Books for Christmas and New Year
Here is our selection of books with a particular Christmas or Hogmanay (New Year) flavour.
- Agatha Raisin And Kissing Christmas Goodbye
Will anyone be cosying up to Agatha under the mistletoe this Christmas? As December dawns, she is intent on planning traditional Dickensian celebrations, hopefully reanimating the spark between her & her ex, James Lacey. But when a murder occurs at the local manor house, Agatha sets forth on the trail of the killer. - Another Night Before Christmas
'The Night Before Christmas' retold for the 21st century - this illustrated story by one of Britain's best-loved poets is the perfect book for Christmas. - Bryony Bell's Star Turn
Christmas is coming and the Bell household is busier than ever. Fresh from recent success on Broadway, they now star in their own reality TV show, plus there are rehearsals for the school nativity play to perform and Bryony's got a secret plan to ensure that the festive season is full of surprises. - The Christmas Craft Book
Simply-made decorations for home or school are an absorbing way for children to become involved in the celebration of Advent and Christmas. The decorations are all described and fully illustrated with colour photographs. - The Christmas Owls
Owl Feather and Owl Soft are puzzled when their quiet church is invaded by men bringing wood and tools. What are they building, and why do all the people suddenly arrive at midnight? This is a charming introduction to the Christmas story through the eyes of two lovable owls. - A Christmas Secret
December 1890. Clarice and her husband, Reverend Dominic Corde, arrive in the idyllic village of Cottisham to watch over the Reverend Wynter's flock, whilst he takes a richly deserved holiday. But as Dominic sets about trying to make the right impression, Clarice finds she cannot shake the feeling that something is amiss. - The Friendship Book Of Francis Gay: A Thought For Each Day 2008
The 'Friendship Book' has been published since 1939 and contains a mixture of photographs with an uplifting thought for each day. - The Midwinter Music: A Scottish Anthology For The Festive Season
This is a festive anthology containing traditional Scottish songs, poems and stories, recipes and customs. - Peter And Lotta's Christmas
Peter and Lotta go to live in the country with Aunt Green, Aunt Brown, Aunt Lavender and Uncle Blue. As Christmas approaches, they discover all kinds of new surprises, but best of all is finding where the presents come from. Is it deep in the forest where the tallest fir trees grow? - Rory And His Christmas Surprise
Everyone is getting ready for Santa's annual visit to Sandy Bay. Rory watches as Sid, the local sweep, discovers an abandoned wellington boot wedged up the living room chimney. When Santa reclaims the boot on Christmas Eve, it's the beginning of a magical adventure for Rory and Scruff McDuff. - Rosie's Wish
Rosie wants the real Christmas, like they have in films. One day she finds Mrs Hawthorn's purse in the street. When she returns it, Mrs Hawthorn gives Rosie a wish from her garden. - Sing Me A Song Of Christmas
'Sing Me a Song of Christmas' re-tells the great Christmas story using the drama of the events to tell a story for our time. The script for this musical looks deeper than just the facts related, to explore the feelings of the people involved. - There Came Both Mist And Snow
Arthur Ferryman is pleased to return for a family Christmas, but is shocked to discover that his cousins have taken up a new pastime - pistol-shooting. Inspector Appleby arrives when one of Ferryman's cousins is found shot dead in the study.
Hogmanay and New Year
- The Rev I.M. Jolly & Friends: The Very Best Of Last Call
This tribute to Rikki Fulton brings together the transcripts of the 'Late Call' sketches that were a regular part of the long-running annual Hogmanay comedy show 'Scotch and Wry'. - The Steamie: A Novel
When it first opened in 1987, 'The Steamie' took the theatrical world by storm. Set during the 1950s, the play takes place on Hogmanay in a Glasgow public wash house. This novel delves further into the lives of Doreen, Magrit, Mrs Culfeathers and Dolly.