Blog Tour: Eight Ways to Say I Love You

I’m not a fan of the winter season (this comes as no surprise if you know me), but I do love the holidays and holiday books. I only started reading them a few years ago, and I haven’t looked back. There’s nothing better than ushering in the holiday season with a warm drink, a blanket, and a new holiday book.

One new book that’s caught my eye this year is Eight Ways to Say I Love You by Amanda Elliot. This Hanukkah story is a friends-to-lovers romance about two childhood friends who reconnect over several Hanukkahs. It’s perfect for fans of When Harry Met Sally, and I can’t wait to dive in.

 

Learn More About the Book:

 

Eight Ways to Say I Love You by Amanda Elliot

Pub. Date: October 27, 2026

Publisher: Berkley 

 

"This Hanukkah, Shira Levinson is returning home to New Jersey riding the high of achieving major milestones. Though she only just graduated from college, she's got her dream job and a perfect Los Angeles apartment—an actual miracle in the city of dreams.

Life has not been quite as kind to Leo David. Not only did he fail out of college, he was forced to move in with his estranged dad, who he still hates for cheating on his mom years ago. The only silver lining? Getting to see Shira, his childhood friend (and crush, though he’ll never tell her that) while she’s home for her family's holiday party.

But that's just the beginning. Over the next eight years, Shira's and Leo's lives spin them in all sorts of directions as they grow and change, taking them places they never imagined going. Sometimes those paths take them farther away from each other, and other times closer together. If they can only time it right, they might uncover a love that burns forever."

 

You can purchase your own copy of Eight Ways to Say I Love You at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Books A Million, Bookshop, and Penguin Random House. Also, to learn more about Amanda Elliot, visit her webpage and connect with her on Instagram.

 

Eight Ways to Say I Love You is definitely on my holiday reading list this season. Let me know what you think in the comments below and if you added Eight Ways to Say I Love You to your holiday TBR list.

Mini Reviews: Holiday Edition (II)

The holidays will be here before you know it, but there's still time to curl up with a festive read. Today I'm sharing two new reviews that would be perfect additions to your holiday.  

 

 

The Secret Christmas Library by Jenny Colgan 

Pages: 320

Genre: Adult Fiction/Holiday

Pub. Date: October 14, 2025

Publisher: HarperCollins

Source: Publisher for review

Other Books By Author: The Cafe by the Sea,

The Christmas Bookshop, and  

Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Mirren Sutherland stumbled into a career as an antiquarian book hunter after finding a priceless antique book in her great aunt’s attic. Now, as Christmas approaches, she’s been hired by Jamie McPherson, the surprisingly young and handsome laird of a Highland clan whose ancestral holdings include a vast crumbling castle. Family lore suggests that the McPherson family’s collection includes a rare book so valuable that it could save the entire estate—if they only knew where it was. Jamie needs Mirren to help him track down this treasure, which he believes is hidden in his own home.

But on the train to the Highlands, Mirren runs into rival book hunter Theo Palliser, and instantly knows that it’s not a chance meeting. She’s all too familiar with Theo’s good looks and smooth talk, and his uncanny ability to appear whenever there’s a treasure that needs locating.

Almost as soon as Mirren and Theo arrive at the castle, a deep snow blankets the Highlands, cutting off the outside world. Stuck inside, the three of them plot their search as the wind whistles outside. Mirren knows that Jamie’s grandfather, the castle’s most recent laird, had been a book collector, a hoarder, and a great lover of treasure hunts. Now they must unpuzzle his clues, discovering the secrets of the house—forming and breaking alliances in a race against time."

 

Mirren Sutherland is an antique book hunter thrown into a new job set in Scotland. She is tasked with helping Jamie McKinnon, a laird of a Highland clan, find his grandfather's rare book. His grandfather, a known hoarder and book collector, has been known to hide things and leave puzzles behind, and that's the case with this rare book. Jamie needs it as it should be worth a lot of money, which will help repair his family's estate as it is in a state of disrepair. Mirren is all about this task, until Theo Palliser, another known book hunter and rival, shows up on the train enroute to Scotland. This isn't a coincidence; Theo always shows up when there's treasure to be found. All three of them find themselves hunkered down in the Scottish estate during a snowstorm, looking for the rare book. Fans of Jenny Colgan and literary mysteries will especially appreciate The Secret Christmas Library.
 
