister Anita and wants nothing to do with the holidays after a rough breakup. Anita plans a challenge to get her sister in the holiday spirit. Just as they start to get into it, Anita has to go out of town and plots for a new acquaintance to help Callie with her challenges. Will she be open to love again?
Christmas Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke
Christmas Cake Murder follows a very predictable plot. There’s a lot of description of food in the book, along with recipes. It was a fun read, but not super engaging for me.
The Christmas Checklist by Lisa Hepner
The Christmas Checklist follows Emily as she follows a checklist left by her mother who passed away around Thanksgiving. Emily doesn’t want to get into the holiday spirit, but finally starts the list because her mother wanted it. Along the way, she finds her heart opening again to her family, friends, neighbors and a special someone.
Christmas in Sugarcreek by Shelley Shepard Gray
Christmas in Sugarcreek is an Amish holiday romance full of twists and turns. Judith is the dependable child in her family even though she’s a grown woman. Ben is home for the holidays to say goodbye to his childhood town and sell his father’s house. Sparks fly but neither of them succumb easily.
A Biltmore Christmas by Diane T. Ashley
A Biltmore Christmas is a collection of short stories about sisters who all find employment at or around the Biltmore. While the setting is fun, several of the stories follow the same plot. However, they are all cute, clean, holiday romances.
Once Upon A Dickens Christmas by Michelle Griep
Once Upon A Dickens Christmas is a book of short stories where Charles Dickens makes an appearance in each one. All the stories are set in Victorian England and deal with holiday romances. They were all very intriguing stories – one is a mystery, one is about someone posing in a relationship to save an uncle from the sanitorium and the other is about a widow finding love again.
An Amish Christmas by Cynthia Keller
An Amish Christmas was one of my favorites this holiday season. A family who never lacks for anything finds themselves with only a car full of their treasured items and stranded in Amish country. Two weeks living with a kind family teaches all of them very important life lessons – some we could all use today.
Evergreen Christmas by Janet Dailey
In Evergreen Christmas, Jordyn Banks has given up the rodeo to finally find a home in Noel. She grew up in foster homes and just wants to settle in to a small town. However, the town celebrates a Christmas competition every year and she is pulled into it right away. It pits her against her neighbor, who happens to really catch her eye. It’s a very sweet holiday romance.
The Colony: Michael Vey 10 by Richard Paul Evans
The Colony is the final book in the Michael Vey series (after the other final book #7). The book is jam-packed with action, but brings a sweet conclusion to the books about the Electroclan. However, there is a small opening for Evans to write more about their families in the future.
The Christmas Sisters by Sarah Morgan
The Christmas Sisters is a fun holiday story set in Scotland and Manhattan. Sisters Posey, Beth and Hannah are all facing trials this Christmas. However, a holiday in Scotland at the home of their adopted parents brings focus and healing to all.
Encountering Emmanuel by Heather Khym
Encountering Emmanual is a wonderful Advent devotional. Each day has a short quote, passage, pray, litany and journal questions. Many of the days have quite profound devotionals. I highly, highly recommend this devotional for Advent.
What’s the best book you read lately? Share in the comments!