Christmas Books

Susan Richmond owns Inklings Bookshop in Yakima, Washington and is an avid reader. She and other Inklings staffers review books for the Yakima Herald. She kindly allows me to re-print her reviews on Book Blather.
 Do you have an e-reader? If so, when you finish Susan's post, scroll down for some e-book suggestions from Marilee.

Susan' s Christmas Book List

Are you stumped for the perfect hostess gift for a party this weekend? Do you have some special little people in your life whose eyes are full of stars this season? Would you like to add a beautiful Christmas book to your own growing collection?

I'd like to share some of my favorites. Though they are very different, they all meet my Christmas book criteria: They make me feel all warm and Hallmarky inside.


 If you need a classy hostess gift, two great ones come to mind. "Christmas: On This Holy Night" is a little volume of quotes about Christmas that would look great on any coffee table with its gold- and red-highlighted pages and embossed cover. (Published by Thomas Nelson, $12.99.)

 Another classic all dressed up in a vellum cover and stunningly illustrated is Robert Frost's "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening." I love the ethereal repeating phrase, "but I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep." (Dutton, $16.99.)


 Your favorite children, whether they've been naughty or nice, will enjoy "The Twelve Days of Christmas in Washington." With "a goldfinch in a hemlock tree" or "10 apples gleaming," they will also be learning some fascinating facts about our great state. (Sterling, $12.95.)

 "A Christmas Manger," originally published in 1942 by H.A. Rey, is full of animals and angels to punch out, fold and assemble. No glue required, and it can be re-assembled each year. (Houghton-Mifflin, $9.99.)

 "The Spirit of Christmas" by Nancy Tillman is a warm, affirming book that adults will also love, assuring each reader that there is always a place for them during the holidays. The illustrations are delicious. (Feiwel & Friends, $16.99.)

 And perhaps for you: "A Christmas Story" by Jean Shepherd. Yes, Virginia, the very book that inspired your favorite holiday movie. (AOL Time Warner, $14.95.)

 Marilee's E-Book Suggestions

I am truly blessed to write for an awesome publishing company, Belle Books, whose offerings appear in both print and digital format. A number of Belle Book authors have penned charming Christmas stories, available as downloads from Amazon. You might want to give them a try. You won't be sorry.


 "Twas the Night" by Sandra Hill, Kate Holmes and Trish Jensen
 "Holiday Rush" by Lisa Scott
 "Angel Unaware" by Elizabeth Sinclair
 "A Dixie Christmas" by Sandra Hill
 "Regency Holiday" anthology by Lynn Kerstan, Alicia Rasley, Allison Lane,  Rebecca Hagan Lee, "A Home for Christmas" by Deborah Grace Staley