It's not the holidays without reading Jenny Colgan's latest festive novel, and what is better than reading a book set during a snowstorm over the holidays in Scotland, all while searching a crumbling estate for treasure? Sounds like the perfect setting for a compelling literary mystery. My only gripe is that I wish there were some more holiday vibes, as it seemed very light in this department; however, the setting made up for it in the end. The Secret Christmas Library is a delightful holiday read for booklovers; the kind that is perfect for curling up by the fire.

 

 

 

The Mistletoe Kisser by Lucy Score

Pages: 336

Genre: Romance/Holiday

Pub. Date: October 21, 2026

Publisher: Sourcebooks

Source: Personal Copy

Other Books By Author: Things We Never Got Over

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

Goodreads says, "Ryan Sosa, grumpy former corporate accountant, has had it up to here with surprises. He didn’t see getting fired coming. And he certainly didn’t anticipate flying across the country to the world’s hippie-est, happiest, most annoying town to save his great-uncle from some mysterious emergency.

Not only is there actual snow on the ground, but the town of Blue Moon appears to have decked its halls with elves on psychedelics. But he doesn’t have time to be snarky about the impending Winter Solstice and Multicultural Holiday Celebration—whatever the hell that is. Not when he’s got a farm to save, a free-range sheep that he may or may not have nudged with his stupid microscopic rental car, and some small-town veterinarian telling him she can’t take the animal off his hands.

Dr. Sammy Ames has a practice to manage and a fundraising crisis to attend to. She doesn’t have time to deal with a big-city grouch who doesn’t remember being her first kiss ever. Especially not since he wants to dump a sheep named Stan on her. So not happening. No matter how cute—and naked—Ryan is when he’s drunk.

Besides, as soon as he solves his uncle’s problem, he’ll be on the first flight out of Blue Moon, never to return again.

It will take a Winter Solstice Miracle or perhaps some matchmaking interference from the Beautification Committee to get these two to see eye-to-eye under the mistletoe…unless they got the Wrong Ryan after all.

 

 

Dr. Sammy Ames lives in the idyllic town of Blue Moon, and she is the beloved town vet. When Ryan Sosa enters her practice with an injured sheep, things start to get interesting this holiday season. Ryan is in town as his great-uncle called to ask him for help with an "emergency." Ryan, a corporate accountant who just got fired, decides to pick up and head to Blue Moon, despite not really wanting to set foot back into the "hippie" town. Ryan's uncle owns a farm, and he is in a financial bind. Who better to help him than Ryan, then? Ryan thinks he may have injured a sheep, which is why he finds himself at the vet, but Sammy can't believe that Ryan doesn't remember that they shared a first kiss many years ago! Even if they become friendly again, Ryan plans to hightail it out of Blue Moon the first chance he can, so why even entertain a possible relationship? But despite their best efforts, these two opposites share an undeniable chemistry in Lucy Score's holiday rom-com, The Mistletoe Kisser.
 
Who doesn't enjoy a grump/sunshine trope, especially during the holidays? I really enjoyed Score's portrayal of Sammy and Ryan's relationship and the witty banter. Plus, the adorable small town of Blue Moon was just wonderful and a perfect setting for a holiday story. It reminded me of Virgin River in that everyone knows everyone, and it's a bit rural in the best way possible. The Mistletoe Kisser took me by surprise this holiday. I really, really enjoyed it; it was the perfect rom-com to curl up with this holiday season if you like your romances to be a bit spicy and not closed-door. I enjoyed it so much that I am considering checking out book one in the Blue Moon series. 

 

Have you read The Secret Christmas Library or The Mistletoe Kisser? Let me know in the comments below.  

 

Mini Reviews: Second Chance Holiday Romances

There are so many great romances centered around second chances—who doesn’t love a good second chance romance, especially during the holiday season? Bonus points if the setting is fantastic—whether it’s a snowy small town, a cozy cabin, or a bustling city all lit up for the festivities, the right backdrop adds an extra layer of charm and magic to the story.

 

The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah by Jean Meltzer

Pages: 368

Publisher: Mira

Pub. Date: October 21, 2025

Source: Publisher for review

Other Books By Author: The Matzah Ball 

and Kissing Kosher 

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

Goodreads says, "Evelyn Schwartz has the perfect Hanukkah planned: eight jam-packed days producing the live-action televised musical of A Christmas Carol. Who needs family when you’ve got long hours, impossible deadlines, and your dream job? That is, until an accident on set lands her in the medical bay with one of her chronic migraines, and she’s shocked to find her ex-husband, David Adler, filling in for the usual studio doctor.

It’s been two years since David walked away from Evelyn and their life in Manhattan, and his ex-wife is still the same workaholic who puts her career before everything else—especially her health. But when Evelyn begins hallucinating “ghosts” tied to her past heartbreaks, and every single one leads to David, he finds himself spending much more time with her than he anticipated. And denying the still-smoldering chemistry between them becomes impossible.

As Evelyn revisits her ghosts of Hanukkah past, she and David both begin to wonder if they can have a Hanukkah future. But with a high-stakes production ramping up the pressure on Evelyn, and troublesome spirits forcing them both to confront their most difficult shared memories, it might just take a Hanukkah miracle for these two exes to light the flame on their second-chance at love.

 

Evelyn Schwartz is in charge of producing a live-action musical of the classic A Christmas Carol. This job has been taking up every minute of her life. All was going well until she hit her head in an accident on set. She finds that the doctor on call is none other than her ex-husband, David. This isn't good - well, it is her ex! - but it is awful as he left her two years ago and they are not on good terms. David is filling in for the regular doctor, and as soon as he sees Evelyn, he remembers why he left her; she is a workaholic putting work before everything. Evelyn not only suffers from chronic migraines, but this probable concussion has got her seeing "ghosts." These ghosts are tied to lessons of her past, and all of them are pointing to David. The more they hang out together, the more she realizes that there's still chemistry between them, and they both can't stop thinking of the life they could have had together. The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah by Jean Meltzer is a fun contemporary of A Christmas Carol filled with second-chance romance and Hanukkah touches.
 
I always appreciate Meltzer's novels as they highlight a protagonist dealing with a chronic illness; she truly shows how all-consuming it can be, and I don't find that topic very often in literature. While I didn't feel connected to Evelyn and David like I normally do with Meltzer's novels, The Matzah Ball was my favorite, I still appreciate their journey back to one another. Also, The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah had a lot more trauma in it than I anticipated; there's grief, death of a child, abortion, and more. This initially turned me off, but once I read to the author's note at the end of the novel, I was touched by it, and it all made sense.  

 

 

 

Yours for the Season by Emily Stone

Pages: 336

Pub. Date: October 7, 2025

Publisher: Dell

Source: Publisher for review

Other Books By Author: A Winter Wish

and Love, Holly 

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

Goodreads says, "Melanie has not had a good year. Things are definitely not going as planned in her work life, her best friend has moved to the other side of the world, and her favorite bagel shop is closing down. But the real reason this year has been awful is because Finn, the man who she was sure was the love of her life, dumped her. In front of everyone. At his sister’s engagement party.

So when Finn shows up at her doorstep two weeks before Christmas asking if she’ll help him, her first instinct is to slam the door in his face—or punch him. But he has a proposal for her.

Finn wants Melanie to spend the week of Christmas with him. He has to face the holiday at a vacation cottage in the Scottish Highlands with his two perfect siblings who are happily paired off with their perfect partners. His mother is obsessed with the idea of a perfect Christmas—and to try and help, Finn may have told his mother he and Mel are dating again. All she has to do is come with him and pretend they’re back together.

Melanie may hate Finn, but she loves his mom. And with her own parents on a trip, it looks like the only way to spend the holiday with someone she cares about is to suffer through being around the person she despises most.

