Elves On The Shelves ~ My Xmas Picks

It's December, bookworms! 

And whether you're having a white Christmas, or a sunny one, there's no better way to spend the holiday season than with a good book...or two...or more! 

To get you all prepped for the holiday season, I'm here with my Elves On The Shelves post - a brief list of Christmas-y themed books that I've read and loved. For the sake of this post, the term 'books' will also be extended to compilation novels and bonus scenes. 

So, without further ado, let's begin! 

#1: A Cliché Christmas

Author(s): Nicole Deese

'I know I sound like a Scrooge to admit such a travesty, but believe me, when you build a career on Christmas cheer and holiday hype, the warm fuzzies of nostalgia fade faster than Hollywood's latest scandal.'

Refreshingly honest and beautifully written, A Cliché Christmas is anything but cliché! 

Emphasising the importance of family, love and making memories, it's a book you're going to want to have on your bookshelf these December holidays.

Plus it has a really cute guy in it. I mean...what more could you ask for?! 

To see my review of A Cliche Christmas go here

#2: Dash & Lily's Book of Dares

Author(s): Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

“You think fairy tales are only for girls? Here's a hint - ask yourself who wrote them. 

I assure you, it wasn't just the women. It's the great male fantasy - all it takes is one dance to know that she's the one. All it takes is the sound of her song from the tower, or a look at her sleeping face. 

And right away you know - this is the girl in your head, sleeping or dancing or singing in front of you. 

Yes, girls want their princes, but boys want their princesses just as much. And they don't want a very long courtships. 

They want to know immediately.”

What's that noise, you ask? Oh, you know...just me fangirling over Dash & Lily's Book of Dares!

It's a book that brings to life the truth every bookworm knows in their hearts: love can be found in a bookstore. Take that non-believers! 

When Dash finds Lily's notebook and takes up the challenges she's left in it, it's the start of a love story that will stay with you long after the final page. 

Comical - and downright adorable - it's a must-read :)

#3: Ex-mas

Author(s): Kate Brian

“Better he learns now that if you mess with people, you might get messed with in return.”

Lila & Beau put the 'ex' in Ex-mas!

Lila's little brother Cooper is one of the stars of this book. When he discovers that global warming is supposedly melting the North Pole, he runs off with his best friend Tyler to try and save Santa.

Which is downright adorable!

The bad news? Lila's meant to be babysitting Cooper while her parents are away. And the only person who can help her get Cooper and Tyler back home is Tyler's brother Beau. Who's also Lila's ex. 

Yep...this trip is gonna be so awkward.

Ex-mas is a typical holiday chick-flick-esque read, with great comedy, a motley bunch of characters, uncomfortable situations, and an ending as sweet as a candy cane. 

Love Kate Brian? Check out my review of one of her other books, Megan Meade's Guide to the McGowan Boys


#4: My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories

Author(s): Stephanie Perkins, Holly Black, Ally Carter, Gayle Forman, Jenny Han, David Levithan, Kelly Link, Myra McEntire, Matt de la Pena, Rainbow Rowell, Laini Taylor & Kiersten White

“I am here, and he is here, and everything I need to know is that I will hold him and he will hold me until I am warm again, until I know I belong."

Christmas compilation novels don't get any better than one featuring so many brilliant authors! 

I mean...it's like receiving a novella/book from each of them. All at once. Together. These authors have given us bookworms the greatest Christmas gift in the form of My True Love Gave To Me.

#5: Let it Snow

Author(s): John Green, Maureen Johnson & Lauren Myracle

“I always had this idea that you should never give up a happy middle in the hopes of a happy ending, because there is no such thing as a happy ending. Do you know what I mean? There is so much to lose.”

It's no secret that John Green can write books that stir hearts and bring fangirls and fanboys to tears. Or that Maureen Johnson and Lauren Myracle are two authors who are well-learned in the art of what I like to call 'book writing magic'. 

So it won't surprise anyone when I say that this book is awesome-sauce!

And let's just face it - nothing will ever top Duke's conversation with Carla the Car.

'“Don't make fun of her," the Duke said. "She needs gentle encouragement. Carla, baby, we love you. You are such a good car. And we believe in you one hundred percent." 

(...) '"Don't listen to him, Carla. You're gonna do this." 

(...)"I love you, Carla. You know that, don't you? I wake up every morning and the first thing I think is that I love Tobin's mom's car. I know that's weird, baby, but I do. I love you. And I know you can do this." 

(...)"Carla," the Duke said, "it's time to tell you the truth. I'm in love with you. I want to be with you, Carla. I've never felt this way about a c-”'

So if you like to laugh, Let It Snow is definitely the book for you...or your car ;)

#6: Mistletoe (BFM - Mercy's POV)

Author(s): Shannon Dermott

'Today felt magical somehow. I couldn't put my finger on it. But I felt alive.'

Shannon Dermott, author of the Cambion series, gave Cambion fans a special Christmas present in the form of Mistletoe. 

Mistletoe is Mercy's first Christmas at the McCallister's house, from Mercy's POV. It's set between Beg for Mercy and Waiting for Mercy. 

And can I just say...it's hot, hot, hot! 

To read Mistletoe for yourself, go here

#7: How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Author(s): Dr. Seuss

“Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!”

I thought I'd finish up the list with a classic - and one of my personal childhood faves! How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a bundle of fun from start to finish, and as unforgettable as its main protagonist, the Grinch himself. 

True...he makes a very creepy Santa (with his glowing red eyes and ugly features), and it's hard to put much faith in the Grinch's plan. But, as with all Dr. Seuss books, it doesn't matter. 

Because we all know we're really reading this book for its rhymes!

So for a jolly good time,
And a tale that'll rhyme,
Pick up this Seuss book,
And give it a look!

Have you enjoyed any of the books on my list? Which books would you add?

Let me know below!