Christmas Books: a selection of classics, thrillers, and romcoms we'll be diving into this winter.

Kristina Lauren "Christmas Wishes"

Meilin Jones is spending her last Christmas in her beloved winter cabin in Utah, where she grew up surrounded by family traditions. Her life is on the brink of collapse: a job she hates, personal failures, and the news that her family can no longer keep the cabin. On her way back from the cabin, she makes a wish to find true happiness. However, a terrible accident occurs, and she wakes up on a plane heading to Utah for Christmas… Meilin is forced to relive the same events — from the plane to the car crash.

The girl faces the necessity of reevaluating her priorities and correcting the mistakes that led to this "Groundhog Day." Along the way, she begins to understand her true feelings for Andrew, her childhood friend who has always been by her side. Mystique, romance, and humor turn this story into an enjoyable and light read.

The book is built on familiar tropes of time loops, family drama, and the journey from friends to lovers. It’s the perfect choice for cozy reading under a blanket.

Anthology "Christmas Classics"

An absolute bestseller from the publisher, this will not only make a great gift for loved ones but also an amazing journey through time: from the 19th century to the present. The guides on this journey will be Ukrainian authors and their purely Christmas works.

The compiler of the edition, Yarina Tsimbal, has managed to gather 59 works under one cover. The authors — more or less known classics and their famous or forgotten texts — have come together in "Christmas Classics" to remind us of the magic of the holiday and the miracles that occur during this wonderful time.

Julia Quinn "Romancing Mister Bridgerton"

The fourth book in Julia Quinn's cult series reveals the story of Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton's relationship. You have probably already seen it if you watched the series, but I assure you: the book differs from it.

And for those who haven’t had the chance to watch the series yet, here’s a brief overview. Penelope is a witty and intelligent girl who has been hiding her feelings for Colin, who has returned to London after his travels. In a world of intrigue, secrets, and social events, the characters strive to not lose themselves and each other.

In this book, the author employs the "friends to lovers" trope, captivating readers with witty dialogues and subtle humor. Additionally, it features the world of London's elite and the mysteries surrounding the enigmatic Lady Whistledown.

This love story is about the power of change, believing in oneself, and the magic that can overcome even the most stubborn prejudices. This book offers a perfect blend of passion, humor, and tenderness.

Hannah Grace "Icebreaker"

Anastasia Allen, a determined figure skater, dreams of joining the U.S. team and works tirelessly to achieve her goal. Her perfect schedule is disrupted when the rink she trains on has to be shared with the university hockey team. Their captain, Nathan Hawkins, always smiling and attentive, quickly becomes a source of both annoyance and curiosity for Anastasia.

The situation changes when Nathan tries to melt Anastasia's cold demeanor, beginning to show her care and patience. Parties and unexpected encounters become the starting point for their feelings, overcoming slippery obstacles.

In this novel, Hannah Grace intertwines a love story with themes of inner struggle, mutual support, and growing up. It features the popular "grumpy & sunshine" and "from rivals to lovers" tropes that will appeal to fans of heartfelt romance and dynamic relationships. This book is the perfect winter romance, full of warmth and passion, ideal for cozy evenings.

Frida McFadden "Never Lie"

The most wintry thriller among the publisher's new releases. A young couple — Tricia and Aidan — in search of their dream home find themselves in the countryside. There is a very beautiful house that a realtor is supposed to show them, but for some reason, she hasn’t arrived, and there’s no mobile service to find out where she is. Even worse, due to the snow, the couple can't return home and decides to enter the house, rest there, and wait for the bad weather to pass.

However, everything in this house is suspicious: a huge portrait of Dr. Adriana Gale, a renowned psychiatrist, a large footprint on the dusty floor, and fresh food in the fridge. Dr. Gale has been missing for almost four years, and a man she had a romantic relationship with is suspected of her murder. However, this remains unproven as the body was never found.

Tricia is so bored that she decides to read a book, grabbing Stephen King's "The Shining" — and a secret room opens up before her, filled with hundreds of cassette tapes of conversations with Dr. Adriana Gale's patients. She begins to listen to these recordings and uncovers the mystery of the psychiatrist's disappearance.

Author: Elena Lysenko, book reviewer, literary critic, and PR manager at Vivat Publishing