So Melanie agrees—on one condition. At the end of the week, Finn will allow Mel to publicly dump him—in front of his family—so she can get her dignity back and he can experience the same humiliation she felt.

As they embark on seven days with Finn's family, Mel tells herself it's only a week. She just has to pretend to still be in love with him. Until she starts to lose track of which feelings are fake, and which are for real...

 

 

Mel is trying to rebuild her life after Finn dumped her at his sister's engagement party in front of his entire family. This was heartbreaking, but she is finally moving on until he shows up at her door two weeks before Christmas. Finn has a proposition. He asks if she could help him out by coming with him to his family's holiday up in the Scottish Highlands. He may have told his mom they were back together as she adores Mel and he didn't want to break her heart. Would Mel help him out since she has no holiday plans? Mel reluctantly agrees to go as she really likes Finn's mom and sisters, but only under one condition! At the end of the trip, she gets to break up with Finn in front of his entire family. So, off they go! Mel is excited to see Finn's family, and she hopes that this trip will give her the closure she never received. Emily Stone's Yours for the Season is a cute holiday romance involving the fake dating trope, second chances, and includes a great setting in the Scottish Highlands.
 
While I didn't feel that Yours for the Season packed the same kind of emotional punch as Stone's previous novels, I still enjoyed this holiday romance. I appreciated the flashbacks to their relationship in the past, so readers can understand the characters on a deeper level, why they broke up, and how their love evolved. I did feel like the premise was a little weak (like who in their right mind would agree to this?), and the chemistry was lacking at times, but once readers can let that go, they will enjoy a second-chance romance with a memorable setting. Not my favorite of Stone's, but a decent holiday read. 

 

Do you plan to read either book this holiday season? Let me know in the comments below.  

Mini Reviews: Holiday Edition

 

Whether you are in the mood for a magical romance that blends the supernatural with holiday cheer, or you'd rather lose yourself in a heartwarming family drama filled with laughter and emotion, these two novels have something for everyone.

 

Good Spirits by B.K. Borison

Pages: 384

Pub. Date: October 21, 2025

Publisher: HarperCollins

Source: Personal Copy

Other Books By Author: Lovelight Farms

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Ghost of Christmas Past Nolan Callahan intends to spend this holiday haunting like every other—get in, get out, return to his otherwise aimless existence as a ghost awaiting the afterlife. But when he’s faced with Harriet York, the sweetest assignment he’s ever had, he suddenly finds himself wishing for a future.

Harriet York has no idea why she’s being haunted. She’s a good person—or, at least, she tries to be. A people pleaser to her core, she always does what’s expected of her. But as she and Nolan begin to examine her past, they discover there are threads that bind them together— and realize there might be more to moving on than expected.

With the deadline of Christmas Eve fast approaching, will they find the key to their futures in each other’s pasts? Or will they stay firmly in the present, indulging in their unexpected, spirited connection?"

 

 

Nolan Callahan is the Ghost of Christmas Past. He just wants to partake in his usual haunting this year and move on quickly. He is waiting for the next step, which he hopes is a peaceful afterlife. But when he gets his next assignment, Harriet York, he is confused. She isn't your usual Scrooge-type. She is a pretty good person, and the mistakes she has made in her life are run-of-the-mill. The more time Nolan and Harriet spend together, the more they understand her past and how he is connected to her. Of course, sparks fly between these two, but how could something substantial come from a relationship with a ghost? B.K. Borison's latest novel, Good Spirits, is a charming romance with lots of holiday touches and a lot of steamy moments; fans of her romances will not be disappointed.
 
I am a huge fan of Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol, so I like this modern spin on the classic and imagining what it would be like if the Ghost of Christmas Past were charming and good-looking. Once I got past the paranormal romance aspect of the novel, and admittedly, it did take me a while, I started to enjoy it a bit more. If that isn't your thing or something you will easily accept, be forewarned. However, you can always count on Borison to give you a feel-good holiday romance, and fans of her romances know there will be some steamy scenes, too. Overall, Good Spirits is a delightful holiday read!

