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Winter Book Crush: Cozy Up to 10 Hot Cocoa Reads

December 7, 2017 By Lorilee - 130 Comments

Winter book crush collageIn the words of the late David Cassidy,

“C’mon, get cozy!”

Well, he said “happy,” but in my book its the same thing. It started snowing today. As a Canadian expat, the sight brings me joy. Yes, I hate the icy roads as much as anyone, but winter is the best time for flat-out coziness.

I’m talking about nuzzling into blankets, luxuriating in the glow of candles, lamps and strings of twinkly lights. Embracing the “hygge” life, we sip hot chocolate with jaunty little marshmallows. It also begs–BEGS!–for a good book, a story to lose oneself in as we watch the snowflakes drift down to earth.

I love this time of year! And I especially love reading the coziest of books, 10 of which I have rounded up for you here. By the way, I enjoyed having a contest for my Fall book blog (See the lovely Terry of Canada below, holding her prize!).

Let’s do it again! Simply comment on what book on this list you wanna read and why (we want to know why, because we are book nerds), and I will randomly choose a winner. You can then decide on a book from this list as your prize!

Ready to get your cozy on?

brenda-godinez-298223

Photo credit Brenda Godinez @Unsplash

1. Library at the Edge of the World

Winter premise crush Library at the Edge of the World

I gasped when I saw this title and gasped again when I saw the cover! You will believe me if I say I gasped again when I saw that this takes place in Ireland (which I recently found out, via Ancestry DNA, was one of four places in the world where my ancestors have recently lived; ie my “genetic community”). A gasping trifecta!

Here’s a review snippet from a fan:

“Much like a cup of tea and a cozy afghan, The Library at The Edge of the World is the perfect book to hunker down with. Prepare to be transported.” (LibraryReads, (Elizabeth Angelastro, Manilus Library, Manilus, NY )

 2. Mr. Dickens and His Carol

Winter Premise Crush Mr. Dickens and his Carol 

From a review by Anthony Doerr:

“A charming, comic, and ultimately poignant story about the creation of the most famous Christmas tale ever written. It’s as foggy and haunted and redemptive as the original; it’s all heart, and I read it in a couple of ebullient, Christmassy gulps.” ―Anthony Doerr, #1 New York Times bestselling author of All The Light We Cannot See

“Ebullient Christmassy gulps?” Yes, please. I’ll have what he’s having!

P.S. Reading this one now and am loving all the Dickensian, Christmassy details!

 3. Prairie Fire

Winter premise crush Prairie Fires

You guys, this biography of our girl Half-Pint is ONE OF THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW‘S 10 BEST BOOKS OF 2017!

“Millions of readers of Little House on the Prairie believe they know Laura Ingalls―the pioneer girl who survived blizzards and near-starvation on the Great Plains, and the woman who wrote the famous autobiographical books. But the true saga of her life has never been fully told.”

From what I’ve heard, this is pretty nitty gritty. I for one would invite the chance to know one of my lit heroines better. You?

4. The Deal of a Lifetime

winter Premise crush Deal of a Lifetime

I have heard from my bookish friends on Instagram that this is really NOT a Christmas story, though it kicks off on Christmas Eve. Reading the description of this short novel grabbed me, though, and made me want to read it in any season:

“Overwhelmed by the responsibility of fatherhood, he took the easy way out and left his wife and little boy twenty years ago to pursue professional success. Now he is left wondering if it’s too late to forge a relationship with his son, who seems to be his opposite in every way—prizing happiness over money, surrounded by loving friends in a cozy town where he feels right at home.“

 5. Murder on the Orient Express

winter premise crush murder on the orient express

Need I say more? Aunt Agatha, as I call her, for no good reason except that one of my favorite bookstores, in bookish Ann Arbor, Michigan, is called “Aunt Agatha’s New and Used Mysteries, Detection, and True Crime Books,” is having a moment. The movie and all the attendant interest in cozy mysteries make me want to delve in. My 16-yo son just read and relished it, and my book club is giving this a crack in early January.

 6. Dear Fahrenheit 451

winter premise crush Dear Fahrenheit 451

I adore that this book exists at all, never mind that it’s written by a librarian and that it’s really funny, and it’s about books and more books…

“In Dear Fahrenheit 451, librarian Annie Spence has crafted love letters and breakup notes to the iconic and eclectic books she has encountered over the years. From breaking up with The Giving Tree (a dysfunctional relationship book if ever there was one), to her love letter to The Time Traveler’s Wife (a novel less about time travel and more about the life of a marriage, with all of its ups and downs), Spence will make you think of old favorites in a new way.”

