My Favorite Books of 2023

 

Well, it's here! One of my favorite posts of the year! It's always so hard to narrow down my favorite reads and there are so many books that came out in 2023 that I just simply didn't get to. I think one of my goals in 2024 will be to read more of the books filling up my shelves. What about you? Any bookish goals? Without further ado, here are my favorite books of the year and be sure to let me know yours in the comments below.

My Favorite Books of 2023:

Beach Read: 

Same Time Next Summer by Annabel Monaghan

 

Thriller:

None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell

Stone Cold Fox by Rachel Koller Croft

 

Historical Fiction:

Homecoming by Kate Morton

The Audrey Hepburn Estate by Brenda Janowitz

The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry

Romance:

Happy Place by Emily Henry

Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez

Audio:

Tom Lake by Ann Patchett

Hula by Jasmin Iolani Hakes

 

 

 

Non-Fiction:

Spare by Prince Harry

 

 

Middle Grade Fiction/Young Adult Fiction:

The Firefly Summer by Morgan Matson

 

 

More Adult Fiction Novels I Enjoyed:

Little Monsters by Adrienne Brodeur

Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson

Maybe Next Time by Cesca Major

The Queen of Dirt Island by Donal Ryan

Backlist Favorites I Read This Year:

All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

The Things We Leave Unfinished by Rebecca Yarros

Hester by Laurie Lico Albanese

The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom

The Blue Bistro by Elin Hilderbrand

The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine

The Baseball 100 by Joe Posnanski

The Queen: Her Life by Andrew Morton

Heat by Mike Lupica

 

 

That just about covers it! What a reading year it has been! Let me know your favorite books of the year in the comments below. Did we have some of the same favorites?

Happy Holidays!

 

Happy Holidays! I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday and a New Year filled with health, peace, happiness, and some good books. I may be popping in with a review between Christmas and New Year's Day as well as my list of my favorite books of the year. I can't wait to hear which books made your "Best of" list, too.  

Meanwhile, if you are looking for some holiday books to curl up with till 2024 comes, check out my list of favorite holiday books and picture books, too!

Happy Holidays,

Mini Reviews: Holiday Edition II

Well, Christmas is almost here! That came up quickly! Wasn't it just December 5th the other day? Time always flies by this time of the year. Today I'm sharing two more holiday reads that would be perfect to enjoy, especially as we approach New Year's Eve.

Snowed In by Catherine Walsh

Pages: 348

Genre: Romance/Holiday

Pub. Date: November 1, 2023

Publisher: Bookouture

Source: Personal Copy

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Megan is dreading going home for the holidays. She’s the village pariah, the she-devil who left local golden boy Isaac at the altar four years ago and ran away to the big city. She could really do without the drama. Particularly as he’s engaged again, and she’s just been dumped for the fourth time this year. Christian’s fed up of being on his own every Christmas. He doesn’t mind being alone , but he hates his family’s sad eyes and soft tones as they sit around coupled up. Because he’s actually, totally, fine. So when Megan literally bumps into Christian in a Dublin pub, they come up with a pact to see them through the holiday season. They’re going to be the very best fake dates for each other, ever . Rules are drawn up, a contract is signed on a wine-stained napkin. They will sit through each other’s family gatherings and be outrageously in love until freed from their annual obligations. After all, it’s only for a few weeks. But with everyone home for the holidays, two big families to deal with alongside old friends, old flames and old feelings, things are bound to get messy. And when a snowed-in cabin and a little Christmas magic are added to the mix, anything could happen… A swoonworthy and utterly gorgeous romantic comedy that will make you laugh out loud and fall completely in love. Fans of Emily Henry, Sophie Kinsella and Abby Jimenez won’t be able to put this down!"

 

While at a Dublin pub one evening, Megan runs into a childhood friend, Christian. They both have something in common: they don't want to deal with their family this holiday season. Megan doesn't want to return to her hometown as she is known as the runaway bride. She left her fiancé at the altar four years ago. On the other hand, Christian never brings home a girlfriend during the holiday season and his family pities him as everyone expects him to be in a serious relationship by now. So, they agreed to be each other's fake dates this holiday season and they set a few ground rules. It's only a few weeks, so what could go wrong? Catherine Walsh's Snowed In is a delightful holiday romance complete with fake dating, romance, and holiday drama.

