They’ll have you hooked like a bauble on a tree (Picture: Getty/Waterstones)
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It’s the most wonderful time of the year – the fireplace is roaring, the tree is laden with baubles and tinsel, and Mariah is playing softly in the background.
You’re snuggled up in your new matching red Christmas pyjamas with a gorgeous mulled wine in one hand and a book in the other.
But it can’t just be any old book. December is the month where anything that doesn’t fit the festive theme simply isn’t allowed.
So maybe you’re in the mood for a book that makes you feel like you’re Cameron Diaz in The Holiday or Hugh Grant in Love Actually.
Well we’ve got your festive fantasies covered with these book recommendations and they’re sure to make you feel like Santa has come early.
There’s even a couple of darker choices for those who aren’t all bright lights and baubles.
A Merry Little Meet Cute
Fancy a romantic read? (Picture: Waterstones)
This merry little masterpiece is a sexy romantic read by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone.
This is a read for those who want a winter romcom but with some X-rated antics – who doesn’t right?
When filming protagonist Bee Hobbes begins to feel a certain type of way for her co-star Nolan Shaw but they have to keep their steamy scenes away from prying eyes.
After all, the number one rule is don’t get involved with anyone on set.
Buy for £7.49 from Waterstones.
The Christmas Postcards
Intruiging (Picture: Waterstones)
Karen Swan is no stranger to a Christmas novel, in fact she’s got quite a few to her name.
It’s a romance you won’t be able to put down, which blossoms by happenstance.
Natasha’s marriage has been on the rocks for a while but when her daughter’s beloved toy goes missing she turns to social media for help.
Little did she know the search would connect her to Duffy, who is thousands of miles away in the Himalayan foothills with the toy as a lucky mascot.
The correspondence begins as feelings begin to bloom, until one day the messages stop.
Buy for £6.99 from Waterstones.
Murder on the Christmas Express
Solve the case (Picture: Waterstones)
It’s a festive whodunit but, instead of the hunt for the secret mince pie stealer, Alexandra Benedict’s book tells the tale of 18 passengers stranded on a derailed train on Christmas Eve with a killer stalking the carriages.
It’s sure to have a stronger hold on you than the mulled cider, as a murderer drifts through the sleeper train, picking off passengers one-by-one.
All aboard the Christmas express for a wonderfully gripping murder mystery this Christmas.
Buy for £12.99 from Waterstones.
The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse
Don’t miss this one (Picture: Waterstones)
While you could easily devour this in less than a couple of hours it’s a very simple but beautifully written book.
Charlie Mackesy’s beloved The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse has been adapted into an animated short film, coming to BBC One and iPlayer this Christmas.
It’s the story of finding home and unlikely friends.
Did we mention it was Waterstone’s Book of the Year in 2019? You don’t want to miss this wholesome tale.
Meet Me Under the Mistletoe
A sweet tale (Picture: Waterstones)
Jenny Bayliss sets the scene at no place other than a romantic winter wedding of two old school friends.
It’s a tale as old as time – Nory Noel is the only singleton attending the event that seems to be somewhat of a school reunion, but then she bumps into her old school rival.
Isaac, the castle’s gardener, seems to have more in common with Nory now than ever before – but as the two steal moments together a secret comes to the surface.
Maybe she’ll finally get her plus one.
Buy for £8.99 from Waterstones.
More: Lifestyle
The Haunting Season
Enjoy some shorter stories (Picture: Waterstones)
If tackling a whole book is too much to take on over the busy festive period and you like something a little darker then The Haunting Season could be for you.
These ghostly stories, written by 18 different authors, are sure to leave you with a sharp winter chill shooting up your spine.
From frosty Yorkshire moors to dark London mansions, these chilling stories will stay with you through the long winter nights.
Buy for £7.49 from Waterstones.
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We’ve got your festive fantasies covered with these book recommendations.