 

7. The City Baker’s Guide to Country Living

Winter book crush City Baker

Again, even the title and the cover make me feel as snug as a bug in a rug, and that was before I knew about the  “cinnamon-scented” thing:

“Miller elevates the story by turning it into a Pinterest fantasy of rural America. . . [Her] visions of bucolic Vermont landscapes, cinnamon-scented kitchens, and small-town friendliness make this reverie of country life an appealing one.” –The New York Times Book Review

P.S. Louise is a real baker!

8. Little Women board book

Winter book crush Little Women

I can’t get enough of these ultra charming Baby Lit board books, illustrated by Allison Oliver. As I said in my Fall book blog, there’s a new one about my favorite, Anne of Green Gables, and you can be SURE that if you are my little great-niece that is what you are getting for Christmas! Digging a little, I discovered there is also one about my next favorite, “Little Women”!

9. Victora & Albert: A Royal Love Affair 

Winter premise crush Victoria and Albert

About a year ago, I was positively moonstruck by the “Victoria” series on PBS. So dazed was I that I ordered “Victoria,” the companion novel, and swooned my way through the whole thing.

Guys, Daisy Goodwin, the show’s creator, is a fine writer, and in fact was a novelist before creating the show. I can’t wait to read all about Victoria and Albert as a companion to Season 2! (Which debuts in the US January 14!)

 

 

10. Vivian in Red

winter premise crush Vivian in Red

If you love all things theater and Broadway, you’ll be beguiled by Michigan author–and my lunch friend–Kristina Riggle’s satisfying page-turner about an 88-year-old man who remembers his lost love, Vivian in Red. (Yes, “lunch friend.” We are ladies who lunch!)

“Vivian in Red is an enchanting swirl of love, family, history, theater, and an ode to what we leave behind and what we still have left to discover. Add Kristina Riggle to the list of historical fiction masters.”
—Allison Winn Scotch, New York Times bestselling author of In Twenty Years

Alrighty, then. That was some cozy, good, clean fun! Tell me, which one of these books enticed you like a flashy ice fishing lure on a frozen lake?

And why? We all want to know WHY. 

Spill all your innermost thoughts in the comments below and be eligible to win your favorite! And check out this pic of my Fall books blog winner, Terry of Canada, holding her pick/prize “The Diary of a Bookseller.”

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Filed Under: Book Club, Contests, Uncategorized Tagged With: Baby Lit, Book Club picks, Deal of a Lifetime, Dear Fahrenheit 451, Fredrik Backman, Library at the Edge of the World, literary board books, Mr. Dickens and His Carol, Murder on the Orient Express, Prairie Fires, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, The City Baker's Guide to Country Living, Vivian in Red

Comments

  1. Shannon Dunn says

    December 8, 2017 at 10:08 am

    Let me just start out by saying that Baby Lit books are A-MA-ZING, my Lili is getting the Anne book for Christmas as well, and we already have Little Women, which is one of my favorites as well! As for the rest, I am blown away by your choices! And it’s so hard to decide what I would go for first, but . . . Laura Ingalls Wilder? That is my girl! So I have to choose Prairie Fires as my top pick! Pretty sure this will be going on my Christmas List! Thanks for the post! <3

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 9, 2017 at 11:46 am

      Shannon, you ARE a kindred spirit. Yes, the Laura bio looks amazing. Merry Christmas and please do send a pic of Lili and her Anne book?

      Reply
      • Shannon Dunn says

        December 10, 2017 at 10:22 pm

        Awww . . . Why thank you! And yes, of course. I’d be so happy to.

        Reply
  2. Sarah Elizabeth says

    December 8, 2017 at 10:34 am

    All of these books sound like perfect winter reads! The ones that speak most to me are Victoria & Albert – A Royal Love Affair, The City Baker’s Guide to Country Living, The Library at the Edge of the World and Dear Farenheit 451. Of those, I think The City Baker’s Guide to Country Living speaks to me most. There is something so cozy about reading about small towns and baked goods! I also heard this one recommend recently on the Thanksgiving episode of From the Front Porch and it sounded captivating!

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 9, 2017 at 1:37 pm

      Sarah, isn’t it affirming when two sources recommend the same cozy book? 🙂 I also love your mini list from my maxi list…Great picks!

      Reply
  3. Jennifer Hall says

    December 8, 2017 at 12:51 pm

    I want all of them! My favorite is the Victoria and Albert book because I love the TV show.

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 9, 2017 at 7:14 pm

      I am swooning just anticipating it–the show and the book!

      Reply
  4. Kristin W says

    December 8, 2017 at 7:20 pm

    Prairie Fires is on my shirt list. I recently finished Little House in the Big Woods with my preschool aged son, and the story is so different reading it as a grown up. I’ve always loved Laura ❤️
    Murder on the Orient Express I want to read, too, but I didn’t feel right choosing it since I’ve already read it twice. Follow it up with Death on the Nile and you’ll be a Christie fan for life.

