Deck the Halls with...Books!

'Tis the season to be reading. Whether you've been naughty or nice, whether you're holiday spirit is full of "Ho! ho! ho!" or "Bah, humbug," you're sure to find a Christmas treasure here.

GENERAL

An Amish Christmas, by Cynthia Keller. Ballantine, 2010.
When the troubled Hobart family get into a car accident in Pennsylvania, they are taken in by an Amish family. While they struggle to understand the cultural differences between them, they also learn much about the strength of family bonds.

The Angel Doll: A Christmas Story, by Jerry Bledsoe. Down Home Press, 1996.
When polio-stricken 4-year old Sandy Black expresses her desire for an angel doll for Christmas, something no one in the small town of Thomasville, North Carolina, has ever seen, her older brother and his best friend, both aged 10, set out to make her wish come true. Followed by Gift of Angels (1999).

Angel Unaware, by Elizabeth Sinclair. Medallion, 2008.
As the result of a Heavenly mix-up, Dora de Angelo, who was supposed to be a mortal, becomes one of the most inept angels the Celestial Maintenance Department. Then she receives a mission and is sent to Earth, where her task is to help an orphaned girl and teach her uncle how to love again.

Blue Christmas, by Mary Kay Andrews. HarCol, 2006.
Antiques dealer Weezie Foley is determined to win the Savannah historical district window decorating contest, an effort that is challenged by a series of odd events. It doesn't help that her boyfriend hates the holidays.

A Chesapeake Shores Christmas, by Sheryl Woods. MIRA, 2010.
After years apart, Mick and Megan O'Brien are finally ready to re-marry. But not all their five adult children are happy, especially their one son, a divorce attorney. Then a Thanksgiving Day revelation threatens the upcoming nuptials.

Christmas at Fontaine's, by William Kotzwinkle. Putnam, 1982.
'Tis the night before Christmas at Fontaine's department store where the harried lives of its employees are touched by a mysterious presence which turns the chaos of the store on Christmas Eve into a marvelous menagerie of miracles.

The Christmas Box, by Richard Paul Evans. S & S, 1995.
Richard and Keri are hired to care for lonely widow Mary Parkins. As Christmas approaches, Mary grows increasingly concerned about Richard's obsession with success-at the expense of his family-but he is too busy to heed her advice on rearranging his priorities. It is only when Mary is on her deathbed and her secret sorrow revealed in a Christmas box of letters that Richard sees the light. Followed by The First Gift of Christmas (1996), The Letter (1997), and The Gift (2007).

The Christmas Bus, by Melody Carlson. Revell, 2006.
When her grown children tell her they cannot make it home this year for Christmas, Edith Ryan, owner-operator of the Shepherd's Inn bed-and-breakfast (as well as the local pastor's wife) tries to lift her sagging spirits by opening her home to a few strangers in need of a place to stay. By the same author: The Christmas Dog (2009).

The Christmas Cake, by Lynne Hinton. Avon, 2009.
The ladies of Hope Springs, North Carolina, try to lift the spirits of cancer-stricken Margaret Peele with both a holiday recipe book and a surprise cross-country trip to her home town in Texas. By the author of The Friendship Cake.

The Christmas Chronicles: The Legacy of Santa Claus, by Tim Slover. Bantam, 2010.
In 1343, a child named Klaus is orphaned and adopted by a craftsmen’s guild. This is the story of how he grew up to become a master woodworker with a gift for making toys and the man beloved throughout the world as Santa Claus.

The Christmas Clock, by Kat Martin. Vanguard, 2009.
As young Teddy helplessly watches his beloved grandmother slowly slip away from Alzheimer's, he determines to to buy a beautiful hand-painted Victorian clock that reminds her of her childhood. Meanwhile, Lottie frets over who will raise Teddy when she is no longer able to care for him. She may have found just the right couple, but Sylvia and Joe have to overcome the ghosts of Christmases past before they have a chance at a happy tomorrow.

Christmas in Calico, by Jack Curtis. Daybreak, 1998.
During a killing blizzard, pregnant widow Rose Cameron, who is trying to save her struggling ranch from her greedy neighbors, brings her ill son into the poor town of Calico to see the doctor. When the town's leading citizens refuse them a place to stay, they find compassion in only the poorest citzens...and in a drifter named Joel Reese. A bit of A Christmas Carol with a western twang.

The Christmas Gift, by David Saperstein & James J. Rush. Kensington, 2009.
Blessed with "second sight," 12-year-old Katie uses her visions of the future to keep her ex-con uncle out of trouble and ensure a happy holiday.

The Christmas Kid, by Michael Allin. T. Dunne, 2001.
Casey Rickert, a college freshman with a penchant for finding trouble, loses his plane ticket home to Kansas City and is forced to hitch-hike his way home in a Santa suit. Along the way he learns a lot about life, Christmas wishes and goodwill toward men.

The Christmas Journey, by Donna VanLiere. St. Martin's, 2010.
A re-telling of Mary and Joseph's journey to Nazareth.

The Christmas Passage, by David Saperstein & George Samerjan. Kensington, 2008.
Looks like it's going to a bleak Christmas for Marta, who is traveling with two children, Vietnam Vet Andy, a female soldier on leave from Iraq named Ilena, laid-off assembly worker, Reggie, and John, a wealthy businessman. They are all stranded in the airport on Christmas Eve. They are offered a lift by get a Good Samaritan, but the van breaks down during a snowstorm, forcing the group to find refuge in a remote cabin, where they meet Joshua, who inexplicably knows far too much about their private lives.

The Christmas Pearl, by Dorothea Benton Frank. Morrow, 2007.
93-year-old Theodora is the matriarch of a family that has grown--to put it mildly--into a bunch of truculent knuckleheads. While she's finally gotten them all together in South Carolina to celebrate, this Christmas looks nothing like the homey holidays of her childhood. Theodora needs help teaching her family the true meaning of Christmas, and it is up to an unexpected ghostly visitor to set things right.

The Christmas Pig, by Kinky Friedman. S&S, 2006.
Commissioned by the king king to create a nativity scene to reawaken the Christmas spirit among his dejected subjects, 10-year-old Benjamin, who doesn't speak and feels no emotion, befriends a talking pig who brings him out of his autistic shell. In return Ben wants to put the pig into the scene, but fears he can't because pigs aren't "biblical."

The Christmas Promise, by Donna VanLiere. St. Martin's, 2007.
Even though she is still dealing with the death of her husband and disappearance of her teen-aged son--twin events that have left her shaken in her faith, Gloria Bailey manages to fins solace in helping those less fortunate, even taking in her crabby, disapproving neighbor when misfortune strikes. Meanwhile, 24-year-old Chaz McConnell, a security guard at Wilson's Department Store, befriends a young boy whose mother has fallen on hard times. This year, the holidays will bring unexpected magic. By the author of The Christmas Blessing (2003), The Christmas Shoes (2005 ), The Christmas Hope (2005) & The Christmas Secret (2009).

The Christmas Quilt, by Jennifer Chiaverini. S&S, 2005.
Master Quilter Sylvia Bergstrom Compson wants nothing more than a quiet Christmas. Her young friend Sarah McClure, however, decides to deck the halls brightly and when she searches the attic for Christmas decorations, discovers an unfinished quilt. Sylvia reveals that the handiwork spans several generations of Bergstrom quilters, including herself and each quiltblock contains memories of Christmases past.

The Christmas Scrapbook, by Philip Gulley. HarSF, 2005.
Hoping to make up for his sad history of crummy gifts for his wife, Quaker minister Sam Gardner enrolls in a scrap-booking class. But his unexplained absences from home only serve to convince her that he is having an affair. A Harmony story.

A Christmas to Remember: A Cape Light Novel, by Thomas Kinkade & Katherine Spencer. Berkley, 2007, 2006.
in the quaint little New England town just North of Boston called Cape Light, Lillian Warwick, the curmudgeonly grandmother of Emily, the town's mayor, is recovering from a fall. With little to do but think, she reminisces about the mistakes of her past and wonders if it is too late for her to change her future, By the same authors: The Christmas Angel (2006, 2005) A Christmas Star (2008), and A Wish for Christmas (2010).

The Christmas Train, by David Baldacci. Warner, 2002.
Having been banned from flying following a nasty run-in with airport security, journalist Tom Langdon must make the long trip to L.A. by train. The journey brings him into contact with a variety of colorful characters, an old flame, and an avalanche.

