Happy Sunday everyone! I hope you enjoy these Christmas and Winter book recommendations, and don't forget to read the new November issue of Seasons of Story: www.mirandajanemills.com/november-content-2023
Always great to spend time with your wonderful vlog Amanda, you brighten my day when I see you post , I also subscribe to the simple things magazine I saw and read your lovely article enjoyed it so much , Thank you for all you do x x x
What a wonderful video this was! I’ve put several books on my “to buy” list, although not all this year. ☹️ You talked about some old and loved friends. I’m glad you mentioned D.E. Stevenson. I just love her. And I re-read Winter Solstice every single year. I can’t wait to join Lucy and Horace on the beach, watch the golden snowflakes glowing through the fairy lights with Elfrida, or go on a Christmas Eve picnic at Major Billicliffe’s house. I was happy to see Elizabeth Goudge included as well. I checked Pilgrim’s Inn out of the library many years ago and I’ve been a fan ever since. Pilgrim’s Inn is one of my favorite “Christmasey” books. Thank you so much for talking about books we don’t hear about too much in the U.S. They sell a lot of fluffy Christmas books here, but sometimes you just want something different. And that’s what I found here.
Is there an English word for the excitement and sense that immediate action is required when presented with a selection of books one can’t wait to start reading? I picture a cat with “zoomies” but is me with book excitement 😂
I am so excited to watch this video and add your amazing recommendations to my wishlist. Thank you so much for sharing, your videos are truly such a joy to watch. Hope you and your mom are doing well!💕
I think its wonderful that you have a new website that includes ‘ special guest’ , perse’ ! So, that said, let me get started by heading over to the site and checking all the excitement, and really looking forward to read what you and your mom have contributed!!😀🌸❤️
Hello from Northern California! I am so delighted to see another video pop up. This past week was stressful and watching your videos, are always a stress reliever plus I am a book collector and am currently ordering books, you have recommended in past videos and other goodies. Thank you, for another great video. I wish you and your mom lots of happiness, abundance and joy to come.
EVERY CHRISTMAS TIME I read A Christmas Carol by Dickens. Watch the movie too. Little Women is my absolute favorite bk. of all time. I re-read it every 3 yrs. or so. Love L.M. Alcott!! Grew up in Lexington, Massachusetts in the U.S. Her home Orchard House , is in the next town, Concord. I have been in there so many times, I could give the tours! So many great authors from Concord. I have so many books about her; biographies, journals, poetry, pictorial collectors items, antique editions of her earlier bks. for girls, etc. Winter Solstice is on my Winter TBR. Discovered Pitcher over the late summer. I read Dear Mrs. Bird many yrs. ago😊.I DO have SADD so I WILL read A Light In The Dark. I could Never live in the British Isles because of that. I never had it til we moved to Michigan (U.S.). New England was very cold and blizzards in Winter, but the sun DID come out very often. Not so in Mi, I hate living here and I am stuck.😑. Wrote down so many of your recommendations, thank you Miranda! Enjoy your channel soooooo much! Also your Mom😊 All my grandparents and further back came from Ireland. Maybe that is why I click so well with you!😊😀. Great Poets from Ireland. I am drinking tea right now. Black w/ only milk!😀
I recently spent a week in Ireland and NI and returned with two of the books you mention: Who Killed Father Christmas? and The Winter Spirits. I was determined to get the Waterstone's special edition of The Winter Spirits with the sprayed edges. The Dublin store (Hodges Figgis) didn't have it but they kindly found a copy for me in Belfast, which I picked up the night I spent there. It is a lovely edition, and I am so glad to be able to have brought it home with me!
I sometimes re-read the British Library's 'A Literary Christmas' - full of prose and poetry extracts from various eras. I also like Dickens' Christmas stories - I thought of 'The Chimes' at the same time as you mentioned it!
Hello from South Carolina in the US. I absolutely love and appreciate your channel and the relationship between you and your Mom is heartwarming. It reminds me of mine with my sweet Mom. Happy Holidays to you and thank you for the recommendations. Cheers!
Some of the book descriptions in this video reminded me of a book I read aloud to my kids last year called Greenglass House. Maybe you’ve already heard of it but we all enjoyed it so much and did NOT see the ending coming! Snow, cold, fireplaces, and mystery. :) Gave us all the feels!
Hi Miranda, this video was outstanding. Every time I tune in you have so many great recommendations. Your knowledge of books is magnificent. You need to have your own bookstore. You would be fabulous at selling books. I can’t wait to read some of these books. Keep doing these videos and I look forward to next weeks. Bye MaryAnn😊
Thank you for your work. I've added some books to my wishlist thanks to you! 😅 Your British accent and way of life are so relaxing! Greetings from southern France.
Hi Miranda, Thank you for all the wonderful recommendations ! I agree with Nigel Slater....I love the Winter and hang on to the magical,Fairy like snow and ice cycle scenes of the Season. Love your tea mug and pretty card on your table. Happiness, Cindy🌻
Thank you, Miranda, I love your videos, So cozy, and They make me feel relax because the topics you deal with. I am from Spain and I can understand very well your clear, nice and calm English. It is a great creation: books, baking, trips, British landscape, and dresses…
Thanks! So enjoyed your video of book recommendations! I too love Winter Soltice! Thanks also for November-Seasons of Story!! Really looking forward to enjoying it!! You are so gifted and gracious!! Hope lots of people send “Special Thanks”
Thank you for all your suggestions, Miranda, it makes you want to read all the books. And you already look very festive! ... Say Hi to your lovely mum.
