Holiday Reading - Part I

Last year, I did a series of blog posts on my own blog and elsewhere with suggested holiday romance for reading, gift giving, etc. and they went over so well, I've decided to make it a tradition.  I'm kicking off my series for this year here on Tote Bags 'n' Blogs.

Who doesn't love a holiday romance?  Okay...there are a few of you out there, but I'm an unashamed fan of sentiment and schmaltz.  Wrap it in a package with a stellar romance and you've got me hooked.  I've written a few myself and they often top my list of personal faves.  Does that make me just one shade too sentimental?  Maybe, but it's not something I can help.  I love, love, love a good holiday romance!

I'm really delighted readers seem to find this year's book Million Dollar Christmas Proposal (Presents Nov 2013) every bit as warm and romantic as I do (though the love scenes are described as hot). :)

I've asked my publishers, readers and friends to suggest some fantastic reading, books to meet our craving for that extra bit of emotional oomph that comes from reading a holiday themed romance.

Suggested Holiday Reading:

CHRISTMAS BREAK by Jami Davenport
Seattle Lumberjacks—The Rookies Series

As a college football star and a waitress stave off cold loneliness through one hot holiday break, a passion begins that will carry them both all the way into the NFL.

I read another novel by the author, Jami Davenport, and I was anxious to see if she could create the same level of heat and emotional depth in novella format. And....she did!!! It was a great read. My heart broke for Aubrey and I was cheering for Braxton. I can't wait to read more of their story.--Cocktails and Books (5 stars)

SUGAR COOKIE SWEETHEART SWAP by Donna Kauffman, Kate Angell, Kimberly Kincaid

USA Today bestselling author Donna Kauffman, bestselling author Kate Angell, and talented newcomer Kimberly Kincaid dish up a sweet and sexy holiday romance centered on a Christmas cookie swap.

“Who’d have thought that December could get so steamy in the Blue Ridge Mountains?...this trio of deliciously sensual novellas from two veteran authors and one newcomer practically melt the snow from the Pine Mountain rooftops and are the perfect reward for readers who like their holiday treats with a hefty helping of spice.” – Library Journal

MERRY CHRISTMAS COWBOY by Janet Dailey
Heartwarming family values combine with Dailey's trademark sparkling romance to make a holiday treat as magical as the tree at Rockefeller Center.

Originally released in hardcover, now out in mass market paperback and eBook.

While new stories are always intriguing and can make for new faves, we can't ignore some of the more tantalizing and memorable books from years gone by.

One of my personal favorites is All I Want for Christmas by Lori Foster, Kinley MacGregor (Sherrilyn Kenyon), Dee Holmes & Eileen Wilkes.

Suggested movie to watch while wrapping gifts: 

For pure schmaltz - It's a Wonderful Life and for something more recent - Love Actually.

Some of the top suggested books to give as gifts by my readers:

The Wallflower Series by Lisa Kleypas.

Paris in Love - a Memoir by Eloisa James

Little Women and the follow on books by Louisa May Alcott (I still re-read Little Women almost yearly and have given this book as a gift numerous times.)

Look for more wonderful holiday reads in my upcoming posts here, on Writerspace and my own blog.

Hugs and happy reading,
Lucy