It’s Friday. It’s the holiday season. And I’m tired. Since superfluous chitchat probably isn’t why you’re here today (and my tired self might not be feeling as quippy as usual today!), we’ll just get right to this ultimate list of books to give to help with with everyone you’re giving to this year!
{And you can get a list of favorite books for kids here}
ROMANCE
Not The Girl You Marry, Andi J. Christopher
Billed as an update on How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days, I think it’s more of a love letter to women tired of dating in 2019 but still hopeful that the right one is out there.
The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics, Olivia Waite
Astronomy, lady scientists, and a beautiful love story between an older widow and a young spinster – gorgeously written and full of historical detail.
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The Rogue of Fifth Avenue, Joanna Shupe
Set in Gilded Age New York featuring a lawyer who rose from the wrong side of tracks to the heights of society and an heiress committed to charitable work – just lovely.
SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY
Empire of Sand, Tasha Suri
Based on Mughal India, this is a wonderful debut fantasy with a fascinating magical system and an absolutely engaging main character, Mehr. There are further books in the series, but this wraps up Mehr’s tale perfectly.
Witchmark, C.L. Polk
In the aftermath of a world war, Miles Singer is making a quiet living as a doctor, having left his previous life as a high-born mage behind in order to seek freedom. But soon he finds he could never leave his destiny behind, and becomes drawn back into the world he fled…
Tess of the Road, Rachel Hartman
Set in the same world as Hartman’s Seraphina stories, this is a wonderful novel of self-exploration and growth. Tess is an incredibly real character, full of foibles and strengths, and her story is a true adventure.
COOKBOOKS
Nothing Fancy, Alison Roman
Newly out, and already a firm favourite in my kitchen. Food for sharing with friends and family, without a fuss but full of flavour and exactly what I want to eat.
The Pasta Friday Cookbook, Allison Arevalo
A fantastic core idea – what if you invited people over to dinner once a week, no matter what, served them one great pasta dish and maybe a salad, and let the guests worry about the rest – with recipes to match.
From Oven to Table, Diana Henry
Diana Henry fundamentally understands what a busy cook needs, and her books are always full of food begging to be cooked – and that you actually have the time and will to cook. This one is no different, and puts your oven to work producing delicious dinners with a minimum of fuss.
MYSTERY + FICTION
The Paris Architect, Charles Belfoure
Another long-standing favorite of mine (read my review here), Belfoure’s story of conflict in WWII Paris is page-turning. Our protagonist walks a very fine line between helping Jews hiding from Nazis and working for the Nazis to build newer, bigger buildings. But when these two worlds begin to collide, he must choose where his loyalties lay.
Grounds for Murder, Kate Kingsbury
A young gypsy girl is found murdered in the woods, slain by an axe near the Pennyfoot Hotel. The downstairs staff and the aristocratic guests are enthralled with the crime. Things get a little too close for comfort, however, when it’s discovered the axe is missing from the coal shed!
Guesthouse for Ganesha, Judith Teitelman
Read my full review of this tantalizing story here weaving stories of buddhism, World War II Europe, Feminism, and oh so much more!
GARDENING
My Gardening Journal, Quiet Fox Designs
A fun way to learn and organize your own gardening life. This journal is full of great tables, templates, and helpful gardening info to grow your garden season after season.
Grow Vegetables, Alan Buckingham
A one-stop reference for growing any vegetable. Get individualized tips and information on growing veggies on your balcony to your outdoor garden!
Little Book of House Plants and Other Greenery, Emma Sibley
For house plants enthusiasts of all stages (even those buying their first plants). This cute coffee table worthy books has photos and info for a wide variety of houseplants!
High-Yield Vegetable Gardening, Colin McCrate & Brad Halm
For those with a bit more space to garden, this high-yield vegetable gardening book will help you take your crop from cute to culinary in no time!
The Ultimate List of Books to Gift
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