4 Books to read

Let It Snow by Sue Moorcroft: Let It Snow is the perfect Christmassy rom-com to get you in the mood for the festive period. Refreshingly, the will-theywon’t they element typical of this genre isn’t central here, with the main characters Lilly and Isaac making a connection early on. Instead, the story focuses on how busy, complicated family lives can put obstacles in the way of a happy ending but you’re rooting for them throughout.

The Christmas Wishlist by Heidi Swain: After being made redundant, Hattie agrees to join her boyfriend as he embarks on a new career in Abu Dhabi. Before the move, however, Hattie decides to swap sun for snow to regain her holiday spirit with old friend Dolly in the idyllic village of Wynbridge. The

Christmas Wish List follows Hattie and Dolly as they complete a festive to-do list during their last Christmas together. The book takes a little while to get into, but once fully immersed in cosy Wynbridge, it is a comforting winter read.

Christmas Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella:

Becky Brandon nee Bloomwood is back and this time it is the chance to host her first Christmas which gives her the excuse to spend money she doesn’t have on things she doesn’t need. Kinsella, in her ninth Shopaholic novel, pitches the tone just right for a really funny book as Becky hunts for this year’s must-have Christmas llama bauble and the perfect present for husband Luke.

Last Christmas curated and introduced by Greg Wise and Emma Thompson: Released in conjunction with the upcoming festive film, Last Christmas is a collection of essays that explores the meaning of the holiday season, with contributions from actors, comedians, people who have been homeless, refugees, charity workers and even a vicar. Sometimes funny and often heart-wrenching, this is not another sickly-sweet festive tale that ends in happily ever after but a different kind of Christmas story and an important one.