 

Snowed In is the first holiday romance I've read by Walsh and it did not disappoint. While the fake dating trope has been done a lot this holiday season, Walsh made it feel fresh and fun. I adored Megan and Christian's relationship and there were some hilarious laugh-out-loud moments. The secondary characters of Molly and Hannah were great along with Megan and Christian's extended family. I also enjoyed the Irish setting in Snowed In and the various village pubs they would visit---so quaint and cozy. If you want a sweet holiday romance, look no further! I'll be reading Walsh's other holiday romance next year.

 

 

The Second Chance Year by Melissa Wiesner 

Pages: 336

Genre: Romance/Holiday

Pub. Date: December 5, 2023

Publisher: Forever

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "In this unforgettable story full of charm, wit—and just a bit of magic—a woman down on her luck is given a second chance at fixing her life and trying one year all over again. Perfect for readers of Josie Silver and Rebecca Serle.  Sadie Thatcher’s life has fallen apart in spectacular fashion. In one fell swoop, she managed to lose her job, her apartment, and her boyfriend—all thanks to her big mouth. So when a fortune teller offers her one wish, Sadie jumps at the chance to redo her awful year. Deep down, she doesn’t believe magic will fix her life, but taking a leap of faith, Sadie makes her wish, opens her eyes, and . . . nothing has changed . And then, in perhaps her dumbest move yet, she kisses her brother’s best friend, Jacob. When Sadie wakes up the next morning, she’s in her former apartment with her former boyfriend, and her former boss is expecting her at work. Checking the date, she realizes it's January 1 . . . of last year .  As Sadie navigates her second-chance year, she begins to see the red flags she missed in her relationship and in her career. Plus, she keeps running into Jacob, and she can’t stop thinking about their kiss . . . the one he has no idea ever happened. Suddenly, Sadie begins to wonder if her only mistake was wishing for a second chance."

 

Sadie is down on her luck. Her boyfriend dumped her and she lost her job as a pastry chef at a high-end restaurant. Is this because she just can't fall in line? Her ex, Alex, didn't like that she pushed back on his sexist Wall Street colleagues and she also questioned her boss at work. To top it off, Sadie can't pay rent, so she has to stay in the spare bedroom of Jacob, her brother's best friend. Needless to say, this is a very, very bad year. Her best friend convinces her to come out to a New Year's Eve party and while there she asks the fortune teller for a chance to do the entire year over. Well, the magic works and she wakes up the next day with her boyfriend and her beloved job. She can avoid all the problems in this do-over year, right? Except can she forget the magical kiss she had with Jacob on New Year's Eve? Melissa Wiesner's The Second Chance Year is the perfect read as the New Year approaches.

 

I really liked Sadie from the start of The Second Chance Year. She is opinionated, spunky, and an all-around likable person. I felt bad for her because how her family doesn't really respect her profession as a pastry chef. It was irritating. While this is a holiday romance with some time loop moments, I did appreciate the feminist undertones throughout. Sadie questions her boyfriend's sexist friends as well as the abusive behavior at her work. While she probably could have handled it better at times, I felt like her comments were 100% necessary. Overall, this was a delightful romance that reinforces the importance of accepting who you really are and what you truly want. It's a great way to end the year.

 

Have you read either of these holiday romances? Are they on your TBR list? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. 

 

Mini Reviews: Christmas Edition

I don't know about you, but I have been thoroughly enjoying all the holiday reads. While there's nothing groundbreaking with Christmas novels, they are cozy, charming, and bring all the cheerful holiday vibes. I don't like to read anything too stressful or suspenseful in December, so these books fit the bill.

Faking Christmas by Kerry Winfrey

Pages: 286

Genre: Romance/Holiday

Pub. Date: September 26, 2023

Publisher: Berkley

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "Laurel Grant is playing house for the holidays--complete with a fake husband and kids--in this delightful, cozy rom-com by Kerry Winfrey. Laurel Grant works as the social media manager for Buckeye State of Mind, an Ohio tourism magazine and website. She is most definitely not an owner of a farm...but one tiny misunderstanding leads her boss, Gilbert, to think she owns her twin sister Holly's farm just outside of Columbus. Laurel only handles the social media for the farm, but she's happy to keep her little white lie going if it means not getting fired. And keep it going she must when Gilbert, recently dumped by his wife, invites himself over for the farm's big holiday dinner (as advertised on Meadow Rise Farm's Instagram, thanks to Laurel herself). Laurel immediately goes into panic mode to figure out how she can trick Gilbert into thinking she's basically the Martha Stewart of rural Ohio and keep her job in the process. Laurel and Holly come up with a plan--all Laurel has to do is pretend to own the farm for one dinner. But when Laurel shows up at the farm, an unwelcome guest is there: Max Beckett, her nemesis since Holly's wedding. The annoyingly attractive man she hates will be posing as Laurel's husband just for the evening, but when a snowstorm traps them all for the entire weekend, Laurel is going to have to figure out how to survive with her job and dignity intact. Whatever the case, this promises to be the most eventful Christmas in ages..."