The Christmas Visitor, by David Saperstein. Kensington, 2004.
A family that hasn't celebrated Christmas since the death of their son during the Gulf War is visited by a soldier that bears a striking resemblance to their son.

The Christmas Wish, by Rexanne Becnel. Dell, 1993.
After an absence of 17 years, successful model Lucy Ann Vargas, who has everything she could ask for in life except the daughter she has never met-returns home to Waverly, where all she wants for Christmas is a second chance.

A Covington Christmas, by Joan Medlicott. Pocket, 2005.
When it is discovered that one of Covington’s former pastors had never been ordained—rendering five longstanding marriages invalid, it's decided that the couples absolutely must remarry on Christmas Eve. But the church is in serous need of repair. Don’t worry! It is the ladies of Covington to the rescue. By the same author: A Blue & Gray Christmas (2009).

A Dog Named Christmas, by Gregory Kincaid. Doubleday, 2008.
When he learns that a local shelter is looking for temporary homes for their dogs over the Christmas holidays, Todd, a developmentally challenged young man living on his parents' Kansas farm, persuades his reluctant family to take in a lovable pooch Todd names Christmas. But Todd doesn't stop there. He uses his special gifts of persuasion to encourage all in his hometown to participate in the “Adopt a Dog for Christmas Program." An inspiring, feel-good story about the power of compassion. Read the "prequel": Christmas With Tucker (2010)

A Different Kind of Christmas, by Alex Haley. Doubleday, 1988.
The son of a Southern slave owner undergoes a stunning transformation and uses the Christmas holidays to help the escape of a group of slaves on the Underground Railroad.

Epiphany, by Paul McCusker. Zondervan, 1998.
After his death, Richard Lee observes as his scattered children return home for his funeral, settle his estate, and come to terms with the disappointing direction their lives have taken. But as secrets are revealed, the depths of a departed father's love for his children is realized and for Richard's loved ones, healing at long last begins.

Esther's Gift: A Mitford Christmas, by Jan Karon. Viking, 2002.
Esther Bolick's ambitious plans to bake a scrumptious orange marmalade cake for each of seven friends & neighbors hits a snag when her husband calculates the cost of the undertaking. Esther's solution is to cross some name off of her list, until the lyrics of a Christmas carol reminds her what a gift from the heart really is. Read also: The Mitford Snowman (2001) and Shepherd's Abiding (2003).

Finding Father Christmas, by Robin Jones Gunn. FaithWords, 2007.
Desperate for a place to belong, Miriam Carson travels to London a few days before Christmas, looking for the father she never knew. She finds herself on an unexpected course that would forever change her life's direction. Followed by: Engaging Father Christmas (2008).

The Forgotten Spirit: A Christmas Tale, by Evie Rhodes. Dafina, 2007.
9-year-old Jamie Lynne Brooks is wise beyond her years. As the holidays approach, she hopes for a better life for the grandparents who are raising her, hopes that her mother will return someday, and hopes for anyone who's lost that they may find their way. Jamie believes the spirit of Christmas can be found anywhere--if you just believe.

The Gift, by Ceclia Ahern. Harp., 2009.
When corporate workaholic Lou Suffern, whose family keenly feels his neglect, uncharacteristically offers a homeless man a job with his company, he gets more than he bargained for. But can this mysterious Guardian Angel help Lou get his priorities in order?

Grace, by Shelley Shepard Gray. Avon, 2010.
Plans to close down the family B&B for Christmas are derailed when two strangers show up unexpectedly looking for rooms--both alone for different reasons and wanting to get away from their homes for Christmas. While the Brennemans try to make the best of this turn of events (daughter Katie is particularly annoyed at having their holiday plans derailed), a major snowstorm hits and their young female guest is about to give birth.

The Great Christmas Bowl, by Susan May Warren. Tyndale, 2009.
It looks like Marianne Wallace's grand plans for the perfect Christmas seem to be all for naught when her children decide not to come home for the holidays. So the last thing she is expecting is the best Christmas ever.

The Great Santa Search, by Jeff Guinn. Tarcher, 2006.
A new reality television show holds a competition to find the "real" St. Nicholas. Guess who decides to compete? By the same author: The Autobiography of Santa Claus (2003) and How Mrs. Claus Saved Christmas (2005)

The Handmaid and the Carpenter, by Elizabeth Berg. RH, 2006.
Teenagers Mary and Joseph are planning to be married, but her unexpected pregnancy challenges his faith in his wife and in God. A modern spin on a familiar story.

The Holiday Season, by Michael Knight. Grove, 2007.
As the holidays approach Widower Jeff Posey wants everything to remain how it was when his wife was alive, but his successful oldest son thinks it’s time to move on and establish fresh traditions. Jeff stubbornly refuses to leave his home. Caught in the middle is younger son, Frank, a struggling actor who, as the conflict between his father and brother escalates, is finally forced to choose between them.

The Holly Wreath Man, by Christopher Scanlan. Am, 2005.
When his kids run away, single dad Jeff Henderson finds himself back on the holly farm where he spent his childhood with his mother and grand-father. An injury and a subsequent dream transport him back to the days of helping his family and community make holly wreaths.

The Homecoming: A Novel About Spencer's Mountain, by Earl Hamner. Random, 1970.
When Clay Spencer fails to return home on Christmas Eve, his eldest son goes in search of him while the rest of the family keep vigil.

Hot Flash Holidays, by Nancy Thayer. Ballantine, 2005.
Faye, Alice, Marilyn and Polly--the irrepressible gals of The Hot Flash Club--are back for the holidays, soothing jingled nerves and stressed shoppers in their exclusive spa as they vow to make this holiday one to remember while navigating family, love, and aging.

An Irish Country Christmas, by Patrick Taylor. Forge, 2008.
Disappointed to learn that his sweetheart Patricia will not be able to join him for his first Christmas in the rural Irish village of Ballybucklebo, Dr. Barry Laverty keeps himself occupied by ministering the comical ailments of his loony patients, and struggling to outmaneuver the manipulations of a newly arrived quack physician trying to steal business away from him.

The Judge Who Stole Christmas, by Randy Singer. WaterBrook, 2005.
Thomas Hammond's determination to play Joseph in an annual Nativity scene now deemed unconstitutional by a Federal judge lands him in jail. The battle soon escalates into a national media spectacle.

Little Ellie Claus, by James Manos, Jr. Pocket, 2000.
During the Great Depression, Peter & Lucy Thompson move to New York City in the hopes of creating a better life. But hardship and tragedy threaten their happiness, and Lucy's desperate act one Christmas Eve will set the stage for a miracle. A story in the tradition of The Gift of the Magi.

Let Them Eat Fruitcake, by Melody Carlson. Cook, 2008.
Roommates roommates Lelani, Megan, Anna, and Kendall struggle to find the true meaning of Christmas while dealing with family and friends, coworkers and customers, or boyfriends and girlfriends. By the same author: An Irish Christmas (2007) and All I Have to Give (2008).

Matchless: A Christmas Story, by Gregory Maguire. Morrow, 2009.
The author of Wicked presents a modern take on Hans Christian Andersen's classic story "The Little Match Girl."

A Midnight Miracle, by Gary E. Parker. Revell, 2005.
Rem Lincoln returns home after many years to find his hometown, including the still very pious Jenna Newsome who he knew in high school, united in joint effort to raise funds to get a very ill little boy the transplant that will save his life. But little Mickey isn't the only one in need of a Christmas miracle.

Miracle on the 17^th Green, by James Patterson & Peter DeJonge. Little, Brown, 1996.
On Christmas day an ordinary man has a dream come true when he experiences a Zen-like vision that transforms him into a pro, pits him against his favorite players on the Senior Tour and eventually saves his troubled marriage.

Mischief of the Mistletoe: A Pink Carnation Christmas, by Lauren Willig. Dutton, 2010.
Schoolmarm Arabella Dempsey, a friend of Jane Austen, and Reginald "Turnip" Fitzhugh, who is often mistaken for the elusive spy The Pink Carnation, stumble upon a Christmas pudding with a cryptic message that propels them on a Yuletide adventure. A delightful entry in the Pink Carnation series.

