Best Reads This Festive Season 2023

 Indulge in the Enchanting World of Christmas with Booxies

As the festive season approaches, let the heartwarming glow of Christmas gently envelop you. Escape the ordinary and immerse yourself in the captivating world of literature with Booxies, your one-stop shop for a truly magical Christmas experience.

Our exquisite selection of Christmas-themed books will transport you to enchanting realms, where love, joy, and the spirit of giving take center stage. Curl up by the fireplace with a glass of sparkling wine, a refreshing gin and tonic, or a steaming cup of Christmas tea, and let the captivating tales unfold before your eyes.

Here are our top festive reads for 2023

• Christmas by Candelight by Karen Swan

It's three days before Christmas and just starting to snow . . . Against her better judgement, Libby Pugh has been persuaded by her best friend to stop in on their university reunion on her way back from a wedding in North Yorkshire with her new boyfriend, Max.

Their host is Archie Templeton, the playboy of their group, who has finally inherited his father's title and estate - even if the latter is more stately heap than palace. Libby is surprised at how good it feels to catch up, despite the fact that her humble background has always meant she has felt a little out of place among her more privileged friends. The night is a great success but when they come to leave, the road is now impassable and she and Max are given a bed for the night.

At first being snowed in with old friends is rather lovely - the next day is spent in high spirits as they wait for the local farmer to clear the snow. But as the hours pass and he doesn't come, everyone grows restless. Christmas is two days away and everyone has other plans, other places to be. Then the power goes out . . .

• The Plight Before Christmas by Kate Stewart

Whitney is not having a merry Christmas.

In the last three weeks she’s lost her boyfriend and a promotion. Forced to gather at her grandparents’ cosy cabin for the holidays with her large family, the only way she’s going to get into the holiday spirit is with the help of three wise men: Johnnie Walker, Jack Daniels, and Jim Beam. However, nothing offsets the shock of discovering her old boyfriend, Eli, on the doorstep.

Now she’s stuck for a week with Eli, the only man to ever break her heart. And he’s ready to win her back . . .

• Bright Lights, Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews

Newly single and unemployed Kerry Tolliver needs a second chance. When she moves back home to her family's Christmas tree farm in North Carolina, she is guilt tripped into helping her brother, Murphy, sell trees in New York City. She begrudgingly agrees, but she isn't happy about sharing a trailer with her brother in the East Village for two months. Plus, it's been years, since before her parents divorce, that she's been to the city to sell Christmas trees.

Then, Kerry meets Patrick, the annoying Mercedes owner who parked in her spot for the first two days. Patrick is recently divorced, a father to a six year old son, and lives in the neighborhood. Can Kerry's first impressions about the recently divorced, single father, and - dare she say, handsome - neighbor be wrong?

Surrounded by warm childhood memories, sparkling possibility, and the magic of Christmas in the City, will Kerry finally get the second chance she needs to find herself. . . and maybe even find love?

• The Christmas Appeal by Janice Hallett

A delightful festive murder mystery from the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Appeal, in which the characters return for panto season - and a murder.

One dead Santa. A town full of suspects. Will you discover the truth?

Christmas in Lower Lockwood, and the Fairway Players are busy rehearsing their festive pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, to raise money for the church roof appeal. But despite the season, goodwill is distinctly lacking amongst the amateur dramatics enthusiasts. Sarah-Jane is fending off threats to her new position as Chair, the fibreglass beanstalk might be full of asbestos, and a someone is intent on ruining the panto even before the curtain goes up.

Of course, there's also the matter of the dead body. Who could possibly have had the victim on their naughty list? Join lawyers Femi and Charlotte as they read the round robins, examine the emails and pore over the police transcripts. Will the show go on?

Thoughtful Gifts That Spark Joy

Indulge your loved ones with the gift of Booxies, a curated collection of books and delightful treats that will surely ignite their Christmas spirit. With our pre-selected Christmas Booxies, you can effortlessly convey your affection and thoughtfulness, leaving a lasting impression that extends far beyond the holiday season.

Create Your Own Personalized Booxies

Embrace the spirit of creativity and craft your own unique Booxies, tailoring each one to the specific preferences of your loved ones. Select from our handpicked collection of up to two books and three additional products, ensuring that every element reflects their unique personality and interests. Select a festive read or two then add a delicious Christmas Tea from Teadrop with Yuletide hand made chocolate from Cuvee. Or for more celebrator booxies, add a bottle of Sparkling Wine from the Yarra Valley's Zonzo with expertly paird hand made chocolate to go with your with wine.

Experience the Magic of Booxies

With Booxies, the enchantment of Christmas extends beyond the pages of a book. It's a celebration of literature, a tribute to thoughtful gifting, and a reminder that the true essence of Christmas lies in sharing moments of joy and connection. Let Booxies be your guide to a Christmas filled with literary delights, heartwarming surprises, and cherished memories that will last a lifetime.