Ever since I started writing this type of post for non-festive books I’ve wanted to do one for the festive ones. I’m not sure why it’s taken me so long to think of this idea, but it’s super fun and one I can add to each year.
I’m such a sucker for Christmas films with a bucket load of romance, I re-watch them all most years. I’d love to see some of the great books I’ve read adapted into films.
The Twelve Dogs of Christmas by Lizzie Shane
This is such a cute book and I can imagine it would perform well as a Netflix original. Who doesn’t love dogs and Christmas? Especially one in a gorgeous small village with a cast of quirky characters.
I think this would work better as a film as I don’t remember the book being super long.
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.
The Little Christmas Shop on Nutcracker Lane by Jaimie Admans
If this was made into a movie I would watch the heck out of it. I can 100% see this as a Hallmark or Netflix original. The plot is extremely cute and everything about it was so Christmassy and magical.
This book is probably the one that has made me feel the most festive over the three years that I’ve been doing Christmas book reviews. I don’t know what it is about it, but it’s just so good.
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…
The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss
This would make a great mini-series, probably around six episodes with two dates in each. Some of the dates are longer than others though and the end of the book has no dates so it would have to find a good balance.
It’s a classic festive romance with tons of fun Christmas activities and an interesting cast of characters.
Synopsis: When it comes to relationships, thirty-four-year-old Kate Turner is ready to say “Bah, humbug.” The sleepy town of Blexford, England, isn’t exactly brimming with prospects, and anyway, Kate’s found fulfillment in her career as a designer, and in her delicious side job baking for her old friend Matt’s neighborhood café. But then her best friend signs her up for a dating agency that promises to help singles find love before the holidays. Twenty-three days until Christmas. Twelve dates with twelve different men. The odds must finally be in her favor . . . right?
Yet with each new date more disastrous than the one before–and the whole town keeping tabs on her misadventures–Kate must remind herself that sometimes love, like mistletoe, shows up where it’s least expected. And maybe, just maybe, it’s been right under her nose all along. . . .
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Like this post? Why not read this one too: Book Confessions: Popular (Festive) Books I Didn’t Like #8
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