I started a new Christmas tradition for myself a few years ago, reading only Christmas stories between Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Yes, I have read A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss, the story of the Nativity in the Bible, and other stories. However, I had never made it a point to keep my reading specific to the season until a few years ago.
I discovered a few favorites once I began to actively look for such stories. ‘Christmas by the Book‘ by Anne Marie Ryan is in my top five favorites. Is it a holiday rom-com full of spicy sex scenes? Absolutely not! Is it a holiday comedy? Nope! Is it a holiday mystery? Not even remotely. What it is is a story of hope, charity, and courage.
The Premise
Nora and Simon own a small bookshop in a small village in the Cotswolds of the UK. Theirshop is struggling. The village is struggling. The people in the village are struggling. And its Christmas. How will they keep the Christmas Spirit alive when so many, including themselves, are desperately trying to just keep their heads above water?
After a random customer comes into the shop looking for a specific book for his very ill grandson, Nora and Simon are inspired to run a contest via the internet. Nominate someone you know is having a difficult time this Christmas. The bookstore will randomly choose six to send a book to. As Nora and Simon wait, they choose six books and wrap them up along with an invitation to their Christmas Eve party. And we, the readers, follow along with the intertwining stories of Nora, Simon and the recipients of the books.
Now, because I despise spoilers, I hope I have said enough to pique your interest. As stated above, ‘Christmas by the Book’ is in my top favorite Christmas reads. I highly recommend this book. Especially if you’re trying to rediscover the meaning of Christmas for yourself. I can almost guarantee everyone can relate to at least one character in the story.