Last year I started my annual 15 Books of Christmas Reading Challenge and had so much fun I decided to do it again! Let me tell you all about it!
The Why:
I’ll admit it – I’m a bit of a Christmas fanatic. I love reading Christmas-themed books and watching Hallmark Christmas movies.
Each year the book publishers start publishing Christmas books during the summer and early Fall. Yes that’s right. In fact, almost all of these books are published in September and October which likely surprises many of you.
As a reviewer for Netgalley and Edelweiss+ this means I’m starting my Christmas 2023 reading early. I looked around for challenges which would include this early reading. I didn’t find anything that started before October 1 so I decided to create my own challenge: the 15 Books of Christmas Reading Challenge!
The Christmas Reading Challenge:
Let me introduce you to the 15 Books of Christmas challenge for 2023! My goal is to read 15 Christmas-themed books between September 1 and December 31. Why am I doing this? To challenge myself, but also to let those of you who like to read a Christmas-themed book or two some options to read during the holiday season. Many of these books will be new for 2023 with a few from my backlist.
Maybe you would like to join in on the fun?
- Just choose 20, 15, 10 or even 5 books that you’d like to read (and hopefully review). They do not have to be Christmas-themed.
- Make a quick introductory post telling us what you are going to read. You’re welcome to use this image, the alternative I’ve posted below or one of your own.
- Link back to this post and comment below so I know who is joining in.
This challenge is intended to be very relaxed:
- Want to swap a book? Go for it.
- Fancy changing your list half way through? No problem.
- Deciding to drop your goal from 15 to 10 (or even 5)? I am fine with that.
- Would you rather start in October or November? I’m fine with that too!
My own reading list may change based on availability of the books, but this is what I hope to read. You can click on the title in the list below for a link to Goodreads.
- The Book Club Hotel by Sarah Morgan ✔️
- Bright Lights, Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews ✔️
- A December to Remember by Jenny Bayliss
- Christmas at Shelter Inn by RaeAnne Thayne
- It Happened One Christmas by Chantel Guertin ✔️
- Christmas at the Lake by Anita Hughes ✔️
- A Winter in New York by Josie Silver ✔️
- The Wishing Bridge by Viola Shipman ✔️
- The Twelve Dogs of Christmas by Susan Wiggs
- The Christmas Dress by Courtney Cole ✔️
- The Christmas Love Letters by Sue Moorcroft
- Santa & Company by Fern Michaels ✔️
- The Twelve Months of Christmas by Sheila Roberts
- Countdown To Christmas by Jo Thomas ✔️
- Nantucket White Christmas by Pamela Kelley ✔️
If you’d like to see my list of Christmas reads last year, check out my 15 Books of Christmas Challenge for 2022.
For those of you who don’t like to read holiday-themed books, don’t worry. I’ll still be reading other books that are not part of this challenge.
Others Who’ve Joined Me in this Challenge:
@Books.with.noblelee on Instagram
Lynn A. Braden on Goodreads
Carla @ Carlalovestoread.wordpress.com
Viki @ hobbiesandeverythinginbetween.blogspot.com
Susan @ susanlovesbooks.wordpress.com
Lisa @ Hopewellslibraryoflife.wordpress.com
ER LeVar
Seeing Christmas posts this early makes my retail-working self shudder, but I am a sucker for a good challenge. Thanks for sharing!
thathappyreader
I bet you’re busy with all the holiday books publishing in the next couple of months!
Jonetta | Blue Mood Café
I’m in! I’ll be doing 10 books and my post will go up on Sunday great idea, Jodie💜
https://wp.me/p49DcV-54j
thathappyreader
Hooray! I’ll be looking forward to your post!
Caroline
I always want to read more Christmas books than I end up reading! I think because books are always checked out in November/December time so I don’t get them out in time. This year I am hoping to read a few 🙂 x
thathappyreader
Great planning Caroline! I put books on hold with my library and if I’m not ready to read the book when it becomes available I have the opportunity to keep the book on hold but allow someone else waiting for the book to read it first. This helps me out a lot with library books. ☺️
Amanda Kay
I won’t start my Christmas reading until later in the year but I’m excited to see your thoughts on these books so I can plan my list! I have an arc of the Josie Silver as well and am very much looking forward to it.
thathappyreader
I hope that we both enjoy it Amanda!
Viki
I am definitely going to join but need to write my list.
Also I won’t be starting until November as in September and October I do a fall/Halloween book challenge.
thathappyreader
That’s wonderful Viki! Let me know if there is a link I can attach to share your reviews. ☺️
Viki
Here’s the link to my post
https://hobbiesandeverythinginbetween.blogspot.com/2023/08/10-books-of-christmas.html
thathappyreader
Thanks Viki!
nickimags @ Secret Library Book Blog
I do love a reading challenge, and I do have a few Christmas books that I like to read every year so I think I’m going to join in! I might only go for 5, unless I can find more. 🤷♀️
thathappyreader
Excellent! Send me a link to the post introducing the challenge and I’ll be happy to add you to the list!
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
Love this! I’m trying to read more holiday books, so I might join in. Will see if I can sit down and make myself figure it all out this week. Thanks for doing this fun challenge!
thathappyreader
Let me know if you’d like to join and I’d be happy to add your link!
Carla
I have been doing the 20 Books for Christmas Challenge that Jo, over at Tea & Cake for the Soul has hosted since 2019. She hasn’t been around at all this year, so I will join in with you. I plan to read 20 over the four month period, but will probably read more. Do you have your graphic without the writing on it, so I can make a change?
thathappyreader
That’s wonderful Carla. Did you see the last graphic I posted with only the 2023 Christmas Reading Challenge on it? This was intended for those that don’t want to provide a specific number. Or, were you looking for something completely blank?
Lynn A Braden
I’m in. Right now I have 7 holiday themed books that I’ve accumulated since last Christmas.
thathappyreader
That’s wonderful! I will add you to my list and include your Goodreads link! If there’s another site you’d prefer, please let me know.
Lisa of Hopewell
I’m in! I’ll do a post soon. Thank you for hosting this!
thathappyreader
Wonderful! Please let me know when your post is up so I can link it!
Susan Dyer
I’m in! Thanks so much for hosting!!
https://susanlovesbooks.wordpress.com/2023/08/28/20-books-for-christmas-2023/
thathappyreader
That’s wonderful Susan! I’ll add you to the list!
JK Joy (aka) Jody
I’m in Jodie. Thank you for hosting!
https://jodyjoy.com/2023-christmas-reading-challenge/
thathappyreader
I’m so glad that you could join in Jody!