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 9, 2017 at 7:14 pm

      Oooh, Death on the Nile! Thanks for the tip, Kristin. I’ll hold you to it!

      Reply
  5. Dana says

    December 9, 2017 at 11:10 am

    The Deal of a Lifetime is my pick! The tree on that cover is gorgeous!! I have fond memories of tree-hunting as a girl. The book description is also captivating. Something that this world is struggling with, and it seems like it would have a nice cozy (happy!) ending!

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 11, 2017 at 9:26 am

      This does have such an appealing premise and cover, doesn’t it?

      Reply
  6. Amalie Gee says

    December 9, 2017 at 11:35 am

    But how do I pick just one?! I have a sweet spot for classics and historical lit, so anything related to Laura Ingalls Wilder or the British crown leaps out at me!! I’d have to say The Library at the Edge of the World is my top pick, however, firstly because it sounds entirely enchanting, but also because I’m headed to Dublin for the first time this summer! It’s one of my goals for reading this year: read a book set in your dream destination! -love, @fromthenightstand (Amalie)

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 11, 2017 at 11:24 am

      Hi Amalie–what a pretty name! And what a great idea–to read a book set in your dream destination!

      Reply
  7. Jeana says

    December 9, 2017 at 11:43 am

    I want to read them all, but if I had to narrow it down, I’d say the Dickens book or the Library at the Edge. But wow—what a list! And I love that they’re called “Hot Cocoa Reads!” So perfect!

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 11, 2017 at 1:44 pm

      Thank you, Jeana! I love the idea of reading with a mug of something chocolate-y nearby! Winter is the coziest time to read!

      Reply
  8. Carol (Readingladies.com) says

    December 9, 2017 at 11:46 am

    Great post! I’ve already read and LOVE “The Deal of a Lifetime.” Two selections intrigue me and are at the top of my TBR: “The Library…” because I love books about books and love Ireland ☘️…….and “Prairie Fires” because I was a Little House fan and because I’m a “dakotagirl”

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 11, 2017 at 3:37 pm

      Really, which Dakota? I am from Winnipeg so have been to North Dakota MANY times. 🙂 Also, we went to the Black Hills when I was 10, so I have been to South, too! I consider myself sort of a Dakota girl, too, or at least a prairie girl.

      Reply
  9. Lydia says

    December 9, 2017 at 12:17 pm

    Oh what a fab list! So hard to choose.

    I think I have to start with “The Library at the Edge of the World”. Ireland is my favourite place I’ve ever been. I read and re-read Maeve Binchy’s books because I love that they get at the heart of small town Ireland. Also, the book smell as I entered the Library at Trinity College Dublin is one of my most memorable moments. What an incredible place!

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 12, 2017 at 7:52 am

      Lydia, I can only imagine that the library at Trinity College smells like heaven on earth! I, too, love Maeve and am hopeful that Library at the Edge of the World might fill that hole a bit since she died.

      Reply
      • Susan says

        November 15, 2018 at 9:47 pm

        Let me know if this author compares to Maeve, Lorilee. Maeve Binchy is/was my favorite author. I miss her books. They were so uplifting, charming, and sweet.

        Reply
  10. Sarah Ferguson says

    December 9, 2017 at 12:22 pm

    Some of these are already on my TBR list.
    I think of these, the tops would be Dear Fahrenheit 451.
    However, The City Baker’s Guide to Country Living sounds really good and I loved the series about Victoria and Albert, so I should add Victora & Albert: A Royal Love Affair to my TBR list too.
    And… Since we did a Laura Ingalls Wilder trip when I was a kid, Prairie Fires would probably be good too.

    Too many choices!

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 12, 2017 at 3:42 pm

      Sarah, I’m glad you think so! I loved pulling this list together. I like your mini list of my maxi list, too!

      Reply
  11. Jennifer Van Hoy says

    December 9, 2017 at 12:37 pm

    The ones I want to read are Mr. Dickens and his carol, Prairie Fires, and Victoria and Albert. I’m intrigued by them all.

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 12, 2017 at 8:36 pm

      I’m intrigued by your three choices! 🙂

      Reply
  12. Elysa Mac says

    December 9, 2017 at 1:33 pm

    Oh goodness. How do I even choose when they all are great books??? As a lifelong Little House fan, I guess I’d choose PRAIRIE FIRES as my first option and since Muppets Christmas Carol is our family’s Christmas Eve tradition, I’d go for the Dickens one as my 2nd choice. But honestly. I’d like any of them I’m sure!

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 13, 2017 at 11:57 am

      Great choice! BTW, wouldn’t a Little House board book be wonderful for the littles? Little House for the littles???