Lovely recommendations for this time of the year. I had to note down a handful to borrow from the library! I'm reading all of Charles Dickens in publication order between October and December, but will be dipping into Christmas scene from my favorite books - Chalet school, Nutcracker, Little Women, Paddington, Emma, etc. I hope my kids and I can read these extracts as part of Advent.
Hello from Nova Scotia! Thank you so much for all of the excellent recommendations - I've got tabs open for my library, Hoopla, Libby, the bookstore and Goodreads! I've read another of Sophie Hannah's Poirot books and enjoyed it - I'm looking forward to this one. And I just brought out The Christmas Chronicles - thank you for the reminder that it begins November 1. So much to look forward to! Wishing you a lovely dark season full of the coziest reading experiences.
Another inspirational bookish video! My December TBR already consists of Little Women, Winter Solstice and some Christmasy Dickens, but now I see a few more to add. I’m thinking about Rumpole and Mistletoe Malice which are both available at my local library. Another favorite that I read to the kids each year is A Pippi Longstocking Christmas. Pippi is so funny and has such a good heart. Astrid Lindgren also wrote The Children of Noisy Village which had several Christmas chapters that transport the reader back to a very simple time in Sweden which I like the grandkids to hear. Such a great reading season! 🎄
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Glenda! I love the Noisy Village books too! I’ll look for the Pippi Longstocking Christmas one! Thanks for the recommendation ❤️📚
I look forward to your gift guide though today’s recommendations have already given me ideas for the readers on my Christmas list so thank you! I hope you have some time to catch your breath this week. ❤
My absolute favourite is The Dark is Rising. I read it every year in real time. It’s one of my favourite books; I love the whole quintet. The Box of Delights: I also love the TV series from years ago with Patrick Troughton as Cole Hawlings. I read Laurie Lee’s A Village Christmas and Hardy’s Under the Greenwood Tree last year - both lovely. I think any Dickens is perfect for this time of year.
Yes, I enjoy the Susan Cooper books too, and Laurie Lee’s A Village Christmas I’ve shared many times as well. All such lovely reads! I can’t wait to settle down with my Christmas reading 🎄 ❤️
Oh no, I'm only 9 minutes in and already have 3 books added to my basket on the Waterstones website. Loving this list, and so excited for your gift guide, I always look forward to it ❤
Hello Miranda, I love to read The Willows in Winter and Patrick Taylor’s An Irish Country Christmas is another favourite. The Wolves of Willoughby Chase is a great story for a snowy winter’s night. Thank you for so many recommendations, including some books I haven’t come across before.
I enjoy this time of year and wintery cozy reads too! I have added all the books you mentioned to my tbr that I haven’t read yet. My very favorite to read every Christmas time is Letters From Father Christmas by J. R. R. Tolkien. I listen to the fantastic audiobook while I read along in the beautiful illustrated edition. Two other good wintery books are Mr. Dickens and His Carol by Samatha Silva and A Literary Christmas, an Anthology which is an illustrated book of short stories by The British Library. Thank you for another wonderful video Miranda!
Thanks! So much inspiration in this vlog! I have several Christmas presents in mind and that’s before next weeks discussion. 😊. I LOVE you outfit and would really like to know where your bird pin is from. My sister in law is a huge birder and I would love something like that for Christmas for her. We won’t have frost here in Florida but I still love a cosy read
Thank you so much for your kind words and amazing support! It's so kind of you, and I really appreciate it! My bird brooch is another one from Elizabeth Harbour! I've had it for a few years now, but it still seems to be available in her Etsy shop: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/elizabethharbour?section_id=26158911
I love this time of year and your cozy book recommendations. I am making my list now. It was so nice to sit and relax with a cup of tea and watch the video. Thank you so much.
Dear Miranda, thank you for this wonderful video, I just placed an order for five of your recommended books! I love those kind of videos from you especially! I am looking forward to delve into the November issue of "Seasons of Story" and also to the video next week with the bookish giftguide. Everything you do is so wonderful! Please look out for your health though! I hope you will have a calmer week than the prevvious one. Have a lovely week, both you and your mother Donna❤
Thank you so very much as always, Inga, for your very kind support! Your generosity is so appreciated, and I was so glad you’re feeling so much better and are recovering back home! ❤️📚💐😊
Thank you Miranda. I now have so many recommendations from you that the pile of books to read is getting bigger and bigger, but that's fine. There is nothing better than a good read on a dark and dismal November day. But I shall have to put the pile aside as I am now going to reread Wintering. It is a wonderful book and I recommend it too. I 'm now listening to your interview with Katherine May. Thank you too for Seasons of Stories. Lots of love to you and Donna. ❤❤🍁🍂
Two of my very favourites as well, Teresa! Thank you so much as always for your very kind support and lovely comments. They mean so much to me and are greatly appreciated 📚❤️📚💐
Thank you so much Miranda - a fabulous list of seasonal reading. I too love the Box of Delights and have both the BBC Radio Collection audio dramatisation and the DVD of the BBC classic TV series (1984!). The latter has that magical musical theme from Victor Hely Hutchinson’s Carol Symphony! Gives me goosebumps every time I hear it!
Hi Miranda, thank you so much for lovely suggestions ! I wonder if you could suggest audiobooks for this season, spooky , wintry and Christmas. I love listening to the BBC drama plays and the playwrights, especially. Noel Coward is so good.