Mr. Ives' Christmas, by Oscar Hijuelos. HarperCollins, 1995.
A devoutly religious man, overwhelmed by grief and loss following the murder of his son, struggles to regain spiritual peace.

My Mother's Wish: An American Christmas Carol, by Jerry Camery-Hoggatt. WaterBrook, 2008.
In this odd but sweet story of reconciliation, individualistic young Ellee McKutcheon, who has never been able to live up to her non-nonsense mother's expectations, leaves after a fight with her. She ends up at the Comeback Cafe where her encounter with a three-armed waitress and an eccentric truck driver named brings Ellee home and to new appreciation for her mother on Christmas.

The Paper Bag Christmas, by Kevin Alan Milnet. Center Street, 2008.
On the day after Thanksgiving, Dr. Christopher Ringle is moonlighting as Santa Claus at the mall where he recruits Molar Alan and his older brother as volunteers at a nearby children's hospital to help bring holiday cheer to the young cancer patients. The afflicted kids they meet (including a young girl so embarrassed by her disfigurement that she wears a paper bag over her head) will teach the materialistic brothers the true meaning Christmas joy.

A Piggly Wiggly Christmas, by Rob Dalby. GPPS, 2010.
In Second Creek, Mississippi, plans to revitalize the town square and bring tourism back are compromised by a fire. It's up to the local wealthy ladies' club--the Nitwitts--to save Christmas.

A Plain and Simple Christmas, by Amy Clipson. Zondervan, 2010.
Four years after leaving the Amish community to marry an "Englisher," Anna Mae McDonough is expecting her first child and returns home with her husband at Christmas in hope of a reconciliation with the family that shunned her.

The Quiet Little Woman: A Christmas Story, by Louisa May Alcott. Honor, 1999.
In this recently re-discovered story, Patty faces a hopeless future in an orphanage until she is rescued at Christmastime by a kindly woman named Aunt Jane. Also included are two other holiday stories: "Tilly's Christmas" and "Rosa's Tale."

Recipes for Easy Living, by Curtiss Ann Matlock. MIRA, 2003.
For 13-year-ols Corinne, who lives happily with her aunt and beloved horse in Valentine, Oklahoma, the holidays are disrupted by the arrival of the mother who abandoned her, now determined to make up for her past mistakes.

A Redbird Christmas, by Fannie Flagg. RH, 2004.
After learning from his doctor that he has a year to live, Oswald T. Campbell moves to the small town of Lost River, Alabama (a town with one grocery store and lots of single women just waiting for a bachelor to take up residence), for what he believes will be his last Christmas. By the author of "Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistlestop Cafe."

Sarah's Christmas Miracle, by Mary Ellis. Harvest House, 2010.
As Christmas approaches, Sarah Beachy defies her father to go in search for her shunned brother, who left their Amish community years before, and convince him to come home.

The Shepherd, the Angel, and Walter, the Christmas Miracle Dog, by Dave Barry. GPPS, 2006.
In 1960, Doug Barnes is excited to be playing the part of a shepherd in the local Episcopal church's Christmas pageant, but the project is threatened by the a series of unfortunate events, including the death of the family dog. Doug and his father end up adopting a shelter dog named Walter, who wrecks havoc at the pageant. A heaping helping of Barry's typical humor.

A Simple Amish Christmas, by Vannetta Chapman. Abingdon, 2010.
As her time of rumschpringe is about to come to an abrupt end, Philadelphia RN Annie Weaver returns home when her father has an accident. Once there, she finds herself at odds with widower Samuel Yoder, the Amish farmer who provides medical care to the community. But these adversaries might just be what the other needs.

Skipping Christmas, by John Grisham. Doubleday, 2001.
Grisham takes a break from his legal thrillers to tell the tale of Luther & Nora Krank, who hope to skip the annual ritual of parties, shopping, house decorating, and mall madness, by setting sail on a Caribbean cruise on December 25th...until an unexpected phone call from their daughter derails their bah-humbug plans.

The Special Guest, by Lee Allen. Kensington, 1996.
As a little girl lies in a coma a year after being mowed down by a drunk driver, her family learns about the power of love and forgiveness from a curious but kind-hearted old man.

Then Came Christmas, by Randy Lee Eickhoff. Forge, 2002.
In 1953, amidst anti-Indian racism and violence, 12-year-old Samantha McCaslin is determined to bring the magic of Christmas to the family of her murdered friend.

Tidings of Comfort & Joy, by T. Davis Bunn. Thomas Nelson, 1997.
Unable to participate in a long-awaited family vacation due to her illness, Marissa plans on a miserable Christmas with her grandmother. But over numerous cups of cocoa, Gran begins to tell her a story. A love story. Her story. Marissa then plots to give her grandmother a priceless Christmas present.

Till Morning is Nigh, by Leisha Kelly. Revell, 2007.
In December of 1932, farmer George Hammond disappears, leaving his many children worried and alone. With too many mouths, too little money, and a mysterious illness taking hold of some of the children, neighbor Julia Wortham begins to wonder if the God she has placed her faith in will pull them through.

'Tis the Season, by Lorna Landvik. Ballantine, 2008.
Spoiled heiress and paparazzi magnet Caroline Dixon alienates everyone with her public misbehavior. Fresh out of rehab she resolves to turn her life around and reaches out to two people who she remembers fondly: her former nanny, Astrid Brevald, now living in Norway and Arizona dude ranch owner, Cyril Dale. Her correspondence with these two supportive and non-judgmental souls helps her to find forgiveness, love, and redemption.

Undead and Unreturnable, by MaryJanice Davidson. Sensation, 2005.
Christmas may be the time for friends and family to get together and celebrate, but with a half-sister who's the devil's daughter, an evil stepmother, a fiend living in her basement, assorted spirits and killers running amok, and a spring wedding to plan, Betsy Taylor is not sure she'll survive the holidays...even if she is already dead.

The Unfinished Gift, by Dan Walsh. Revel, 2009.
It's Christmastime in 1943 and there isn't much joy for 7-year-old Patrick whose mother has been killed in a car wreck, whose soldier father is declared MIA, and whose bitter widowed grandfather doesn't want him. It's going to take a Christmas miracle to heal this broken family. Followed by: The Homecoming (2010).

Unwrapping Christmas, by Lori Copeland. Zondervan, 2007.
38-year-old mom, Rose, has planned the perfect Christmas for her family and friends. But she is so busy doing Christmas, there isn't time to experience Christmas and when she feels them drifting away during a time that should celebrate togetherness, Rose is forced to slow down in the most unexpected way.

Where Angels Go, by Debbie Macomber. Mira, 2007.
Christmas is a busy time of year, so the Archangel Gabriel has to call upon three fun-loving Prayer Ambassadors--Shirley, Goodness and Mercy--to help three people who have sent prayer requests to Heaven.

Wishin' & Hopin', by Wally Lamb. Harp, 2009.
Take a nostalgic trip back to 1964 and share one outrageous Christmas with 5th grader Felix Funicello (yes, he's related to THAT Funicello) and his family.

Romance

All I Want for Christmas, by Sheila Rabe. Jove, 2000.
When her holiday-decorated house triggers a law-suit from the landlord across the street, Susan Carpenter's Christmas stands to be a sad one, until the modern-day Scrooge meets the stunning Susan and starts to think decking the halls may not be such a bad thing after all.

The Blessing, by Jude Deveraux. Pocket, 1998.
In order to court the young widow he loves, who is so caught up with her 6-month old son that he can't get a moment alone with her, David begs his brother Jason, a wealthy corporate genius to come home for the holidays and act as little Max's "nanny" for a week. Jason reluctantly agrees and comes to stay at Amy's house, with results none of them anticipate.

Call Me Mrs. Miracle, by Debbie Macomber. MIRA, 2010.
She may be Emile Merkle, toy department employee, but she is also Mrs. Miracle. And when two lonely young people need a helping hand in the romance department, it is up to her to make wonderful things happen.

A Cedar Cove Christmas, by Debbie Macomber. MIRA, 2008.
Expectant mother Mary Jo arrives in Cedar Grove on Christmas Eve, searching for her baby's father, who fails to show. Now she is stranded and alone. There is no room at the local inn, but a good Samaritan offers her refuge in an apartment above a stable filled with animals for the upcoming Christmas pageant. Paramedic Mack McAfee offers her something more as the town prepares for a Christmas birth. For more Christmas romance by Debbie Macomber, read: Return to Promise (2000); The Christmas Basket (2002); The Snow Bride (2003); When Christmas Comes (2004); There's Something About Christmas (2005); Christmas Letters (2006) Angels at Christmas (2009) The Perfect Christmas (2009) & Christmas in Cedar Cove (2010).

