Happy December, readers! ‘Tis the season for twinkle lights, hot cocoa, crackling fireplaces and, of course, books. Add in a weekend at home with a snowy forecast and you have the picture-perfect backdrop for getting lost in a really good book. And for the weeks of December 6 to December 19, FIRST editors are sharing some favorite reads—both new and old releases—that make them feel warm and fuzzy. From romance to cozy mystery, memoir and more, we guarantee these joyful books will provide a comforting and uplifting respite.
Feel like entering a festive cookie-baking competition in a small town? Dive into The Christmas Cookie Wars by Eliza Evans, which left Associate Digital Editor Carissa Mosness “grinning ear to ear.” For those looking for a found family story that feels like a warm hug, look no further than TJ Klune’s bestseller The House in The Cerulean Sea.
More in the mood for a heartwarming memoir about a veterinarian set in rural midcentury England? Pick up All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot. Speaking of creatures…another glowing recommendation on this week’s list is Shelby Van Pelt’s literary sensation starring a grumpy octopus named Marcellus. Van Pelt’s Remarkably Bright Creatures has sold more than 1.5 million copies since its publication and is beloved by readers worldwide for its tender and hopeful exploration of friendship and grief.
Keep scrolling here for the entire list of FFW Book Club ‘warm and fuzzy’ recommendations for December 6 to December 19!
Romance
‘The Christmas Cookie Wars’ by Eliza Evans
“Every year around the holidays, I make a long list of festive romance books to read—they always get me in the Christmas spirit—and this one was at the top,” says Carissa Mosness, First Assistant Digital Editor. Melody Monroe is desperate to remind her 9-year-old twin boys about the joy of Christmas and its traditions. They lost their father six years ago, and the boys have started asking why Christmas even matters at all. To boost some holiday joy, Melody joins their school’s cookie committee. But this also means she now has to deal with the school’s insufferable principal, Jonathan Braxton. After a small argument, the two find themselves mixed up in a bake-off and competing against each other. Will their rivalry turn into romance? Raves Carissa, “Cute scenes, small-town charm, second chances…this book had me kicking my feet and grinning from ear to ear as I read!” (Putnam, 2024)
Fantasy
‘The House in the Cerulean Sea’ by T.J. Klune
“I have a soft spot for stories about kids overcoming obstacles—especially over the holidays—and this tale’s mix of magic and emotion stole my heart from the start,” says Kristina Mastrocola, FIRST Senior Editor. Linus Baker leads a quiet life working for a government agency overseeing orphaned children with magical powers. Linus must decide if these kids are, in fact, misunderstood innocents, or if they will bring about the end of the world. Says Kristina, “I enjoy supernatural stories that have a very human heart. I loved this!” (Tor, 2020)
Literary fiction
‘We’ll Prescribe You a Cat’ by Syou Ishida
“I kept hearing people talk about this Japanese novel that highlights the healing power of animals,” says Melissa D’Agnese, FIRST Senior Editor. “And I see why it’s an international sensation now—it’s a charming, feel-good tale.” Set in Kyoto, this story centers on a secret medical clinic known for prescribing cats to their patients as “medication.” The book follows five different patients’ stories—like a girl navigating bullying at school and a dispirited man seeking joy in his life. Says Melissa, “As they all faced struggles, their feline friends offered renewed hope, self-discovery and healing.” (Berkley, 2024)
Cozy mystery
‘A Dark and Snowy Night’ by Sally Goldenbaum
“Nothing beats curling up next to the Christmas tree with a good mystery,” says Shay Trotter, FIRST Associate Editor. “And this one delivered!” The holiday season kicks off in the Massachusetts town of Sea Harbor with a festive party at the mayor’s house—but any holiday cheer quickly disappears when the chef is found dead. Now, Izzy, Birdie, Nell and Cass, friends and members of the Seaside Knitters Society, must band together to find the murderer and keep the magic of the season alive for their community. “Trying to solve mysteries always gives me a much-needed energy boost, which is perfect for this time of year,” says Shay. “Plus, the knitting element made me feel especially cozy as I read by the fire.” (Kensington, 2022)
Magical realism
‘Remarkably Bright Creatures’ by Shelby Van Pelt
“When a friend raved about this book, the story of a woman who befriends an octopus, I dismissed it as not for me,” says Patty Bontekoe, FIRST Executive Editor. “But then I finally gave it a chance—and I’m so glad I did.” Tova is still grieving her son, who vanished years ago at age 18. Working nights as a cleaner at an aquarium, she forms a bond with Marcellus, an octopus who knows what happened to Tova’s son—and has to figure out a way to tell her. Says Patty, “Marcellus, the cranky and hilarious sea creature, really charmed me, and the story left me feeling hopeful.” (Ecco, 2022)
Women’s fiction
‘The Wishing Game’ by Meg Shaffer
“This whimsical cover caught my eye at the library, and I dove right in,” says Sienna Sullivan, FIRST Editorial Assistant. Lucy Hart grew up lonely, but books saved her—especially Jack Masterson’s Clock Island series. Now a teacher’s aide, Lucy shares her love of reading with her class. One of her students is an orphan named Christopher, a child she hopes to adopt one day. Then the reclusive Jack Masterson resurfaces to host a competition to win the only copy of his new book. Lucy is chosen as one of four contestants. Winning could change her life, her finances and her future plans. “This is a perfect read for book lovers,” says Sienna. (Ballantine, 2024)
Memoir
‘All Creatures Great and Small’ by James Herriot
“As a devoted cat mom, I’m always interested in books about the bonds we share with our four-legged friends, and this book was recommended to me as a classic of the genre,” says Abbey Bender, FIRST Digital Staff Writer. In this memoir, James Herriot, a passionate veterinarian working in rural midcentury England, chronicles his experience treating all kinds of animals. “This was a bighearted and transporting read, and it gave me a deeper appreciation for all the powerful work vets do,” says Abbey. “I can’t wait to watch the PBS TV series based on the book next!” (Griffin, 2014)
Historical fiction
‘Christmas with the Queen’ by Hazel Gaynor & Heather Webb
“After bingeing The Crown on Netflix, I’ve been eagerly seeking ways to satisfy my craving for all things royal family,” says Julia Dennison, FIRST Digital Director. “Gaynor and Webb’s captivating look at postwar Britain does just that.” The Yuletide romp follows the story of Olive, a reporter and single mother, who’s given the chance to cover a royal Christmas celebration. An encounter with the Queen, plus a reunion with Jack, a widowed chef, has her questioning everything. “As a journalist and single mama too, I was hanging on every word!” (William Morrow, 2024)