Soo many (TOO many lol!) amazing sounding books, Miranda! I had to pick up Stories for Christmas, and while I was browsing the British Library editions I saw they had a new one called Penny Bloods about women in historical gothics (I do love my gothic ha), Silent Nights a Collection of Christmas Mysteries and Spirits of the Season Tales of the Weird 😂 I had preordered and received The Winter Spirits (LOVED The Haunting Season) and am super excited for it. I'm also planning to read Little Women and Mrs.Bird for the CBC. So I'm definitely off to a solid roaring start with my December TBR 😅
I was waiting for this video, Miranda. Your Winter/Christmas book recommendations are always the best (both for personal reading and for Christmas gift ideas). Thank you so much for all your hard work. ❤
Thank you Miranda, I've added to my Winter/Christmas many of your suggestions. Your videos are always so inspiring and, I have to tell you, even when I've had a rough day, it's a joy listening to you, speaking of books in such a delightful way.
Now we are well equipped to face winter! What a fantastic list of books… I’ll definitely start with The Thirteen Days of Christmas ,it sounds such a lovely, amusing read!😊 Thank you Miranda for another delightful vlog❤
Lovely video! Although I usually swelter my way through the Christmas season here in Australia, I still love to read wintry books. I listen to the audiobook of Winter Solstice every December. I recently picked up a second hand copy of Jenny Overton's The Thirteen Days of Christmas not knowing anything about it so I was thrilled to hear that it's a favourite of yours. I'm so looking forward to it!
Thank you for this video, so many books to look out for ,especially like the sound of The bakers daughter. And christmas wouldn't be christmas without you miranda. So look forward to your videos 😊
Such a wonderful video - so many great titles mentioned. I can't wait to add a few new ones. I really enjoy a silly classic children's book called The Worst Christmas Pagent Ever by Barbara Robinson. Another cozy winter read I love is The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey.
Thank you for this video. I also listened to your interview with Katherine May as I'm reading Wintering later this month. Such a good selection of winter books 📚 to think about reading. I'm almost looking forward to cold foggy November now! And just started exploring Seasons of Story which I'm enjoying. Thank you for all this fantastic content.
A particularly lovely description of Nigel Slater’s writing, Miranda. The Christmas Chronicles is the only one of his books I haven’t read, so I’ll be popping to the library for it, later. As ever, thank you for your inspiring suggestions.
Thanks so much for the wonderful content! You have really piqued my interest in Nigel Slater's book. Cannot wait to get reading. Thanks again for your lovely work.
Dear Miranda, thank you for your recommendations. I would probably pick Nigel Slater's book, since I am not a winter enthusiast, it might help reconsider this season of snow, ice and dark. This morning I treated myself with the Season of Story November piece by you and Donna, I found it really inspiring and I can't wait to read more by you two! ❤ Have a nice day and week ahead, Vanessa 🍁
Yay :) Your videos are always so cosy. And such a lovely topic! Recently I was wondering, if it's not too early for thinking about Christmas, but I realized I want to watch my favourite Christmas movie just today, haha. Hugs :)
Thank you for reminding me about Nigel Slater's Christmas Chronicles - I was given this last Christmas and dipped in and out of it until it was no longer seasonal so I returned it to the bookshelf. Now I can start enjoying it again! I've been loving Seasons of Story and listened to Donna's piece on her collections and her love of books whilst having my breakfast this morning - a lovely accompaniment! I appreciate how hard you are working at the moment Miranda!! ❤
I love Sophie Hannah’s recreation of Hercule Poirot. She captures his voice and personality so well. I always read A Christmas Carol every Christmas. Dickens is one of my favorite writers of all time and I don’t think he can be surpassed in his ability to create a scene and evoke a sense of place.
Oh Miranda, how I enjoy listening!I am continually jotting down the names of the books you are recommending, I have quite the list! I do have the book Winter Solstice, I had purchased it at our second hand book store! You brighten my day, thank you! 🇨🇦🥰
This video was lovely and cosy Thank you for making it! So many great books I've not heard of. I personally love to read a Karen Swan every year and it's been so long now I feel that I've grown up with them 😊
I love your bird pin. Little Women and Winter Solstice are favorites of mines as well and I love to read them again each winter if I can. I like to read A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote and The Christmas Letters by Lee Smith every year as well. The latter is a short novella told through annual Christmas letters and recipes of three generations of mothers and daughters.
The past few Decembers I have read Miss Plum and Miss Penny by Dorothy Evelyn Smith. It is the perfect book to read around Christmas or early winter. Lots of wintery scenes of caroling, ice skating, etc. The story is so good with an unexpected ending.
As soon as I saw the notification for this video I put the kettle on! Thank you for all the wonderful books you show and talk about. And I'll definitely going to check out the November issue of Seasons of Story. ❤ Thank you for all your wonderful work! 💖
Hi Miranda - I’ve read all of Sophie Hannah’s Poirot books. I found that (as would be expected) some were better than others. The first one, The Monogram Murders, I enjoyed a lot. I’ve reserved this new one at the library, and it, surprisingly, has no queue for it: I am the first reserve!
Hi Miranda, thank you for this lovely wintry book selection, and also for the November edition of Seasons of Story which is keeping me company during a nasty bout of flu. Wonderful, and so appreciated. x
Hi from Florida! Thank you for your wonderful recommendations. I must say that I will have to start ordering my books from the UK. Your copy of Hercule Poirot's Silent Night is gorgeous! The American version pales in comparison though I am sure I will enjoy it.
