My Top Ten Christmas Reads!

Merry Christmas, Everyone! With Christmas just days away, I’d like to share my top Ten Christmas Reads. There’s nothing I love more than curling up with a good book on a cold, wintery day (preferably with cozy Christmas socks, a warm blanket, a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, soft Christmas music in the background, a Christmas candle burning…sorry. Going on a tangent!)

Anyway, here are my top picks for Christmas Reading!

1. Wind Chimes by Victoria Minks
(From the Website) Christmas is a day of forgiveness, love, God, and family, no matter where you live or when you lived. These stories will take you somewhere long ago, and yet much like today. With a touch of humor and a family-loving gentleness, these stories carry all the hope of Christmas.
Wow! This is one of my favorite Christmas reads! Published in 2015, this book contains six short stories that will take you back in time! There’s a mix of old American and old English stories. The settings are awesome and take you exactly where Victoria intends you to be. My personal favorites were: Wind Chimes and The Spinster. All of them were amazing. Click here for more information!
 
2. Winter with the Moodys by Sarah Maxwell
(From the Back Cover) The third book in the Moody Family Series continues to follow the life of a Christian, homeschool family. There is never a dull day in the Moody house. Baby excitement, homeschooling, grandparents, blessing neighbors, Christmas preparations, two big surprises, and more are packed into this book. Come join the Moodys for the winter!
This is not strictly a Christmas story but it does contain some Christmas scenes. This story is book 3 in a series of 10 (plus 2 Novellas). I highly recommend this series. Even if you haven’t read the first two books, you should be able to read this as a stand-alone, but it’s best if you read them all! They are addictive! Click here for more information!
 
3. Christmas Comes to Sunflower by Sarah Maxwell
(From the Back Cover) A surprise encounter at Sunflower’s Post Office gives Mollie an idea. Christmas is a special time of year, and Max, Mollie and Mitch are determined to bless Joey. Time is against them as they face multiple obstacles in their quest. Will they be able to make Joey’s dream come true in time for Christmas? Grab a cup of hot chocolate, curl up next to the fire, and find out what happens in Christmas Comes to Sunflower.
This book is a companion to Winter Days with the Moodys. Though it can definitely be read alone, it actually intertwines with Winter Days with the Moodys, thanks to a page labeled Reading Guide. This is a sweet story about blessing others at Christmas time, especially those who are less fortunate. Click here for more information!
 
4. Winter Days with the Moodys by Sarah Maxwell
(From the Back Cover) The Moody Family Series continues with the seventh book, Winter Days. Follow the Moodys as they experience excitement at the gas station, an encounter with their friend Mr. Gibson, Christmas preparations, their first banquet event, remodeling work, serving In Jesus’ Name, and a double surprise. Come enjoy the winter adventures of the Moody family! Be prepared to be encouraged in your walk with the Lord Jesus and motivated in your family relationships.
Okay, I have a thing for Sarah Maxwell’s books. My favorite scene is the banquet scene. It’s so funny! Just add this whole series to your To Be Read (TBR) list. They are great! Click here for more information!

5. Christie’s Christmas by Isabella Alden
(From the Back Cover) Christie’s Christmas is a delightful story. The Story has little to do with Christmas but everything to do with a sweet Christian girl, Christie, who spent a very unusual and eventful day sowing seeds of kindness. Little did she know how those seeds would grow and prosper. Even a child can live for Jesus, and Christie is an excellent example of such a life. Good story for boys and girls. The whole family will enjoy it!
If you’ve never read Mrs. Alden (or “Pansy” to many), You. Are. Missing. Out. She’s amazing! I don’t agree with the assumption that this story has little to do with Christmas. It’s drenched with the Christmas Spirit! Click here for more information!

6. The Mysterious Message by Mr. and Mrs. Stephen B. Castleberry
(From the Back Cover) The Great Detective Agency is at it once again, solving mysteries on the Nelson farmstead. Why is there a pile of rocks in the woods? Is someone stealing gas from the mill? How could a railroad disappear? You will have to read this second book in the Farm Mystery Series to find out.
I know, another book in a series This book can be read as a standalone and while it’s not about Christmas, it has a pronounced wintery theme and I love it! My younger siblings love a good mystery and this series is amazing! (It’s another 10 book series!) Click here for more information!