      Reply
  13. Melodee says

    December 9, 2017 at 2:38 pm

    I REALLY want to read Mr. Dickens and His Carol. I love A Christmas Carol and many other Dickens books, so it sounds like it will be right up my alley!

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 13, 2017 at 5:39 pm

      So many people are loving this book, including me! It truly is a warm, cozy Christmas read!

      Reply
  14. Melanie says

    December 10, 2017 at 7:11 am

    How to pick just one?!? I’m intrigued by so many of them. I guess because of my love for all things Irish I would have to pick The Library at the End of the World. However I’m planning on reading that Ingalls Wilder book too because I keep hearing great things about it. And is that Dickens book what they based the new movie on? So much good stuff in this list! Thank you for hosting a giveaway.

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 14, 2017 at 11:20 am

      It’s not the same Dickens story, but they tell me the movie and book are quite complimentary! I plan on going to the movie this weekend!

      Reply
  15. Any Nabors says

    December 10, 2017 at 11:42 am

    Library at the Edge of the World is on my list to read! I love books set in Ireland. I’ve never read Murder on the Orient Express but want to & the Victoria & Albert looks so interesting to me.

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 14, 2017 at 5:40 pm

      “Victoria and Albert” is very lushly photographed and crammed with glorious Victorian details and tidbits!

      Reply
  16. Jeannie Prinsen says

    December 10, 2017 at 5:36 pm

    I’d like the Charles Dickens one. Yesterday my daughter and I went to see the movie The Man Who Invented Christmas; it was so good!! I would love to read more about Dickens and his Christmas Carol.

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 15, 2017 at 10:45 am

      I am dying to see that movie, Jeannie! You will love the Dickens book.

      Reply
  17. Emma says

    December 11, 2017 at 8:03 am

    Oh my goodness, so many of these are already on my TBR list! If I had to choose just one, I think it would be The Library at the Edge of the World. I really do love books about books… a love of books and reading is always conveyed in such a lovely way in those stories. The Little Paris Bookshop, The Bookshop on the Corner, and The Book Thief were all some of my absolute favourite reads. Also, living in a big city and being a country person makes me crave books set in small, quiet locations.

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 15, 2017 at 11:28 am

      I, too, LOVe books about books. Maybe a future blog?…Emma, should I read “Bookshop on the Corner”?

      Reply
      • Emma says

        January 10, 2018 at 8:58 am

        YES absolutely! I love Jenny Colgan’s writing – it has such a cozy and familiar feel to it, like she’s personally telling you the story over a cup of hot chocolate. It’s a lovely little read 🙂

        Reply
  18. Jean says

    December 11, 2017 at 11:37 am

    Oh Lorilee, you come up with great books!! I always look at the cover to see if it catches my interest and two of them did. Prairie Fires, of course any books about Laura is a must for me! But I must say, The Deal of a Lifetime really pulled me in with the description on the back, so I would sit with hot cocoa and this book!

    Thank you!

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 15, 2017 at 2:59 pm

      Do you drink hot cocoa where you’re from? 🙂 I agree–hot cocoa and reading cozy books is the BEST!

      Reply
  19. Catherine says

    December 11, 2017 at 1:12 pm

    Although I had a bit of a hard time choosing, I would absolutely love Mr. Dickens and His Carol. It sounds like such a fantastic read and the bonus would be to pass it to my 13 year old bibliophile who loves all Dickens. It would be a double win!

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 15, 2017 at 7:43 pm

      I love a double win, don’t you? And how absolutely cool that your 13yo is a Dickens fan!!!

      Reply
  20. Lauren says

    December 11, 2017 at 1:44 pm

    So many good picks here, hard to choose just one! Would love to dive into “The Deal of a Lifetime” or “Mr. Dickens and His Carol.” The covers on both are enchanting, but more importantly it’s what’s inside that counts and I know I would not be disappointed in learning the history of A Christmas Carol (which holds a special place in our yearly Christmas traditions in my family), or a new Backman novel since he wowed me with A Man Called Ove.

    Thanks for a great list!

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 16, 2017 at 7:10 am

      The cool thing is, with your two picks, is that the Backman book is so short. You could read both together in a jiffy!

      Reply
  21. Kelly says

    December 11, 2017 at 3:33 pm

    I love cozy books this time of year. Library at the Edge of the World sounds perfect!

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 16, 2017 at 1:04 pm

      Doesn’t it, though? 🙂

      Reply
  22. Elizabeth Foreman says

    December 11, 2017 at 6:36 pm

    Oh my. What an awesome list, Lorilee. I’d love any one of them! For sure the Dickens one is tops on my list. I’ve been a Dickens girl for years. My Tiny Tim and Scrooge plus houses are all set up for Christmas. I’d love to read the backstory! Oh, and the Fredrik Backman is a definite TBR. I loved Ove. I’m reading Bear Town right now. Really different so far. I just love the Backman cover! And you’ve introduced me to the Baby Lit board books. I don’t have many littles in my life right now, but can I just get this for myself!?! Then there’s The City Baker’s Guide to Country Living. I’m feeling a little greedy. But all of these are going on my TBR list. Thank you, you wise readerly girl you!

