The Night I Met Father Christmas
By Ben Miller
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Genre: Children’s Christmas tales

In this heartwarming tale, we journey into a magical snowy landscape where Jackson, a curious young boy, meets Father Christmas on Christmas Eve.

Jackson learns about the flying reindeer, the secret North Pole workshop, and the magic that allows Father Christmas to deliver presents worldwide in just one night. But there’s one thing Jackson doesn’t know: how did Father Christmas become Father Christmas?

As Santa shares his incredible story, we discover the true meaning of Christmas. Along the way, we encounter Torvil, a mean-spirited and miserly elf, who is about to experience a transformation that will forever change his perspective on the holiday season.

With beautiful illustrations, The Night I Met Father Christmas reminds us all of the magic and wonder of the festive year end.

It’s a sheer delight for kids both big and small, and a perfect read to capture the true spirit of Christmas.

You Make it Feel Like Christmas
By Toni Shiloh
Genre: Chick lit

Starr Lewis reluctantly returns home for the holidays jobless, single, and not at all prepared to be dragged into her sister’s wedding activities, or to witness her sister’s marriage to Starr’s ex-boyfriend on Christmas Eve.

But, when her brother’s charming best friend, Waylon Emmerson, attends their family Thanksgiving, Starr begins to believe that maybe coming home isn’t so bad.

As she endures wedding preparations, Starr takes comfort in Waylon’s presence and finds the perfect distraction in helping him keep his late mother’s Christmas shop afloat. As the spark between them grows, Starr must decide what she wants out of life – to go back to New York City or to stay and pursue a new dream.

A joyous, heartwarming, and magical holiday romance from Christy Award-winning author Toni Shiloh that will keep you cosy under the twinkling Christmas lights.

Christmas Evil
By Mark L’Estrange
Publisher: Next Chapter
Genre: Horror

I normally love a short story but this lot are definitely not for the faint hearted! Scary Christmas tales are all designed to frighten you witless… and they succeed!

It’s Christmas Eve: a time of wonder, magic, anticipation… and terror.

A father who will go to any lengths to feed his hungry children; an unsuspecting woman who inherits a house with a deadly secret; a murderous widow who shares a train carriage with Jack the Ripper; two burglars who bite off more than they can chew during a late-night raid.

These and many more bedtime stories come hideously to life in Mark L’Estrange’s 19 tales of terror, each set on the most festive night of the year. Will anyone survive until Christmas morning?

Rick Stein’s Simple Suppers
By Rick Stein
Publisher: BBC Books
Genre: Cookery

I really struggled to choose just one Christmas cook book to share with you, but Rick Stein’s Simple Suppers won. Of his collection of stylish, easy recipes for midweek, weekends and every eventuality in between, Rick says:

“These are my simple suppers. Recipes that are straightforward and informal, yet effortlessly delicious. The idea of supper appealed to me because it suggests an ordinary meal. When one is not trying too hard; maybe something you’re going to cook in your jeans and Polo shirt, a glass of vinho verde on the worktop.”

This is my new favourite cook book for simple suppers that taste and look incredible.