Tis the Season to Read!

Hello, friends! It’s officially the Holiday Season. It’s probably cliche to say this, but with each year that passes, it feels like the month of December goes faster and faster. We’re already a week and a half into the month, and we are already behind on our to-do lists. This year, we are really trying to shift our mental states and embrace what this season should be about : deep rest. Yes, there are still family expectations, but this need to hustle through the month always leaves me exhausted and wanting a break. With that in mind, we thought we would bring you some Holiday themed books that we revisit and love. These are books that give us all the warm cozy Holiday feelings, and get us into the festive mood.

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First up for Erin is “Last Christmas in Paris” by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb.
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"Set during WWI, this is an epistolary novel, which is one of my favourite forms of fiction. We have Evie in 1914 saying goodbye to her brother Will and his best friend Thomas, as they leave for the front lines. She’s hoping to see them again in Paris over Christmas, and that the war will surely be over by then. 
We see through Thomas one version of the war: unimaginable trauma. And Through Evie: frustrated at her inability to help. Through correspondence we experience their love story. Flash forward to 1968 and Thomas has returned to Paris with his beloved’s letters when he finds one he never read. Before he can bring himself to read it, he decides to start at the beginning. 
I loved this book so much, and the really wide scope we get of the war through different people’s eyes. This book doesn’t hide or romanticize the ugliness of the war, and that to me makes this love story all the more beautiful. If you enjoy historical fiction, this is a must." 

Ashli really loves the classic Christmas tales; they are purely a warm hug of nostalgic love. Her first pick is Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. 

"I don’t think this one needs any sort of description other than that this book is super special to me. My family copy is a gorgeous vintage edition with a plain red canvas cover. As a kid, my mom would read this book to me every single December; a “chapter” a night until we got to Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve was always when we read another classic: ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. The movies also stole a piece of my heart every December. While there are so many adaptations, A Muppets’ Christmas Carol will always be my favourite."

Next up Erin loves “Sherlock Holmes: The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle”

"This short story takes place at Christmas time, and centres around the theft of a priceless jewel-- the blue carbuncle. Meanwhile, Holmes is on the case of a lost Christmas goose. What ensues is a really enjoyable little tale that gives you all the festive vibes of Christmas in London, along with the comfort of a classic mystery with our dear Holmes & Watson."

Another favourite classic of Ashli’s is Alexandre Dumas’ version of The Nutcracker. 

"I grew up as a figure skater. Ballet and figure skating go hand in hand so it is no wonder that I love the story of Marie/ Clara (both names are used in various tellings) and her Nutcracker. It is a beautifully whimsical tale of a young girl and a nutcracker that her Godfather gifts her. There is a certain magic that comes from both reading this story and from watching the ballet that gives me full on Christmas spirit year round." 

Erin’s last pick/ suggestion for festive reading is “One Day in December” by Josie Silver 

"Laurie thinks she meets the man she’s meant to be with. Trouble is it was just a fleeting moment. As she goes forward with life she keeps an eye out for him. One night at a Christmas party, she meets her fitness new boyfriend, Jack. And of course, it’s the man on the bus . Cue a novel filled with love, heartbreak and missed chances. This book hit me square in the fee , and left me breathless and crying (but what’s new) . I think this may have been made into a movie.. I’m not sure I can watch it because it’s just so. Many. Feelings. But I urge you to pick this up if you enjoy romances."

Last, but not least; Ashli’s newest Christmas read is actually the subject of our next author interview post coming later this month! Allow us to introduce you to Midnight in Everwood by M.A. Kuzniar! 

 We won’t tell you too much other than the fact that it is a gorgeous retelling of The Nutcracker and that you won’t be prepared for the beauty of the changes that Kuzniar has made! Romantic, magical, and full of female ballerina strength. Check in with us in about a week and a half to find out more and learn more about Kuzniar herself; see you then!