Holiday Reads: Perfect Books to Snuggle Up With By The Fire

Hot cocoa? Check. Fire crackling in the fireplace? Check. Book? No? Don't panic. Here are six fabulous book ideas for the holidays.

6. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern- Christmas and the holidays are known for being nothing less than extremely magical. The Night Circus, one of my all-time favorites, is spell-binding. Whenever someone asks me for a book recommendation, I immediately point them in the direction of this book. Detailing the hypnotic journey of two magicians that must compete against one another in a competition that speaks of a tragic fate, The Night Circus will captivate you with its incredible language and tumultuous love affairs. It is a perfect choice for dark, romantic nights during the holidays.  

5. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell- Everyone knows that the holidays are not just about gifts (even though I'll be the first to admit that I love the presents). They are about love and family and giving as well as receiving. Fangirl, written by Rainbow Rowell, one of the best authors I've ever read, is a perfect representation of a girl who finds the meaning of family and love. While this book is not a "Christmas" or "holiday" themed book, it is perfect for exploring what it really means to be a family. Rowell, whose Eleanor & Park captured my heart within the first few pages, is fantastic at grasping the concept of heart-breakingly beautiful love. If it is on your Christmas wishlist to read an adorable novel that describes one girl's difficult coming-of-age journey, read Fangirl. It'll warm your insides almost as well as a big cup of good hot cocoa. 

4. Just One Day by Gayle Forman- What other novel is more perfect for Christmas time than a book that describes one day that changes the rest of your life forever? After all, Christmas is actually one small, short day out of a whole year, and it still makes a huge impact on our lives. As one can see from Gayle Forman's Just One Day, one 24 hour time span is as long as it takes to make your life an upside-down, ruined mess. Just One Day chronicles the one day of Allyson Healey's life that she decided to say yes to something out-of-this-world crazy and how it affected the rest of the years to come. Willem, the catalyst of Allyson's one-day adventure, took her on a journey that she will never forget, or even recover from. Will Allyson ever regain the sense of control that she lost along with Willem that one day? Will Allyson ever become who she was with Willem again? Just One Day is a must-read for all lovers of short romances and the magic of chance. This book was made for reading in the merry air of the holidays. 

3. Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan- A romantic story bound within the pages of a red moleskin. Lily has left a book of dares waiting for just the right person to find and undertake them. This book is about a simple romantic journey between two people and the kismet that has brought them together. Set in snowy New York, Dash & Lily's Book of Dares is the product of Levithan's and Cohn's genius and is perfect of reading while the snow drifts softly outside. Curl up and get lost in this story that will have you wishing for a magical Christmas this year. 

2. Let It Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle- A New York Times bestseller, this book is good no matter what season it is, but it is especially good during the time of year that it was meant to be read and enjoyed. I read this book based on a friend's recommendation, and I haven't looked back since. This book is filled with mushy romances, cute little pigs, and a plethora of snow. Each unique story is interconnected with another. I absolutely loved Green's holiday story. Read it and decide which lovely short story is your favorite. This book makes an excellent gift for yourself during the holidays. 

1. My True Love Gave To Me: Twelve Holiday Stories edited by Stephanie Perkins- I've saved the best for last. If you don't read any other books on this list, read this one. It was made to read during the holidays. New Year's, Christmas, Yule, anything you can possibly imagine celebrating during the winter season. I absolutely adored this book. It was pretty much the cutest thing I've read in a really long time. Most of the authors I had read before, and I really loved how I could go and read more of their work, even if it was only ten pages or so. An excellent early Christmas present. The authors include: Holly Black, Ally Carter, Matt de la Pena, Gayle Forman, Jenny Han, David Levithan, Kelly Link, Myra McEntire, Stephanie Perkins, Rainbow Rowell, Laini Taylor, and Kiersten White. If that isn't an all-star cast, I don't know what is. And, if you'll notice, some of the authors are on this very list. There's Levithan, Rowell (who, honestly, wrote my favorite story in the whole anthology), and Forman. All the stories are unique, yet cute and romantic. P.S. All the people on the cover correspond to a story. So adorable!

Those are the five-star books that I think are perfect for reading while the biting cold blows past outside and the Christmas tree twinkles. May your holidays be merry and bright!