Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year! It is a time for being kind, generous, and miracles. There is nothing like a good Christmas read to prepare you for the Christmas season. Christmas trees, bright lights, and Christmas songs all uplift our moods. So does a good, whimsical Christmas read!
My Favorite Christmas Read
Although it is considered a Young Adult novel, the book Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon, is a wonderful whimsical read. Although the setting isn't during Christmas, this romantic novel mixes hope, fantasy, and love which makes it a delightful Christmas read! The teenage protagonist, Evie, finds herself as an unbeliever in true love after witnessing her dad being unfaithful to her mother, and her parents deciding to divorce.
After a chance encounter with a woman at a "Leave a book, Take a Book" location, Evie acquires two important things. The first is the ability to see the past, present, and future of couples around her when she witnesses their kiss. The second thing Evie acquires is a book entitled, Instructions for Dancing. When she sees an address for a dance studio printed on the back, Evie decides to visit the studio. After attending the dance studio and participating in ballroom dancing lessons, Evie discovers how much she loves the music and the dancing. After accepting an offer to participate in a dancing competition to help the owners generate more business, Evie partners with their grandson to learn the dance steps and enters the competition.
The reader is immediately whisked into this story. Does Evie "see" a future with her dancing partner X (short for Xavier) or does she decide to protect her heart because she no longer believes in everlasting love?
Take a Quick Listen
The audiobook Right Beside You by Many Monroe will satisfy those who love a good Hallmark movie. This audiobook transports the listener to the world of coworkers widowed Richard and single Felicia. Although they have been in love with each other for some time, no one wants to make the first move. Richard is being pursued by his ex-finance, Regina who already sees herself as his next wife. Will the Christmas season encourage these two to make a love connection or will Regina walk down the aisle to become Richard's new wife?
Grown & Sexy
Although Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory is Book #4 in the Wedding Date Series, the readers do not have to read the previous books to understand this Christmas romance book. At the request of her stylist mentor, Maddie must travel to England as a stylist to the Dutchess during the Christmas festivities. Because Maddie does not want to be around strangers during the Christmas season, she extends an invitation to her mother, Vivian, to travel with her to England to spend Christmas. With excitement, Vivian quickly accepts her daughter's invitation.
When Vivian meets Malcolm, the Duchess's private secretary, there is an instant attraction. With time not on their side, Vivian and Malcolm instantly make a love connection. However, will this connection be strong enough to maintain a relationship despite the distance (literally an ocean between them) and the time constraint (Vivian will return to the United States at the beginning of the New Year)?
I encourage you to take this Christmas season to cozy up to a good book (print, ebook, or audio) and enjoy! Spend time with family and friends, but don't forget to make time for yourself as well!
Vatoyia thanks for the book suggestions. I plan to read "Royal Holiday " and "Instructions for Dancing" during my quiet time. I'm looking forward to time with my family as well. I plan to have a good self and family balance this Holiday season. Now, if I can just get Skyler to respect that! Lol!