 

 

 

A Merry Little Lie by Sarah Morgan

Pages: 368

Pub. Date: October 7, 2025

Publisher: Harlequin

Source: Personal Copy

Other Books By Author: Snowed in for Christmas,

and First Time in Forever

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

Goodreads says, "This Christmas, the Balfour family will have more secrets to unwrap than presents… Becky is stranded at the airport, so when she bumps into her brother’s best friend, Will, and he suggests they drive home together, Becky reluctantly agrees. For the first time, Becky is dreading Christmas, and only Will knows why. Can she trust him to keep her secret?

Her twin sister, Rosie, married Declan after a whirlwind romance, and now the cracks are starting to appear. Rosie and Declan have agreed to hide their problems from her family, but Rosie’s insecurities are growing. Will this Christmas bring them closer or drive them apart?

Hayley can’t wait for her first Balfour family Christmas with Jamie. The Balfour Christmas traditions sound wonderful, but she’s worried about her place in this close-knit family. Will there be room for her too? And how will they react to the secret she and Jamie have been keeping?

Despite everyone’s best intentions, all the chaos and confusion could derail their normally happy holidays. Can they tell each other the truth in time to enjoy a perfect family Christmas?

 

Becky is on her way home to a traditional family Christmas, but plans are thwarted when she is stuck at the airport. Thankfully, she runs into Will, her brother's best friend, and they agree to drive home together. This pleases both families as they have always imagined Will and Becky would end up together. However, Becky is hiding a secret as to why she is dreading this family Christmas more than any other year. Then there's her twin sister, Rosie. She is newly married to Declan, and it was a whirlwind romance and quick marriage. But maybe things aren't so great between them? Going home for the holidays will make this complicated for the two as they work through their issues. Lastly, the older brother, Jamie, is heading home, too, along with his girlfriend, Hayley. Hayley is excited for a family holiday, as it is very different than the holidays she grew up with, so this will be an adjustment. She can't help but worry if they won't like her and how she will deal with such a boisterous family. On top of it, each sibling is holding onto a secret this holiday season, which complicates matters further. Sarah Morgan's A Merry Little Lie is a delightful family drama about a family with complicated relationships coming home together to celebrate and finally be honest with themselves, and one another.
 
I can always rely on Morgan's holiday novels to portray a complex family that you can't help but cheer for. Her representations of family dynamics are spot on and often hilarious, as she includes extended family members like grandparents in A Merry Little Lie. At times, it reminded me of The Family Stone, and I eagerly anticipated how each family member would confront their personal struggles. My only issue with this novel is the number of points of view; there were many, with each chapter switching to a different character, which became overwhelming. Nonetheless, it's a charming holiday novel for fans of who enjoy family-centered stories. This one is certainly filled to the brim with drama!

 

Are you a fan of B.K. Borison or Sarah Morgan? Have you read either novel? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.  

 

Mini Reviews: Holiday Romances

 

Who can resist a holiday romance? Today, I’m sharing two books that deliver everything you could want in a love story—complete with unforgettable settings that make the season even more magical.

 

 

Christmas Fling by Lindsey Kelk 

Pages: 384

Genre: Romance

Pub. Date: October 14, 2025

Publisher: HarperCollins

Source: Publisher for review

Other Books By Author: The Christmas Wish 

and On a Night Like This 

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Laura and Callum have met exactly three times – once at a mutual friend’s wedding (Laura doesn’t remember), once at a baby shower (Callum doesn’t remember) and once right now – when Laura lets herself into his flat to find him exiting the shower completely naked (they both remember).

When Callum's parents walk in and mistake Laura for his mystery girlfriend, Laura has no choice but to play along, accepting their invitation to spend Christmas at home in the Scottish Highlands.

But then Laura's best friends show up pretending to be her family, and Callum's ex is invited, and as Laura gets closer to Callum, she can't tell if the increasingly sizzling chemistry between them is real or just a very convincing part of the act."

