Holiday-themed books: Yay or Nay?
Ever since the holiday season arrived (quite suddenly), I’m sure you’ve noticed those holiday-themed books going around, and I realized I have never read a holiday-themed book, ever! I don’t know exactly why, to be honest, but nothing has really attracted me to them. I figure because most of them are romance stories and that has never been my go-to genre. My go-to genres are darker reads so, yeah, not very Christmassy >.< Though I am curious about them. What’s your opinion on them? Do you love them? Dislike them? Do they really give out that warn, fuzzy, happy holiday vibe like movies do?
Movies, though, I love Christmas movies! My favorite being:
During the holidays and especially Christmas vacation, I usually like to read light, feel-good books. I’ve just never turned to an actual holiday book. Soooo, since I haven’t read any before I have no recs, but I do have a list of books I’d like to try out that are holiday themed (or set during the holidays). These made the list either because I’m a fan of the author, or because of recommendations I’ve seen in the past:
Are there any that you loved and would recommend?
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XOXO, Book Girl
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I don’t think I’ve read a Xmas themed book either, well except for maybe one that had Xmas themed stories but was all paranormal stories and it was during my Sookie Stackhouse binge reading a pair of years back. I’m not too big on fluffly topical Xmas-y stuff, I might be a bit of Grinch that way. My fave Xmas movie is Love Actually and I love watching it every Xmas!
Kelsey
Let it Snow was ok, but Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares was really good.I tried reading Ex-Mas but I had to put it down. I read all of these last year, but some of the other ones you have there look interesting.
I’m trying to get more into Christmas books, but some of them are so similar sounding and it’s hard to know which one you should read. I think I only read one this year and I planned for many more lol.
ODell @ Book Twirps
I read Let it Snow and thought it was cute. I enjoyed the first two stories the most. I really liked Dash & Lily. Ordinary Beauty is another great one. Not exactly a holiday book though it takes place in winter, and definitely not a feel good book, but it’s really good.
Reanna
You should check out North Pole Reform School by Jaimie Admans. It was a good, quick read that you might enjoy 🙂
Kathy @ I Write, I Read, I Review
I’m totally cool with a book I already wanted to read having a holiday tone thrown into it, but I’ve learnt–in trying to read some holiday stuff this year–that going looking for it is not for me. It just seems that if the holiday story is the draw of the book there are certain rules that one must follow, and a lack of darkness (and therefor consequences or real suspense within whatever is being read) tends to be the result.
I enjoyed DARK CELEBRATION by Christine Feehan, but that’s pretty much a fan tribute, so that was expected. My own book has some holiday undertones, so I’m definitely not against it. But I think I tend to prefer Christmas cartoons / movies, and Christmas music (and just Christmas!) to Christmas books, when I sit and really think about it.
Anya
I have this problem too! I see everyone reading holiday-themed books and I’m like, uhhhhh, are there any with dragons in them >.>? Romance is in fact a genre that I generally avoid, along with contemporary, so I don’t think I’ll be taking the plunge this year, haha.
Emily
Ahaha! I don’t really read these novels too, though I may like a romance! A good one of course… Maybe it’s because these novels that you’ve listed above, I mean I have heard of them! But maybe they just didn’t really speak to me then. But perhaps I may give them a try! … When I have time ><
I hope you enjoy the holiday season, it's always so fun with Christmas and all! 😀 And of course, happy reading, Giselle! <33
Maya
I tend to avoid romance novels and because most christmas books are romance-centred, I don’t think I’ve read any either. However, around christmas I do like reading more wintry novels.
Tina
I think the idea of holiday themed books is a GREAT idea and always think about maybe reading one but then I don’t for two reasons: 1) I already have a million books I am so excited to read and can’t possibly pause for a moment to read some random holiday book. 2) Deep down I feel like a holiday book is just gong to be a cute, fluff, light read and not the intense emotional journey I’m usually looking for. I am not 100% sure why I feel this way but I have ideas. I’m also probably wrong, haha. But that’s just what I think! Christmas movies… THOSE I LOVE!