Christmas at Sea Pines Cottage, by Sally Smith-O'Rourke. Kensington, 2008.
Robert spends his days writing, tending to the local lighthouse, and nursing his grave injuries from the war. His only companion at Sea Pines Cottage is an adopted Golden Retriever puppy named Meteor (who narrates the story). One day Robert rescues Laura from the sea. Then it is her turn to rescue him from a life of loneliness.

The Christmas Matchmaker, by Jeanne Savery. Kensington, 2004.
When Vincent Beverly picks up a woman stranded with her young child on his way to a holiday party, his cousin Georgi decided to play match-maker.

A Christmas Waltz, by Jane Goodger. Kensington, 2010.
Lady Amelia Wellesley arrives in Texas to surprise her fiancé, who has a surprise of his own: he calls off their wedding. When his brother, Dr. Boone Kitteridge, offers to marry her, sparing her from the shame of returning to England unwed. It's not a match made in heaven...or is it?

Come Home for Christmas, by Pat Pritchard. Kensington, 2005.
While Sheriff Jedediah Stark looks into the claims by a mixed race youngster named Hawk that the horse he is accused of stealing rightfully belonged to his grandfather, who Hawk believes was murdered, he must also come to terms with his love for Sadie, the woman he loves but believes he is not good enough for.

Comfort & Joy, by Kristin Hannah. Ballantine, 2005.
Recently divorced and estranged from her sister (who is pregnant with her ex-husband's baby), librarian Joy Candellaro tries to dispel for holiday blues by flying to the rural Northwest. When her plane crashes, she stumbles into the lives of widower Daniel O’Shea and his six-year-old Bobby, who has closed himself off from the world, surrounding himself with imaginary friends.

Cowboy Christmas, by Mary Conneally. Barbour, 2009.
Although still reeling from the death of his father and the betrayal of his fiancee, Wyoming rancher Elijah Walker finds himself attracted to secretive Annette Talbot, who he finds half starved and in need of help. He takes her in and decides to trust her—until he discovers she’s a woman on the run who has been lying to him about her past.

Finding Christmas, by Gail Gaymer Martin. Steeple Hill, 2005.
Three years after tragedy struck, Joanna Fuller is still dealing with the untimely deaths of her husband and daughter. The unexpected arrival Benjamin, of a long-time family friend, prompts Joanna to examine her feelings even as she begins to suspect that her daughter might still be alive.

Finding Noel, by Richard Paul Evans. S&S, 2006.
During a blizzard Mark Smart and Macy Wood meet when both are dealing with issues from their past. Together, they overcome their problems and go on a quest to find Macy's long-lost sister, Noel. By the same author: The Christmas List (2009) & Promise Me (2010)

The Gift, by Nora Roberts. Silhouette, 2004.
Reprints of the author's previously published "Home for Christmas" (1986) about two people who let love pass them by once before, and "All I Want for Christmas" (1994), wherein twin boys ask Santa to bring them a new mom.

Hearts Evergreen, by Robin Lee Hatcher & Kathryn Springer. Steeple Hill, 2007.
Two novellas. In the first, lonely divorcée Maddie Scott travels to Cloud Mountain Lodge in Idaho to complete a business deal and ends up falling in love with the community and handsome lodge owner Tony Anderson. The second is the story of young teacher Sarah Kendle, whose Christmas project her seventh grade girls come up with makes cynical reporter Conner Lawe (who has come home to aid his ailing father's newspaper) think he sees a great Christmas story for the paper, if only he can get Sarah to cooperate.

Holiday Affair, by Lisa Plumley. Zebra, 2010.
While helping out at his family's B&B, The Christmas House, during the holidays, single dad Reid Sullivan finds himself falling for one of the guests. But Karina turns out to be a spy for a company who wants to buy out the business.

Home for Christmas, by Andrew Greeley. T. Doherty, 2009.
In this It's a Wonderful Life-like story, Petey Pat Kane leaves his life-long love Mariana Pia Pelligrino after a tragic prom night accident to serve in Iraq where he is killed by a suicide bomber. But God gives him a second chance and with Christmas approaching, time is running out for Peter must convince himself that he and Mariana were meant to share a special message of love with the world

Home in Time for Christmas, by Heather Graham. Mira, 2009.
When she arrives home for Christmas, Melody Tarleton must concoct an elaborate story for her family. After all, she can't exactly tell them her handsome companion, a man she nearly ran over on the road, is a Revolutionary War soldier hanged by the British more than 200 years ago!

Home for the Holidays, by Johanna Lindsey. Morrow, 2000.
It is the Christmas season and Larissa Ascot finds herself beset by misfortune and dependent upon the offer of help from the Baron of Windsmoor, who has secretly sworn vengeance on Larissa's family. But Christmas is a time of miracles, after all.

Lakeshore Christmas, by Susan Wiggs. Mira, 2009.
Put a prim librarian and a tattooed, has-been child star together to co-direct a small town Christmas pageant and you just know these two opposites will attract. Hey! It's the time for miracles!.

A Magical Christmas, by Heather Graham. Topaz, 1996.
Jon & Julie Radcliff face their last Christmas together as their marriage seems doomed. They take there three children to an isolated country inn run by the Wainscotts, who always wear Civil War-era clothing and are rarely seen together. Before the Radcliffs can uncover the secrets surrounding their mysterious but marvelous hosts, they become aware of some profound truths about themselves.

A McKettrick Christmas, by Linda Lael Miller. Harlequin, 2008.
Lizzie McKettrick and her fiance, Whitley Carson, are among the passengers left stranded when their train is derailed in a blizzard on Christmas Eve. Lizzie is dismayed to find that Whitley is concerned only with himself, and helps handsome Dr. Morgan Shane doctor in treating injured passengers. It becomes an eye-opening experience for Lizzie. Read also: The Christmas Brides (2010).

A Midnight Miracle, by Gary E. Parker. Fleming H. Revell, 2005.
Rem Lincoln, who has drift away from his faith, reluctantly returns home for Christmas time to find the entire town united in a joint effort to raise funds to get a very ill little boy a transplant and save his life. Leading the effort is Jenna Newsome, who Rem knew in high school. Perhaps there will be more than one midnight miracle.

Mistletoe Bay, by Marcia Evanick. Zebra, 2007.
Cooper Armstrong returns home to Maine to take care of his ailing father and escape his cheating ex. He takes a job as a UPS driver and his route brings him into contact with harried mother-of-three Jenni Wright, who could use a guardian angel as the holidays draw near.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, by Jenna Lawrence. Kensignton, 2005.
Christmas is the perfect time for second chances for Tyler and Analise.

No Place Like Home, by Fern Michaels. Pocket Star, 2002.
Triplets Cisco Hannah, Sara and Sam plot to rescue their grandmother from the nursing home their father has placed her in at the instigation of his gold-digging fiance. As they get their grandmother the medical care that will make her independent again, all three find unexpected romance. Followed by: Family Blessings (2004).

On Strike for Christmas, by Sheila Roberts. Griffin, 2007.
Fed up with their husbands who have always been unappreciative of their hard work to make Christmas special, Joy and Laura and the rest of their knitting group decide to boycott the holidays. go on strike. Can these good-will-towards-men ladies confront the larger issues in their marriages with a little holiday magic?

Once Upon a Christmas, by Lisa Plumley. Kensington, 2005.
Three holiday love stories of best-laid plans gone awry set in the not-so-snowy Southwest.

Once Upon a Christmas, by Lauraine Snelling & Lenora Worth. Harlequin, 2005.
In these two inspirational novellas, two Basset Hound owning workaholics have an unexpected encounter, and a socialite is asked by her Louisiana grandmother to "reform" a handsome man so he can date another woman.

The Promise in a Kiss, by Stephanie Laurens. Morrow, 2001.
Seven years after handsome Sebastian Cynster literally fell at her feet in the courtyard of a convent, Helena meets him again in a crowded ballroom. A Regency romance.

Rockin' Around that Christmas Tree, by Donna Hill & Francis Ray. St. Martin's, 2003.
Informed at Thanksgiving that his wife of nearly 30 years, bored with her quiet housewife role, is leaving him, Edward Morrison hatches a plan to get her back by Christmas.