Laurel Grant's life is finally coming together. She has a new job at a local magazine where she writes about all things Ohio. She has featured her twin sister's local farm as she is the social media manager there, but her boss is under the assumption that it's her who owns the farm. Cue the mixup on top of the fact that she invited him (last minute!) to a holiday dinner at the farm. She doesn't want to lose this job, so she enlists her sister to help her keep up the facade. Her sister has chosen her husband's best friend, Max, to "play" Laurel's husband--could things get any worse? Laurel hates Max; cue the drama. How can she pretend to be married to her nemesis and an all around major grump? A storm brings the Grants, her boss, and Max together and before they know it, sparks are flying between Max and Laurel. Readers who enjoy Hallmark movies, as well as a good fake dating trope, should pick up Faking Christmas by Kerry Winfrey this holiday season.

Laurel is a bit of a mess, but I found her to be endearing though. There's a lot of miscommunication hijinks when it comes to the issue with her boss, but she doesn't exactly correct him. Before she knows it, she has to keep up the facade and pretend to be married to Max. Max is the usual brooding grump that slowly melts readers' hearts in romance novels. The enemies-to-lovers and the fake dating trope are strong in Faking Christmas. Combine that with holiday drama and you've got yourself a Hallmark holiday movie that is equal parts funny and heartwarming. In fact, it's a modern take on the classic film Christmas in Connecticut, so now I have to go watch it!

Meet Me at Christmas by Jenny Hale

Pages: 276

Genre: Romance/Holiday

Publisher: Harpeth Road Press

Source: Personal Copy

My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "From the USA Today bestselling author of the book-to-TV stories Coming Home for Christmas and Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses , with over one million copies of her books sold, comes a heartwarming holiday read that’s perfect for fans of Sheila Roberts, Debbie Macomber, and Jill Shalvis. Traveling writer and researcher Stella Fisher is working in London when she's called home to her family’s farmhouse in Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee to help her mother through the first Christmas without her father. Compounding the situation, her younger sister Lily has run off to get married without telling anyone. When Stella arrives home, she doesn’t expect to find Henry Dutton , the man she’d left behind. As she could guess, after her heartbreaking exit so many years ago, he isn’t speaking to her. What she doesn’t realize, however, is there’s a much bigger reason to blame for his unfriendly reception. She quickly becomes the one person he believes can fix everything, but she isn’t sure about that. She thought she’d buried her past, yet the look in his alluring blue eyes brings it all right back to the surface. Under the glitter of the holiday trees at the local lot called Christmas, Stella uncovers more than she’d ever imagined. Will she be able to return to her old life? Or will the unexpected be the biggest Christmas gift of all? A heartwarming holiday escape that will have you rushing to your loved ones this Christmas. If you enjoyed the Christmas movies based on Jenny’s books and are looking for more feel-good, small-town romance, look no further!"

Stella Fisher has returned home to Tennessee for Christmas. Her mother needs her as this is the first Christmas they are facing since the death of her father. Her sister, Lily, has run off to get married giving the rest of the family little to no details, so it's just her and her mother this holiday season. Stella has been consumed as a writer and researcher, so she hopes to continue working on her piece while at home this holiday season. Her piece requires her to do some research and observation at the local hospital, and while there she runs into Henry Dutton, her ex, who she didn't leave on good terms. Slowly, Stella gets used to being back at home and dealing with her ex, running into his sister, and helping her mother with her holiday plans. It feels good to be home, but the more time she spends with Henry the more she is questioning things, not to mention, what exactly happened to him. Henry is dealing with a lot and Stella has just scratched the surface. Meet Me at Christmas by Jenny Hale is a sweet story filled with tender moments and reminiscent of a Hallmark Christmas movie.

