Looking for a festive holiday read? You don’t have to look too far — there are plenty of authors with ties to Utah that have written some very merry Christmas books. From holiday romances to mysteries to illustrated children’s books, here are some books to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Sarah M. Eden
What’s cozier than a Regency Christmas?
Author Sarah M. Eden is known for her Regency-era romance novels — and she has several stories that are Christmas-themed.
Some of Eden’s Christmas novellas include:
Richard Paul Evans
One of the most prolific Utah-based authors of Christmas books is Richard Paul Evans.
Though he’s best known for his bestselling novel “The Christmas Box,” he has several series of holiday books, including:
- “The Christmas Box” trilogy
- “The Noel Collection”
- The “Mistletoe” series
Shannon Hale
If you’re looking for a Christmas book the whole family can enjoy, look no further than Shannon Hale’s latest entry in her “Kitty-Corn” series.
Newly published this year, with illustrations by Leuyen Pham, “Holly Jolly Kitty-Corn” is a festive story for readers of all ages.
Dean Hughes
“Home and Away” was Dean Hughes’ 102nd published book — but it was his very first Christmas book, Deseret News reported in 2015. Taking place during World War II, the novel is partially set in Ogden, Utah, and was inspired by some of Hughes’ own experiences.
Josi S. Kilpack
From Regency romance to cozy mystery, Josi S. Kilpack has a range of holiday stories for readers to enjoy, including:
Gerald N. Lund
Like Gerald N. Lund’s better-known “Work and the Glory” series, “Lieutenant Terry’s Christmas Fudge” is also a work of historical fiction — but this time it’s set during World War II rather than the pioneer era.
Michael McLean
Michael McLean’s “The Forgotten Carols” has become a tradition for many families each Christmas — you can read the original story or a more recent children’s storybook version.
Heather B. Moore
Heather B. Moore’s newest book — the third book in her “Healing” series — is set during the holidays, but her “Everly Falls” series also has a Christmassy entry, “Just Add Mistletoe.”
Carol Lynn Pearson
Known for a wide variety of work, from the screenplay of the short film “Cipher in the Snow” to poetry to novels to her memoir, Carol Lynn Pearson has also written several Christmas-themed books, including:
- “A Stranger for Christmas”
- “The Modern Magi”
- “A Christmas Thief”
- “The Christmas Play”
- “The Christmas Moment”
Anita Stansfield
Bestselling romance author Anita Stansfield has plenty of Christmas-themed novels to choose from, including:
RaeAnne Thayne
The newest book by romance author RaeAnne Thayne, “Snow Kissed,” is here just in time for Christmas. But she’s written a wide range of holiday romances, including:
- “The December Market”
- “Christmas at the Shelter Inn”
- “Sleigh Bells Ring”
- “Christmas at Holiday House”
- “Season of Wonder”
- “The Cowboy’s Christmas Miracle”
Jason F. Wright
“The Christmas Jars” has become a Christmas tradition for many families since it was first published 20 years ago. But Jason F. Wright has written a number of other holiday books, including: