December is here. And it is time to curl up with hot chocolate and a good book.
If you think I only read literary fiction… Hah! You couldn’t be further from the truth. I read quite a few light reads including chic lits, tropey romances, and in general feel-good books that leave you with a smile on your face. Books that are generally termed guilty pleasures.
As the Holiday season approaches, I share with you a few of my favorite reads. Books that would leave you all warm and fuzzy. Books that will definitely bring you joy.
The Brown Sisters Series by Talia Hibbert
Romances are definitely escapist. And accept it or not, most romances are pretty much alike. Only the settings change. If you enjoy reading ones with more than just fluff, Talia Hibbert’s are the books for you.
At the top of my list is The Brown Sisters Series – Get a Life, Chloe Brown, Take a Hint, Dani Brown, and Act Your Age, Eve Brown. Her books also deal with difficult topics including disability, mental illness, and domestic abuse that are well written. Highly recommended.
Modern Love Series by Alisha Rai
I discovered Alisha Rai’s Modern Love Series in 2020 and there has been no looking back. What I enjoy about her books are the diverse stories with well-written characters. And she explores topics ranging from sexism to PTSD without it feeling added on or out of place.
Each book is standalone but I would suggest reading the series in order – The Right Swipe, Girl Gone Viral, and First Comes Like. You will not be disappointed.
Books by Beth O’Leary
If you are looking for a quirky romance or a general feel-good book, pick up ones by Beth O’Leary. I highly recommend The Flatshare. It had been on my TBR for a while. I recently picked the book and ended up binge-reading The Switch and The Road Trip too. They are that good, although I am more partial to the first two.
Heartwarming Stories in Indian Setting
This list would not be complete without my favorite heartwarming stories in an Indian setting. Stories closer to home and not necessarily romances. Books with a generous dose of nostalgia
Bombay Balchao by Jane Borges tops my list. Paper Moon by Rehana Munir and Lallan Sweets by Srishti Chaudhary are a must-read too. Books that deserve more love.
I hope you are all set for the Holidays with a considerable amount of books added to your TBR. What are your favorite Holiday reads? I would love to hear from you.
I’m participating in the #TBRChallenge by Blogchatter.
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Mojo Box – A great way to sample brands before buying them.
Photo credit: Canva.com
December 3, 2021 @ 8:04 pm
You have a very interesting reading idea for the X-mas holidays, Ritu. The books you have listed seem very interesting indeed. Your holidays are sorted.
December 15, 2021 @ 6:13 pm
They sure are. 😊 Thank you Harjeet 😊
December 4, 2021 @ 6:03 am
You got us an eclectic mix of writers. Thank you.
December 15, 2021 @ 6:14 pm
It’s a pleasure, Sonia. Thanks for stopping by. 😊
December 4, 2021 @ 12:34 pm
Interesting variety and mix of books. Would definitely grab few from this list.
December 15, 2021 @ 6:14 pm
Thank you Suhasini 😊
December 4, 2021 @ 6:01 pm
It’s a wonderful reading list! Sadly, I haven’t read any of these but I have heard of them. I have The Flatshare and Bombay Balchao on my Kindle shelf {I’m saving them for god knows what}. Paper Moon is on my TBR.
December 15, 2021 @ 6:15 pm
Thank you Tarang. I loved The Flatshare. Thanks for stopping by. 😊
December 4, 2021 @ 6:43 pm
Nice reading list , reading takes us to a different world , some deep insight knowledge and life experiences 🙂
December 15, 2021 @ 6:16 pm
Exactly Ghazala. Love escaping into the world of books. 😊
December 4, 2021 @ 9:53 pm
I have been looking for suggestions, they look good. I will check out Alisha Rai’s book.
December 15, 2021 @ 6:16 pm
Excellent pick, Monidipa. I really enjoyed her books.
December 5, 2021 @ 3:06 am
A light hearted reading list. May try some of the Indian authors soon. Thanks for the suggestions.
December 15, 2021 @ 6:16 pm
A pleasure Vasumathi. 😊
December 5, 2021 @ 9:47 am
I’ve read First Comes Like from this list. And I’ve heard about the books by Indian authors, especially Bombay Balchao. I got the book but am yet to read it.
December 15, 2021 @ 6:17 pm
You should pick it up. I loved it and haven’t stopped recommending it.
December 5, 2021 @ 5:01 pm
I have read most of these books by proxy. I will pick up Bombay Balchao because you are after me to read it.
December 15, 2021 @ 6:18 pm
Music to my ears 😁
December 5, 2021 @ 5:19 pm
This seems to be an interesting list, cosy and spicy for the winter chill. Thanks for introducing new authors to us!
December 15, 2021 @ 6:18 pm
It’s a pleasure Aditi. 😊 Hope you enjoy them.
December 5, 2021 @ 7:10 pm
Great list ! For me it is difficult to read on small screen. Hope I get a kindle to read all these. Would be a great fun !
December 15, 2021 @ 6:20 pm
Thank you, Meenu 😊. You need to get that Kindle. Although I am more into audiobooks now.
December 5, 2021 @ 8:17 pm
With no context and after going through the review/comments I think I should read them all. However would’ve been better if there was a non fiction in it. (not sure if there is)
December 15, 2021 @ 6:21 pm
I would surely be sharing a non fiction one too. But they’re not really cozy reads.
December 6, 2021 @ 12:11 am
Great and interesting list for holiday reads. I want to read all of them. Thanks for this list.
December 15, 2021 @ 6:22 pm
Thank you Abha 😊
January 19, 2022 @ 7:37 pm
Each of your recommendations has me intrigued! I’ve started the year on a pretty fast-paced reading note, let’s hope I can stick with it!
January 28, 2022 @ 6:52 pm
I am loving your recommendations on Insta, Noor. Added a few to my TBR. 😊