Santa in Montana, by Janet Dailey. Zebra, 2010.
Calder family patriarch Chase Calder decides that the greatest gift he can give his widowed daughter, Cat, is a new man in her life & another chance at happiness.

Silver Bells, by Luanne Rice. Bantam, 2004.
For a Nova Scotia farmer who has come to NYC (the city where his son ran away after an argument) to sell his trees and a librarian who lost her husband three years ago, Christmas has lost its meaning. Both will learn that Christmas is a time for miracles and second chances.

The Snow Globe, by Sheila Roberts. St. Martin's, 2010.
Can an antique snow globe hold the key to a magical Christmas for three deserving young women?.

Star Bright: A Christmas Story, by Andrew Greeley. Forge, 1977.
In a burst of sentimentality (or maybe because he is in love with her), Boston College student Jack Flanigan invites Odessa Tatiana Alekseevna Shuskulya, a young woman who's studying a Harvard, to accompany him home to Chicago for the holidays with his contentious Irish family because it seems so sad she should be alone-even though it isn't even Christmas in the Russian Orthodox calendar. What will happen when East meets Mid-West?

Their First Noel, by Annie Jones. Steeple Hill, 2010.
Determined to construct a gingerbread house modeled upon the Vermont inn where her estranged parents met, Southern baker, Corrie Bennington arrives to find the inn closed for renovations, occupied by handsome carpenter Andy McFarland and his 10-year-old sister, who is soon indulging in a little holiday matchmaking.

The Three Kings: A Christmas Dating Story, by Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez. St. Martin's, 2010.
After Christy de la Cruz's husband walks out, her cousin Maggie arranges for three handsome men to show up bearing their individual gifts.

Twas the Night Before, by Jerry B. Jenkins. Viking, 1998.
Noella believes in Santa Claus. Tom, a journalist for the Chicago Tribune, does not and this difference of opinion makes them realize that they are too dissimilar to marry. When Tom flies to Germany to do a Christmas piece, his plane crashes and he finds himself being cared for by Mr. and Mrs. Kris Kringle. If they can't make a believer out of him, no one can.

Twelve Days, by Teresa Hill. Signet, 2000.
All Sam and Rachel McRae have problems enough of their own, they reluctantly agree to take in three foster children right before Christmas.

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball, by Donita K. Paul. Waterbrook, 2010.
While searching for a Christmas gifts, Cora runs into her boss, Simon, at an unusual bookshop, Soon afterwards both mysteriously receive tickets to a Christmas Ball. It seems someone is determined to use a little magic get get these two people who have given up on love together.

A Virgin River Christmas, by Robyn Carr. MIRA, 2008.
Newly-widowed Marcie Sullivan tracks down Ian Buchanan, the man responsible for saving her husband's life in Iraq four years earlier, then disappeared as soon as their unit arrived stateside. Marcie finds him in the tiny mountain town of Virgin River where the reclusive, emotionally scarred man tries to send her away, but the determined young woman is determined to work a Christmas miracle.

A Wallflower Christmas, by Lisa Kleypas. St. Martin's, 2008.
During Christmastime, brash American businessman Rafe Bowman, arrives in London to fill his father's demand that he marry aristocrat Natalie Blandford. Instead, Rafe finds himself attracted to Lady Natalie's down-to-earth commoner cousin, Hannah Appleton. As Christmas draws closer, Rafe must choose between the woman he is falling in love with and his father's fortune. By the same author: Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor (2010).

Short Stories/Novellas

An Amish Christmas: December in Lancaster County, by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, Barbara Cameron. T. Nelson, 2009.
3 Christmas stories of hope, redemption, and a new lifetime.

The Brides of Christmas, by Jo Beverley, Margaret Moore & Deborah Simmons. Harlequin, 2005.
These three Christmas romances set in the middle ages feature feuding families, boisterous knights, and mysterious visitors.

A Blue & Gray Christmas, by Vicki McDonough, Lauralee Bliss, Tamela Hancock Murray & carrie Turnaksy. Barbour, 2009.
In order to form a more perfect union...read these 4 engaging Civil War Christmas romances.

Christmas Cards from the Edge, by Lisa Cach, Naomi Neale & Jennifer Ashley. Love Spell, 2005.
'Tis the season to be stranded. Recently dumped Tessa finds herself hosting her roommate's handsome Scottish cousin, who is stranded in Seattle during the Christmas season...Type-A Broadway stage manager Riley is stranded in Kettlebean, New York where she meets mechanic Leo and his eccentric family...After suffering a humiliating experience at the hands of a talk-show host, self-help journalist Jennifer Ashley retreats home to her family in California where their holidays are interrupted by a stranded motorist who Jennifer recognizes as an erstwhile lover.

Christmas Homecoming, by Debby Mayne, Paige Winship Dooly, Elizabeth Ludwig, Beth Goddard. Barbour, 2009.
A widowed grandmother, a writer, a missionary & a wedding planner find love in the Colorado Rockies.

Christmas Love at Lake Tahoe, by Lena Nelson Dooley, Jeanie Smith Cash, Jean Kincaid, Jeri Odell. Barbour, 2009.
In these inter-twined 4 novellas, four career-minded college grads find more than they bargain for at a Lake Tahoe lodge.

Comfort & Joy, by Fern Michaels, Marie Bostwick, Cathy Lamb & Deborah J. Wolf. Kensington, 2007.
Four refreshing, poignant, and inspiring novellas.

A Holiday of Love, by Judith McNaught, Jude Deveraux, Jill Barnett, & Arnette Lamb. Pocket, 1994.
4 holiday love stories set in medieval Scotland, Regency London, 1800s New York, and modern-day Colorado.

Holiday Magic, by Fern Michaels, et al. Zebra, 2010.
4 romance novellas of mistletoe & magic.

I'll Be Home for Christmas, by Linda Lael Miller, and stories by Catherine Murphy, Julie Leto & Roxanne St. Claire. Pocket, 2006.
In Miller's novella, a young widow brings her rebellious stepdaughter home to the Sierra foothills and finds healing and love with a conflicted widowed father of two. The shorter pieces range from gentle to sexy.

I'm Your Santa, by Lori Foster, Karen Kelley & Diana Castell. Kensington, 2007.
A woman gets back at her cheating fiancé by sleeping with his best friend with interesting results...An actor researching his next role is mistaken for a real priest...A woman whose ex-boyfriend runs off leaving her pregnant, broke and in debt, meets a man who has just been dumped at the altar. Three stories of sizzling holiday romance.

Kissing Santa Claus, by Donna Kauffman, Jill Shalvis, HekenKay Domin. Kensington, 2009.
Holly, Hope & Marissa, who seems to subscribe to the happily never after principle, find holiday magic where they least expect it.

The Naughty List, by Donna Kauffman, Cynthia Eden & Susan Fox. Brava, 2010.
3 stories you'll love whether you're naughty or nice.

A Prairie Christmas Collection, by Tracey Bateman, et al. Barbour, 2010.
3 stories you'll love whether you're naughty or nice.

Red Hot Santa, by Cherry Adair, Leanne Banks, Pamela Britton, & Kelsey Roberts. Ballantine, 2005.
Stories so hot they'll melt your marshmallows.

A Regency Christmas, by Lyn Stone, Carla Kelly & Gail Ranstrom. NAL, 1989.
9 historical Christmas romances from America's Great Plains.

Santa Baby, by Jennifer Cruise, Loris Foster, Carly Phillips. St. Martin's, 2006.
A determined shopper manages to grab the last hot toy action figure off the shelf and finds herself caught in the middle of an all too real spy game with a sexy secret agent...A couple who indulge in a flirty holiday office romance find it turning into something more serious...What happens when a woman is naughty under the mistletoe and kisses her boss' twin brother by mistake?

Santa's Little Helpers, by Janet Dailey et al. Silhouette, 1995.
A motherless little girl's Christmas wish brings love home for the holidays, a tot turns a confirmed bachelor into daddy material, and a couple expecting a baby shows Scrooge-like lovers the meaning of Christmas in these 3 delightful confections.

Scenes from a Holiday, by Laurie Graf, Caren Lissner, & Melanie Murray. Red Dress, 2005.
Chick-lit rules in these stories of Hanukkah, New Year's Eve, and a country Christmas.

A Season of Miracles, by Rochelle Alers, Adrianne Byrd, Kayla Perrin & Janice Sims. Arabesque, 2005.
Four writers of African-American romance explore the magic of the season through the miraculous eyes of love.

Silver Bells, by Fern Michaels, Joan Ross, Judy Duarte, & Mary Burton. Kensington, 2008.
This festive quartet of holiday cheer finds a movie star, a mystery writer, a photographer, and a woman still reeling from a bad breakup, finding that it is not only the season to be jolly, it's a season for passion.

Snowy Night with a Stranger, by Jane Feather, Sabrina Jeffries & Julia London. Pocket Star, 2008.
A trio of holiday romance tales set in Regency England and Scotland.

A Stockingful of Joy, by Mary Jo Putney et al. Signet, 2005.
A quartet of historical romances taking place in 16th-century Scottish Highlands & Regency England, and 19th-century Wyoming & New York.

Sugar & Spice, by Fern Michaels, Beverly Barton, Joanne Fluke & Shirley Jump. Kensington, 2006.
Four delicious tales and recipes to boot!.

A Time-Travel Christmas, by Megan Daniel et al. Dorchester, 1993.
Modern-day skeptics and lonely souls find love in truly the strangest of places-the past.

This Year It Will Be Different & Other Stories: A Christmas Treasury, by Maeve Binchy. Delacorte, 1996.
15 stories delivered with Binchy's trademark wit, charm and feeling.

Upon a Midnight Clear, by Jude Deveraux. Pocket, 1997.
A spirited Irish woman comes to rugged Colorado to govern a young ruffian and learns a lesson in love from his father...during a blizzard, a woman offers shelter to a stranger...an artist proves that opposites can attract. These tales, plus two others from best-selling romance author Deveraux, capture the heart's timeless holiday spirit.

A Very NASCAR Holiday, by Nancy Warren, Debra Webb & Gina Wilkins. HQN, 2009.
Rev up your Christmas with these three novellas of love in the fast lane.

Wild West Christmas, by Kathleen Y'Barbo, Lena Nelson Dooley, Darlene Franklin & Vicki McDonough. Barbour, 2009.
Texas provides the backdrop for these spur-tingling romances featuring the Ames sisters of Rocking A Ranch. Ye Ha!

The Alpine Christmas, by Mary Daheim. Ballantine, 1993.
Newspaper woman Emma Lord investigates when two dismembered bodies are discovered near the quaint Christmas-card town of Alpine, Washington.

Anne Perry's Silent Nights, by Anne Perry. Ballantine, 2009
Two holiday-themed mysteries set in Perry's familiar territory of Victorian Britain. More 19th century holiday mysteries by the same author: A Christmas Journey (2003), The Christmas Visitor (2004), A Christmas Guest (2005), The Christmas Secret (2006), Christmas Grace (2008), A Christmas Promise (2009) & A Christmas Odyssey (2010).

Benjamin Franklin and a Case of Christmas Murder, by Robert Lee Hall. St. Martin's, 1990.
It's Christmas in 1757 London. When a wealthy merchant acting in a play suddenly dies in front of his family, the intrepid Benjamin Franklin think's it's murder.

Bowled Over, by Kasey Michaels. Kensington, 2007.
Historical mystery author Maggie Kelly heads off to New Jersey, for yet another Kelly Dysfunctional Christmas. No sooner does she arrive than father is arrested on suspicion of killing one of his bowling buddies. She sets out to prove his innocence, aided by Alexandre Blake, the Viscount Saint Just, the hunky Regency hero of her novels who has somehow come to life. Sixth title in the series.

A Carol for a Corpse, by Claudia Bishop. BPC, 2007.
Business has been bad at their Hemlock Falls Inn since an upscale resort opened nearby. So the last thing the Quilliam sisters need is for the husband of a food magazine editor to die in a skiing accident. But was it an accident? Meg and Sara have their doubts.

Cat Deck the Halls, by Shirley Rousseau. Morrow, 2007.
When murder disrupts the holiday festivities of the seaside village of Molena Point, California, feline p.i. Joe Grey (in his 13th mystery) is on the case.

A Catered Christmas, by Isis Crawford. Kensington, 2005.
It's their busiest time of year, but catering sisters Bernadette and Libby Simmons enter a cooking show contest that pits celebrity chefs against each other. When the host dies after an oven explodes, Bernie & Libby are faced with a menu of suspects.

A Christmas Beginning, by Anne Perry. Ballantine, 2007.
With no family and few friends to spend the holidays with, Superintendent Runcorn of Scotland Yard ends up spending Christmas on the lonely, rugged but beautiful island of Anglesey off the north coast of Wales, where he is drawn into the murder investigation of the local vicar’s younger sister. .

Christmas Cookie Killer, by Livia J. Washburn. Obsidian, 2009.
In this fresh-baked mystery, a Christmas cookie contest turns deadly. Cookie recipes are an added bonus.

Christmas Cookie Murder, by Leslie Meier. Kensington, 1999.
Cabot Cove isn't the only quaint and cozy place in Maine where homicide happens! In tiny Tinker's Cove, the Christmas spirit is spoiled by the murder of one of the town's newest residents, which sets newspaper reporter Lucy Stone a-snoopin'. See also: Mistletoe Murder.

The Christmas Garden Affair, by Ann Ripley. Zebra, 2003.
Invited to attend the First Lady's Christmas conference on native plants, Louise Eldridge's holiday spirit is dampened by the inclusion of her pushy and garish TV rival, Bunny Bainfield. Then Bunny imbibes some holiday "spirits" and dies form poisoning.

Christmas Mourning, by Margaret Maron. Grand Central, 2010.
While judge Deborah Knott, prepares for a big North Carolina Christmas, her husband, chief deputy Dwight Bryant, deals with three deaths in their community. By the same author: Corpus Christmas (1989).

Christmas Is Murder, by C. S. Challinor. Midnight Ink, 2008.
Scottish barrister Rex Graves arrives at Swanmere Manor for the holidays but the festive atmosphere is dashed when a guest turns up dead. Then another. And another. With the remote mansion snowed in, Rex takes it upon himself to solve the mystery. But what does a burnt biography of President George W. Bush have to do with the mayhem?

A Cold Christmas, by Charlene Weir. T. Dunne, 2001.
As Christmas approaches in Hampstead, KS, the weather is frightful, half of police chief Susan Wren's force is down with the flu, and the body of a furnace repairman is found in the basement of single mother Caley James.

Crime for Christmas, by Lesley Egan. Doubleday, 1983.
It's a few weeks before Christmas and detectives Delia Riordan, Charles O'Connor, and Vic Varallo of the Glendale, CA, police department have a lot more to worry about than getting their holiday shopping done-like the robbers who have hit seven jewelry stores in three weeks and the men pretending to be cops who are robbing the elderly.

A Crossworder's Gift, by Nero Blanc. BPC, 2003.
Crossword editor (and amateur sleuth), Belle Graham and her p.i. partner, Rosco Polycrates solve five different murders in this yuletide anthology. Read also: Wrapped Up in Crosswords (2004).

Death Beneath the Christmas Tree, by Robert Nordan. Fawcett, 1991.
Frances Sedbury never attracted any attention until she falls dead out of a Living Christmas Tree by shots fired from the balcony of the packed church. Only widow-sleuth Mavis Lashley has the gumption to dig into local dirt to uncover the truth about the shooting.

Deck the Halls,, by Mary Higgins Clark and Carol Higgins Clark. S&S, 2000.
Three days before Christmas, Regan Reilly, the dynamic young sleuth featured in the novels of Carol Higgins Clark, accidentally meets Alvirah Meehan, Mary Higgins Clark's famous lottery winner and amateur detective, at a New Jersey dentist's office. Soon the two team up to solve the kidnapping of Regan's father. Followed by: The Christmas Thief (2004): Santa Cruise (2006); and Dashing Through the Snow (2008).

Deck the Halls with Murder, by Valerie Wolzien. Fawcett, 1998.
Building contractor Josie Pigeon and her all-woman construction crew are trying to wrap up a big job before the holidays. When carpenter Caroline Albrect keels over, fatally poisoned, Josie realizes that the killer must be one of her employees.