Thank you for such a lot of lovely recommendations! My Christmas list has just got a lot longer, but, more to the point, I'm also full of ideas for friends now as well.Coincidentally, my local book group has chosen Rosemunde Pilcher's wonderful "Winter Solstice" for our December book club read. I don't know how many times I've read it, but my copy has that dog eared well loved oft read look....
Hello Miranda. This is a wonderful video and thank you very much for all of the Christmas book recommendations. I am going to rewatch with a pen and paper so I can write all of the titles and authors down. I so wish I had more hours in the day so I could read everything you recommend. I will be looking forward to next Sunday for your Christmas book gift list. I know it will be wonderful too. Take good care.
Thank you Miranda. Winter Solstice and the Christmas Chronicles are always re-reads for me each year. Completely agree, Nigel Slater’s writing is so beautiful. I also loved his tv series.
If I had to delete all my other Saves, I' d Save yours! I never hear of David Roberts wonderful British mysteries. I bought the last in paperback to relish in future. It' s been 4 or 5 years now and I cant bring to read the last! I always enjoy your choices. The Miss Marple short stories were wonderful.
Your recommendations are the best, Miranda. I always want to read everything you mention haha. I cannot wait for another video ❤❤❤ thank you for your wonderful videos.
Thank you, Miranda, for such a thoughtful selection of winter/Christmas reads. I’ve added several to my shopping list. Winter is one of my most favorite times of the year to read.
For a real Christmas read, I suggest Christmas Days: 12 Stories and 12 Feasts for 12 Days by Jeanette Winterson. The audiobooks is fantastic -- narrated by the author and the wonderful Imogene Church.
Wonderful list! Thank you, Miranda! I also wanted to add that I listened to you and your mum’s list of the 5 formative books in your life. It was wonderful. So great to get to know each of you better.
Thank you for a great video with lots of great winter book recommendations! I must be the slowest reader in the group--- I just started "A Home For All Seasons" to prepare for this month's book club, and now you throw in all these other amazing books to add to my list! I'm never going to get caught up!🙂 Since I'm one of those who LOVES winter, I'm definitely ordering some of the winter books, as well as "The Baker's Daughter." Thank you again!
I never feel I catch up either, Myriam! There are so many books I want to read/reread! I’m so glad you found some suggestions really spoke to you, and that you’re reading along with “A Home for All Seasons.” ❤️📚🍁
Yay! I love my book of The Box of Delights! I found a notice about it on Market Street years ago as I forgot its name, perhaps, having seen the BBC TV film in the late 80s. So glad you mentioned it. I have the NYRB. Children's Collection.
Happy Sunday everyone! I hope you enjoy these Christmas and Winter book recommendations, and don't forget to read the new November issue of Seasons of Story: www.mirandajanemills.com/november-content-2023
Always great to spend time with your wonderful vlog Amanda, you brighten my day when I see you post , I also subscribe to the simple things magazine I saw and read your lovely article enjoyed it so much , Thank you for all you do x x x
What a wonderful video this was! I’ve put several books on my “to buy” list, although not all this year. ☹️ You talked about some old and loved friends. I’m glad you mentioned D.E. Stevenson. I just love her. And I re-read Winter Solstice every single year. I can’t wait to join Lucy and Horace on the beach, watch the golden snowflakes glowing through the fairy lights with Elfrida, or go on a Christmas Eve picnic at Major Billicliffe’s house. I was happy to see Elizabeth Goudge included as well. I checked Pilgrim’s Inn out of the library many years ago and I’ve been a fan ever since. Pilgrim’s Inn is one of my favorite “Christmasey” books. Thank you so much for talking about books we don’t hear about too much in the U.S. They sell a lot of fluffy Christmas books here, but sometimes you just want something different. And that’s what I found here.
Is there an English word for the excitement and sense that immediate action is required when presented with a selection of books one can’t wait to start reading? I picture a cat with “zoomies” but is me with book excitement 😂
Haha! I know exactly what you mean, Debbie! And, yes, there should be a word to describe that feeling 😂 So happy you enjoyed the video ❤️📚
I am so excited to watch this video and add your amazing recommendations to my wishlist. Thank you so much for sharing, your videos are truly such a joy to watch. Hope you and your mom are doing well!💕
I think its wonderful that you have a new website that includes ‘ special guest’ , perse’ !
So, that said, let me get started by heading over to the site and checking all the excitement, and really looking forward to read what you and your mom have contributed!!😀🌸❤️
Hello from Northern California! I am so delighted to see another video pop up. This past week was stressful and watching your videos, are always a stress reliever plus I am a book collector and am currently ordering books, you have recommended in past videos and other goodies. Thank you, for another great video. I wish you and your mom lots of happiness, abundance and joy to come.
