Books Like...

'My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories' is a collection of heartwarming holiday-themed short stories by various young adult authors. The book features a variety of tales set during the holiday season, ranging from Christmas to New Year's Eve, and even touching on themes of loss, hope, and love. Readers praised the diverse perspectives and writing styles presented in the anthology, making it a perfect read to get into the festive spirit during the winter months.

The stories in the book cover a wide range of genres, from contemporary romance to fantasy, providing a delightful mix of emotions and themes. With contributions from well-known authors like Rainbow Rowell, Holly Black, and Stephanie Perkins, the anthology promises an engaging and enjoyable reading experience for those looking for a cozy and heartwarming holiday read.

In "The Afterlife of Holly Chase," the story follows Holly, a self-absorbed teenager who, after failing to change her ways following visits from the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, dies in a car accident. As a ghost, she now works for Project Scrooge, assisting in changing the hearts of designated Scrooges. This year, Holly connects with Ethan, a young man her age, and defies project rules to form a personal bond with him, leading to unexpected twists and a heartwarming conclusion. The book presents a modern twist on the classic A Christmas Carol, blending humor, suspense, and thought-provoking moments in a fast-paced and engaging narrative.

Dash & Lily's Book of Dares follows the story of Dash and Lily, two teenagers who connect through a red moleskin notebook filled with clues and instructions. As they embark on a literary treasure hunt romance, they navigate through near misses, dares, and personal confessions, all leading to a heartwarming and innocent romance set during the Christmas season in New York City. The book combines elements of a quirky love story, witty banter, and a scavenger hunt adventure, creating a fun and delightful read for those looking for a festive and charming YA novel.

'In a Holidaze' by Christina Lauren is a heartwarming holiday romance novel that follows the story of Maelyn Jones, who finds herself stuck in a time loop, reliving Christmas week at a cabin in Utah. As Mae tries to figure out what truly makes her happy, she navigates through family traditions, romantic entanglements, and self-discovery. The book combines elements of romance, humor, and a touch of sci-fi, creating a festive and whimsical atmosphere that captures the magic of the holiday season.

The plot unfolds with Mae experiencing Groundhog Day-like time loops, leading her to reassess her relationships, desires, and the meaning of happiness. The writing style is engaging, with relatable characters, witty banter, and a cozy setting that immerses readers in the festive spirit. As Mae embarks on a journey of self-reflection and growth, the story weaves together themes of love, friendship, and second chances, making it a delightful read for fans of holiday romances.

'10 Blind Dates' by Ashley Elston is a heartwarming YA holiday romance that follows Sophie as she navigates a series of blind dates set up by her large and boisterous Italian family after a breakup with her boyfriend Griffin. Sophie finds herself caught up in a whirlwind of hilarious, awkward, and surprising dates, all while discovering more about herself and the true meaning of family. The book captures the essence of family bonds, humor, and love, set against the backdrop of Christmas cheer and festive traditions. The writing style is engaging, filled with lovable characters, fun date ideas, and a touch of predictability that doesn't detract from the overall enjoyment of the story.

Christmas at Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan is a heartwarming novel that follows the story of Polly, a baker living in a lighthouse with her American boyfriend Huckle and their puffin Neil in a seaside village in Cornwall. The book revolves around the holiday season, bringing together likable characters, close-knit ties, and subtle moments of drama that the characters must overcome. Polly finds herself confronting her estranged parents while dealing with her friend Kerensa's secret pregnancy, adding depth to the storyline and character relationships.

The plot unfolds with a mix of romance, friendship, and challenges, all set against the cozy backdrop of a small community in Cornwall. The author, Jenny Colgan, weaves together themes of family, love, and resilience, creating a feel-good story with relatable characters and a charming setting. Readers are taken on a journey through the joys and struggles of the characters as they navigate through the holiday season, making this book a delightful read for those seeking a heartwarming tale.

Paige Collins, the protagonist of "One Way or Another" by Kara McDowell, is plagued by anxiety and indecision. When faced with a difficult choice between spending Christmas vacation in NYC with her mom or at a cabin with her best friend Fitz, fate intervenes after a fall, showing her two alternate timelines. The book beautifully captures Paige's struggles with anxiety and the complexities of relationships, offering a unique narrative structure that keeps readers engaged.

"A Redbird Christmas" by Fannie Flagg is a heartwarming Christmas tale set in a small town in Alabama. The story follows Oswald T. Campbell, a man who moves to Lost River from Chicago for health reasons. In this charming town, Oswald finds friendship, community, and unexpected miracles, including a special bond with a redbird named Jack. The book explores themes of love, redemption, and the magic of the holiday season, all wrapped up in a feel-good narrative that touches the heart.

The writing style of Fannie Flagg in "A Redbird Christmas" is described as light, heartwarming, and easy to read. The author creates quirky and charming characters that come to life in the small southern town setting. The plot is simple yet engaging, focusing on themes of community, kindness, and the power of connection, making it a perfect read for the Christmas season.

'So Not Happening' by Jenny B. Jones follows the story of Bella Kirkwood, a 16-year-old girl from New York whose life takes a drastic turn when her mother remarries and moves them to rural Oklahoma. Bella, initially portrayed as self-centered and spoiled, undergoes a transformation as she navigates the challenges of her new life, including uncovering dark secrets at her new high school. The author, Jenny B. Jones, weaves humor, wit, and faith into the storyline, creating a compelling plot that balances drama, suspense, and quirky characters. Despite facing trials and tribulations, Bella emerges as a courageous and determined investigative reporter, with the help of her handsome editor and a touch of divine intervention.

The writing style of Jenny B. Jones is praised for its light-hearted yet engaging tone, with likable and believable characters that come to life through vivid descriptions and relatable personalities. Readers appreciate the mix of mystery, humor, and romance in the plot, as well as the underlying Christian morals portrayed in a subtle and laid-back manner. Despite some editing issues, the book is commended for its ability to captivate readers, keep them entertained, and leave them eager to continue with the series.

"What Light" by Jay Asher is a young adult romance novel set during the Christmas season. The story follows Sierra, a girl who splits her time between her family's Christmas tree farm in Oregon and their tree lot in California. When Sierra meets Caleb, a mysterious boy with a troubled past, her usual Christmas routine is disrupted. The book explores themes of love, friendship, family, and the true meaning of Christmas, all wrapped in a cozy holiday setting. The plot is centered around Sierra and Caleb's budding relationship, navigating challenges such as gossip, parental disapproval, and long-distance issues.