 

Laura, a doctor, doesn't have plans for Christmas, which kind of sounds thoroughly depressing. When a stranger's parents mistake her for the stranger's girlfriend, an adventure ensues. The stranger is Callum, a Scottish pastry chef, who is in a bind with his parents and his plans for the holidays. His parents want him to return home to Scotland with his girlfriend, Caroline, whom they mistakenly take for Laura. So, Laura goes with it initially, and to help Callum out, because a Scottish Christmas doesn't sound too bad, does it? The more time Callum and Laura spend together, the more their fake dating is pushed to the brink. Is Laura having real feelings for Callum, or is it just the idyllic Scottish Christmas complete with sleeper trains, cozy pubs, warming whiskey drinks by the fire, the highlands, castles, and more? Christmas Fling by Lindsey Kelk is an enjoyable holiday rom-com. While many parts of the story felt far-fetched, I suspended my disbelief, because that's what the holidays are all about, right?
 
I love all things Scotland, so I knew the setting would be a win for me in Christmas Fling. Plus, Lindsey Kelk always delivers a laugh-out-loud holiday rom-com, and that is what readers can expect with this one. Callum was giving Jamie Fraser vibes, so I really loved their slow-burning romantic moments as well as the fake dating that always leads to something more. There's a lot of miscommunication going on in Christmas Fling, but other than that, I thought it was a delightful holiday novel. I didn't love it as much as The Christmas Wish, but overall, it was charming with just the right amount of holiday spice.

 

 

 

Anne of Avenue A by Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding

Pages: 336

Pub. Date: October 28, 2025

Publisher: Gallery

Source: Personal Copy

Other Books by Author: Elizabeth of East Hampton

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Eight years ago, Anne Elliot broke Freddie Wentworth’s heart when she refused to give up her five-year plan for the sake of adventure. But despite big dreams, Anne, now thirty, is still living at home with hardly a plan in sight. Anne tries to be optimistic—she knows better than anyone that regret will get you nowhere—but that goes out when the window when, thanks to her father’s bad spending habits, her childhood apartment in is rented out to the very man still living in her head rent-free.

Freddie Wentworth never thought he would see Anne Elliot again after she dumped him for accepting a job overseas. He spent years trying to forget her, and he’s been mostly successful. So when a job opportunity takes him back to New York, he’s shocked to find out that Anne is not only his new neighbor, but also the former resident of his new Greenwich Village penthouse.

Nearly a decade after Anne and Freddie’s fateful romance, the only thing they still have in common is a desire to leave their relationship firmly in the past. But between a disastrous off-Broadway show and a drunken Thanksgiving dinner, nosey neighbors, and flirtatious friends, Anne and Freddie suddenly find their lives more intertwined than ever before. When old feelings start rising to the surface, they must decide whether to put their hearts on the line or walk away all over again."

 

 

Anne Elliot broke up with Freddie Wentworth years ago when he took a new job overseas, and it still haunts her to this day. She is living a pretty normal life in New York City until Freddie enters the picture again. Anne's father mishandled their money and, in turn, has to sell their sprawling apartment in New York City. Now Anne has a whole new set of problems; plus, the buyer is none other than Freddie himself! Anne is at a crossroads in both her work and personally. Freddie, who just sold his company, is also at a crossroads. The more time they spend together as they both live in the same building, the more they realize that the sparks are still there. Anne of Avenue A by Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding is a wonderful retelling of Jane Austen's Persuasion - perfect for fans of second-chance romances. 
 
As the story continues, readers will delight in Freddie and Anne's second chance at love and in figuring out what went wrong the first time around. Also, readers will appreciate the personal journeys that both Anne and Freddie are on in Anne of Avenue A. Anne's life was all planned out, but it has taken an unexpected turn at work, and she must deal with the ramifications, all while navigating Freddie's return to her life. One of the best parts of the book was the New York City setting during the holidays. This definitely added to the charm of the book. Fans of Bellezza and Harding's For the Love of Austen series won't be disappointed by this heartwarming retelling. Persuasion is one of my favorite of Austen's novels, and I think they captured the spirit very well.
 