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 16, 2017 at 2:17 pm

      Thank you for calling me a “wise, readerly girl”! 🙂 I think you would enjoy the Dickens book, which is what I am reading right now.

      Reply
  23. Carrie says

    December 11, 2017 at 6:37 pm

    Oh my, these ALL look so good! I already own the Babylit Little Women (and many others), but the rest were new to me. I think I would probably pick the Library at the Edge of the World, because the cover and title both caught my eye, but honestly I will be adding most of the others to my “want-to-read list” as well!

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 16, 2017 at 7:00 pm

      Isn’t “Library at the Edge of the World” so appealing???

      Reply
  24. Ruth says

    December 12, 2017 at 4:00 pm

    My choice to read first would be Library at the End of the World. Ireland is also my maternal ancestral home! I’m intrigued by the beauty of this country. Along with 2 of my daughters and 2-3 of my granddaughters, we have a WISH to travel to Ireland and also Scotland and Wales. Maybe someday we’ll get there. I can live vicariously through books set in those countries.

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 17, 2017 at 7:19 pm

      Maybe we are cousins! 🙂 I hope we BOTH get to go to our ancestral home one day!

      Reply
  25. Barbara Pollman says

    December 12, 2017 at 6:31 pm

    Several of these have caught my eye, especially The Library at the Edge of the World and Dear Fahrenheit 451. I love stories about books and book lovers! I am particularly interested in Mr. Dickens and His Carol, because A Christmas Carol is my favorite Dickens and my favorite holiday read.

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 18, 2017 at 9:22 am

      Good choices, Barbara! I, too, love books about books.

      Reply
  26. Terry says

    December 12, 2017 at 7:51 pm

    What great choices! They are all going on my TBR stack, but don’t enter me in the contest – I won the last one!

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 18, 2017 at 11:34 am

      Ha! Well, I’d still like to know which one you would choose! 🙂

      Reply
  27. Alicia Mae says

    December 13, 2017 at 11:33 am

    Hot cocoa reads is the perfect description! And ahh what lovely books, all of them. I’m so torn– Library at the End of the World, Prairie Fires, and Mr. Dickens and His Carol jumped out at me in particular… I think I’d settle on Prairie Fires. Laura Ingalls Wilder is truly one of my favorites. In elementary school I wrote many a book report and author biography paper on her works/ her 🙂 And I managed to convince my parents to drive us all out to De Smet to visit the family’s homestead for my 9th birthday. I will say, the best part has been introducing her/sharing her with my (much younger) little sister.

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 18, 2017 at 1:50 pm

      You know, ‘Mom and Dad, let’s drive to South Dakota for my birthday.’ 🙂 How fun! Please tell me you lived close by-ish?

      Reply
      • Alicia Mae says

        December 19, 2017 at 1:56 pm

        At the time we lived in Nebraska, so I think it was about a four hour drive? Could’ve been far worse, haha!

        Reply
        • Lorilee says

          December 20, 2017 at 11:18 am

          I love Nebraska! Did you ever visit Willa Cather’s hometown of Red Cloud?

          Reply
          • Alicia Mae says

            December 20, 2017 at 11:10 pm

            Nebraska is wonderful ❤️ Sadly no, at least not that I remember, but I’d love to go back and visit it someday! It wasn’t until after we moved to the south that I discovered Willa Cather. Perhaps another road trip is in order…

  28. Jessie says

    December 13, 2017 at 2:03 pm

    How does a bookish person choose which one they want most? I love Louisa May Alcott, an independent successful woman before that was done. But I also love Dickens, the muppets Christmas Carol was the first movie I ever saw in theaters without a grownup! And Library at the edge of the world looks perfect. I found out recently I am part Scottish (which I had always suspected in my heart) which is kind of close to Ireland? Mostly I love a good setting. And how about the City Bakers guide to country Living? It takes place in Vermont, White Christmas is my favorite Christmas movie! Thanks for the fun giveaway.

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 19, 2017 at 9:20 am

      Jessie, you have great reasons for your choices! I am part Scottish, too, AND I love “White Christmas.” 🙂

      Reply
  29. Therese says

    December 14, 2017 at 7:26 am

    Oh, I love a give away! I am eager to read Mr. Dickens and his Carol. I love reading the original “A Christmas Carol” and taking that trip back in time. This new book seems like a new adventure to a friendly place! Thanks for the offer!