Decked With Folly, by Kate Kingsbury. BCC, 2009.
At the Pennyfoot Hotel the holiday mood is decidedly festive ...until a former employee is found dead in the duck pond. Considering this spa's checkered Christmas past--No Clue at the Inn (2003); Slay Bells (2006); Shrouds of Holly (2007)--maybe they should just close down at this time of year.

The Fat Man: A Tale of North Pole Noir, by Ken Harmon. Dutton, 2010.
A disgruntled elf with an ax to grind is framed for murder must take things into his own hands, prove his innocence.

Frost at Christmas, by R.D. Wingfield. Bantam, 1995.
Detective Inspector Frost spends the holiday season searching for a missing child with the help of a dubious psychic and a bumbling new partner.

High Heels and Holidays, by Kasey Michaels. Kensington, 2006.
While spending their first Christmas together, mystery author Maggie Kelly and her once fictional--now very real--boyfriend, Viscount Saint Just, find their holiday bliss shattered by death threats from a deranged fan. A delightful addition to a series in which romantic fantasy & mystery combine.

A Highland Christmas, by M.C. Beaton. Mysterious Press, 1999.
Murder takes a holiday as Constable Hamish MacBeth, the only lawman in Lubdoch, Scotland, finds his Christmas filled with dealing with a lost cat, the theft of Christmas lights from the main street of a neighboring town, and an unhappy little girl who longs for a traditional Christmas (the conservative Calvinist town frowns upon the pagan ritual.) Then there is the new schoolteacher who would like to help him forget his previous love interest.

Holly & Homicide, by Leslie Caine. Dell, 2009.
Colorado interior designers Erin Gilbert and Steve Sullivan (that's right, Gilbert & Sullivan), feel lucky when they win the commission to remodel the Godwin Victorian mansion into a B&B...until the locals express their ire at the project and a building inspector is found strangled with a string of Christmas lights.

Inspector Proby's Christmas, by John Gano. St. Martin's, 1994
The halls of Hampton are decked with malice & murder and Insp. Jim Proby comes to wonder if his unfaithful wife is involved.

Kissing Christmas Goodbye, by M. C. Beaton. Minotaur, 2007.
Agatha Raisin convinces herself that inviting her ex, James Lacey to her home for a real, old-fashioned Christmas dinner will rekindle their romance, Meanwhile, a local wealthy widow who has hired Agatha because she's convinced a member of her family is trying to kill her suddenly dies. Looks like it's not going to be a dull Christmas in the Cotswolds. Agatha Raisin returns in Busy Body (2010).

Mad as the Dickens, by Toni L. P. Kelner. Kensington, 2001.
Pregnant computer programmer, Laura Fleming's husband, Richard, is begged by her cousin to stage Dickens's A Christmas Carol for a small community theater group. Soon a series of pranks bedevils the production, followed by the murder of the actor playing Scrooge.

Merry, Merry Ghost, by Carolyn Hart. Morrow, 2009.
When the unexpected appearance a 4-year-old orphaned heir to a dying woman's estate upsets the applecart of her greedy relatives just before Christmas, the late Bailey Ruth Raeburn (introduced in Ghost at Work) returns from the great beyond to haunt those who would ignore the true meaning of Christmas.

Midnight Clear, by Kathy Hogan Trockeck. HarperCollins, 1998.
During the Christmas rush Callahan Garrity and her band of merry house cleaners set out to prove that her no-account brother is innocent of murdering his ex-wife.

Mistletoe & Murder, by Carola Dunn. Minotaur, 2002.
As the Dalrymples gather at Brockdene for Christmas, Daisy Dalrymple and her husband Det. Chief Inspector Alec Fletcher, are beset by a bevy of poor relations, ghost stories, rumors of a secret treasure, and murder.

Mistletoe Murder, by Leslie Meier. Kensington, 1998, 1991.
Lucy Stone's holiday preparations are interrupted when she finds Sam Miller's corpse in his car.

Mrs. Jeffries & the Yuletide Weddings, by Emily Brightwell. BPC, 2009.
Just as Inspector Witherspoon's staff, led by Mrs. Jeffries, prepares for the long-awaited, twice delayed, wedding of his employees--Betsy the cook and Smythe the coachman--a very unwanted Yuletide murder falls in the Inspector's lap. This is the 26th Inspector Witherspoon and Mrs. Jeffries book.

Murder for Christmas, by Agatha Christie. Dodd, Mead, 1987, 1939.
Hercule Poirot spends his Christmas holiday in the country investigating the brutal murder of rich, old Simeon Lee.

Murder is a Girl's Best Friend, by Amanda Matetsky. BPC, 2004.
In 1954 New York City, Paige Turner is working at a pulp mystery magazine much to the dismay of her detective boyfriend, and dealing with the frenetic Christmas season when an old army buddy Paige's deceased husband shows up, asking for her help in solving the crime of his little sister's murder.

Plum Pudding Murder, by Joanna Fluke. Kensington, 2009.
Hannah Swensen, the proprietor of the Cookie Jar in Lake Eden, MN, her partner, Lisa, are busy baking cookies, and preparing for the holidays, but someone snows on her parade with the shooting death of a Christmas tree seller. By the same author: Gingerbread Cookie Murder (2010).

A Puzzle in a Pear Tree, by Parnell Hall. Bantam, 2002.
"Puzzle Lady," Cora Felton, who is tagged to play a "maid-a-milking" in a Twelve Days of Christmas pageant, is propelled into action when her niece, Sherry Harkin becomes the prime suspect in a pair of murders.

The Queene's Christmas, by Karen Harper. T. Dunne, 2003.
During the Christmas season of 1564, the Twelve Days of Christmas are interrupted by murder most foul. Elizabeth finds that she must suspect even her most trusted courtiers as determines to unmask the culprit, who has targeted Her Majesty as his ultimate prey.

Ringing in Murder, by Kate Kingsbury. BPC, 2008.
Set during the Edwardian era, plan for the holidays. What they don't plan on is the deadly explosion of a Yuletide cracker and the possibility that one of their guests is a murderer. By the same author: Slay Bells (2006) and Shrouds of Glory (2007).

A Rumpole Christmas, by John Mortimer. Viking, 2009.
5 witty holiday stories featuring Mortimer's quirky English barrister of the Old Bailey.

Santa Clawed, by Rita Mae Brown & Sneaky Pie Brown. Bantam, 2008.
After Mary "Harry" Haristeen and her husband find a slain monk at a Christmas tree at a farm, she can't help doing a little sleuthing along with cats Mrs. Murphy and Pewter, and corgi Tee Tucker.

Scarpetta's Winter Table, by Patricia Cornwell. Wyrick, 1998.
This 81-page novella, which takes place after the events in Point of Origin has medical examiner Kay Scarpetta trading her scalpel for a spatula as she, her niece Lucy, and Det. Pete Marino gather for the holidays. In between recipes devotees of Cornwell's series are treated to a wealth of background information about their favorite characters.

Season's Revenge, by Henry Kisor. Forge, 2004, 2003.
Just before Christmas, in remote Upper Peninsula, Michigan, Lakota deputy sheriff Steve Martinez investigates the death of Paul Passoja, supposedly mauled to death by a bear.

Shakespeare's Christmas, by Charlaine Harris. St. Martin's, 1998.
Lily Bard leads home to Bartley, Arkansas, for her sister Varena's Christmas Eve wedding and becomes involved in an 8-year old kidnapping case.

Silent Night, by Mary Higgins Clark. S & S, 1995.
When a little boy observes his mother's wallet being lifted at Rockefeller Center while visiting the famous Christmas tree, he impulsively follows the thief and begins a journey that will threaten his life and change that of his mother and the thief.

Six Geese A-Slaying, by Donna Andrews. Dunne, 2008.
With her home being used as the marshalling point for the annual Caerphilly Christmas parade, Meg Langslow, who has been helping organize the parade, and Chief Burke (who was portraying one of the Wise Men) must find a way to save Christmas and solve a murder when the local curmudgeon playing Santa turns up dead.

The Spy Who Came for Christmas, by David Morrell. Vanguard, 2008.
In Santa Fe, double agent Paul Kagan blows his cover when he goes on the run with an infant the Russian mafia has been hired to murder. Wounded and desperate he finds refuge in the house of Meredith Brody who, with her crippled son, Cole, are planning to escape from her absent abusive & alcoholic husband. Together they resolve keep the child safe from harm.

