AtaraxiaThe cold is slowly reclaiming its territory, the time for hot chocolate and movies under a blanket has arrived. Christmas markets are beginning to open their doors, and soon everyone will be strolling around with mulled wine and roasted chestnuts in hand. This is a season of joy and spice—welcome to the magical world of the holidays. This special time of year makes everyone cheerful and kind. What could be better than watching a movie with a hot chocolate in hand? And if Christmas movies capture your heart, there’s something else that’s sure to win you over: Christmas books. Here’s a short list of three books to immerse you in a sweet and charming holiday spirit.
1. Hamster, Pretzels, and a Christmas Wedding by Ena Fitzbel
Welcome to France—or more specifically, Alsace—where Christmas is more than just a holiday; it’s a cherished institution. Amandine is a delightful wedding planner. Planning events is both her specialty and her passion. But when she’s tasked with organizing her best friend’s wedding, the challenge turns out to be much harder than expected. Under the watchful eye of her friend’s brother, with whom Amandine doesn’t get along at all, the somewhat rushed wedding preparations promise to be eventful. But the magic of Christmas always works wonders, and the preparations might just bring some unexpected guests closer together.
Full of lighthearted moments and a tribute to beautiful Alsace, Hamster, Pretzels, and a Christmas Wedding is a cozy read, perfect for a rainy day curled up on the couch with a blanket and a warm drink. But buckle up—this adventure is bound to get lively!
2. A Royal Christmas by Alix Nichols
Welcome to Mont Evor, a small principality nestled in the mountains, not far from France, and largely unknown to the outside world. Camille, a lifelong resident of Evor, works as a street artist, struggling to survive in a principality that wants nothing to do with her. After her sister caused a fire at the Royal Palace that resulted in the death of six people, Camille was shunned and became an outcast. Yet she is convinced of one thing: her sister is innocent. But proving it is nearly impossible, especially since her sister disappeared shortly after the fire.
One day, Louis Phillibert de Valois, Duke of Mont Evor, knocks on Camille’s dilapidated caravan door with a proposal: marry him. Initially furious, Camille flatly refuses, but when Louis explains that it’s a one-year arrangement with a reward of €300,000, Camille can only think of the peace this money could bring—and the perfect opportunity to investigate the incident from five years ago. And so, she becomes the Duchess of Valois, for one year only, with a clear mission: to clear her sister’s name—all during the Christmas season.
3. Secret Santa by Sophie Jomain
Secret Santa isn’t exactly a book; it’s actually an advent calendar, but it absolutely deserves a spot on this list. Secret Santa tells the story of Fannette, a student who seemingly has everything to be happy. But when you’re born into a family like hers, you often feel like something is missing—a purpose, a desire… But that might soon change when she joins a student club and meets the handsome Romain. Will she dare to reveal her true identity to him? Find the answer across 24 chapters, unfolding like an advent calendar.
Now that you have our list, don’t hesitate to indulge in a little Christmas story that’s sure to melt even the hardest of hearts.