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 19, 2017 at 4:07 pm

      “A new adventure to a friendly place”: YES!!!

      Reply
  30. Ashleigh says

    December 14, 2017 at 2:20 pm

    Victoria and Albert! I must keep going with the series! Here in Arizona is when I finally get to grab a blanket and read outside. It’s the most magical time of the year!

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 19, 2017 at 6:04 pm

      Enjoy your blankets in the Arizona winter! Sounds really cozy, actually!

      Reply
  31. BrocheAroe says

    December 15, 2017 at 10:46 am

    Love this roundup! Enjoyed THE LIBRARY AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD (I totally want to live in her house) and have Victoria & Albert on my bedside table right now. Can’t wait to have kiddos to gift them all the BabyLit books but the one I’m most interested in is DEAR FARENHEIT 451 – how have I not heard of it until now?!

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 20, 2017 at 9:54 am

      Well, I must admit I am pleased you have never heard of it! I love introducing books to bookish souls!

      Reply
  32. Maegan says

    December 15, 2017 at 2:53 pm

    I was instantly drawn to A City Baker’s Guide to Country Living by Louise Miller because it looks so sweet and charming, perfect for cozy nights in. It also reminded me of a book I recently read, that I loved, about a cake baker; Memory of Lemon by Judith Fertig.

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 20, 2017 at 11:19 am

      “Memory of Lemon”? I just swooned a little bit. Thanks for the tip, Maegan!

      Reply
  33. Jana says

    December 15, 2017 at 5:10 pm

    All-time favorite is “Little Women.” More modern favorite MIGHT be “Angela’s Ashes.” Or “Bridget Jones’s Diary.” Or…too many to list. No matter what happens, I will add this book to my TBR list.

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 20, 2017 at 12:34 pm

      Do you mean the “Little Women” board book, Jana? I, too, love Bridget–she is me! 🙂

      Reply
  34. Vanessa says

    December 15, 2017 at 7:25 pm

    Hi Lorilee,
    I love reading other people’s book list as well. So many books and so little time it seems. I was immediately drawn to Dear Fahrenheit 451. I do like other books on the list but Fahrenheit 451 is my all time favorite book. The first time I read this book, it left such an impression on me that I told myself my future daughter would be named Clarisse Silence of the Lamb changed that… however Fahrenheit 451 will forever remain my favorite book. Love to see a spin on the story. Thanks for the blog!

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 20, 2017 at 2:31 pm

      Vanessa, I had to smile at your comment…”Silence of the Lambs changed that…” I imagine it would have that effect on the naming of your future daughter! 🙂

      Reply
  35. Crystal Kieloch says

    December 15, 2017 at 11:34 pm

    What a great stack of books! Dear Fahrenheit 451 sounds terrific but there are several I’ll be looking forward to!!!

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 21, 2017 at 10:28 am

      I just gave Dear Fahrenheit 451 as a gift yesterday at my writer’s group Christmas tea. The recipient was so excited!

      Reply
  36. Amanda Cleary Eastep says

    December 16, 2017 at 6:12 am

    Lorilee, what a wonderful list! Just reading it puts me in the mood to hide away all winter and just read. I’m a huge Christmas Carol fan, so Mr Dickens sounds like a lovely read.

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 22, 2017 at 9:21 am

      Amanda, I am so glad my list put you in the mood to hunker down and READ! 🙂

      Reply
  37. Whitney Holder says

    December 16, 2017 at 12:46 pm

    Wow! So many lovely books on this list! I don’t think I could choose just one to covet. Definitely Little Women. It was the first really nice classic I was given and read in the 4th grade. Victoria and Albert is also quite enticing, as is The Library at the Edge of the World. I also have Dear Fahrenheit 451 on my Wish List. I’ll be adding most of the titles from this list to my TBR list!

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 21, 2017 at 3:03 pm

      Wow–you read “Little Women” in 4th grade? Amazing! You must have been a precocious reader, Whitney.

      Reply
  38. Ashley Hendrickson says

    December 16, 2017 at 12:54 pm

    Little Women is, and will always be, my favorite book. I’ve come to love it and more and more as I grow older because it gives me a sense of determination. I relate so much to Jo and her tenacity, especially her tenacity for life—not so much of the writer type, however! She’s my hero and I can’t wait to share her with my daughter one day!

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 22, 2017 at 11:00 am

      You must be as excited as I am–maybe more!–for the new PBS “Little Women”!!!! Bring it ON!

      Reply
  39. Olivia says

    December 16, 2017 at 5:30 pm

    Oh …. lots of great choices. I think my first choice would be Fahrenheit 451. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 22, 2017 at 2:37 pm

      Good choice, Olivia!