Stella is a delightful character in Meet Me at Christmas. I liked her relationship with her mom and her flashbacks to time spent with her dad. Her dad, who passed away, is still very much a part of her life and thought of daily, so that aspect of the novel was touching. Her relationship with Henry was also done well; I felt bad for all they have been through and some of it was a little depressing. I do think Hale balanced the heavy stuff well though and didn't make it too dark to weigh down this holiday read. Also, the setting was adorable; there were Christmas tree lots, holiday parades, and a surplus of hot chocolate, complete with small-town vibes that I really enjoyed. My only issue with Meet Me at Christmas was the use of flashbacks. While I liked the flashbacks, they were abrupt at times and felt clunky. Other than that, it was a delightful and very sweet holiday read. 

 

Have you read either of these Christmas novels? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Summer Pact

Can't Wait Wednesday is hosted by Wishful Endings and helps us spotlight upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating! 

 

The Summer Pact by Emily Giffin
Pub. Date: July 9, 2024

 

 

Goodreads says, "In the wake of tragedy, a group of friends make a pact that will cause them to reunite a decade later and embark upon a life-changing adventure together—from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Meant to Be. Four freshmen arrive at college from completely different worlds: Lainey, a California party girl with a flair for drama; Tyson, a brilliant scholar and law school hopeful from D.C.; Summer, a recruited athlete and perfectionist from the Midwest; and Hannah, a mild-mannered southerner who is content to quietly round out the circle of big personalities. Soon after moving into their shared dorm, they strike up a conversation in a study lounge, and the seeds of friendship are planted. As their college years fly by, their bond intensifies and the four become inseparable. But as graduation nears, their lives are forever changed after a desperate act leads to tragic consequences. Stunned and heartbroken, a pact is made to be there for each other in their time of need, no matter how separated they are by circumstances or distance. Ten years later, Hannah is anticipating what should be one of the happiest moments of her life when everything is suddenly turned upside down. Calling on her closest friends, it soon becomes clear that they are facing their own crossroads. True to their promise, they agree to take a time out from lives headed in wrong directions and embark on a journey of self-discovery, forgiveness, and acceptance. In this tender portrayal of grief, love, and hope, Emily Giffin asks: When things fall apart, who will be at our sides to help pick up the pieces?"

 

A new novel from Emily Giffin is coming out this summer! Yes, please! Also, it had me at the gorgeous cover. What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. 

 

 

Mini Reviews: New Releases

I am sharing two new releases today that are both stellar books. The first book, The Unmaking of June Farrow, is a fantastic fantasy that was on many of the best books of 2023 lists. The other book, Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord is a historical mystery set in the Regency period that was delightful. It is the start of a new series that I will definitely be continuing with. Have you read either of these books? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.  

 

The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young

Pages: 320

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: October 17, 2023

Publisher: Delacorte

Source: Publisher for review

Other Books By Author: Spells for Forgetting

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "A woman risks everything to end her family’s centuries-old curse, solve her mother’s disappearance, and find love in this mesmerizing novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Spells for Forgetting. In the small mountain town of Jasper, North Carolina, June Farrow is waiting for fate to find her. The Farrow women are known for their thriving flower farm—and the mysterious curse that has plagued their family line. The whole town remembers the madness that led to Susanna Farrow’s disappearance, leaving June to be raised by her grandmother and haunted by rumors. It’s been a year since June started seeing and hearing things that weren’t there. Faint wind chimes, a voice calling her name, and a mysterious door appearing out of nowhere—the signs of what June always knew was coming. But June is determined to end the curse once and for all, even if she must sacrifice finding love and having a family of her own. After her grandmother’s death, June discovers a series of cryptic clues regarding her mother’s decades-old disappearance, except they only lead to more questions. But could the door she once assumed was a hallucination be the answer she’s been searching for? The next time it appears, June realizes she can touch it and walk past the threshold. And when she does, she embarks on a journey that will not only change both the past and the future, but also uncover the lingering mysteries of her small town and entangle her heart in an epic star-crossed love. With The Unmaking of June Farrow, Adrienne Young delivers a brilliant novel of romance, mystery, and a touch of the impossible—a story you will never forget."

 

June Farrow knows there is no escaping her family's curse. Every woman in her family succumbs to mental illness either sooner or later and June knows she is next. She is seeing things, strange things that aren't there. She knows her time is limited before she becomes like the rest of the women in her family, or worse like her mother who disappeared without a trace. One day she sees a random red door in a field and opens it, and she time-travels back to 1951. While there, a farmer who says he is her husband, Eamon, is upset with her. She has been gone for a year and left not only him behind, but also a young daughter. The more time June spends in 1951, the more June gets flashbacks to her life with Eamon. She also realizes that this is intertwined with the disappearance of her mother as well as the murder of a minister years before. Adrienne Young's The Unmaking of June Farrow is an entertaining fantasy filled with romance, mystery, and magic.