Sweet Revenge, by Diane Mott Davidson. Morrow, 2007.
In her 14th culinary mystery, crime-solving caterer Goldy Schulz has her breakfast event at the Aspen Meadows Library spoiled by two things: the "apparition" of the dead woman who killed her husband, and the discovery of a body in the library.

'Twas the Bite Before Christmas, by Lee Charles Kelley. Avon, 2005.
All Maine kennel owner and ex-cop Jack Field wants for Christmas is to spend a quiet evening in front of the fire with state medical examiner Dr. Jamie Cutter. But his plans go up in smoke when a young housemaid is found murdered in the Bright mansion a few nights before Santa's big day.

Visions of Sugar Plums, by Janet Evanovich. St. Martin's, 2002.
As if the Christmas holiday wasn't stressful enough, bounty hunter Stephanie Plum must contend with a mysterious (and handsome) stranger who keeps popping up in her kitchen, an on-the-lam toymaker named Sandy Claws, a bunch of nasty elves, and her own kooky family.

A Wee Christmas Homicide, by Kaitlyn Dunnett. Kensington, 2009.
So far the snowless winter has hit the economy of the tiny town of Moosetookalook, Maine, hard. Except at the Scottish Emporium owned by Liss MacCrimmon, who has a big supply Tiny Teddies--the latest toy craze of the season the Tiny Teddies. Liss hopes to make a killing by advertising her stock, but when the fur frenzy leads to murder, Liss wonders if she'll survive the 12 days of Christmas.

Short Stories/Novellas (Mysteries)

Canine Christmas, presented by Jeffrey Marks. Ballantine, 1999.
15 merry mysteries to make a dog lover's Christmas complete!

Christmas at the Mysterious Bookshop, ed. by Otto Penzler. Vanguard, 2010.
Stories of mistletoe and mayhem from 17 masters of suspense.

Christmas Crimes, ed. by Cynthia Manson. Signet, 1996.
12 Yuletide whodunits by the likes of Georges Simenon, Agatha Christie, and John Dickson Carr.

Christmas Stalkings, ed. by Charlotte Macleod. Mysterious Press, 1991.
When the days grow short and cold weather forces cranky people together in cramped quarters, certain persons-mystery writers for example--contemplate getting rid of everyone else and having the cozy fireside to themselves. The result, courtesy of Bill Crider, Dorothy Cannell, Robert Barnard, et al, is Christmas Stalkings.

A Classic Christmas Crime, by Tim Heald. Pavilion, 1995.
13 original works by masters of mayhem such as P. D. James, Simon Brett, & Peter Lovesey.

Covert Christmas, by Marilyn Pappano, Linda Conrad & Loreth Anne White. Silhouette, 2010.
3 Christmas stories of love, betrayal, and redemption.

Crime for Christmas, ed. by Richard Dalby. St. Martin's, 1992.
16 pleasantly sinister antidotes to the usual over-abundance of good cheer and holiday sweetness.

Crooks, Crimes and Christmas, by Susan Slater, Ed Gorman, Irene Marcuse & Michael Jahn. Worldwide, 2003.
Four novellas serving up foul play with all the trimmings.

Holmes for the Holidays, ed. by Martin H. Greenberg, et al. Berkley, 1996.
These 14 original stories from the likes of Carole Nelson Douglas, Anne Perry and Loren D. Estleman have the world's greatest detective and the faithful Dr. Watson festively solving the darkest crimes in the supposedly brightest of seasons. Followed by More Holmes for the Holidays (1999).

How Still We See Thee Lie, by Allana Martin, et al. Worldwide, 2002.
Four novellas to make mystery buffs go "Ho, Ho, Ho."

Mistletoe Mysteries, ed. by Charlotte Macleod. Mysterious Press, 1989.
Contributors to this entry include Bill Pronzini, Mary Higgins Clark, and Sharyn McCrumb.

Murder for Christmas, ed. by Thomas Godfrey. Mysterious Press, 1982.
A literary feast with something for every taste: lying, cheating, stealing, spying, kidnapping& killing from authors as varied as Charles Dickens & A.A. Milne to G.K. Chesterton & Thomas Hardy.

Murder Under the Tree, by Ann Crowleigh et al. Kensington, 1993.
6 scintillating stories to help mystery lovers celebrate the season with forensics, fingerprints, and fatal fa-la-la-la-las.

Short Stories

Christmas Forever, ed. by David G. Hartwell. TOR, 1993.
A cornucopia of Christmas cheer with a twist. Spend a silent night with a monster, a golem and a genie...play virtual parlor games at a party...behold a modern-day Scrooge confront Earth's first alien visitor.

Christmas Ghosts, ed. by Kathryn Cramer & David G. Hartwell. Arbor, 1987.
The editors revive the 19^th century custom of telling ghost stories on Christmas Eve with this collection ranging from the sentimental (Charles Dickens's "The Story of the Goblins Who Stole a Sexton") to the comic (John Kendrick Bangs's "The Water Ghost of Harrowby Hall), to the chilling (Ramsey Campbell's "Calling Card").

Christmas Sampler, ed. by Edea Crawford & Teresa Kennedy. Hyperion, 1992.
Seasonal gems showcasing the meaning and spirit of Christmas from the pens of such luminaries as Willa Cather, Washington Irving, O. Henry, Damon Runyan, Langston Hughes & Ntozake Shange.

Christmas Stories, ed. by Diana Secker Tesdell. Knopf, 2007.
A treasury of short fiction by writers from Dickens and Tolstoy to John Updike and Alice Munro.

Christmas Stories from the South's Best Writers, ed. by Charline R. McCord and Judy H. Tucker. Pelican, 2008.
These 11 stories celebrate the traditions, customs, and celebrations of Christmas in the South.

Christmas Tales, by Charles Dickens. 1941.
Contains such favorites as "A Christmas Carol," "Cricket on the Hearth," and "Holly-Tree."

Holidays on Ice, by David Sedaris. Little, Brown, 1997.
For those of you out there who have had enough of the forced good cheer and commercial overkill of the Christmas season, these darkly humorous tales are for you.

Irish Stories for Christmas, by John B. Keane. Roberts Rinehart, 1994.
Keane's 15 original tales tell about the lives of ordinary country folk in southwestern Ireland during the holiday season.

A Literary Christmas, ed. by Lilly Golden. Atlantic Monthly, 1992.
These 27 stories-some inspiring, some uplifting, some melancholy-are the works of contemporary authors such as Ray Bradbury, Frank O'Connor, Leo Rosten, Raymond Carver, Annie Dillard, and Sean O'Faolain.

Miracle, and other Christmas Stories, by Connie Willis. Bantam, 1999.
8 entertaining stories that fuse traditional holiday plots-like "A Christmas Carol" and "Miracle on 34^th Street" with a SciFi/Fantasy element.

Noche Buena: Hispanic American Christmas Stories, ed. by Nicholas Kanellos. Oxford, 2000.
36 inspiring stories depicting the importance of the Christmas holiday within the hispanic community.

Pearl S. Buck's Book of Christmas, by Pearl S. Buck. S & S, 1974.
A rich and varied collection of Christmas stories to suit every mood from around the world.

Politically Correct Holiday Stories for an Enlightened Yuletide Season , by James Finn Garner. Macmillan, 1995.
Garner sets the record straight on such beloved tales as "A Christmas Carol" and "Twas the Night Before Christmas" by freeing them from sexism, ageism and any other -ism you can think of.

Spirits of Christmas, ed. by Kathryn Cramer & David G. Hartwell. Wynwood, 1989.
Spine-tingling yarns guaranteed to leave you wondering whose coming down that chimney.

Strike the Harp!: American Christmas Stories, by Owen Parry. Morrow, 2004.
These five Yuletide stories span a century of American life (from a 19th century mining town to the 1960's) to reveal the eternal message and spirit of Christmas.

A Yuletide Universe: 16 Fantastical Tales, ed. by Brian M. Thomsen. Warner, 2003.
Christmas stories that are out of this world!

Wolfsbane & Mistletoe, ed. by Charlaine Harris & Toni L. P. Kelner. Ace, 2008.
A collection of 15 0 holiday tales.

Created and maintained by: Lynne M. Kennedy.

© Copyright 2010, 1999 Sachem Public Library. All rights reserved

631 588-5024
sachemlibrary.org