Although Christmas 2020 wasn’t the best it did produce some really great festive reads. During that time I reviewed twelve different books – some good, some not so good, and discovered some really great reads. 

When looking back I wasn’t too sure if I would find enough of them that I really liked to make a whole post about (I planned for this to be a top 5). However, there were three that I really enjoyed that I want to share with you today. 

*I was sent copies of all of these books for free. All views and opinions are my own.*

The Little Christmas Shop on Nutcracker Lane by Jaimie Admans 

The Little Christmas Shop on Nutcracker Lane was my favourite festive read of 2020. At first, I found the storyline a little bizarre, despite this it made me feel so Christmassy. So much so that I’m planning to do a re-read of it at some point this month if I get a chance. 

If you are worried about me finding the storyline bizarre, don’t worry it does get resolved and honestly it wasn’t crazy out there, but it definitely wasn’t what I was expecting. 

I’m getting about excited about re-reading this just by writing this post. I really hope I can squeeze it in. 

Read my review here: The 12 Books of Christmas: The Little Christmas Shop on Nutcracker Lane by Jaimie Admans

Goodreads synopsis: “It’s the most magical time of year, and anything can happen…

Nia Maddison has always believed that wishes come true on Nutcracker Lane. So, when she gets the opportunity to run her own Christmas gift shop on the most magical street in town, it feels like her wishes have been finally granted.

But working late one night, Nia discovers yet another boyfriend has cheated on her. As she trudges home – alone, again – she passes the (supposedly) magical nutcracker and half-joking thinks a wish can’t hurt. Cracking a nut in its mouth, she wishes to find Prince Charming.

The next day Nia gets to work to find another decoration shop has opened directly across the lane from her own, and she can’t resist having a nose around.

Whilst there, she accidentally backs into a human-sized Nutcracker, knocking it over and breaking it. Mortified, she flees from the store but when she gathers her resolve to go back and apologise, she stumbles across the gorgeous shop owner James, who looks exactly like Prince Charming…

Could her Christmas wish from the night before really be coming true?”

One Kiss Before Christmas by Emma Jackson 

One Kiss Before Christmas was the first-ever festive book I have read. For this reason, it does hold a special place in my heart. Also because it is set in Brighton, where I live. I absolutely adored this book when I first read it and if I had time I would definitely read it again. 

The fact that it is set in Brighton just makes it so special to me. I loved that I could picture myself in the book’s locations because I know it so well. Also, Brighton at Christmas is pretty beautiful. 

I remember this being a pretty quick read, so if you are looking for a fun festive romance that will make you want to snuggle up with a blanket and hot chocolate then look no further. 

Read my review here: The 12 Books of Christmas: One Kiss Before Christmas by Emma Jackson

Goodreads synopsis: “Could it be the start of her happy ever after?

Ashleigh could use a little Christmas magic. She’s still living in Brighton with her Nan – who could give the Grinch lessons in how to be miserable – her acting career has been reduced to playing one of Santa’s elves, and not even the prospect of a friend’s winter wedding can cheer her up…

That is until Olivier, the gorgeous French chef, reappears in her life. Or more accurately, next door.

When they were teenagers, Olivier would spend every Christmas with his mother, who just happens to be Ash’s neighbour and owner of the best chocolate shop in England.

If anyone can bring a little sparkle back to Ash’s life, it’s Olivier. All she needs is one kiss before Christmas…”

The Twelve Dogs of Christmas by Lizzie Shane

Dogs and Christmas. Need I say more? 

Well yeah probably, but honestly I’d be interested from that description.

The Twelve Dogs of Christmas was the first-ever review in my ‘The 12 Books of Christmas’ series and it was a good one. Heartwarming and full of festivities you really can’t go wrong with a Christmas book that has a theme of dogs.  

Read my review here: The 12 Books of Christmas: The Twelve Dogs of Christmas by Lizzie Shane

Goodreads synopsis: “Pine Hollow has everything Ally Gilmore could wish for in a holiday break: gently falling snow in a charming small town and time with her family. Then she learns some Grinch has pulled the funding for her family’s rescue shelter, and now she has only four weeks to find new homes for a dozen dogs! But when she confronts her Scroogey councilman nemesis, Ally finds he’s far more reasonable – and handsome – than she ever expected.

As the guardian of his dog-obsessed ten-year-old niece, Ben West doesn’t have time to build a cuddly reputation. But he does feel guilty about the shelter closing. So he proposes a truce with Ally, agreeing to help her adopt out the pups. As the two spend more time together, the town’s gossip is spreading faster than Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve. And soon Ben is hoping he can convince Ally that Pine Hollow is her home for the holidays…and the whole year through.”

Did you read any festive books last year? Let me know your favourite in the comments!

WANT TO SEE WHAT I’VE BEEN READING LATELY? CHECK OUT MY GOODREADS HERE

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Like this post? Why not read this one too: The 12 Books of Christmas: The Mistletoe Pact by Jo Lovett