I really enjoyed the character of June from the start of The Unmaking of June Farrow. While I didn't always understand the details surrounding this version of time travel, I did think it was extremely entertaining as time travel is one of my favorite fantasy elements to include in a novel. Just like in Spells for Forgetting, Young creates such an atmospheric world that I love to be lost in. The mountains of South Carolina felt so vivid, they practically jumped off the page. If you enjoy a well-written fantasy and one that will keep you flipping the pages, look no further. Fans of Young won't be disappointed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord by Celeste Connally 

Pages: 304

Genre: Adult Historical Fiction

Pub. Date: November 14, 2023

Publisher: Minotaur

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "When Lady Petra Forsyth’s fiancé and soulmate dies just weeks ahead of their wedding, she makes the shocking proclamation—in front of London’s loosest lips—that she will never remarry. A woman of independent means, Petra sees no reason to cede her wealth and freedom to any man now that the love of her life has passed, nor does she intend to become confined to her country home. Instead, she uses her title to gain access to elite spaces and enjoy the best of society without expectations. But when ballroom gossip suggests that a longtime friend has died of “melancholia” while in the care of a questionable physician, Petra vows to use her status to dig deeper—uncovering a private asylum where men pay to have their wives and daughters locked away, or worse. Just as Lady Petra has reason to believe her friend is not dead, but a prisoner, her own headstrong actions and thirst for independence are used to put her own freedom in jeopardy."

 

 

Lady Petra Forsyth has always lived an unconventional life. It's Regency England, so she stands out like a sore thumb, and even more so when she declares, after the untimely death of her fiance, that she will never marry. Society casts her into a spinster role, but Petra is determined to enjoy her station in life. As time goes by, Duncan, her good friend, returns home from Europe, just in time for many mysterious things to start happening, such as the disappearance of many women of good standing. Petra's friend, Lady Gwen, has suddenly died. Society is saying she drowned and her mental state wasn't good. Petra just saw her not too long ago and she seemed absolutely fine! After some digging, she finds out many women, including Gwen, have been sent to an asylum under "physician" care by their husbands or male relatives. The more digging that Petra does, the more she finds out just how horrible this is for any woman who doesn't perfectly fit in society, including herself! Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord by Celeste Connally is the start of a new series that will delight fans of historical mysteries as well as Jane Austen.

I really adored Petra from the start of Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord. She was bold, unconventional, a feminist, and not someone to be trifled with.....just how I like my protagonists! She was like an Austen heroine, but even more bold. Her determination and drive to find out the truth about what was happening to the women was something I cared about; I was rooting for her from the start. Her reluctant relationship with Duncan, the Scotsman, was also a slow burn that I enjoyed. However, the more Petra plays Nancy Drew, the more dangerous it becomes for all involved. I will be continuing with this series as it was like being immersed in my favorite Masterpiece show on PBS mixed with some Bridgerton vibes. Fans of the Regency period should definitely pick up a copy of Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord .

 

35 Picture Books for the Holiday Season

Christmas is such a special time of the year and one of my favorite times to snuggle up and read with little ones. Today I'm sharing some of our favorite holiday picture books that we have enjoyed over the years.

1.  The Story of Baby Jesus by Mary Kelly  - A gorgeous picture book that covers the true meaning of Christmas. It's written simply for little ones to appreciate.

2.  The Christmas Wish by Lori Evert  - A breathtaking book with beautiful photographs all about a little girl who wants to be one of Santa's elves.

3.  Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Barbara Shook Hazen - A classic in every sense of the way.

4.  The Littlest Elf by Brandi Dougherty - This book is so cute! It's about a little elf, who although small, finally finds his purpose amongst Santa's elves. 

 

5.  The Christmas Baby by Marion Dane Bauer - This book not only celebrates the birth of Jesus, it also celebrates babies everywhere.

6.  It's Christmas! by Tracey Corderoy - This is a delightful picture book all about a little reindeer's excitement for the holiday. He can't contain himself and he ends up in some predicaments.

 

7.  The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving by Jan and Mike Berenstain - I love that this book reminds us that it is better to give than receive.