I'm so glad! Thank you. Hope you've got a less stressful week coming up xxx
EVERY CHRISTMAS TIME I read A Christmas Carol by Dickens. Watch the movie too. Little Women is my absolute favorite bk. of all time. I re-read it every 3 yrs. or so. Love L.M. Alcott!! Grew up in Lexington, Massachusetts in the U.S. Her home Orchard House , is in the next town, Concord. I have been in there so many times, I could give the tours! So many great authors from Concord. I have so many books about her; biographies, journals, poetry, pictorial collectors items, antique editions of her earlier bks. for girls, etc. Winter Solstice is on my Winter TBR. Discovered Pitcher over the late summer. I read Dear Mrs. Bird many yrs. ago😊.I DO have SADD so I WILL read A Light In The Dark. I could Never live in the British Isles because of that. I never had it til we moved to Michigan (U.S.). New England was very cold and blizzards in Winter, but the sun DID come out very often. Not so in Mi, I hate living here and I am stuck.😑. Wrote down so many of your recommendations, thank you Miranda! Enjoy your channel soooooo much! Also your Mom😊 All my grandparents and further back came from Ireland. Maybe that is why I click so well with you!😊😀. Great Poets from Ireland. I am drinking tea right now. Black w/ only milk!😀
I recently spent a week in Ireland and NI and returned with two of the books you mention: Who Killed Father Christmas? and The Winter Spirits. I was determined to get the Waterstone's special edition of The Winter Spirits with the sprayed edges. The Dublin store (Hodges Figgis) didn't have it but they kindly found a copy for me in Belfast, which I picked up the night I spent there. It is a lovely edition, and I am so glad to be able to have brought it home with me!
Just used an Audible credit for The Baker's Daughter. Thank you for the suggestion 🌷🌷🌷
Hi Miranda!! Love your videos and recommendations. I feel calm and peace when I listen to you. Thank you so much!!!
I sometimes re-read the British Library's 'A Literary Christmas' - full of prose and poetry extracts from various eras. I also like Dickens' Christmas stories - I thought of 'The Chimes' at the same time as you mentioned it!
These are my favorite types of videos. I order books after every one !
Lovely Miranda and has given me some ideas for Christmas gifts. 😊
Thank you for your cheerful (and very professional) podcasts. They're so very much appreciated.
Thank you so much for your kind words and fabulous support! I so appreciate both ♥️
Hello from South Carolina in the US. I absolutely love and appreciate your channel and the relationship between you and your Mom is heartwarming. It reminds me of mine with my sweet Mom. Happy Holidays to you and thank you for the recommendations. Cheers!
Thanks for the wonderful recommendations as always, Miranda ❄️
This was a wonderful watch Miranda - I feel excited to start my Christmas reading now!
Some of the book descriptions in this video reminded me of a book I read aloud to my kids last year called Greenglass House. Maybe you’ve already heard of it but we all enjoyed it so much and did NOT see the ending coming! Snow, cold, fireplaces, and mystery. :) Gave us all the feels!
Your setup and wardrobe are absolutely fabulous! Shoutout to the brooch/bird themed patch.
Oh thank you!
Hi Miranda, this video was outstanding. Every time I tune in you have so many great recommendations. Your knowledge of books is magnificent. You need to have your own bookstore. You would be fabulous at selling books. I can’t wait to read some of these books. Keep doing these videos and I look forward to next weeks. Bye MaryAnn😊
Love hearing your recommendations.
Love your content Miranda! Wishing you and Donna well.
Thank you so much for your lovely support! It's very kind of you, and I really appreciate it! ❤️
Thank you for your work. I've added some books to my wishlist thanks to you! 😅 Your British accent and way of life are so relaxing! Greetings from southern France.
Hi Miranda, Thank you for all the wonderful recommendations ! I agree with Nigel Slater....I love the Winter and hang on to the magical,Fairy like snow and ice cycle scenes of the Season. Love your tea mug and pretty card on your table. Happiness, Cindy🌻
Thank you, Miranda, I love your videos, So cozy, and They make me feel relax because the topics you deal with. I am from Spain and I can understand very well your clear, nice and calm English. It is a great creation: books, baking, trips, British landscape, and dresses…
Just delightful to watch and listen to, I really enjoyed this, thank you.
Thanks! So enjoyed your video of book recommendations! I too love Winter Soltice! Thanks also for November-Seasons of Story!! Really looking forward to enjoying it!! You are so gifted and gracious!! Hope lots of people send “Special Thanks”
So kind of you, Carol! Thank you very much indeed for your lovely support and kind words ❤
That’s quite a list! I think that list could keep me going for a few Christmases!
Thank you for all your suggestions, Miranda, it makes you want to read all the books. And you already look very festive! ... Say Hi to your lovely mum.
Lovely recommendations for this time of the year. I had to note down a handful to borrow from the library! I'm reading all of Charles Dickens in publication order between October and December, but will be dipping into Christmas scene from my favorite books - Chalet school, Nutcracker, Little Women, Paddington, Emma, etc. I hope my kids and I can read these extracts as part of Advent.
Hello from Nova Scotia! Thank you so much for all of the excellent recommendations - I've got tabs open for my library, Hoopla, Libby, the bookstore and Goodreads! I've read another of Sophie Hannah's Poirot books and enjoyed it - I'm looking forward to this one. And I just brought out The Christmas Chronicles - thank you for the reminder that it begins November 1. So much to look forward to! Wishing you a lovely dark season full of the coziest reading experiences.
Another inspirational bookish video! My December TBR already consists of Little Women, Winter Solstice and some Christmasy Dickens, but now I see a few more to add. I’m thinking about Rumpole and Mistletoe Malice which are both available at my local library. Another favorite that I read to the kids each year is A Pippi Longstocking Christmas. Pippi is so funny and has such a good heart. Astrid Lindgren also wrote The Children of Noisy Village which had several Christmas chapters that transport the reader back to a very simple time in Sweden which I like the grandkids to hear. Such a great reading season! 🎄
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Glenda! I love the Noisy Village books too! I’ll look for the Pippi Longstocking Christmas one! Thanks for the recommendation ❤️📚
There is always so much goodness coming to us from you 💕thanks Miranda for everything!
