I did this tag a couple of years ago, and I thought it would be fun to do an updated version. Thanks to Emma for reminding me about this tag, and it was created by Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl. I’ve decided to focus on books I’ve read in 2025, since it’s that time of year. Here we go!
“All I Want For Christmas Is You” – Favorite bookish couple
Stephanie Burgis is writing the most delightful series, and the second book, A Honeymoon of Grave Consequence, furthers the adventures of Lady and Lord Riven, who originally were forced into marriage but now find themselves in love.
“I’ll Be Home For Christmas” – A book where the character is away from home
The Everlasting is perfect for this prompt, since our main character Owen Mallory is a scholar who has been tasked with writing the story of the legendary Una Everlasting. In order to write the book, he must go back and forth through time and witness Una’s exploits first hand. I guess time travel could be considered the ultimate “away from home”:-)
“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” – A favorite novella or short story
I have two favorite 2025 novellas, so I couldn’t resist including both of them. Shitshow by Chris Panatier is short, funny and gross, and I loved every minute! House of Idyll by Delilah S. Dawson is a horror story revolving around music and cults, so much fun.
“Santa Claus is Coming to Town” – What book do you hope Santa brings you this year?
I’ve been seeing Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy on so many Best of 2025 lists already, so I’m hoping Santa brings me a copy:-)
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” – A book that made your nose turn red (made you cry):
I adored The Place Where They Buried Your Heart by Christina Henry, and it was such a tear jerker! If you want to read one of my favorite books of the year, and you love emotional stories, you must try this.
“The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” – Your favorite type of book to read during the holidays:
Sara Raasch knows how to write engaging stories, and her Royals & Romance series is one of my favorites. It’s perfect for any holiday because it’s about holidays and the families who run them. Start with The Nightmare Before Kissmas and then check out Go Luck Yourself. Tons of fun!
“We Three Kings” – Favorite trilogy
The Uncharted Hearts series by Constance Fay is sci-fi romance, and I wish more authors would tackle that genre. I also hope she’s writing more in the series! Calamity (Book #1) Fiasco (Book #2) and Chaos (Books #3)
“Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow” – A character you would love to be snowed in with
Umm, all of them?? I seriously loved all the characters in this feel-good, cozy horror story. Snake-Eater by T. Kingfisher is one of my favorites of her books.
“Last Christmas” – A book that let you down
Two high profile authors whose books I’ve loved in the past, and two disappointments, unfortunately. Fiend by Alma Katsu was heavy on drama and light on the supernatural elements. And Overgrowth by Mira Grant wasn’t bad, but I thought the pacing was off and the characters felt very young to me.
“White Christmas” – Upcoming releases you’re dreaming about
There are already sooo many 2026 releases on my radar, but here are three I’m super excited to read!
Oh this is a really fun tag! I especially love the prompt of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer haha 😛
LOL funny right?
Great tag, I may very well have a go before the year ends.
Lynn 😀
It’s fun and easy:-)
Yeah! So glad you decided to do it again!
I also want to read more by Charlotte McConaghy
I’m glad you put it on my radar:-)
I wouldn’t mind being snowed in with Copper the Dog but I think Selena would make me anxious
LOL you are right, Selena would be a challenge…
I might have to do this one too! Great picks!
I hope you do!
Fun post! I’d love to get a copy of Wild Dark Shore too… and I love your choices for so many of these songs!
Thanks Lisa! Hopefully we can both read Wild Dark Shore next year:-)
Ohhh I’m glad SNAKE-EATER is more of a cozy horror…def gonna get around to it at some point, then.
I think you’d enjoy it, it’s definitely more cozy than horror:-)
This is a fun post, I haven’t read any of these but The Place Where They Buried Your Heart sounds good.
It’s sooo good!!
If you were snowed in with all the characters you could have a party!
Definitely!
This was such a fun post! I still need to read Fiend.
Thank you! It was a fun post for the season:-)
I’ve not read any of these, though I’d love to try The Everlasting and Snake-Eater.
This is such a fun tag!! And Lord and Lady Riven are such a great couple!!