8.  The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore - Another classic that cannot be missed.

 

9.  Strega Nona's Gift by Tomie dePaola - Of course there's Big Anthony getting himself into trouble in this book, but it also covers Italian Christmas traditions as well as feast days. 

10.  Frosty the Snow Man by Annie North Bedford - I love this story, but I especially appreciate this 1950s classic.

11. How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss  - A favorite in our house! Who doesn't love the Grinch?

12.  The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg - Another modern classic that is much loved in my house.

 

13.  A Charlie Brown Christmas by Charles M. Schulz - Another modern classic that is a must-read for the holiday season.

14.  The Twelve Days of Christmas by Jan Brett - I especially love the illustrations in this book covering the famous Christmas carol. 

15.  The Gingerbread Pirates by  Kristin Kladstrup - This is such a fun Christmas story about a little boy who makes gingerbread men and at night they come to life as pirates and encounter Santa. 

16.  Night Tree by Eve Bunting - I love this story of a family who decorate a Christmas tree with treats for the animals in the forest.

 

17.  The Nutcracker by Susan Jeffers - A beautifully illustrated version of the classic tale.

18.  My Treasury of Christmas Stories by Caroline Pedler - This treasury includes many Christmas classics, such as A Christmas Carol, The Snow Queen, and more. 

 

19.  Jingle Bells by Kathleen N. Daly - This book is one of my favorites from my childhood. I love how the animals help Santa deliver the gifts and the lyrics of Jingle Bells are throughout.

20.  Over the River & Through the Wood: A Holiday Adventure by Linda Ashman - Kids can especially appreciate this one if you have a busy holiday of traveling to visit family.

21.  The Legend of the Christmas Stocking by Rick Osborne - A beautiful book set in the 1800s that will be sure to bring a tear to your eye as it reinforces the importance of kindness as well as the origin of Christmas stockings.

22.  Room for a Little One by Marin Waddell - The illustrations in this book are absolutely beautiful! I love this nativity story and some of the new animals in this heartfelt tale.

 

 

 

 

 

23. The Snowman by Raymond Briggs - A beautifully illustrated picture book about a snowman coming to life.

 

24.  The Mitten by Jan Brett - This is a much loved classic that is perfect for wintertime.

 

 

 

 

25.  The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski - This tale of kindness is about a Scrooge-like woodcarver.

 

26.  The Biggest Christmas Tree Ever by Stephen Kroll - The mice are at it again and on the hunt for the biggest Christmas tree.  

 

 

 

 

27. A Bad Kitty Christmas by Nick Bruel - This laugh out loud picture book follows Kitty after she doesn't get all the gifts she wanted for Christmas. Cue the hilarious antics.

28. Pete the Cat Saves Christmas by Eric Litwin and James Dean - Everyone's favorite cat proves it's cool to be giving. 

 

 

29.  The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie dePaola - I loved learning more about this Mexican legend and the origins of one of our favorite holiday plants.

30.  Green is for Christmas by Drew Daywalt -  This is a cute story and is perfect for fans of The Day the Crayons Quit. Green thinks he is the only holiday color in the box, but red, white and silver think otherwise!

 

 

 

31. Merry Christmas, Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola - You can't go wrong with Strega Nona at the holidays as she prepares for her Christmas Eve Feast.

32.  Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree by Robert Barry - This picture book is a classic holiday tale about the joys of a Christmas tree and spreading holiday joy. 

 

 

 

33.  The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats - While this isn't necessarily holiday related, it is wintertime fun at its best and a classic that shouldn't be missed. 

34.  Little Blue Truck's Christmas by Alice Schertle - Little Blue Truck fans won't want to miss this holiday edition as he spreads Christmas joy. 

 

 

 

35.  Walking in a Winter Wonderland by Richard B. Smith - Who doesn't love this classic holiday song?

On Our TBR List:

Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson

The Christmas Magic by Lauren Thompson

Father Christmas by Raymond Briggs

Snowmen at Christmas by Caralyn Buehner

The Story of Holly and Ivy by Rumer Godden

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh by Mo Willems 

Little Red Sleigh by Erin Guendelsberger

5 More Sleeps 'til Christmas by Jimmy Fallon

The Christmas Pig by J.K. Rowling

Dasher by Matt Tavares

What are some of your favorite picture books to read during the holiday season? Any of your favorites that I missed? Let me know in the comments below.