      Reply
  40. Denise says

    December 17, 2017 at 9:19 am

    Baby Lit Books: Little women.

    I saw it at the library but was not able to check it out. Running after my 4yr old daughter!

    It was so cute and it has all the little things she likes. Talk about a great introduction to the love of this story.

    What a great gift will it be!

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 22, 2017 at 2:38 pm

      They are so cute! I wish they had had these when my almost-13yo was little!

      Reply
  41. Alexis De Weese says

    December 18, 2017 at 10:36 am

    I almost bought Library at the Edge of the World while out Christmas shopping yesterday, but I had decided before I left that I was done buying myself “gifts”. Glad to see you recommend it.
    I also LOVE the Baby Lit books, so that Little Women board book looks like a dream. I’d love to buy that and cozy up with the littles I babysit to read!

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 23, 2017 at 10:38 am

      Ha! Yes, I am all too familiar with that voice inside that says, ‘aren’t you done buying yourself gifts?” 🙂

      Reply
  42. Heather says

    December 18, 2017 at 10:40 am

    I would like to read Dear Fahrenheit 451 because – books! What could be better than a books about books 🙂

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 23, 2017 at 12:30 pm

      Nothing. NOTHING could be better than that! 🙂

      Reply
  43. Amanda wiseman says

    December 18, 2017 at 6:32 pm

    Just bought library at the end of the world and I can’t wait to read it! I keep looking at Mr Dickens and his Carol on Amazon and haven’t actually bought it, Victoria and Albert is also very tempting! I hadn’t hear of Vivian in red before but I think I will be adding that to my list.

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 23, 2017 at 4:06 pm

      Amanda, you will love “Vivian in Red”!

      Reply
  44. Peggy Savage says

    December 18, 2017 at 7:28 pm

    The description of The City Baker’s Guide to Country Living had me at “cinnamon-scented kitchen”! But I’d have to say that The Library at the Edge of the World comes skidding in at a close second. Because, face it, libraries are my happy place. Thanks for the opportunity to win a book because I’m so afraid that my TBR list might fall below 5000!

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 26, 2017 at 11:24 am

      Peggy, they had me at “cinnamon-scented,” too! 🙂 and I laughed at your comment about your TBR falling below 5000! Quelle horror!

      Reply
  45. Paula McElrath says

    December 19, 2017 at 9:49 am

    We just finished Season 2 of the Crown! Wondering how accurate it is!!!

    Reply
  46. Karen Murphy says

    December 19, 2017 at 3:44 pm

    I would like to read Prairie Fires and Library at the End of the World especially. And the Dickens book and City Baker books also sound interesting.

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 26, 2017 at 3:31 pm

      I just finished the Dickens book and it is so well written and joyful, but very, very Christmassy!

      Reply
  47. Michelle says

    December 20, 2017 at 9:50 am

    I want to read every last one of them, but I MUST read Prairie Fires! Laura Ingalls Wilder is my absolute favorite. I’ve read everything she’s written. I just adore her.

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 26, 2017 at 5:16 pm

      I’ve just peeked at it, Michelle, but WOW! It’s astonishingly well written and so compelling–a must for any Laura fan!

      Reply
  48. Annie says

    December 20, 2017 at 12:33 pm

    Omigoodness, “Dear Farenheit 451” really captured my attention. The inspiration title is one of my favorites, and the way she spins the title is enchanting.

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 27, 2017 at 4:26 pm

      What a great title, right? SO enchanting!

      Reply
  49. Jennifer Roudebush says

    December 20, 2017 at 2:53 pm

    Hard to choose between these, but I’d have to go with Vivian in Red. I’m a sucker for a love story and historical fiction! I’m also a Michigan girl (Holland), so I have to go with the Michigan author :).

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      December 27, 2017 at 4:44 pm

      Ooooh, I like the way you think, Jennifer!

      Reply
  50. Lisa Watson says

    December 20, 2017 at 5:41 pm

    Prairie Fires is the book that speaks to me most. I grew up reading the Little House books many times. I even checked the yellow Little House on the Prairie cookbook out of my elementary school library dozens of times, often renewing it. As an adult I own this cookbook and all the novels. I still read the novels regularly. I also recall watching the TV show in the 70’s and 80’s and still watch it today. I often dream about a simpler life.

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      January 1, 2018 at 3:18 pm

      How wonderful that you read the novels regularly!

      Reply
  51. Caitlin D. says

    December 20, 2017 at 9:45 pm

    I’ve been following your lovely Instagram feed for awhile, and I’ve just started your blog! What fun and great reading inspiration. 🙂

    I would love to read each and every book on this list, but Prairie Fires is particularly meaningful. My mom grew up adoring all of LHOP books and even named my sister after Caroline Ingalls. My sister and I shared her affinity for all things Laura Ingalls Wilder. I almost gasped when I saw that the author of Prairie Fires is also named Caroline! Whether or not I win this giveaway, I’ll be giving my mom this book for Christmas, and I hope to read it too!

