Merry Christmas and happy holidays! This year I tried to pick a little something for everyone. There’s romance, mystery, and even nonfiction. As always, all of these books are available to check out at Magdalena Public Library. And don’t forget to come see Santa Claus at the library on Saturday, December 17 at 10 a.m.

Home in Time for Christmas by Heather Graham (Romance)

“After Melody rescues a man claiming to be a soldier from the Revolutionary War, she takes him to her parent’s house where a little Christmas magic takes them on an unimaginable adventure.”

A perfect pick for anyone who loves Hallmark Christmas movies!

Santa Clawed by Rita Mae Brown (Cozy Mystery)

“The Christmastime cheer is diminished after “Harry” Harristeen and her husband find a dead body in their chosen Christmas tree. Now she and a troop of feline sleuths are on the case!”

A Christmas-themed murder mystery solved by two cats and a corgi, with a little help from their human; mystery doesn’t get any cozier than this.

Skipping Christmas by John Grisham (Adult Fiction)

“Luther and Nora Krank decide to opt out of Christmas, choosing instead to set sail on a Caribbean cruise, but learn there are consequences for trying to ignore the holiday frenzy.”

Read the book behind the classic movie Christmas with the Kranks. Then, come borrow the movie, because we have it too!

Silent Night: The Story of The World War I Christmas Truce by Stanley Weintraub (Adult Nonfiction)

“In the early months of World War I, on Christmas Eve, men on both sides of the trenches laid down their arms and joined in a spontaneous celebration. Stanley Weintraub uses the stories of the men who were there, as well as their letters and diaries, to illuminate the fragile truce and bring to life this extraordinary moment in time.”

Christmas Books by Charles Dickens (Short Stories, Literature)

“A collection of five warm and humane books with which Dickens hoped ‘to awaken some loving and forbearing thoughts.’”

We all know A Christmas Carol, which is in this collection. But did you know Dickens wrote four more Christmas short stories? There’s even another one with a ghost!

Mistletoe and Murder by Robin Stevens (Youth Mystery)

“On a Christmas holiday to Cambridge, Daisy and Hazel get caught up in another murder investigation, and a competition with rival detectives.”

A great pick for kids who like Clue and Whodunnit mysteries like the Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew, with a dash of Sherlock and holiday cheer.

Dragon’s Merry Christmas by Dav Pilkey (Kids Early Readers)

“Dragon cannot wait for Christmas! He hangs up his decorations. He eats sweet holiday treats. But then Dragon sees others in need. Can Dragon spread Christmas cheer?”

Between the Captain Underpants and Dogman series, Dav Pilkey is a staple for illustrated kids fiction. His Dragon series is for younger readers, K-2nd grade.

If You Take a Mouse to the Movies by Laura Numeroff, Felicia Bond (Picture Book)

“The energetic mouse who was given a cookie is back again with a host of holiday antics!”

With silly antics and an easy-to-follow cause-and-effect structure, kids love this series! We now have the full set at Magdalena Public Library.

Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner, Christopher Silas Neal (Picture Book)

“Over the snow, the world is hushed and white. But under the snow is a secret world filled all sorts of creatures.”

Adorable critters, gentle artwork and solid information make this a great pick for curious kids.

Ivy Stover, Librarian, Magdalena Public Library