Christmas brings with it many blessings. For an avid book reader, one of those blessings is a book store filled with books specific to the season. This is a list of holiday books I’ve read and enjoyed more than once. I hope you find one among them that you like as well.

Set in the South.

“Shepherds Abiding” by Jan Karon is a lovely story of Father Tim of the famous Mitford series returning to his roots in Mississippi where he finds the best present of all.

“Christmas in Plains” by Jimmy Carter is a poignant look at Christmas in a simpler time when family and community came together to celebrate the birth of Christ. Considered a Christmas classic.

“A Christmas Memory” by Truman Capote is hands down my favorite Christmas book. A celebration of family and friends, the stories are elegant in their simplicity and exquisite in the love they share. It is considered one of the world’s best books.

For mystery fans.

“Christmas Mysteries” by Anne Perry of Victorian mystery fame offers two books in one. Perry has a unique gift with capturing the taste and smells and feel of Victorian England. To quote the “Milwaukee Journal Sentinel,” “Taut and atmospheric…as delicious as mince pie and plum pudding.”

“Kissing Christmas Goodbye” by M. C. Beaton is one of her Agatha Raisin mysteries. An intelligent and amusing read with plots to track and fun to be had.

“Deck the Halls” by Mary and Carol Higgins Clark {mother and daughter} is full of delightful twists and turns and holiday cheer – a hearty mix.