Books to Enjoy this Christmas

Enjoy some captivating books this Christmas, because one of the most relaxing holiday pastimes is reading, isn’t it? In no particular order, discover your next historical fiction, time travel, contemporary romance, or gutsy crime thriller. I loved them all.

Listen to Me by Tess Gerritsen (Rizzoli & Isles Book 13)

Genre: crime thriller

The novel opens with a strange first chapter. Angela (Rizzoli is snooping into (all of) her neighbor’s lives. Yet Tess Gerritsen, the master storyteller, has already weaved her atmosphere, pulled us in, and we’re stuck in her foreshadowing (it gave me chills). The dual story-line she weaved in “Listen to me” was engrossing.

I read once an interview with Tess Gerritsen and she shared her writing style. First draft is pen on paper while she lets her story take her wherever it will. Till she’s about half way through. Then, only then, the hard work begins, when she sits and stares and labors over how to work herself out of the knot. She always does. Brilliantly. With this in mind, I could see how the ending came through and it was a marvelous idea. This Christmas time I’ll read the book again and try to see all the clues Gerritsen weaved in her tale – clues I never put them together until the end.

It will be a long stretch until the next Rizzoli & Isles book comes out (it’s been five years from the # 12), but Tess Gerritsen is a writer I admire greatly so I’ll probably read at least part of her books again.
Caution: the first books depict the crimes in detail, and as the victims are women (something that Tess Gerritsen decided to do at the request of her female readers – as she mentioned in an interview) an age limit would be advisable and definitely not a suitable choice for sensible readers.

Cometh the Hour by Annie Whitehead

Genre: historical biographical fiction

This novel is the ideal read for fans of history and historical fiction.

A beautiful retelling of history, of what it was, as supported by historical sources, and of what it could have been, as seen through the author’s eye and skillful pen. We follow the adventures of four kings of the 7th century ans their struggles against each other. But we also stand witness, almost as if we’re watching with our eyes, the lives of the women who, more than once, had to rule the kingdom while their husbands were off fighting. 
It was a time of constant warfare, but also a time of plotting, and of love. 
Even readers unfamiliar with the history of 7th century Britain will be captivated by this novel as there is a map of 7th century Britain included and the author’s vast knowledge of history and gift for storytelling  create a captivating read.
For those who really love history, and going down the rabbit hole, there’s even a chapter including the sources this novel was based on  on as well as author’s notes on how particular scenes came to life.
A historical novel where history really comes alive.

A Dash of Flash 2 by Millie Thom

Genre: anthologies of short stories.

A collection of short tales by a master storyteller spanning various genres, from historical fiction to contemporary and romance, each reader is bound to discover a favorite story or two, or to identify with a character or another, the author being a wonderful portraitist as well as a skilled writer of dialogue.
Some of my favorite stories: “An Outstanding A in Maths”, written without the use of the letter E, “Broken”, “Big, Sorrowful Eyes”, “The Old Hotel”, “Achilles’ Heel”, or “The Hat”.

This book is the ideal read when your feel stressed or when you only have a few minutes and you wish to relax. It will not disappoint.

Another great read by the same author: Take Height, Rutterkin by Millie Thom.

The Promise by Kathleen Harryman and Lucy Marshall

Genre: historical adventure romance.

When war comes in the way of love, then life has a way of forcing us adapt, twisting our choices, or forcing us make desperate promises. A girl, and three young man madly in love with her – but which one will come back from the war?
The first person narrative adds to the tale developing in this love story set against an already dramatic WW2 backdrop.

A book that will sweep you off your feet, especially if you enjoy WW2 tales with a difference.

Lost in Time  by John M Taylor

Genre: historical mystery blend with fantasy (reading age 12 – 18 years).

Enjoy beautiful storytelling.
We’re in post WW1, and life in a  small England village is far from being peaceful.
Dive into a historical mystery blending with fantasy in a dual timeline, past WW1 and 13th century England alongside well drawn characters and a tale that will pull you in.

If you wish to get lost in a book, this is it.

The Vaccine Strikes Back by Sheila Patel

Genre: satire and political fiction

As always with this author, laughter is the best medicine.
Even if haven’t read The Magic Vodka Wardrobe book series (and you should), you will still giggle at the antics of Sheila and the colorful characters from “The Wardrobe” – in a sparkling tale that will take you during a UK Christmas lockdown, with home-schooled kids (and the its implications), home-baked goods (and its consequences), and… Trump.

A fantastic read if you feel stressed, as it will be sure to relax you – a real treat to read.

The Castilian Pomegranate by Anna Belfrage

Genre: medieval historical romance.

Allow yourself to be transported to medieval Spain. You may not want to leave.
Robert and Noor, husband and wife, are forced by their queen, Eleanor of England, to travel abroad, to Spain, on a secret mission – and not an easy one to succeed in as it involves going against the law, and against one’s heart. Their lives are soon tangled in a web of political ties as 13th century Spain is not a peaceful land. Husband and wife are soon separated by the war that Aragon and Castile are facing. And by personal ties… (read my full review here).

You will root for Robert and Noor throughout this book, read past your bedtime, and, more than once, your heart will sink.

Her Alibi by Mary L Schmidt

Genre: memoir, child abuse.

With painstaking details, the author paints a dark and emotional picture of childhood abuse, yet she handles this personal and sensitive topic with delicacy. This is a deeply personal story and one of many that should be heard, and read.
Family abuse is still a taboo topic in many societies. I admire the author for the courage and her strength of character shown in sharing her past with us.
Hopefully it will encourage other abuse victims to speak up and help them feel validated and less alone in their experience.

An unforgettable memoir about flawed family ties and hope.

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If you fancy historical fiction with a dash of folklore and myth:

What books will you enjoy this Christmas?