19 of the best Christmas books to snuggle up with

Get lost in the magic of this gorgeous reimagining of the worlds of Oz, Wonderland, Dickensian London and The Nutcracker all rolled into one. It's the tale of Hans Christian Andersen's The Wild Swans, but transformed into a coming-of-age story in the snowy Christmas of Sixties New York.

Warm those Christmas cockles with this charming read. Hope Farm's Molly Baker is gearing up for a big Christmas but with anti-social sheep, awkward alpacas and a seriously sequined Santa Claus to assemble, she's not feeling much festive spirit right now. As her fundraising nativity day draws nearer, will all be merry and bright or will there be some surprises in store?

For the girls at Marlow's Department Store, another Christmas with ration books, staff problems and goods shortages, as well as a shop ruined by war damage, will be a challenge. But as the girls rally round, it becomes clear that this wartime Christmas is one that no one will forget.

The Queen of Crime delivers a festive collection of chilling short stories, perfect for cosying up with by the fire this Christmas. Follow Tony Hill and Carol Jordan as they track a deadly killer who is preparing to strike on Christmas Day and lose yourself in a festive exclusive – a recently unearthed case for a classic detective duo, set as the lights are going out across Europe.

When Dean set off to cycle round the world, he hadn't bargained on finding an abandoned kitten that would end up changing his life. As he nursed the kitten back to health, they forged an unbreakable bond and continued their heartwarming adventure together. This is their incredible story.

For something a little spicy this Christmas, try this holiday romcom. Actress Bee Hobbes is filming in Christmas Notch, a small town with Christmas trees and festive tunes all year round. But Bee’s got a secret identity to hide, and it’s not family-friendly. And her co-star, Nolan Shaw, an ex-boyband member infamous for his own x-rated antics, not only knows it, but is secretly her biggest fan. When things start to heat up on set, Bee and Nolan must keep this steamy affair under wraps, or risk ruining everything...

A story of kindness and hope to raise your spirits. Dawn was running from her past for 22 months until she was offered a bed in a homeless shelter threatened by closure. But with a little help from new friends maybe she can find the light out of the darkness.

Cosy crime lovers are certain to mysteriously disappear for the majority of the festivities if they find this great little paperback in their stockings. It's Christmas Eve at Westbury Manor and amateur detective Hugh Gaveston must unravel a fiendish mystery. Ideal for fans of MC Beaton.

For anyone in need of a lift, Milly Johnson's feel-good read could be just the tonic. Set in a hamlet on the Yorkshire moors, an idyllic inn becomes a much-needed haven for six strangers stranded by a blizzard. A story of friendship, love and mince pies unfolds.

This festive anthology makes a great keepsake to bring out to curl up with every Christmas or as a gift to grandchildren. Includes classic tales from around the world from frozen Nordic woods to glittering Paris and an English country house.

Newly single lawyer Gwen Baker wakes up to discover it’s Christmas day all over again. Like Groundhog Day but with turkey. And family arguments. On repeat. As she figures out how to escape her own particular Christmas hell, her boy-next-door crush Dev is the one bright spot. He might be all grown-up but underneath he’s just as kind and funny as she remembers.

Lucy Clarke is facing a Christmas alone, and the prospect of losing her job – unless she can win a major piece of business from Ross Miller. When delivering her proposal to his family home in the Scottish Highlands, she is mistaken for Ross’s girlfriend. But by the time the confusion is cleared up, a storm has hit and Lucy is stuck, finding herself facing a big family fallout with a family that isn’t hers.

A winter wedding of school friends should be the highlight of Nory Noel’s festive calendar. But that group has long since drifted apart, and Nory is dreading the lavish, week-long affair. Desperate for a moment of peace, Nory escapes and crashes into Isaac, the castle’s gardener – and her former school rival. This novel is filled with romance and humour and makes for a fantastic Christmas treat if you're looking to tear yourself away from watching The Holiday and Love Actually for the hundredth time but still want a festive rom-com fix.

From the picture-perfect Cotswolds to the majesty of the Himalayan foothills, The Christmas Postcards is a novel about how the closest connections can be the furthest apart. A woman makes a surprising connection with a pen-pal that will change her life - and warm your heart.

Two women find themselves faced with difficult decisions while in the town of Wishing Tree with its Christmas traditions and warm-hearted people. But if they are prepared to risk their hearts, they might find they are about to have a Christmas to remember.

Merry has always wanted a family to spend Christmas with, and this year her dream comes true as she weds father-of-two Cole. Emily is desperately waiting for the New Year to begin, so she can finally have a fresh start. But as past secrets come to light, will this be a magical Christmas for Emily and Merry to remember?

This heartwarming festive women's fiction is full of kindness and community, as three sisters come together to mend their family quilt - and their family bond - this Christmas. Perfect for fans of Ali McNamara, Cathy Bramley and Jenny Colgan.

Driving home marks the start of the holidays for Kate and Ed, who have made this journey every Christmas of their ten-year-long relationship but this year a frosty silence fills the car... A massive argument leads to the immediate collapse of their relationship. But the show must go on, so they decide to brave their families together one last time.

When Sky Terran returns to the village of Middledip after losing the job she loves, she anticipates a quiet Christmas getting used to her new life. As she is pulled into the preparations of the annual street decoration competition, Sky quickly grows to love the quirky, tight-knit community she is now part of. Including the extremely handsome Daz, who soon becomes more than just a friendly neighbour.