 
 

Have you read Christmas Fling or Anne of Avenue A yet? Let 'em know in the comments. Also, Christmas Fling is on sale for under a dollar as an e-book, which you can't beat, so pick up your copy today for the holiday season.  

 

 

 

Discover the Best Picture Books for the Holiday Season

The holiday season is a truly magical time, and one of my favorite ways to celebrate is by cozying up with little ones and sharing a good story. Over the years, we’ve discovered so many wonderful holiday picture books that have become family favorites. In this list, you’ll find a blend of treasured classics and delightful newer finds—many of which I’ve linked for easy shopping. I hope these books bring as much joy to your holiday season as they have to ours!

 1.  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.

 

2.  The Christmas Story by Jane Werner Watson  - A beautiful picture book that covers the true meaning of Christmas. It's written simply for little ones to appreciate.

 

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

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

 

5.  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.

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

 

7.  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. 

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

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

10.  The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg - Another modern classic that is much loved.

 

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

12.  The Twelve Days of Christmas by Jan Brett - A timeless tale and readers love the beautiful illustrations in this book covering the famous Christmas carol. 

13.  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. 

14.  Night Tree by Eve Bunting - A story of a family who decorate a Christmas tree with treats for the animals in the forest.

 

15. Jingle Bells by Kathleen N. Daly - This classi has animals who help Santa deliver the gifts and the lyrics of Jingle Bells are throughout. 

 

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

 

17.  Room for a Little One by Marin Waddell - The illustrations in this book are absolutely beautiful! A nativity story complete with some new animals in this heartfelt tale.

 

18. Steam Train, Dream Train: Next Stop, Christmas! by Sherri Duskey Rinker - The long awaited holiday edition of this much beloved train series.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

21. 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.

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

 

 

 

 

23.  The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie dePaola - Who doesn't love learning more about the Mexican legend of the poinsettia and the origins of one of our favorite holiday plants.

24. 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!

 

 

 

 

25. 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.

26.  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. 

 

 

 

 

27.  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. 

28.  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. 

 

 

 

 

 

29. 5 More Sleeps 'til Christmas by Jimmy Fallon - A sweet picture book that captures the excitement of Christmas.

30. Snow Kid by Jessie Sima - A heartwarming picture book about what it means to truly be yourself.

 

 

 

 

31. Dasher by Matt Tavares - It's about a brave little doe who meets Santa. 

 

32. Snowmen at Christmas by Caralyn Buehner - A perfect holiday read-aloud for those who enjoy the series.

 

 

 

33. Dasher and the Polar Bear by Matt Tavares - The only thing better than Christmas is sharing it with a friend. 

 

34. How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? by Mac Barnett - It's the question that everyone has been wondering!

 

 

 

 

  

35. Harold Loves His Woolly Hat by Vern Kousky - A sweet wintertime picture book that showcases the importance of helping others.

 

36. Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh by Mo Willems -  Everyone's favorite pigeon is back at it again. 

 

 

 

 

 

37. Little Red Sleigh by Erin Guendelsberger - A heartwarming tale about the little red sleigh that could. 

 

38. Construction Site Hanukkah Lights by Sherri Duskey Rinker  - Celebrate Hanukkah with everyone's favorite construction crew and it's a lift the flap book!

 

 

 

 

  

39. Llama Llama A Gift For Mama by Anna Dewdney - The cutest Christmas installment of the Llama series. 

 

40. You're My Little Christmas Cookie by Nicola Edwards - This board book is such a festive tale to share with a little one this holiday season.

 

 

 

  

41. Elmore and the Big Christmas Rescue by Dev Petty - Elmore is back with a holiday tale all about believing in yourself.

 

42. Have Yourself a Cheesy Little Christmas by Jory John - A Christmas book featuring the ever popular Big Cheese.

 

 

 

 

 

43. How to Catch Santa Claus by Alice Walstead - A new Christmas adventure from the How to Catch series.  

 

44. Bluey's Night Before Christmas by Lauren Holowaty - Experience the holiday magic in this Bluey retelling. 

 

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Let me know in the comments below which picture books are your favorites, any recommendations, as well as any new picture books you hope to read this holiday season.