Home for the Holidays

(December 16, 2003)

Everyone knows that there is no place like home for the holidays. So, while your chestnuts are roasting by an open fire and you dream of a white Christmas, listen to a good book from this list by Reader Advisor Susan Higgins. Before you know it, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer will be dancing on your roof and you will be having a holly, jolly Christmas.

To order any of these titles, contact the library by email, mail or phone. You may also request these titles online through our OPAC. Happy Reading!

The Christmas Basket by Debbie Macomber.
RC 56364.
Noelle McDowell has not been home for the holidays in Rose, Oregon, in ten years because she did not want to risk running into Thom Sutton. Once she had planned to elope with him, but Thom jilted her. Now she is home, it is Christmas, and miracles do happen. 

The Christmas Box Miracle by Richard Paul Evans.
RC 53293.
Evans discusses the unforeseen forces behind his writing The Christmas Box (RC 43556) and tells some stories of people who have been affected by reading the book. He also recalls the eight things he has learned through the course of his Christmas Box journey. Parkin Family, Book 4. Series Code PAF.

The Christmas Train by David Baldacci.
RC 55045, BR 14463.
Journalist Tom Langdon takes a cross-country train from the East Coast to Los Angeles to spend Christmas with his girlfriend. On the trip he meets a host of zany characters, including one who happens to be his former lover. Sparks fly until Tom's girlfriend shows up in Chicago.

Esther's Gift by Jan Karon.
RC 55329, BR 14538.
On Christmas Eve, Esther Bolick bakes special orange marmalade cakes for gifts but wonders what they really cost. When her husband calculates $43 per cake, Esther decides to shorten her list. But the words of a Christmas song change her mind. Includes recipe. Mitford Christmas series. Series Code MITC.

Hundred Dollar Holiday by Bill McKibben.
RC 54634.
The author traces the evolution of Christmas celebrations in America. Advocates returning to traditional pleasures while minimizing the commercial aspects of the holiday. Gives examples from his church's program.

The Mitford Snowmen by Jan Karon.
RC 53292, BR 13759.
The townspeople of Mitford hold a spontaneous, snowman building contest. Mitford Christmas series. Series Code MITC.

No Place Like Home by Fern Michaels.
RC 55943.
Trouble and romance come in threes when the spirited Cisco triplets discover that their father has placed their beloved Granny Cisco in an assisted living facility. For Christmas, the triplets hope to get Granny the medical care she needs and to bring the entire family home for the holidays.

Scrooge Wore Spurs by Janet Dailey.
RC 55219, BR 14534.
Indebted Arizona rancher Eben MacCallister expects to lose the family ranch in the new year. To make matters worse, his former fiancée Maddie Williams has returned to open a dude ranch on adjoining land and his estranged sister has passed away, leaving him with four orphans at Christmas time.

Skipping Christmas by John Grisham.
RC 52929, BR 13636.
Tax accountant Luther Krank calculates that a Caribbean cruise will cost less than what he and his wife, Nora, spent celebrating the holidays last year. Since daughter Blair is in the Peace Corps, they plan to skip Christmas. Luther, however, does not anticipate the town's reaction. Some strong language.

Visions of Sugar Plums by Janet Evanovich.
RC 55055.
Trenton, New Jersey, bounty hunter Stephanie Plum is searching for toy store owner Sandy Claws, who skipped bail just before Christmas. Diesel, a mysterious stranger, appears at Plum's doorstep also seeking a lawbreaker. Together they deal with Plum's zany family, a parcel of elves, and the missing men. Stephanie Plum series. Series Code PLS. Strong language.

Winter Nights by Francis Ray.
RC 52196.
Three holiday romances featuring African Americans. In Until Christmas Samantha becomes a housekeeper for Principal Rawlings and his twins. Kwanzaa Angel finds Erin being reintroduced to an old high school crush. In'Round Midnight radio talk show host Summer falls in love with her director. Some descriptions of sex.