7. The Search for the Silver Eagle by Ed Dunlap
(From the Back Cover) No longer safe in Switzerland, Hans, Gretchen, and Papa settle in France using name changes to throw off the relentless pursuit of the Nazis. The family becomes involved in a daring rescue that could save France, their homeland – maybe even the free world. But the enemy covets the prize, forcing the three heroes and their friends into harrowing chases and narrow escapes.
Warning – this book will make you cry…or at least want to cry. It is part of a 3 part series, and can be read as a standalone, though a few things are implied from book one. But this book is amazing. I love how everyone works together to help the Ameri…never mind. READ THIS BOOK, especially if you love WWII! Click here for more information!

8. Sunflower’s Christmas Miracle by Sarah Maxwell
(From the Back Cover) Christmas is right around the corner in Sunflower, and life is full of surprises. Some good, some not. Mr. Gibson is at the root of them, but what can twelve-year-old Moses do? At the town hall meeting, Moses is proud to watch his older brother stand up against opposition, but the new piece of information is troubling. When their Christmas season turns into a crisis, can Moses handle what’s before him? Sunflower’s Christmas Miracle will tug your heartstrings in this incredible story of hope and love.
I have not yet finished reading this book, but even half way through, I’m loving this. It’s set in modern times and shows what life is like for the Moody family…later in life It’s great so far. I got it for my youngest sister and we are both really loving it! She always begs for “One more chapter!” of the Moody books! Bonus! This one just came out this month! Click here for more information!

9. Letter of Love by Amanda Tero
(From the Back Cover) Edward Dixon is convinced that life is cruel, and he is not willing for anything to change his mind from that. A letter from his sister, Marie, reveals that she views life otherwise. Will her letter, filled with love and forgiveness, make a difference in Edward’s life? Or will he stubbornly refuse to change before it’s too late?
This book was a surprise. It’s a short story sequel to Journey to Love. That being said, you really should read Journey to Love first. (Note: This is not a romance. It’s about an orphan finding a family, but that’s all I’m saying!) It’s amazing and I personally like it the best. Don’t get me wrong, they are both very well written! Ms. Tero reminds me of a modern Isabella Alden, writing stories with deep messages that most very often ignore. My only hang up with this book (Letter of Love) was an old timey term that I personally do not prefer using. Otherwise, this is a gripping story that will present a very realistic part of life, even if it is set in 1902. Click here for more information!

10. Coffee Shop Christmas by Ryana Lynn Miller
(From the Back Cover) While for some, Christmas is a time of pleasant memories, for others, it is a reminder of past tragedies. Police widow Katherine Shannon is one such person. Since the death of her husband a year ago, she has made ends meet running a coffee shop across from the town police station. But as time goes on, she’s questioning whether she should keep the shop open or if maybe God has something else in mind for her. Can a cup of coffee really make a difference in this world? Can a coffee shop be used for God’s glory? Can God use burnt cookies and salted caramel lattés to open a door for Christian service? Or an overheard conversation to touch a heart? (Mark 9:41) Through a series of God orchestrated events, she will find her answer. Come along and join Katherine as she finds God’s will for her life. Once you visit The Coffee Shop, you’ll never be the same.
Shameless self-promotion, y’all, but I honestly love this story. It really touches a tender spot in my heart and I hope it will touch others as well. If you love Christmas, Coffee and the sacrifices our Policemen make, you need this book! And if you like a touch of music, writing and WWII, grab it! It won’t be a waste of money, I promise!
Click here for more information!

I hope you pick up a few or all of these books! They are amazing. I know there were a lot of series books in there…sorry, I need to expand my Christmas collection J
Something to think about: So you like Christmas books? Pull them out and reread your top favorites. Share them with a friend. If you are a blogger, let others know what Christmas/winter reads are on your reading list.

Merry Christmas!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22