You are so welcome, Sandy! I’m so glad you enjoy it! Thanks for your lovely comment ❤️📚❤️
Good afternoon Miranda! Pleas know your videos and recommendations are the highlight of my Sunday afternoons!
Thank you! ❤️📚
I look forward to your gift guide though today’s recommendations have already given me ideas for the readers on my Christmas list so thank you! I hope you have some time to catch your breath this week. ❤
Thank you so much for your lovely comment and fabulous support, Jennifer! They mean so much ❤
Thank you!!!!
I reread Winter Solstice, too! Thank you for new books for my TBR!
My absolute favourite is The Dark is Rising. I read it every year in real time. It’s one of my favourite books; I love the whole quintet. The Box of Delights: I also love the TV series from years ago with Patrick Troughton as Cole Hawlings. I read Laurie Lee’s A Village Christmas and Hardy’s Under the Greenwood Tree last year - both lovely. I think any Dickens is perfect for this time of year.
Yes, I enjoy the Susan Cooper books too, and Laurie Lee’s A Village Christmas I’ve shared many times as well. All such lovely reads! I can’t wait to settle down with my Christmas reading 🎄 ❤️
Oh no, I'm only 9 minutes in and already have 3 books added to my basket on the Waterstones website. Loving this list, and so excited for your gift guide, I always look forward to it ❤
Dear Mrs. Bird is a very worthwhile read! Yes, thanks for the reminder for the recipe at the end of the book.
Yes! Winter Solstice is a reread each winter❤
Hello Miranda, I love to read The Willows in Winter and Patrick Taylor’s An Irish Country Christmas is another favourite. The Wolves of Willoughby Chase is a great story for a snowy winter’s night. Thank you for so many recommendations, including some books I haven’t come across before.
The Wolves of Willoughby Chase is fabulous! I just read that one again back in January ❄️ 🐺
I enjoy this time of year and wintery cozy reads too! I have added all the books you mentioned to my tbr that I haven’t read yet. My very favorite to read every Christmas time is Letters From Father Christmas by J. R. R. Tolkien. I listen to the fantastic audiobook while I read along in the beautiful illustrated edition. Two other good wintery books are Mr. Dickens and His Carol by Samatha Silva and A Literary Christmas, an Anthology which is an illustrated book of short stories by The British Library. Thank you for another wonderful video Miranda!
When I feel really stressed, I love to listen to The Blue Carbuncle. I definitely have to find a copy of London Fog as well.
Thanks! So much inspiration in this vlog! I have several Christmas presents in mind and that’s before next weeks discussion. 😊. I LOVE you outfit and would really like to know where your bird pin is from. My sister in law is a huge birder and I would love something like that for Christmas for her. We won’t have frost here in Florida but I still love a cosy read
Thank you so much for your kind words and amazing support! It's so kind of you, and I really appreciate it! My bird brooch is another one from Elizabeth Harbour! I've had it for a few years now, but it still seems to be available in her Etsy shop: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/elizabethharbour?section_id=26158911
Your impressions on books is so informative,delightful & always a
pleasure.Bestwishes as always.♾️💐
Another wonderful video thank you. Miller Harris has 20% off everything at the mo, might be a good time for you to get a new l'air de rien! X
I love this time of year and your cozy book recommendations. I am making my list now. It was so nice to sit and relax with a cup of tea and watch the video. Thank you so much.
Dear Miranda, thank you for this wonderful video, I just placed an order for five of your recommended books! I love those kind of videos from you especially! I am looking forward to delve into the November issue of "Seasons of Story" and also to the video next week with the bookish giftguide. Everything you do is so wonderful! Please look out for your health though! I hope you will have a calmer week than the prevvious one. Have a lovely week, both you and your mother Donna❤
Thank you so very much as always, Inga, for your very kind support! Your generosity is so appreciated, and I was so glad you’re feeling so much better and are recovering back home! ❤️📚💐😊
I watched this with a hot chocolate and enjoyed every second , lots of books on my winter list , thank miranda for a lovely cosy winter vlog
Thanks so much, Miranda.
Thank you for your kind support! It's much appreciated ❤️
Awh Miranda! More books for my ever-growing list 😍👏
Thank you Miranda. I now have so many recommendations from you that the pile of books to read is getting bigger and bigger, but that's fine. There is nothing better than a good read on a dark and dismal November day. But I shall have to put the pile aside as I am now going to reread Wintering. It is a wonderful book and I recommend it too. I 'm now listening to your interview with Katherine May. Thank you too for Seasons of Stories. Lots of love to you and Donna. ❤❤🍁🍂
I love the illustrations of Shirley Hughes. They are so full of character. 😊 I still have some Alfie and Annie Rose books that I read to my children.
I completely agree! Those are classic picture books! ❤️📚
Thank you Miranda for these cosy recommendations so many of them I love to re-read especially Winter Solstice and A Christmas Carol. ♥️
Two of my very favourites as well, Teresa! Thank you so much as always for your very kind support and lovely comments. They mean so much to me and are greatly appreciated 📚❤️📚💐
Thank you, Miranda!
