THERE IS nothing better than curling up with a good book at Christmas time.
But with an overwhelming choice, it can be hard to know which book will make you smile and which will cause you to nod off.
So here is a list of the best books to read this festive season.
The Christmas Appeal by Janice Hallett
The follow up to Hallett’s successful ‘The Appeal’ takes us back to Lower Lockwood and the Fairway Players are busy rehearsing their festive pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk.
The group are busy raising money for the church roof appeal. But despite the season, goodwill is distinctly lacking amongst the amateur dramatics enthusiasts.
Sarah-Jane is fending off threats to her new position as Chair, the fibreglass beanstalk might be full of asbestos, and a someone is intent on ruining the panto even before the curtain goes up.
Of course there’s also the matter of the dead body. It is left to Charlotte and Femi to piece together the emails, texts and transcripts to solve the festive mystery.
As is typical with Hallett’s works, the story is layered with mystery and intrigue, offering more than just a Christmas read.
Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret by Benjamin Stevenson
This is a clever and festive addition to the Ernest Cunningham series. This holiday mystery is structured like an advent calendar, with each chapter revealing a new clue leading up to a climactic Christmas Eve resolution.
The story follows Ernest Cunningham as he investigates a murder in Katoomba, Australia. The case becomes personal when the prime suspect is his ex-wife, who vehemently denies the crime.
Stevenson’s writing offers a mix of suspense and wit, with plenty of red herrings and moments of levity, even as it explores darker themes.
The humor and holiday atmosphere make it a standout seasonal read for mystery lovers or fans of the series
The Christmas Tree Farm by Laurie Gilmore
The charming holiday romance set in the picturesque small town of Dream Harbor.
The story centers on Kira North who hates Christmas.
Which is unfortunate since she just bought a Christmas tree farm in a town that’s too cute for its own good.
Bennett Ellis is on vacation in Dream Harbor taking a break from his life in California. And most importantly, taking a break from his latest run of disastrous dates.
After a run in with Kira in her fields, Ben has no intention of offering to help the grumpy owner set up her tree farm, despite the fact she’s clearly got no idea what she’s doing.
Kira knows she should stop being so stubborn, but her farm is not all cute and cozy like people always show on social media, it’s borderline dangerous with no heating, and she’d rather no one saw it.
But somehow fate finds Ben at Kira’s farm once more, and as Kira watches him swing an ax at the first tree, she finds herself appreciating his strength and questioning why she refused help in the first place.
Their relationship begins with amusing tension as Kira mistakes Bennet for a trespasser, but it soon blossoms into a heartfelt connection.
Northern Lights by Philip Pullman 
Although not technically set at Christmas time, the first book in Pullman’s famous His Dark Materials series is a winter classic.
Set in a parallel universe which science, theology and magic are entwined, the story follows Lyra Belacqua and her daemon Pan through their adventures.
But things take a turn for the worse when children start to go missing, snatched mysteriously by a group the children call ‘The Gobblers’.
When Roger, Lyra’s best friend is taken, she finds herself bound up in a dangerous chase, a daring game of cat-and-mouse that sees her on the run from the highest authorities.
Lyra embarks on a dangerous quest to save her friend and uncover the truth.
A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig
What could be more festive about a contemporary take on the origins of Father Christmas? It follows Nikolas, a boy living in Finland, as he embarks on a magical journey to find his father, encountering elves, reindeer, and the true meaning of kindness along the way.
The story blends adventure, humor, and a touch of magic, making it a delightful read for children and adults alike. Haig’s writing captures the true spirit of Christmas, and has the power to take every reader back to their childhood.
Haig’s storytelling is simple yet captivating, filled with wit and warmth and will undoubtely go down as a Christmas classic.
