Christmas books for grown ups?

[DietCokeChipsAndMayo]

I’m looking for inspiration for Christmas books to read during December, both for me and for my Mum
Neither of us have ever read Christmas themed books before but after caring for and then losing my Nan very recently both have found ourselves turning to the rubbish channel 5 Xmas films to turn our minds off (both separately, we’ve only discussed that we both seem to be doing this today) so I thought a cheesy Xmas love story book might also be nice
I always buy her an advent calendar so am looking to giving it to her on the 1st Dec with this, but I have no idea which are any good and/or not too sentimental
Can anyone suggest some?

Trish Ashley has written some nice, warm, Christmassy books.

Try the Twelve Days of Christmas or The Magic of Christmas.

Cecilia Ahern: 'The Gift'

Rosamund Pilcher has some - Winter Solstice is one title I recall.

I was coming to say Tricia Ashley.

Christmas for Beginners by Carole Matthews

These books by Milly Johnson are great reads

I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1471178560/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_HH99AW2E24E7XVPHM6EX?tag=mumsnetforu03-21

The Mother of All Christmases www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1471161900/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_98TJQVJTSX0CVVTDEGAY?tag=mumsnetforu03-21

Or this by Karen Swan

The Christmas Party www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1529006066/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_61M2ATGBM7Y4RFWCEX17?psc=1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=mumsnetforu03-21

Another author to look at is Jenny Colgan

I'm reading A Winter's Dream by Sophie Claire. Easy read and enjoyable - Christmassy romance mystery type thing.

Skipping Christmas by John Grisham, although I didn't like the ending.

Another vote for Milly Johnson- I wish it could be Christmas everyday
I also read Charles Dickens Christmas Carol each year

Whay a lovely thread!

Shamelessly place marking.

I love Winter Solstice, but I probably wouldn’t recommend it for anyone recently bereaved - there’s a very sad part that would probably be too close to home.

PS, I just did an Amazon book search for Christmas, it came up with an adult books filter and masses came up. Might be worth having a look at reviews.

You have to read A Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flagg, a wonderful book.
Christmas at the Beach Hut by Veronica Henry for something a bit more chick-lit
Also second Skipping Christmas by John Grisham, I read it every year.

Oh, yes. Milly Johnson is great.

@MadMadMadamMim

Trish Ashley has written some nice, warm, Christmassy books.

Try the Twelve Days of Christmas or The Magic of Christmas.

I have just read her latest 'The last Christmas in the Castle' . Similar atmosphere to '12 Days' . Nothing dramatic happens, the story just rolls along. I was slightly confused by the 'family relationships'' angle, and was unsure how to pronounce (in my head) the name Xan. I considered asking on MN Baby Nanes, but settled on Zan.
A very enjoyable Christmas book!

Penguin book of Christmas stories. A compendium of traditional short stories. I loved this book, it felt like I was in front of a roaring fire

Bit of a long shot but years ago I picked up a Christmas book in a holiday rental. It was a purple cover and was about a woman with a family who loved Christmas, she worked at an estate agency and her husband was a floorer. Her elderly mother lived with her and her dad had come out as gay. I never got to finish it and it has bothered me since. Do you know that book?

As I read what I have written, I realise how ridiculous it is to ask!

Also thank you for the recommendations, I am planning a day off work soon with DD in nursery to just read so I will be buying a good book!

Miracle on Regent Street by Ali Harris is a lovely light Christmas read. For something a bit different try The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper, which I reread every Christmas. It’s ostensibly a kids’ book but I still love it as an adult.

@TrickyD Xan is usually a nickname for AleXANder so I think you are right. It's my pet name for my son

I'm liking the book advent calendar idea, might do this for my sister, mum & me.

LH1987 that's a Carole Matthews book I think.

LtGreggs, I guessed it must be a nick-name for Alexander, but it seems odd that in the whole book his full name never appears. Nick-name fine, complete name a bit strange.

Some Day at Christmas by Lizzie Bydon. Totally predictable but an excellent feel good Christmas read

Winter solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher

@Legoisthebest, you are a beautiful genius! The highest compliment I can think to give someone. It is indeed, thank you.

LH1987 glad to be of assistance