Reading Lists - Twelve Days of Christmas - Inspirational

The Christmas Clock by Kat Martin

Orphaned eight-year-old Teddy appreciates his grandmother’s love so much that he hits up Joe’s auto body shop so he can save enough money by Christmas to buy her a Victorian clock she adores—one that vividly reminds her of her childhood, even as the rest of her memories are slipping away with the onset of advanced Alzheimer’s.

The Christmas Jars by Jason F. Wright

After journalist Holly Jensen's apartment is robbed on Christmas Eve, someone leaves her a jar full of money labeled "Christmas jar," and she sets out on a quest to discover the origins of these mysterious jars. Local author Wright has also written Christmas Jars Reunion and The 13th Day of Christmas.

The Christmas Wish by Richard Siddoway

Brought up by his grandparents after the loss of his parents, Will Martin makes a shattering discovery about his much loved late grandfather's past, but a request from his grandmother helps him reconcile his feelings and rediscover the loving impact that one man can have on those around him.

The Dogs of Christmas by W. Bruce Cameron (new!)

While nursing a broken heart, Josh Michaels is outraged when a neighbor abandons his very pregnant dog, Lucy, at Josh's Colorado home. But Josh can't resist Lucy's soulful brown eyes, and though he's never had a dog before, he's determined to do the best he can for Lucy—and her soon-to-arrive, bound-to-be-adorable puppies. Soon in over his head, Josh calls the local animal shelter for help.

The Gift by Cecelia Ahern

Despite job stress and a crumbling home life, workaholic businessman Lou Suffern gives Gabe, a homeless man, a job in his company's mail room; but the mysterious Gabe seems be in two places at once and he's meddling in Lou's private affairs.

The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry

In this holiday classic, a husband and wife sacrifice treasured possessions in order to buy each other Christmas presents. 

Kris: the Legend Begins by J.J. Ruscella with Joseph Kenny

The remarkable story of Kris gives you back the hero of your youth in the compelling tale of a man who, amidst his greatest struggles, gave to others. Be transported into the mind of Kris as he grows from tragic boyhood experiences in Norway into the inspiring man who brings joy every Christmas season. This book, written by a local author, tells the story of the man in the red jacket. (Meet the author here at Samuels Library on December 18!)

Matchless by Gregory Maguire

Maguire entwines the classic fairy tale of the little match girl with a story of Frederik, whose mother is seamstress to the queen and who spends many evenings crafting a village in the attic of their small, cold home.

The Mountain Between Us by Cindy Myers

A blizzard blows through the town of Eureka, Colorado, affecting everyone, including Maggie Stevens, single and pregnant, and Olivia Theriot, the mayor's daughter, who is harboring a painful secret.

A Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flagg

In a tiny and remote Alabama town, an unexpected, unusual, and life-transforming event that occurs one Christmas morning changes a family and a town forever, in a heartwarming holiday novel.

Santa & Pete by Christopher Moore

While stuck in a blizzard, a bus driver shares with his grandson the story of the long-time friendship of Santa Claus and Pete, his African partner, who worked together to bring the spirit of Christmas to America's earliest settlers.

The Snow Angel by Glenn Beck

Years after losing her mother in a car accident that rendered her father emotionally distant, Rachel resolves to escape from an abusive marriage to protect her young daughter. Also read Beck’s The Christmas Sweater.

A Winter Dream by Richard Paul Evans

A holiday tale inspired by the biblical story of Joseph follows the modern story of Joe, who after being forced out of the family business by jealous siblings becomes the chief advisor to the CEO of another company and his own family's savior in the face of a troubled economy. Evans is a prolific writer of inspirational titles, especially holiday tales—check out The Christmas Box, Finding Noel, Lost December, Promise Me, and The Christmas List.