Thank you so much Miranda - a fabulous list of seasonal reading. I too love the Box of Delights and have both the BBC Radio Collection audio dramatisation and the DVD of the BBC classic TV series (1984!). The latter has that magical musical theme from Victor Hely Hutchinson’s Carol Symphony! Gives me goosebumps every time I hear it!
Excellent! I have to watch this again to write down all the authors. Thank you Miranda
Hi Miranda, thank you so much for lovely suggestions ! I wonder if you could suggest audiobooks for this season, spooky , wintry and Christmas. I love listening to the BBC drama plays and the playwrights, especially. Noel Coward is so good.
Danke!
Thank you so much for your kind support! It's much appreciated ❤️
Thank you Miranda! I’m so excited to start reading for the holidays and throughout winter. You have truly inspired me❤️
Soo many (TOO many lol!) amazing sounding books, Miranda! I had to pick up Stories for Christmas, and while I was browsing the British Library editions I saw they had a new one called Penny Bloods about women in historical gothics (I do love my gothic ha), Silent Nights a Collection of Christmas Mysteries and Spirits of the Season Tales of the Weird 😂 I had preordered and received The Winter Spirits (LOVED The Haunting Season) and am super excited for it. I'm also planning to read Little Women and Mrs.Bird for the CBC. So I'm definitely off to a solid roaring start with my December TBR 😅
Always an absolute joy Miranda. I’m stuck in with a nasty bug and was feeling very sorry for myself but this has brightened the day 😊
You are so welcome! Feel better soon! ❤️
I was waiting for this video, Miranda. Your Winter/Christmas book recommendations are always the best (both for personal reading and for Christmas gift ideas). Thank you so much for all your hard work. ❤
So happy you enjoy them, Suzy - thank you very much! ❤️📚
Thank you Miranda, I've added to my Winter/Christmas many of your suggestions. Your videos are always so inspiring and, I have to tell you, even when I've had a rough day, it's a joy listening to you, speaking of books in such a delightful way.
That’s wonderful to hear thank you! ❤️📚
Now we are well equipped to face winter! What a fantastic list of books… I’ll definitely start with The Thirteen Days of Christmas ,it sounds such a lovely, amusing read!😊 Thank you Miranda for another delightful vlog❤
Thanks so much, Laura! ❤️📚
Lovely video! Although I usually swelter my way through the Christmas season here in Australia, I still love to read wintry books. I listen to the audiobook of Winter Solstice every December. I recently picked up a second hand copy of Jenny Overton's The Thirteen Days of Christmas not knowing anything about it so I was thrilled to hear that it's a favourite of yours. I'm so looking forward to it!
Thank you for this video, so many books to look out for ,especially like the sound of The bakers daughter. And christmas wouldn't be christmas without you miranda. So look forward to your videos 😊
Thank you so much for your kind words! ❤️📚
Such a wonderful video - so many great titles mentioned. I can't wait to add a few new ones. I really enjoy a silly classic children's book called The Worst Christmas Pagent Ever by Barbara Robinson. Another cozy winter read I love is The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey.
I just love this video so cozy and such a lovely run up to Christmas. Miranda I can’t wait for all your Christmas gift guides, books n gifts❤.
Thank you for this video. I also listened to your interview with Katherine May as I'm reading Wintering later this month. Such a good selection of winter books 📚 to think about reading. I'm almost looking forward to cold foggy November now! And just started exploring Seasons of Story which I'm enjoying. Thank you for all this fantastic content.
Thanks so much, Michele!
A particularly lovely description of Nigel Slater’s writing, Miranda. The Christmas Chronicles is the only one of his books I haven’t read, so I’ll be popping to the library for it, later. As ever, thank you for your inspiring suggestions.
Thanks so much for the wonderful content! You have really piqued my interest in Nigel Slater's book. Cannot wait to get reading. Thanks again for your lovely work.
Dear Miranda, thank you for your recommendations. I would probably pick Nigel Slater's book, since I am not a winter enthusiast, it might help reconsider this season of snow, ice and dark. This morning I treated myself with the Season of Story November piece by you and Donna, I found it really inspiring and I can't wait to read more by you two! ❤ Have a nice day and week ahead, Vanessa 🍁
Yay :) Your videos are always so cosy. And such a lovely topic! Recently I was wondering, if it's not too early for thinking about Christmas, but I realized I want to watch my favourite Christmas movie just today, haha. Hugs :)
Thank you!
Thank you for reminding me about Nigel Slater's Christmas Chronicles - I was given this last Christmas and dipped in and out of it until it was no longer seasonal so I returned it to the bookshelf. Now I can start enjoying it again! I've been loving Seasons of Story and listened to Donna's piece on her collections and her love of books whilst having my breakfast this morning - a lovely accompaniment! I appreciate how hard you are working at the moment Miranda!! ❤
Thank you so very much, Sue! I hope you love the November edition too when you get a chance to read/listen❤️📚
I love Sophie Hannah’s recreation of Hercule Poirot. She captures his voice and personality so well. I always read A Christmas Carol every Christmas. Dickens is one of my favorite writers of all time and I don’t think he can be surpassed in his ability to create a scene and evoke a sense of place.
