By Shannon Kazmierczak
So, have you been binging on Hallmark movies until your teeth ache because of the saccharin sweetness they provide you? Yep, me too — and I’m loving almost every minute of it. (No, it’s okay, they aren’t everyone’s jam. If they’re not yours, you can skip this post today).
Having a break in December from my book club also offers me the opportunity to turn this yearning for as much Christmas corn into reading all of the festive holiday books I can get my hands on.
Some of the books are typical, turned-into-Hallmark-movie type of plots, and others have a little bit more of an edge to them. But if they have “holiday” or “Christmas” in the title or if they even mention snow, I’m there!
These are some of my tried and true favorites from over the years:
The Christmas Train by David Baldacci
A train ride to the true meaning of Christmas for a curmudgeonly reporter.
Holiday Grind by Cleo Coyle
A dead Santa, a hot cup of joe, and Christmas in the Big Apple. How cozy!
Trading Christmas by Debbie Macomber
Mix-ups and mistletoe for a sweet holiday romance.
The Snowman by Jo Nesbo
A serial killer who leaves a sinister snowman as his calling card.
Christmas Under a Cranberry Sky by Holly Martin
Scotland in a town built just for Christmas and a reunited romance. This one will melt the snow for sure.
Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris
If you only read the memoir about his time as a Macy’s elf, it’s worth it.
Illinois Library Association 