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      January 3, 2018 at 2:52 pm

      I love it when something about a book makes you gasp! Grand to meet you, Caitlin of Instagram!

      Reply
  52. Paula McElrath says

    December 21, 2017 at 8:33 pm

    If I had a Holiday favorite it would be the Mary Janes Staples Adam Family Chronicles where they celebrate Christmas with a proper Knee’s Up!

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      January 5, 2018 at 10:16 am

      Oh what a charming term–“knees up”! 🙂

      Reply
  53. Sarah says

    December 21, 2017 at 8:46 pm

    Dear Farhenhiet 451 looks delightful! I love stories about the reading life!

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      January 5, 2018 at 10:17 am

      It IS delightful, and made me want to tromp through the snow to the library!

      Reply
  54. Ruth says

    December 22, 2017 at 12:52 pm

    Ohhh, so many good choices I’ve never even heard of! The Library at the Edge of the World totally grabbed my attention and kept it through the entire list. I mean library + Ireland?! Earlier this year I read The Bookshop on the Corner and ever since I’ve been looking for another bookish book set in Ireland or Scotland. That Victoria and Albert book looks good too. I’ve mean meaning to watch the series!

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      January 6, 2018 at 11:26 am

      I really need to read “Bookshop on the Corner,” don’t I? 🙂

      Reply
  55. Cheryl V. says

    December 22, 2017 at 1:01 pm

    Hard choice! I would say that with Christmas right around the corner and how much I loved the movie The man who invented Christmas, the Charles Dickens and his carol probably is standing out to me the most!

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      January 8, 2018 at 11:08 am

      You’ll have to read it next Christmas because it is perfectly luscious and Christmassy!

      Reply
  56. Rebekah says

    December 22, 2017 at 1:14 pm

    I’m in loooove with the baby lit books and want all of them for my little one, but I’m also so intrigued by the Library at the edge of the world

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      January 9, 2018 at 1:49 pm

      Be sure and check out the Baby Lit books! They have all kinds of wonderful titles!

      Reply
  57. Shelley says

    December 22, 2017 at 5:53 pm

    I would read “Prairie Fires” book in a heartbeat. I love all things Laura!

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      January 11, 2018 at 12:21 pm

      I have only flipped through it so far, but the writing is superb!

      Reply
  58. Melissa says

    December 22, 2017 at 11:02 pm

    Well for starters I want to read them all! I would have to put Prairie Fires at the top of my list, because I love Laura And everything to do with the Little House books.

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      January 20, 2018 at 9:32 am

      I just decided to read that one next month. It looks like the perfect “winter” book!

      Reply
  59. Rachel says

    December 24, 2017 at 9:22 am

    I want to read all these books! Love your blog 🙂

    We bought our daughter the baby lit Little Women for her Christmas gift “to read”

    Merry Christmas to you!

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      January 22, 2018 at 11:14 am

      I adore those Baby Lit books! So cute! Did she like it??? (A rhetorical question! :))

      Reply
  60. Vicky says

    December 26, 2017 at 10:50 am

    I love them all but I have to say “Laura Ingalls” I love “The Library at the Edge of the Earth to. I’m a fan of little house still today and anything with a library in it I can read until the end of time!

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      January 22, 2018 at 4:05 pm

      At the edge of the world until the end of time…sounds like another book title! 🙂

      Reply
  61. Sarah Hucks says

    December 27, 2017 at 6:39 am

    I would love to read Prairie Fires. I love all things Laura Ingalls. My middle daughter and I have a bucket list dream to road trip to all of the Ingalls/Wilder homesites .

    Reply
    • Lorilee says

      January 24, 2018 at 6:58 pm

      Wouldn’t that be fun? Can I tag along? 🙂

      Reply
  62. Julie Curtis says

    January 25, 2018 at 1:26 pm

    Thank you for all the great suggestions. I just added several to my Overdrive app Wish List. I have too many items checked out that I have to finish first, one of which is Prairie Fires, which is EXCELLENT!

    Reply
  63. Julia says

    June 13, 2018 at 3:16 pm

    Hey there, I think your website might be having browser compatibility
    issues. When I look at your website in Opera, it looks fine
    but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping.
    I just wanted to give you a quick heads up!
    Other then that, superb blog!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Valentine’s Book Crush: Go Weak in the Knees with 10 Swoony Reads says:
    February 12, 2018 at 12:02 pm

    […] and tell us why you’d like to win it in the comments for a chance to win. In my December Winter Book Crush contest, Amalie won her pick: “Library at the Edge of the […]

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