That’s great to hear about the Sophie Hannah continuations, Susan. And yes, I know exactly what you mean about Dickens’ writing! 📚❤️📚
Oh Miranda, how I enjoy listening!I am continually jotting down the names of the books you are recommending, I have quite the list! I do have the book Winter Solstice, I had purchased it at our second hand book store! You brighten my day, thank you! 🇨🇦🥰
Hope you enjoy Winter Solstice too! ❤️📚
This video was lovely and cosy
Thank you for making it! So many great books I've not heard of. I personally love to read a Karen Swan every year and it's been so long now I feel that I've grown up with them 😊
I love your bird pin. Little Women and Winter Solstice are favorites of mines as well and I love to read them again each winter if I can. I like to read A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote and The Christmas Letters by Lee Smith every year as well. The latter is a short novella told through annual Christmas letters and recipes of three generations of mothers and daughters.
We share a love of these wonderful books! Thanks so much for your kind words! ❤️📚
The past few Decembers I have read Miss Plum and Miss Penny by Dorothy Evelyn Smith. It is the perfect book to read around Christmas or early winter. Lots of wintery scenes of caroling, ice skating, etc. The story is so good with an unexpected ending.
I reviewed this book on my channel a few years ago, recommending it as Christmas/ winter read. It is a fun! ❄️📖🫖
I've bought this one some time ago, so I'd better dig it out and read it! It sounds very appealing.
As soon as I saw the notification for this video I put the kettle on! Thank you for all the wonderful books you show and talk about. And I'll definitely going to check out the November issue of Seasons of Story. ❤ Thank you for all your wonderful work! 💖
I’m so glad you enjoy it! Thanks so much for your lovely comment ❤️📚
Hi Miranda - I’ve read all of Sophie Hannah’s Poirot books. I found that (as would be expected) some were better than others. The first one, The Monogram Murders, I enjoyed a lot. I’ve reserved this new one at the library, and it, surprisingly, has no queue for it: I am the first reserve!
Hi Miranda, thank you for this lovely wintry book selection, and also for the November edition of Seasons of Story which is keeping me company during a nasty bout of flu. Wonderful, and so appreciated. x
I hope you feel better soon! ❤️
Hi from Florida! Thank you for your wonderful recommendations. I must say that I will have to start ordering my books from the UK. Your copy of Hercule Poirot's Silent Night is gorgeous! The American version pales in comparison though I am sure I will enjoy it.
Thank you for such a lot of lovely recommendations! My Christmas list has just got a lot longer, but, more to the point, I'm also full of ideas for friends now as well.Coincidentally, my local book group has chosen Rosemunde Pilcher's wonderful "Winter Solstice" for our December book club read. I don't know how many times I've read it, but my copy has that dog eared well loved oft read look....
Hello Miranda. This is a wonderful video and thank you very much for all of the Christmas book recommendations. I am going to rewatch with a pen and paper so I can write all of the titles and authors down. I so wish I had more hours in the day so I could read everything you recommend. I will be looking forward to next Sunday for your Christmas book gift list. I know it will be wonderful too. Take good care.
Thank you Miranda. Winter Solstice and the Christmas Chronicles are always re-reads for me each year. Completely agree, Nigel Slater’s writing is so beautiful. I also loved his tv series.
Yes, me too! Thanks, Lucy! ❤️📚
Wow, so many lovely recommendations! You can tell you love this season as you just kept coming with suggestions! ❄️🎄 Thank you.
If I had to delete all my other Saves, I' d Save yours! I never hear of David Roberts wonderful British mysteries. I bought the last in paperback to relish in future. It' s been 4 or 5 years now and I cant bring to read the last! I always enjoy your choices. The Miss Marple short stories were wonderful.
Thanks so much for this I am in such a cosy book mood, lots gone into my TBR. I absolutely loved The Light in the Dark❤
Your recommendations are the best, Miranda. I always want to read everything you mention haha. I cannot wait for another video ❤❤❤ thank you for your wonderful videos.
Thank you, Miranda, for such a thoughtful selection of winter/Christmas reads. I’ve added several to my shopping list. Winter is one of my most favorite times of the year to read.
You are so welcome! ❤️📚
Thank you Miranda for a fantastic collection of books - I have the Box of Delights to read this season and also Susan Coopers The Dark is Rising .
❄
You’re very welcome, Deborah! 📚❤️
For a real Christmas read, I suggest Christmas Days: 12 Stories and 12 Feasts for 12 Days by Jeanette Winterson. The audiobooks is fantastic -- narrated by the author and the wonderful Imogene Church.
Wonderful list! Thank you, Miranda! I also wanted to add that I listened to you and your mum’s list of the 5 formative books in your life. It was wonderful. So great to get to know each of you better.
Thanks for watching! ❤️📚
Well that’s Christmas presents sorted! Can’t wait for next weeks list! You are BRILLIANT at this Miranda! Many thanks 🫶
Thank you so much! ❤️
Thank you for a great video with lots of great winter book recommendations! I must be the slowest reader in the group--- I just started "A Home For All Seasons" to prepare for this month's book club, and now you throw in all these other amazing books to add to my list! I'm never going to get caught up!🙂 Since I'm one of those who LOVES winter, I'm definitely ordering some of the winter books, as well as "The Baker's Daughter." Thank you again!
I never feel I catch up either, Myriam! There are so many books I want to read/reread! I’m so glad you found some suggestions really spoke to you, and that you’re reading along with “A Home for All Seasons.” ❤️📚🍁
Yay! I love my book of The Box of Delights! I found a notice about it on Market Street years ago as I forgot its name, perhaps, having seen the BBC TV film in the late 80s. So glad you mentioned it. I have the NYRB. Children's Collection.
Hi Miranda, hello from Orange, New Jersey. So looking forward to seeing your new TH-cam. As always, your Video is always fabulous