Happy Friday ! I usually share what I’m reading on the last Tuesay of the month, but I didn’t get around to it this week. I usually share Friday Favorites today and reading is always a favorite so it counts! I am linking up with the Share Your Shelf ladies – Joanne, Marilyn, Tanya, and Jenn – so be sure to check them out on Thursday for other great bookish posts.

**I feel like I should add a disclaimer this month. I read a lot of Christmas books and my brain is having a hard time writing reviews. December was a busy month and I had a lot on my mind. This is a good reminder to add to my reading update posts as I finish a book. My sunshine ratings do indicate what I thought right after reading.**

  A Ferry Merry Christmas by Debbie Macomber ☀️☀️☀️☀️
**2025 Sunshine & Books Christmas Book**

Debbie Macomber’s books are like Hallmark movies and that’s the vibe I am going for at Christmas. There is a little drama, a little love, and a happy ending. In this books, the ferry across Puget Sound runs aground and the passengers are stuck on the boat for much longer than is convenient. (Fun fact – I steered a ferry on Puget Sound one time, but I did not run it aground.) They all have someone to see or somewhere to be and it’s Christmastime. Because it is like a Hallmark movie, we know that everything turns out in the end. The bonds that the passengers form are what made this such a good book for me.

Christmas with the Queen by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
**2025 Sunshine & Books Christmas Book**

Tanya mentioned this book and I knew I had to read it. Jack is an aspiring chef and navigating life without his wife, who was tragically killed. Olive is a single mom and reporter for the BBC. They were friends years ago but lost touch. They both end up at Sandringham for Christmas and reconnect. The book takes place over a few years, always spotlighting Christmas with the Queen. Queen Elizabeth II was such an incredible woman and queen. This fictional behind the scenes of a royal Christmas were so interesting and I loved it. There is a love story in here, too. I am recommending this book to everyone I talk Christmas books with.

Christmas at the Ranch by Julia McKay ☀️☀️☀️☀️
**2025 Sunshine & Books Christmas Book**

Everly is running away from a very public family scandal and ends up back at Evergreen Lake. Evergreen Lake is where she had her best Christmas and fell in love years ago. She finds herself as an unwelcome guest when it is revealed that her father’s business decisions have ruined the lives of one of Evergreen’s beloved residents. Unfortunately Everly is stranded in Evergreen because she has two flat tires and ran her car off the road. Mr. Wilder, father of Everly’s first love from years ago, comes to her rescue. Everly navigates her family scandal, seeing her first love again, trying to redeem herself, and figuring out what she wants to do next while spending time in Evergreen. It was a cozy Christmas book with some love and a beautiful setting. I really like the books this author writes as Julia McKay and Marissa Stapley.

The Secret Christmas Library by Jenny Colgan ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
**2025 Sunshine & Books Christmas Book**

Did you read Jenny Colgan’s novella last Christmas? Well, Mirren and Theo are searching for another valuable antique book. They are working together, even if they don’t want to. Jamie inherited his family’s decrepit Scottish castle and his grandfather has left hime one last scavenger hunt. Jamie and his sister hated his grandfather’s scavenger hunts growing up, but they are forced to figure this one out in an attempt to save the family property. They lose power, cell service, endure a blizzard, and find a lot of great books. This had the making of a cozy winter book, and I loved it. Jenny Colgan is always a win for me!

I’ll be Home for Christmas by Jenny Bayliss ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
**2025 Sunshine & Books Christmas Book**

I love Jenny Bayliss’ books and this was no exception. Fred reluctantly comes home to Pine Bluff after she loses her job and her boyfriend. She never wanted to come back, and is insisting that she is only perching there before she heads off to something wonderful. She runs into her teenage best friend Ryan on her first night in town. As Fred rediscovers her home town and everyone who is still there, she reconnects with her mom and aunts. Fred meets Warren, an aspiring reporter, and gives him a grand tour of the town and Christmas market. However, when Fred ends things with Warren, he turns on the town. Fred has to work to make ammends with everyone Warren has wronged. As she does it, she discovers just how wonderful Pine Bluff and its residents are. I don’t think I did a great job explaining this, but I loved it and recommend it!

Holly and Nick Hate Christmas by Betsy St. Amant ☀️☀️☀️☀️
**2025 Sunshine & Books Christmas Book**

Holly and Nick both hate Christmas. Nick’s best friend and Holly’s brother, Ryan, convince both of them to come home to the family ranch for Christmas this year. He’s sure they will hit it off because they will both be miserable. However, Holly figures out that Nick only came because Ryan begged him and she is not happy. She turns into the most spirited Christmas gal she can and it only confuseds Nick. This is a Christmas rom-com so of course they start to develop feelings for each other, but can’t figure it out. There are a few other secrets in the family that complicate everything, but keep it interesting. The setting is a beautiful ranch with snow and forests, perfect for Christmas. This was a fun book and great for the season!

A Merry Little Lie by Sarah Morgan ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
**2025 Sunshine & Books Christmas Book**

I loved this book! A holiday family story is always a win for me! Jenny is excited for her three grown children to come home for Christmas. Her husband, Martin, just retired and is having a little trouble adjusting. Jenny is so worried about Martin, but hopeful that having the children home will be just the thing Martin needs. Jamie, the oldest, is bringing his girlfriend Hayley home with him and requesting a party to make an announcment. Twin sisters, Becky and Rosie, are a bit unsure about coming home this year. Rosie is newly married to Becky’s colleague and things are a little rocky. Becky’s flight is canceled and she has to drive home with Jamie’s best friend. Jamie’s very hadsome best friend. 😉 The five Balfours, the neighbors, and Jenny’s parents spend Christmas figuring out how they all fit together as adults. I loved how each chapter was told from one of the a different person’s point of view, but it all came together wonderfully.

Merry Little Bookshop by Ali Brady ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️

This was a fun read! I love that the Ali Brady duo have written two holiday novellas that incorporate Christmas and Hanukkah together. In this one, Shira/Sarah is in Texas running a pop up bookshop in hopes that she will earn a big promotion. Shira is Jewish and spending Hanukkah away from her friends for the first time. Jonny came home to help his family while his father is healing from an injury and his sister is on bed rest while pregnant. Jonny is running the Christmas market where Shira’s bookstore is. In a slow burn, they develop a friendship and then more as they share their holiday traditions with each other. It was a little spicy, like Ali Brady books are, but a great holiday read.

Clementine by Sara Pennypacker

I love Clementine! She reminds me of Ramona in more current times. She was a joy to read about and if you have little kids, I’d recommend it as a family read aloud or a solo read if they are old enough to tackle a chapter book.

Currently Reading: Yours for the Season by Emily Stone
**2025 Sunshine & Books Christmas Book**

Currently Reading: Bear Bottom by Stuart Gibbs (audio)

You can always checkout what I’ve been reading on my Books 2025 page. I have all of my yearly reading pages linked here if you want to see what I’ve been reading for the last 7 years. I’ll start my Books 2026 page when I finish my first book of 2026.

I had another great reading month to finish 2025. I love Christmas books and was happy to read quite a few. Goodreads shared the year in review a little early this year, but here are some of the stats from my year in review.

I’m not sure what January will bring for my reading life, but I hope it’s good. I have a few books on my TBR for the winter months, but I am planning to read a few more Christmas books first. What have you read lately? Is there anything you loved? I would love to hear. Have a great day full of sunshine and books!

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