Christmas Novels for the Halloween Lover

I’m a sucker for almost all things Christmas. Outside of Eggnog, and Hallmark movies, you can call me Mrs. Claus. However, when you don’t enjoy the romance happy ending stories, finding the perfect book to read by the Christmas tree can be a bit hard. Below are a few that I loved, that didn’t require the saving of a family’s Christmas tree farm.

No hate to the Christmas Hallmark fans. If you enjoy those, check out Matt’s reviews. He’s already posted a few Hallmark Christmas movie reviews this year.

My Darling Girl

A wife and mother of 2 is just trying to survive the holidays. A Hallmark loving husband, a moody teenager, a nutcracker loving 6 year old, and a looming work deadline is stressful enough. Throw in your estranged abusive mother staying with you, while she passes away from cancer, and you got a holiday to remember. However, there is much more to the mother who raised her than just alcoholism and physical abuse.

While, a supernatural twist takes this story to a horror level, it’s the realistic struggles that make this novel so good. That and the constant presence of Christmas time. Our main character is a mother struggling to figure out her past, protect her family, and maintain her sanity during an insane time, in more ways than one. However, once you start researching demons that becomes a lot more difficult.

Overall Grade for My Darling Girl: 9.5/10

An Elderly Lady Is Up To No Good

An Elderly Lady is Up to no Good, is the perfect description for this book. It’s a very quick read that leaves you laughing, and going “what the hell?” The main character, the elderly lady, happily lives alone and travels a lot. She’s become very accustomed to how she prefers things, and does not let anyone get in her way. Fortunately, for her, most people tend to not expect a sweet old lady to do the things she does.

While this isn’t a Christmas story, a good chunk of this book takes place during Christmas. So, if you’re looking for a silly, murderous, story to enjoy by a nice fire with some hot cocoa, or a Sierra Nevada Celebration, grab this.

Overall Grade for An Elderly Lady Is Up To No Good: 8/10

KRAMPUS the Yule Lord

KRAMPUS the Yule Lord had absolutely no business being as good as it was! I read this last year, and was shocked how good it was. It takes place between Christmas and New Year’s. Krampus has been locked away for far too long, and is finally ready to break free and take down Santa on Christmas Eve night.

While this book has a ton of Krampus lore and mythology, what makes it so good is the actual human stories that take place throughout. Our main character is just trying to survive the holidays and provide his daughter with some Christmas magic. After stumbling upon Santa’s magical sack due to a fight between Santa and Krampus’ belsnickels, he finds himself over his head in unimaginable yuletide chaos. All the while, trying to save his daughter. Not from Krampus, but from humans.

For any and all fans of Christmas horror, Krampus, or just good festive stories, KRAMPUS the Yule Lord should be at the top of your Christmas to read list. I can’t express how much I love this book, and with Krampusnacht this weekend, no time like the present.

Overall Grade for KRAMPUS the Yule Lord: 9.5/10.

I’m always looking for suggestions

Whether it’s Christmas, Star Wars, horror, or simply a damn good story, I’m always looking for suggestions. Got a book I should check out? Let me know below. Also, check out some of the other books the NI book club has reviewed by CLICKING HERE! Cheers! And HAPPY HOLIDAYS book nerds!!!!

For more from Lauren, check out ‘Hops GEEK News.’