Audris @ YA Bookmark
I adore Dash and Lily. Everything about that book is so quotable <3 and Wintertown was a different, fun read. I want to check out more winter reads this year so I'll probably pick up Let it Snow and Ex-Mas 🙂
Whitley
I looooove holiday themed romances; it’s probably the only time a year that I’ll read straight-up romance genre books. Although lately it’s more than I’ll reread old favorites than go looking for new holiday books.
Mary @ BookSwarm
Mostly no to holiday-themed books. I like the cozy feel of winter books (as long as I’m not also freezing my arse off) but I’m NOT the biggest fan of the season itself and many of the genres I read don’t lend themselves to the happy-happy, joy-joy of the holidays.
Jackie
I love holiday themed books. The only one I’d read from your list though is Decked With Holly and I would recommend it. I love paranormal and contemporary romance in general but I also love Holiday novellas.
Henrietta
I seldom read stories that are Christmas-themed but Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares sounds FUN – maybe I’ll pick this one up 🙂
Melliane
I’ve just read a christmas story and it was so nice! now I want to read more now because it’s finally the perfect period. My only problem is that I need to read other books before…
Bonnie
It’s really funny but sometime around late summer/early fall I get REALLY into the idea of Christmas-y novels and compile a huge list but by the time December/Christmas actually rolls around I’ve turned into a total grinch. One of my all-time favorites is Skipping Christmas by John Grisham!
Eileen @ Singing and Reading in the Rain
I’d definitely also want to read some of these books, too. Decked With Holly looks sooo cute and Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares has such great reviews for it. I usually never read any holiday-themed books, but I feel like I should just to get me into the spirit 🙂 Usually I just watch ABC Family’s 25 Days of Christmas lol.
Michelle
Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler would definitely be what I would recommend. It’s not super Christmas-y (the big day does make an appearance), but it’s PERFECT for the entire winter season. Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares was just Meh for me. Lily is so damn whiney. And Decked With Holly I own and need to read soon!!!
Melanie (YA Midnight Reads)
I don’t really read holiday books, don’t think I have but I really want to read Let It Snow and Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares.
Thanks for the recs! <33
Candace
Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares! I LOVE LOVE LOVE that book so much! And it’s not super holiday themed so you might like it. Some of my most favorite quotes come from that book. I think I need to do a reread of it actually…
I don’t read holiday books usually, but I did read one set of novella’s and liked them pretty well.
Savannah
I love reading holiday stories. Especially romances.
Carmen B.
I’ve noticed those around too! I see them in my blogger feed but I actually never even check out the posts ^^’ I’m just not interested. As you say, it’s typically straight-up romance, and I don’t like that very much.
That being said, I read anthology once that was called Holidays Are Hell, with short stories by Kim Harrison, Marjorie M. Liu and others in it. I remember liking that one, because it was more than just romance.
Dash & Lily is also one that I want to read! I think my problem with holiday-themed books is that they seem more like a marketing thing to me… tailored to a particular purpose and because of that, maybe a bit contrived? I might also just be snob though 😛
Amy @ Book Loving Mom
The Nightmare Before Christmas is one of my favorite movies ever!!!! Love it!! I also really liked Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares. I thought it was a great book. I have Wintertown, but unfortunately haven’t had a chance to read it yet. I don’t usually read holiday themed books and if I do, it’s usually not near said holiday lol. I have enjoyed the ones I’ve read though.
ShootingStarsMag
I’m curious about Wintertown. I think I’ve read a few holiday themed reads, but they aren’t things I normally gravitate toward either. I don’t mind romances, but I don’t read a ton of mainstream romances and they tend to focus on the holidays. I do like a good holiday film every now and then though. Nightmare Before Christmas is GREAT!